What solutions do you have for small business?

Short Answer:  A Problem Solving Unit (PSU) is a 2-3-hr workshop in which members of an organization work together to identify the underlying causes of situational problems and reach a consensus about how the problem can be solved. Then, they prepare a systematic battleplan to implement the solution.  (check out feedback from participants below)

Longer Answer:  Problems in the workplace or other organizational situation can be solved in several ways. One way is for the "boss" or the chair to decide what needs to be done and give orders to the staff or organizational members. However, enlightened companies and organizations recognize that people respond more productively when they feel they have been part of the decision-making process.

Using a methodology developed by the Institute of Cultural Affairs (ICA) in Chicago and tested as a business development tool in major corporations around the world, a PSU effectively engages the passion and talent of a group of people. Every problem implies a solution. Working together, the group will clarify the nature of the problem and transform the problem into a practical vision of what life could be like if the problem were resolved.

Based on a new understanding of the problem and  what is blocking their vision, the group will devise strategies to overcome the blocks and solve the problem. Because the PSU produces a shared vision and commitment for a strategic plan of action, the participants can and will work cooperatively to bring about positive change.

Gary Prichard participated in the development and implementation of the PSU approach to problem solving. As a member of the ICA, he helped design and lead a program to carry out more than 5,000 local town meetings in conjunction with the bicentennial of the United States in 1976. Since that time he has worked with businesses and organizations to demonstrate participatory leadership methods.

Gary is available to facilitate a PSU with your business or organization. Depending on the nature of the problem to be solved, workshops can be scheduled for 2-4 hour sessions. Cost will vary, depending on the number of participants and sessions required. The product of each PSU will include:
 
    - A fresh understanding of the focus issue.
    - A clear image of the proposed solution.
    - A statement of blocks or issues preventing the solution.
    - A strategic plan of action to deal with the blocks and bring about the solution.

Because this action plan will include input from all participants, their commitment to make it work will be greater than it might be to a plan imposed upon them by a higher authority. The new plan may be similar to what the "boss" would have ordered. However, because of the enhanced creativity of the group mind, it is possible that the derived solution will be better than anyone could have imagined working alone.

If you would like to schedule a PSU for your business or organization, please call (828) 674-9940.

  Responses from Participants in Previous Workshops

What did you find most valuable about this program and what was a key learning for you?

The degree of engagement, participation, discovery was wonderful ... New ideas, stimulating ... Not to be so attached to my pet idea .... there is a method for finding solutions..... Systematic process for building towards consensus .... Coming together with ideas .....Obtaining consensus ..... We can work it out .... Learning a systematic process for participative leadership and seeing it work with this group.

Did you feel the time frame for the class was adequate/appropriate?

Yes ... Could have used another hour ....  3 – 4 hours would have been great and would have allowed us to cover all areas more fully:  we only had 2 ½ hours due to 5 folks coming late .... Ambitious topic!  Challenging! ....  

Would you recommend this program to others?  Why or why not? 

Absolutely .... Yes – so more would understand and make use of this process .... Yes ....    Yes .... Yes - I think this can work .... Yes because sometimes we don’t know how to ….   Yes – new ideas - stimulating .... Yes – It is a good, solid process that helps people learn and experience first hand a systematic approach to Participative Leadership – a process that is applicable to business, government, the community and the family.

Additional comments.

Great program!  Thank you .... Do it again soon .... Thank you Gary, for sharing a process that you have seen work so many times – and for explaining it’s applicability to our personal lives – as well as to the community.  The material you provided was very well done and very helpful.