What is the part of the brain called? The work of the frontal lobes of the brain. Brain review

Oleg Levyakov

“A problem formulated correctly is a problem half solved”
Japanese proverb

“The final product of a leader is decisions and actions”
Peter Drucker

“The importance of decision-making in management is not questioned. However, the discussion tends to focus on problem solving—i.e. receiving answers to your questions. This is the wrong approach. One of the most common causes of management mistakes is the desire to find the right answer rather than the right solution.”
Peter Drucker

However, there is a clear line between problem solving and decision making. First of all, it comes from the fact that currently the concept of “development of management decisions” is divided into two component components: “decision-making” and “problem-solving”. However, the difficulty of correctly identifying these concepts (defining that very clear boundary between them) has led to the fact that in the scientific and practical literature there is either an identification of these terms or their extreme opposition. Accordingly, it seems necessary to clear up the current confusion.

So, first of all, it is worth formulating the problem itself. “A clear statement of the problem is prerequisite its solutions... In case of an erroneous definition, not a single decision can be correct and will not help either eliminate difficulties in the organization or prevent their reappearance" (Perlyaki I., 1983). This idea can be expressed in another way: “ right decisions fix problems."

The formulation of problems has both objective and subjective difficulties in its understanding.

Subjective difficulty is the denial of the existence of a problem due to reluctance to face the problem itself and the inability to correctly identify it. Additionally, many people associate the term “problem” with something negative and defeatist. An example of such an attitude is the following dialogue:

Employee: Peter, I have one problem.
Manager: No, no, you have the opportunity.
Employee: Okay, I have one overwhelming opportunity.

An objective difficulty is the ambiguity of the definition of the term “problem”. The fact is that currently in scientific and educational literature there is very a large number of interpretations of this concept, which does not contribute to improving the current situation in the understanding that there is a “problem”.

Let's give examples.

• A problem is a perceived difficulty. (J. Dewey).
• The problem is the difference between what you want and what you have (E. de Bono).
• A problem is a deviation from a desired standard (Kepner and Tregow).
• A problem is an unsatisfactory state of affairs. (N. Rysev).
• The problem arises when a person has a goal but does not know how to achieve it (Dunker, 1945).
• A problem is the main contradiction in a situation, the resolution of which brings the situation closer to the goal (S.N. Chudnovskaya).
• Dual understanding. On the one hand, the problem is understood as a discrepancy between the actual and the desired with unknown ways to overcome this discrepancy. On the other hand, a problem means a discrepancy between the actual and the potentially possible. (O.A. Kulagin, 2001), etc.

The common features of all definitions are the perception of the problem as some difficulty, a contradiction that must be overcome, and the absence ready-made version solutions.

The concept of “solution” is also ambiguous and can be considered as a process of searching for a way out of a situation (that which is designated as a “problem”), and as a result of choosing one or another way to resolve existing problem. A decision as a process implies the presence of a time interval during which it is developed, adopted and implemented. A decision as a result of choice appears to be an act of will, focused on the availability of options for solving the problem, related goals and motives for the behavior of the decision maker.

The complexity and diversity of problems causes difficulties in their classification. This matter is extremely complex, given the uniqueness of each individual situation and the accompanying conditions in which it arises, and, therefore, when we talk about the classification of problems, we are talking specifically about the characteristics of the conditions in which this problem will be solved. It follows that the characteristics of the problem itself become characteristics of the techniques, methods and technologies used in problem solving issues. Scientists approach issues of classifying problems in different ways. One thing is clear that “categories of problems should not focus on difficulties, deviations, dissatisfaction with decision makers current situation affairs, but around the goals pursued by the decision maker.” Deviation from this principle may lead to the fact that the search area for possible solutions will be unjustifiably narrowed, and the proposed options for action will conflict with the goals of the decision-maker.

Based on the fact that the formulation of the problem must necessarily contain a goal (or goals) to be achieved, three categories of problems are considered:

• Stabilization problems(problems of naturally occurring changes). The occurrence of problems of this type is associated with the presence of deviations from the “normal parameters” of business functioning, while maintaining these “normal” parameters would be entirely consistent external conditions and management goals.
• Adaptation problems(optimization problems). They arise in situations where a business operates without obvious violations, but environmental requirements for operating results change.
• Problems of innovation(problems of intentional (purposeful) changes). The presence of this type of problem is associated with the need to ensure not just survival, but also business development by creating something completely new, which did not previously exist.

