Group Problem Solving
We all have problems for sure. No one is immune to some degree of struggle and occasional strife Therefore no one alive has a problem-free life. Some people are better than others at problem solving. We can all improve in our abilities to tackle our problems successfully or at least manage our problems that don’t have available solutions. The fact is that our attitude and our effort toward our problems makes an enormous difference.
One
benefit of being in a group program is that the group can be a valuable resource
for ideas, inspiration, support and motivation for effective problem solving. Each
one of us is responsible for taking the lead in facing our problems however, having
help from others in the group can be a powerful asset in the problem-solving
process. This opening exercise is focused on discussing problems openly as a
group and then using the group as a resource for creative solutions and support
in the problem-solving process.
Opening
exercise
– Accept and Begin
Directions: Take turns with one
group member at a time sharing a personal life problem to start the session. The
problem expressed can be about anything large or small. Try to share by making
a problem statement and then let the rest of the group know what it is. Some
examples of problem statements:
1.
“I have to stop using drugs and stay that way because of my
legal situation”
2.
“I am unemployed, and I don’t even know where to begin to
get a career going in my life”
Then,
as a group, give some feedback using the “Accept and Begin” format:
“You may have to
accept … but then you can begin….”
Examples:
Problem
1 above:
- · “You may have to accept
that you won’t be able to use drugs anymore, but you can certainly begin to try
to stop using for today and then take it one day at a time from there”
- · “You may have to accept
that it will not be easy but then you can begin to focus more on completing this
program to see if it helps you to eventually resolve your legal situation”
Problem
2 above:
- · “You may have to accept
starting at a crappy job that doesn’t pay well but you can begin by sticking
with it and working toward building experience and eventually getting a better
job with time.
- · “You may have to accept
that you may need to go back to school by then you can begin to try to find a
program that you are interested in and apply for financial aid so you can get
an education in a career that interests you.
Take
turns as a group sharing problem statements then listening to group feedback
using the Accept and Begin format as shown in the examples above.
Skill Building:
The Problem-Solving Process:
Keep
in mind that there are many ways to go about solving problems, however this is
just one outline for constructively strategizing to engage effectively in the problem-solving
process with good outcomes:
1)
Attitude Shift – Problem solving starts with escaping a negative
attitude state and then getting into a positive and hopeful outlook.
- · Get out of stuck mode: It is important to
end thoughts that can keep us stuck like “this is too hard for me to handle”
and “what’s the point in trying” Stuck mode can last many years, even a
lifetime. It can be fueled by helplessness, hopelessness, self-pity, or fear.
To get out of this mode we must believe that we can make things better.
- ·Get into problem solving
mode
– Prepare yourself with thoughts like “I can do this” and “If I keep at it,
things will get better” The previous exercise set the stage for problem solving
mode which starts with acceptance of the problem then choosing to begin
to do something about it – Accept and Begin
2)
Think and Plan – Be creative and optimistic (but realistic
too) Get Information and consult with reliable sources (Be careful with the
internet and with people who gossip) Come up at least with a basic plan to get
yourself started on your problem-solving journey
3)
Start small and go forward from there – Problem solving often
starts with baby steps in the right direction rather than big miraculous
changes. Its okay to start by doing a little bit then increasing steadily from
there
4)
Find Support and Encouragement – It can be so
challenging to solve problems alone. Any source of support and encouragement can
be so valuable for problem solving. Seek sources for support and encouragement in
your problem-solving quest.
5)
Build momentum and keep going – Once you get going keep
going. Sometimes slow and steady wins the race. When you fall, keep getting up.
Most people who successfully conquer a problem in life do so through patience
and persistence over time
6)
Maintain – Stay the course. When the problem-solving
process is working for you, keep at it. Going back and making sure you are
doing steps 1 – 5 in this process can be essential in maintaining satisfactory
progress.
How can you use this problem-solving process in your life to work through an important problem successfully?
Discuss
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