Live Gold Conference: Problems

Practical Approaches to Problem-Solving When Things Go Wrong Learning Outcomes:
To learn practical approaches to problem-solving
To recognize a potential problem situation
To be confident in implementing a plan of action to solve problems
To identify resources Who we are &
What we hope to learn • What is a problem?
• When does a routine type of problem cause a disruption to a program or job duty?
• How do you feel when things go wrong?
• Why do problems typically arise?
• Who can you count on for assistance? Definitions of Terms Activity: Putting Problems in Perspective You will have 3 minutes to read and consider the reflection questions on the hand-out provided.

Do not spend a lot of time reading or on any one question.

Once you have finished, turn the paper over. Scenario:
What would you do? Who are some of your key resources?
Supervisor, Adviser, Exec. Board, Members, Friends

What role does each person play in your success?
Support, Coach, Mentor, Team Member

How would you ask for someone's assistance?
Give directions, Ask for Advice, Expect Answers Using Resources Effectively What would you do next?

How would you feel in this situation?

How might you have ended up in this problem? You will have 8 minutes to complete the task in small groups.

There are no rules and you can interpret the problems in any way you like.

Once you have finished, be ready to present your plan to the room. When beginning projects, forecast some potential problems that may arise & some easy solutions.
Know your reaction to problems & consider implementing some steps to change any problem behaviors.
Discuss problem-solving with your key resources & devise a system to ask for help.
Remember that asking for help & delegating tasks are surefire ways to avoid common problems.
Problems do not equal failure - we tend to learn more from mistakes than we do from successes! Key / Legend: The best thing you can do is to discuss a problem after it is over! Louisiana State University
Assistant Director of Campus Life
Leadership

rspencer@lsu.edu By Rachel L. Spencer