Including a goal in the problem statement also requires clarity and precision in its definition. And although goal setting is not the prerogative of the theory of managerial decision making, the importance of goal formulation is undeniable to ensure the adequacy of the future decision in the context of the problem being solved.

Achieving such a statement is often both difficult and difficult. In conditions of limited time, various distortions of formulations may arise, leading to a distortion of the very process of development and decision-making.

First of all, quite often the formulation of a goal is considered as a choice between two options (“What should I do in this situation - choose option 1 or option 2?”), although the correct question would be “What would you like to achieve by making this decision?” . It's about about the separation of the question associated with the decision and the purpose of the decision. Such a distortion arises due to the versatility and complexity of the decisions themselves, because each decision is associated with many goals, requirements, doubts and different problems. But if all these points are included in the formulation of the goal, then it will become too vague. In order for it to become specific, the goal statement must be focused on one parameter. But even in this case, the formulation may be distorted due to the fact that the goal turns out to be too narrow. The goal should be general enough and broad enough that it does not limit decision options and is related to the vision of future business development. Practical recommendation there will be use in the formulation of specific verbs of action “to achieve, develop, receive, use...”. It's a good idea to start with the decision question, "Why is this important?" and repeat it until a goal is discovered that represents the root cause of interest in the decision. We should not forget about personal goals. Often the interests of decision makers and business are in conflict or are so closely intertwined that it is quite difficult to separate them from each other. However, when defining the main goal, such a separation is essential. It is best to align personal and business goals. If such a process is not possible, it is usually recommended to choose one thing.

A good help when working with problems is to use a structured approach and its tools: cause-and-effect diagrams, concept maps and thought maps, problem graphs, list making and other tools.

More general in relation to the concept of “problem” is the concept of “problem situation”, since it represents a problem in combination with the specific conditions of its occurrence. The characteristics of the problem situation contain:

• The formulation of the problem, understood not as a symptom, but as a source, the cause of an unsatisfactory state of affairs. The “problem” should not be a consequence of other problems. For example, if we only know that there is a “decline in sales”, then the problem is not clear, since the drop in sales is a consequence of some problems in design, production, marketing, etc. external environment companies, etc. At the same time, the need to expand the business is a problem, because does not need to be justified by others.
• The decision maker’s expectations, which are understood as ideas about the solution that are specific to such an extent that they allow one to assess acceptability and compare attractiveness various options decisions. Thus, if the decision maker is not satisfied with the current sales volumes, then “expectations” include his ideas about what volume is satisfactory in this situation. Such representations may not exist.
• Possible ways to solve a problem, representing specific options for action that do not need to be invented, invented, etc., but only assessed and compared for compliance with expectations. For example, this could be a specific proposal to change the design of a product, aimed at changing its attractiveness and increasing sales. Such options may or may not be available.

Based on the condition of the presence or absence of one of the terms, the problem situation is classified into the following types.

Classification of types of problem situations

If a task arises before the decision maker (DM), he is required to make a decision. If he is faced with uncertain opportunities, then the decision maker is required to solve problems. The remaining types of problem situation are located on a continuum between these concepts.

Become a wizard?... Of course!... And who would refuse?...

An adult ceases to believe that this is possible. There are many reasons that push us away from ! After all, it is the state that we consider paramount, since much knowledge lies within us, but with age we become less and less able to use it. Well, we really love to think logically, we trust our intuition less and less, and at the same time we are afraid of not being like everyone else... So we become some kind of human robots, and the older we get, the more standard they become.

But! If you often ask the question: “How to solve a problem?” and you are still trying to do something to move this issue forward - great! This means you are not a simple shapeless bag that is thrown into the flow of life and floats there according to the principle of wherever fate takes you! You are a person who, with certain knowledge, can do whatever he wants.

Remember: reality provides endless possibilities and options! And there have certainly been times in your life when it seemed that everything was hopeless, but suddenly! chance, fate gave you an unexpected gift. But is this the case? Or maybe the result of something else?

Too often, simply getting bogged down in everyday life and routine, we miss something very important! Each of us has huge reserves hidden in the subconscious!

The subconscious is a magical tool. By learning to use it, you truly become the master magician of your life.

