Let's Talk

Posts Tagged: brainstorming

Problem-Solving, Step 3: Evaluate, Prioritize, and Choose

Posted by Marlene Anderson, MA, LMHC, NCC

brainstorming

In step one of this series, you identified the problem, looked at it from different perspectives and expanded it to include all possible contributing factors.

In step two, you listed potential solutions. As you brainstormed and generated possibilities, fresh ideas were added to your list without preliminary judgment or comparisons.

Now, in step three, it is time to evaluate, prioritize and choose.

Which solutions are relevant and helpful? Which might point to another possibility you hadn’t thought of yet?

Problem-Solving, Step 2: Brainstorm Possible Solutions

Posted by Marlene Anderson, MA, LMHC, NCC

family discussing a problem

Once a problem has been identified, we can start looking for solutions. In this step, we begin brainstorming all the ways we can find a solution. Be as creative as you can. Don’t dismiss any possibilities even if they seem bizarre or impossible. Writing them down often helps us see alternatives we wouldn’t have thought of without this free flowing of ideas.

There are so many variables, both to our problems and their potential outcomes. Ask friends and others you know to help you brainstorm. You want as many suggestions as possible.

Continue reading for more tips on creatively generating solutions to problems.