Lateral Thinking of Problem-Solving - Essay Example

Mistakes are relatively low in cost and therefore, less serious. Creative or lateral thinking is an alternative perspective on the situation, and thus the problem and solution states can be interpreted differently from how most people see it. This leads to an alternate style of responding to the problem. A novel solution can often seem more interesting, and people are likely to become involved in the process with more enthusiasm; thereby leading to a greater chance for success.

Which style of information processing should be used in a given situation or is more likely to succeed should be chosen carefully by the person seeking to solve a problem they face in the workplace. In the present scenario, vertical processing and problem-solving techniques were used to resolve a reoccurring problem in the office. It was noted that the attendance of employees dropped drastically when there was a particular type of sporting event involving major regions or the country. During the previous sports season, there was a distinct drop in the productivity of the set-up. When another season was due; this history became a major concern for the manager. It was decided that a few key employees should be involved in finding a solution to the problem of reduced productivity. Upon discussion, it was found that the younger employees are more likely to want to take a day off to watch sports. After this conversation, it was decided that certain key playing days should be announced half-day working on the promise that other days would not be affected. Accordingly, a notice was circulated amongst the staff so that they feel motivated enough to come for the rest of the days without taking an unannounced (impromptu) holiday.

On understanding the process of using lateral thinking it was believed that there could be other alternatives to the solution to this problem. First of all the assumptions made when evaluating the problem were tested. The manager found that the assumption that all productivity dropped on these target days was untrue. Only certain members of the staff were implicated in this situation. The other assumption that distraction was due to the game was also challenged since the rest of the staff was not interested in abstaining from coming to work, or working at the same level as any other day.

If a reasonable number of staff were not planning to watch sports, they could easily continue work. But it is rather unfair to give free time only to a few employees because they want to watch a sport. Thus, a more right question needs to be asked by the manager as to what options are there so that it is a win-win situation for all.

A new and alternative approach to the situation is to tune the cafeteria television to the Sports channel and allow the employees to watch the game for its said period. This option, though unconventional, at least keeps the employees at work and only those who wish to see them view the sports. Also, if another employee needs them to be around when getting a task done; this work will not stagnate due to the unavailability of the employee in question.

Although any screen which can be connected to the office can be used to relay the match to the employees; it makes logical sense to select the one in the cafeteria, as the noise and cheering will not trouble other employees who may not be interested in the game. The vertical process comes most naturally to most employees since it is the most cost-effective and low-risk of the alternatives. Nobody wants to take big risks since the payout in case they go wrong can be quite high. But the possibilities in using a creative method are also enticing, and given the situation, the manager will choose between the different styles of addressing the problem.

Personality type also plays a part in deciding which type of problem-solving method that may be applied to a problem situation. In the current scenario, with a profile EFSP, the manager does like going by facts; but is also led easily by the emotional weight of the situation. Thus, in some situations at least he would be willing to experiment with new ideas. While he would prefer the structured safe method in a high-risk situation; in others, the creative option would be considered in all future problem situations.