We go a long way to find answers to the questions that concern us. But it turns out that the key to solving them lies within us. We really know a lot! We have a whole treasure trove inside us. useful information, which we do not know how to extract and use. Experience and knowledge, as well as the essence of the universe, accumulate in our subconscious from generation to generation, strengthened by personal experience.

We can learn to retrieve information using . Or you can use special trance states accompanied by the appearance of images. It is quite possible to enter such a state, and you often find yourself there when you are fascinated by watching your favorite movie, or are very surprised by something, or when your logic cannot explain what is happening and are simply in shock!.... Both psychologists and psychotherapists – putting you into a trance and helping you find a resource to solve your problem!

We offer one exercise with which you can talk to your subconscious and get answers to exciting questions. We will catch a trance in a relaxing, relaxed state (the best is when you are already falling asleep - the state between sleep and wakefulness). Make sure that no one is bothering you, imagine your body in the form of a dough or floating in the air... and start modulating the image:

Imagine nature, forest. Imagine what trees grow in that forest, what grass, listen to the sounds, smell the smells. Get into your image. Feel yourself! What are you wearing (this can be completely different clothes than the one in which you are doing this exercise), shoes, what hairstyle you have, what mood you are in. Imagine that you are walking through this forest. Branches crunch underfoot. Feel the touch of the grass, the air temperature…. After a while, go to the edge of the forest. In the middle of the edge there is an old oak tree. This ancient tree has lived for many generations. It knows many destinies and stories... An old man sits under this tree. Look at him carefully: clothes, shoes, figure, surrounding objects... You can’t even imagine how old he is, but by his appearance and experienced look - sooooo old!!! Come closer to him - he has been waiting for you for a long time! He knows that there are many issues in your life that you want to resolve. Ask him today three (in turn), the most, most important ones and listen to his answers. He will send you answers in the form of your thoughts, which will immediately pop up in your consciousness.

Don't be surprised if some of the answers seem banal or absurd. First of all, remember that everything ingenious is simple! Secondly, resolution difficult situation often starts with a crazy idea!

Good luck to you! And remember! When your logic remains powerless, only the subconscious can solve complex problems!

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Tip 1: Don’t ask “Can I…”, ask “How?” So what?"
Many people, when faced with difficulties, ask themselves:

can I do this?
is it even possible to do this?
won't it get worse if I try to change something?
These thoughts are understandable. The greater the task and the more threatening the problem, the stronger the doubt. We are not confident in ourselves whether we have enough strength and ability to solve this problem.
In principle, thinking about the limits of your own capabilities is not a bad thing. Only when it comes to the moment when it is necessary to begin to act, the activity of such people for some reason slows down or they simply give up until the problem becomes complex, which in fact it was not.

Try to approach the problem from a different angle. Not the kind that makes you feel like you're up against an insurmountable wall, but the kind that opens the door to different possibilities for solving a particular problem. Better ask yourself:

what should I do better?
what should I do to solve the problem?
What exactly do I need to solve the problem?
who or what can help me?
what could be the first step in solving the problem?
Although questions of this nature do not solve the problem itself, you are still moving towards in the right direction. And if you think more about possible solutions than about the limits of your capabilities, this will give you strength and awaken the feeling that you yourself can build and organize your own life.
If you constantly replace the thought “Can I…” with “How?” and “What?”, you will have a good starting point for proactive problem solving.

Tip 2: Learn to find the positive aspects of your problems.
If we have some problem, then we would probably like best to postpone it for another day or completely forget about it. We view problems as annoying and just want to get rid of them like garbage. At the same time, we forget one thing: every problem constantly gives us opportunities to grow as a person and learn from it.

Accordingly, a useful step in solving problems is to regard them as learning tasks and strive to learn to love and solve these problems. This is probably even less theoretical than it sounds - since virtually every person does this in certain areas of activity.

Someone, for example, who begins to study a sport or musical instrument, immediately faces great difficulties. People who look at a goal that has not yet been achieved come into conflict with themselves and their abilities. They are unhappy that they are not so good, they spend a lot of energy on self-criticism. At the same time, their passion quickly wears off and they give up.

It’s different for those who love what they do and are trying to expand this love. Despite some failures and mistakes, they still enjoy their studies and thus find strength for further struggle.

