Overview

In this worksheet, you will complete 4 steps to apply problem-solving strategies that help you address a problem you are facing at work or school. The steps are as follows:

1. Take some time to identify a work- or academic-related problem in your life. Please be mindful that identifying the actual problem can take some self-reflection. Accurately identifying the core of the problem as opposed to only the symptoms of a problem can be a bit challenging.
2. Once you’ve identified the problem, investigate the possible solutions. Please provide 3 different solutions for your problem and provide 2 advantages and 2 disadvantages related to each solution you shared.
3. After considering the advantages and disadvantages of each solution, pick the best solution to your problem and share how you plan to implement your solution.
4. Finally, describe when and how you can evaluate if the selected solution was an effective way to address your problem.

Before you begin, review the sample responses below.

Sample Responses

Step 1: Identify: Determine what problem or challenge you are trying to solve.

In Column 1, identify the work- or school-related problem or challenge you would like to solve.

In Column 2, describe the effects this problem has on your life, in other words, the symptoms of the problem.

In Column 3, explain the challenges or barriers you face that contribute to this problem.

Problem	Effects (Symptoms) of This Problem on Your Life	Challenges or Barriers That Contribute to This Problem
Procrastination	As a student, full time mom, and full-time employee, I find many challenges in submitting my assignments on time. My schoolwork seems to always come last, and I want to change my priorities by putting school at the top of my list.	I have many different responsibilities at home, work, and school that require my time, so it can be difficult to determine what is most important. Therefore, my schoolwork usually ends up getting done last.

Step 2: Investigate: Consider 3 possible solutions and their value (advantages and disadvantages).

In Column 1, identify 3 possible solutions for your problem.

In Column 2, list at least 2 advantages of each solution.

In Column 3, list at least 2 disadvantages of each solution.

Solutions	Advantages	Disadvantages
I can start working on my assignments earlier in the week.	I have a better chance of not being late.I will have more time for other activities later in the week.I will feel less stress when assignments are due.	My work schedule may not allow for early submission.My kids’ school and soccer schedules may keep me from focusing on my assignments early in the week.I might be too tired from working late.
I can create and use a time management chart/calendar on my phone.	I have my phone on me all the time and this will allow me to stay on track by using the reminders on my phone.Using my phone calendar will help me create better time management habits.The phone calendar allows me to visually see what my day looks like, and this will help not only with school, but with work and family.	My schedule on the calendar might change.My phone might lose battery, get broken, or encounter internet challenges.I might add too many things on my calendar and start to lose track.
I can stop overextending myself.	This will allow me to make sure my priorities are balanced. It will free up enough time to schedule in schoolwork.It will allow for flexibility if something comes up.	Work is so busy that I might not be able to take anything off my plate.I will feel guilty saying “no.”What if I get fired for delegating some of my work to others?

Step 3: Implement: Select a solution to apply to the problem.

In Column 1, select one solution based on the possible solutions you identified above and explain the reasons for your selection. (Keep in mind that sometimes the best approach is a combination of possible solutions.)

In Column 2, describe the actions you can take to put this solution to work.

Solution and Rationale

Actions You Can Take

For my busy schedule, starting my assignments earlier in the week and using a calendar will help. I think finding time at the beginning of the week to focus on school will ensure that my assignments are not submitted late. Also, if I have questions or technical difficulties, I will be able to reach out and resolve them with plenty of time. Using a calendar on my phone and at home will help keep all my activities organized, and I can now visually see when things are due.

I will start by using my calendar to place each homework activity starting on Tuesday night. I will make sure to include at least 1 hour a night to read over material and choose Friday to complete my assignment. Lastly, I will choose 2 days (Tuesday and Thursday) to complete my discussion responses.

Step 4: Evaluate: Review how well the solution addressed the problem and determine next steps.

In Column 1, identify when and how you will evaluate the effectiveness of your solution. Consider how much time you will need to properly evaluate the success of your approach, as well as what you will be looking for to know if the solution is working.

In Column 2, explain what you will do if you determine the solution is not working.

Evaluation of Solution (When and How)	Next Steps if Solution Isn’t Working
After each week I can evaluate if I was successful turning in my assignment no later than Friday.	If my solutions are not working after a few weeks of evaluation, I will go back to Step 1: Identify to look through other solution options. After doing so, I will modify my calendar by changing a few activities around. Additionally, I will continue to monitor this change to determine how effectively it is working.

Your Responses

Now it’s your turn.

Complete Steps 1–4 below to identify and investigate a work- or academic-related problem in your own life, and then implement and evaluate a possible solution.

Step 1: Identify: Determine what problem or challenge you are trying to solve.

In Column 1, identify the work- or school-related problem or challenge you would like to solve.

In Column 2, describe the effects this problem has on your life, in other words, the symptoms of the problem.

In Column 3, explain the challenges or barriers you face that contribute to this problem.

Problem	Effects (Symptoms) of This Problem on Your Life	Challenges or Barriers That Contribute to This Problem

Step 2: Investigate: Consider 3 possible solutions and their value (advantages and disadvantages).

In Column 1, identify 3 possible solutions for your problem.

In Column 2, list at least 2 advantages of each solution.

In Column 3, list at least 2 disadvantages of each solution.

Solutions	Advantages	Disadvantages

Step 3: Implement: Select a solution to apply to the problem.

In Column 1, select one solution based on the possible solutions you identified in Step 2 and explain the reasons for your selection. (Keep in mind that sometimes the best approach is a combination of possible solutions.)

In Column 2, describe the actions you can take to put this solution to work.

Solution and Rationale	Actions You Can Take

Step 4: Evaluate: Review how well the solution addressed the problem and determine next steps.

In Column 1, identify when and how you will evaluate the effectiveness of your solution. Consider how much time you will need to properly evaluate the success of your approach, as well as what you will be looking for to know if the solution is working.

In Column 2, explain what you will do if you determine the solution is not working.

Evaluation of Solution (When and How)	Next Steps if Solution Isn’t Working