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Simple & Pragmatic Problem Solving
#13Chapter 2: Problem Recognition Techniques• Problem RecognitionCreative ThinkingGroup Mode2-3 days(time-consuming)

Workouts and Other Group Approaches

From the book "Advanced Problem-Solving Toolbox: 115 Creative Plays" | Compiled & Edited by: Mojtaba Goudarzi, Open translation: Mehrshid Goudarzi
Executive Synopsis & Core Logic:

holding focused and multi-day workshops between employees and managers to eliminate bureaucracy and solve operational issues immediately.

Operational Parameters & Specifications

Category
Problem Recognition
Dominant Thinking
Creative
Participation
Group
Estimated Timetime-consuming
2-3 days
Workshop
Input Format
ideas and group opinions
Output Format
idea generation
Key Application
Identifying and destroying bureaucratic obstacles and making high-speed decisions in solving inter-unit challenges.
Core Differentiator:

Presenting solutions directly to the unit manager in the presence of the superior manager with the requirement of an immediate decision (yes, no, or setting a specific date).

Quick Field Example:

Implementation of General Electric (GE)'s famous Workout approach led by Jack Welch to eliminate redundant processes.

Operational Benefits & Implementation Risks

Advantages & Value Creation:

Courage in decision-making, dramatically increasing transparency and employee morale, shortening decision-making time from months to hours.

Risks & Potential Trade-offs:

High psychological pressure on managers and the need for an organizational culture receptive to criticism and change.

Real-World Organizational & Industry Scenarios

Big companies with heavy bureaucracy: break down the walls between departments and eliminate redundant administrative signatures.
Service management and call center: solving the root of long customer waiting time and eliminating operators' confusion.
Supply chain management: correction of inefficient warehousing and logistics processes with the simultaneous presence of drivers and supervisors.

Strategic Rationale & Why to Apply

1Decisive decision making on the spot: The manager is required to give a clear answer on the spot without making excuses.
2Making Employees Feel Deeply Heard: Bridging the Gap Between Management and Executives.
3Producing practical and open solutions: uncensored dialogue and direct confrontation with inefficiencies.
4Extraordinary speed in solving chronic problems: problems that have remained silent for months are solved in 3 days.

Conceptual Framework & Book Method Description

The "Workouts" technique, founded by Jack Welch at General Electric, is an intensive multi-day approach.

In the first days, the employees dissect the complications and produce solutions without the presence of senior managers. On the final day, the manager appears in the meeting and the senior manager sits behind him. The unit manager is obliged to respond to each solution in a moment (yes, no, or set a specific time for financial review). Postponing decision-making is considered a sign of managerial weakness.

Step-by-Step Real-World Implementation Scenario

Scenario: 70% reduction in waiting and response time in the telecommunication call center
1
Step 1: Planning a 3-day training campThe company organizes a dedicated workshop outside the busy working environment with the presence of all operators and supervisors.
2
Step 2: Clear identification of obstacles on the first and second dayThe personnel fearlessly analyze the obstacles and document problems such as slow old software, lack of power during peak hours and lack of transparent protocols.
3
Step 3: Developing a package of solutionsThe team develops 3 specific solutions: upgrading the software system, developing a rapid response protocol, and hiring part-time workers in the evening shift.
4
Step 4: Judgment and presentation session On the third daypersonnel present solutions to the customer service manager while the VP sits behind the manager.
5
Step 5: Immediate decision making and immediate implementationThe manager immediately agrees to upgrade the software and rewrite the protocol and promises a review within 2 weeks for the recruitment budget issue, which is subsequently implemented.

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