For further solutions to problems that seem very difficult to you, the following questions may help you:

What is positive about this problem (for me or others)?
What will I learn from this problem (task)?
What experience will I gain that I would not have had without solving this problem?
How will my horizons and abilities expand when solving this problem?

Tip 3: If you understand the essence of the problem, you will already solve half of it
Many people, without understanding the problem, often choose the wrong ways to solve it. As a result, these paths lead to a dead end, since they were completely inappropriate to the problem at hand.
Let's say you have a conflict with a work colleague. You ask yourself what the problem is and come to the conclusion that your colleague is jealous of you because you get more money for the same work. And no matter what measures you took, they would not lead to a solution to the conflict, since hatred in this case is not a problem, but a consequence.

Indeed, in reality it is not easy to understand the essence of the problem. We readily forget that problems almost always have several causes and factors. Of course, it would be much simpler if we were dealing with unambiguous cause and effect. Typically, the problem is a system involving various factors and actions.

So try to remember that most things are much more difficult than you think they are. This is a useful thought that protects against hasty and rash decisions.

So, try to resist thinking that you already know exactly what the problem is. Once again, start from the beginning, feel the problem, look at it from different points view, analyzing it this way:

This is how I would describe the problem:
What else can we talk about besides this:
and if you think about it, you can come to the conclusion...
who and what is involved in the problem...
what else could have an impact...
what has already been done to solve the problem, and what it led to...

Tip 4: Be open to different opportunities
This tip has a lot to do with tip #3. If you accept that problems are more complex than they seem at first glance, it becomes easier to understand that, as a rule, there is more than one solution to a problem - and definitely not the first one that comes to mind.
The desire to quickly find a suitable solution to the problem is understandable. But it just as quickly leads to fixation on one thing. possible way solutions. In some cases, this can lead to nowhere and make the problem worse. It often happened that people were so focused on the chosen solution path that they did not even notice that the problem had already been solved at an intermediate stage.

you think about the problem much more intensely;
you don't go too far in one direction, but stay mentally flexible;
practically in stock various possibilities, and you will not doubt if the chosen path will lead to success.
So, don't close yourself to other solutions. Use creative methods to come up with different ideas. Write down all your ideas, and even those that seem crazy to you - who knows, maybe the solution to the problem lies in them.

Tip 5: Courage to think creatively
This advice has already been partially used in tip #4, but it is so important that it should be specifically addressed in a separate question.
So, “thinking creatively” means coming up with extraordinary ideas, ideas that are often not understood or accepted by others, and having the courage to have crazy ideas and pursue seemingly false paths.

You can’t learn this in one day, but there are still a number of aids, thanks to which you can begin to develop this quality in yourself, for example:

Ask people who have no idea about your problem at all for their ideas. Often even naive and simple-minded people come to brilliant ideas that we ourselves could not come to due to some existing ideas.
Just turn your problem around. And ask instead of “What can I do to make the relationship better?” - “What can I do to make the relationship worse?” This allows you to see problems in a new light. Although it sounds crazy, this is how people often come up with ideas that they couldn't find in the first question.
Give free rein to your fantasies and associations. Frame the problem differently. Open a dictionary or lexicon on any page and randomly select a term. It doesn't matter whether the term is relevant to your problem. Write down all the associations between this term and your problem.
Please note: it takes practice to come to a completely new thought. Don't expect too much from yourself right away, but just be open and curious about exploring this type of thinking. And everything will work out!

How well you deal with problems often determines your success and happiness. If you can't figure out how to solve a problem, try to analyze it and break it down into several small parts. Think about whether you should approach solving the problem logically or through sensations and feelings? Find a creative approach to this situation by consulting with other people and looking at the problem from different perspectives.

Steps

Approach the problem

1. Define the problem. Think about what the problem really is, don't just look at the “symptoms” of the problem. In such a matter, it is important to pay attention to the main essence, and not to extraneous sensations that are associated with this problem. You can analyze the accompanying feelings and emotions later. So, get familiar with the underlying problem and try to understand it completely.

   • For example, if your room is constantly a mess, the problem may not be that you are dirty. Perhaps you just don't have enough drawers and shelves to neatly organize and lay out all your things.
   • Be as thorough as possible when identifying the underlying problem. If it's a personal problem, be honest with yourself about what it is. If it's a problem that can be explained logically, try to figure out where and when it first occurred.
   • Think about whether this problem is real, or are you imagining it? Do you need to solve this problem, or is it something you want? Seeing the situation in perspective will help you navigate the process of solving the problem.

