A simple model for solving problems …

Everyone has problems, we all need solutions!

Some of our problems may be simple (some HUGE!), but trying to solve them simplistically or without consideration of our responses can create more problems for us. Larry Lewis gives us one such example in this story:

A little boy came running to his father, crying hysterically. Through the sobs he was able to communicate to him that he had swallowed a penny and he was sure he was going to die.

To dad’s dismay, no amount of comfort or explanation was helping.

In an attempt to calm him down, dad palmed a penny from his pocket and pretended to pull it from his young son’s ear.

Crying gave way to amazement and squeals of laughter.

In a flash, the child snatched the penny from his father’s hand, swallowed it, and then cheerfully demanded, “Do it again, Daddy!”

We all have problems, but we need thoughtful solutions that help us resolve our issues. In 1984, Dr. Barbara Wasik developed what is known today as the “Wasik Model for Problem-Solving,” as illustrated to the right. This model provides a very simple way to thoughtfully work through our issues to arrive at a solution. Let’s briefly examine the steps:

1. Problem Identification. This sounds obvious, but accurately identifying what is the real, root concern is necessary before we can begin to work on a solution. So the first step is to concisely identify what the real, root problem is.

2. Goal Selection. You’re aware of your problem, but what is it that you really want? Step two is to determine the answer to, “What do I want?”

3. Generation of Alternatives. When we react to problems — especially when we do so emotionally — it may seem like we have only one possible outcome, one that we don’t want. Step three is taking time to think through all the possible alternatives available to you. Be thorough and list them all. It’s during this step that we often discover there are more possibilities for outcomes than we initially think.

4. Consideration of Consequences. Once you have identified all the possible alternatives to your problem, THEN take the time to consider the potential consequences for each possible alternative you have. Be thorough in describing the possible consequences for EACH alternative.

5. Decision-Making. Only now, after clearly and acurrately identifying the problem, determining what you want, generating all of the possible alternatives, and weighing all the potential consequences for each alternative, are you ready to make a decision. Note how this more thoughtful process will enable you to respond with consideration to a problem rather than just reacting (usually based on irrational thinking).

6. Implementation. You can’t solve anything without action, so now FULLY implement the decision you have made.

7. Evaluation. Once you have implemented your decision, take time to evaluate the outcome by examining whether it worked. If not, re-cycle through the problem-solving model.

In all of our thinking — and, most definitely, all of our decision-making — we want to make decisions that fulfill God’s will for us, and that bring Him glory. So let me add a couple more steps to this model:

First, pray. Before you do anything, have a conversation with God. Talk to Him about the fact that you have a problem you need to solve and ask Him for His help!

Second, examine scripture. Take time to see what the Bible may say, directly or indirectly, about the problem you’re facing, and apply anything you learn from the Bible.

Finally, be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit throughout this process. Trust Him to guide you into all truth, and to direct your thinking as you work through the problem-solving model.

We all have problems, but the best answers to them usually take more than a knee-jerk reaction. Try this process of first praying, searching scripture, and working through Wasik’s Model for Problem-Solving and see if you generate better outcomes.

Scotty