2. Make important decisions first. Think about what decisions you need to make and how and why they are important to solve your problem. Making decisions will help you move forward in solving problems, so first think about what you need to focus on, what you need to do, how you are going to do it.

   • For example, you may have several problems that need to be solved. Therefore, you first need to decide which one to solve first. Solve problems as they arise - it will be easier, and you will not worry about other problems.
   • Once you make a decision, don't doubt yourself. From now on, be prepared to look to the future without wondering in your head how things could have been if you had chosen a different option.

3. Simplify the problem. The problem is too complex and global and difficult to solve. If there are several similar problems, break them down into smaller components and deal with them individually. Breaking a problem into smaller parts is how you can understand it and find a solution.

   • For example, if you have a lot of different assignments to complete for an exam, focus on how many assignments you need to do and then tackle them one at a time.
   • If possible, try to combine similar problems and solve them together. For example, if you're short on time to study, try listening to a recorded lecture while you're driving to class (or quickly review your notes while you're waiting for lunch).

4. Describe what you know and don't know. Review the information you already have. Then think about what information you will still need. Find all required material, and then organize it properly.

   • For example, if you're trying to take a test, figure out what you already know and then decide what else you need to study. First, review the material you already know, then start looking for and learning new information from your notes, notebooks, and other sources that can help you.

5. Try to predict the results. Come up with a plan B (maybe a plan C will come in handy) so you don't get caught up in just one option. When you come up with it possible solutions, think about what each of them can lead to. Consider possible results and how they will affect you and those around you. Think about how things will develop under the best and worst case scenarios.

   • Notice how these “scenarios” make you feel.

6. Distribute resources. Resources include time, money, effort, travel, and so on. If solving a problem is your top priority, you may need to devote more resources to solving the problem than if it were not a priority for you. Think about what resources you have and how you can use them to solve the problem.

   • For example, if you have a deadline, perhaps you can skip cooking lunch or working out in the morning a couple of times. gym to devote this time to working on the project.
   • If possible, reduce those tasks that are not necessary. For example, you can save time by ordering groceries or meals online rather than going to the store. The time saved can be spent on other tasks.

   Approach the problem creatively

   1. Brainstorm and come up with several possible solutions. Think of different ways to solve the problem. Knowing that you have several ways to solve this problem will give you options. After thinking about the alternatives, decide which ones are more realistic and which ones you should forget about.

      • if you accept difficult decision, write down the list alternative options. In this case, you will not forget a single one possible option and you can immediately cross out those options that seem unrealistic.
      • For example, let's imagine that you are hungry and therefore you need to eat something. Think about whether you want to cook something for yourself, buy fast food, order food, or go to a restaurant or cafe.

   2. Try different approaches to the problem. If you are solving a specific problem, analytical and logical skills will help you best. In other cases, you will have to rely on your emotions to help you solve the problem. Often, solving a problem requires the ability to combine thinking skills, feelings, and even intuition. Don't be afraid to try all of these methods, try each of them and see what works best for you.

      • For example, if you are considering a job offer that will pay well but will leave you with too little time for your family, you will have to approach this problem different ways. Think about this sentence logically, but also pay attention to your feelings and thoughts, and imagine how your decision will affect you and those around you.

   3. Ask for advice. If your problem is not solved overnight, seek advice from other people. Perhaps you know someone who has experienced similar problem in the past, and this person will be able to advise you something. It doesn't matter whether you follow his advice - that's up to you. However, it can be useful to get another point of view.

      • For example, if you are buying a house or apartment and don't know how to make the final decision, talk to other homeowners, listen to their opinions about buying a house/apartment and their regrets.

   4. Track your progress. If you are working towards a goal, keep track of how things are going. If you are moving forward and succeeding, keep moving. If you realize you're not doing a good job, consider solving the problem differently. You may have to come up with new strategies to solve your problem.

      • For example, if you are experiencing financial difficulties, pay attention to how your efforts affect your income and expenses. If the habit of budgeting helps you, continue. If you're not good with money, try something else.
      • Keep a diary, write in it about your progress, successes and problems. You can read these posts to boost your motivation when you feel discouraged.