Posted on Jun 3, 2016
Has anyone else noticed a deterioration of Problem Solving skills within the military?
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I see two categories forming. One group which finds problems but never brings a solution to the table, and on the other side a group which finds Solutions to given problems but never actually addresses the problem.
Is it worse the find a solution to a problem and leave it alone after that accomplishment feels like enough or to identify a problem and do nothing about it?
What are some approaches to create a symbiotic relationship between Problem Solvers and those at the source identifying issues.
Each Service Member or Civilian has the ability to address problems within their control but how to we increase communication to fix problems spanning multiple lanes.
The irony is not lost on me that I am addressing a problem without presenting a valid solution. But I am hoping that the RallyPoint community can help me out.
P.S. Creating an LPD Class on Problem Solving and communication techniques. Hoping this will help me to incorporate some creative ideas.
Is it worse the find a solution to a problem and leave it alone after that accomplishment feels like enough or to identify a problem and do nothing about it?
What are some approaches to create a symbiotic relationship between Problem Solvers and those at the source identifying issues.
Each Service Member or Civilian has the ability to address problems within their control but how to we increase communication to fix problems spanning multiple lanes.
The irony is not lost on me that I am addressing a problem without presenting a valid solution. But I am hoping that the RallyPoint community can help me out.
P.S. Creating an LPD Class on Problem Solving and communication techniques. Hoping this will help me to incorporate some creative ideas.
Posted in these groups: 
Problem Solving
Professional Development
Problem Solving Professional Development
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 7
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I think the trend towards micromanagement serves as the chief disincentive to innovation. I often say we have to give people freedom to fail AND the opportunity to succeed. With the current crop, I find it necessary to explain the what and why...and then try to sit on my hands and them find the how.
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This is the core of why I left TPU-land and went into the IRR as of 1 January of this year. I'm a Chief Warrant Officer, and therefore a problem solver in my field. If you won't allow me to solve problems, you don't need me.
One of my now-former unit's "missions" for lack of a better word was this: You get a range of numbers from the mission coordinator. You go to a SharePoint site within DISA. You check list A for that number and take down all the information you find there, including a short service name. You check list B for that short service name and take down all the information you find there. You then fill all that information into a Word template that's provided, go to Folder List A, and look for the short service name. If a folder is not there with that name, create it, drop the Word document in there, and do a search within DISA's web site for a certain subset of documents relating to that short service name.
Except for the document search, EVERYTHING can be automated. You can have a special page to enter your range, and have it do this automatically, and then only have to do the document searches...that would increase productivity exponentially.
When I tried to push to make this happen, the detachment commander said "That's not our job". I'm sorry, but I'm a Chief Warrant Officer in the Signal Corps, I'm not a damn clerk typist.
One of my now-former unit's "missions" for lack of a better word was this: You get a range of numbers from the mission coordinator. You go to a SharePoint site within DISA. You check list A for that number and take down all the information you find there, including a short service name. You check list B for that short service name and take down all the information you find there. You then fill all that information into a Word template that's provided, go to Folder List A, and look for the short service name. If a folder is not there with that name, create it, drop the Word document in there, and do a search within DISA's web site for a certain subset of documents relating to that short service name.
Except for the document search, EVERYTHING can be automated. You can have a special page to enter your range, and have it do this automatically, and then only have to do the document searches...that would increase productivity exponentially.
When I tried to push to make this happen, the detachment commander said "That's not our job". I'm sorry, but I'm a Chief Warrant Officer in the Signal Corps, I'm not a damn clerk typist.
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Sir,
I'll counter with a follow-on question. Do we "incentivize" problem-solving skills? Or would you say it's more accurate that we reward other skill sets more than that particular skillset?
This is a subject that I have long argued, however, when I point out what "I believe" is the root cause, it becomes a sacred cow issue.
CC MAJ (Join to see)
Edit: Removed a word
I'll counter with a follow-on question. Do we "incentivize" problem-solving skills? Or would you say it's more accurate that we reward other skill sets more than that particular skillset?
This is a subject that I have long argued, however, when I point out what "I believe" is the root cause, it becomes a sacred cow issue.
CC MAJ (Join to see)
Edit: Removed a word
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CW2 (Join to see)
The ability to handle problems at the lowest level is or should be reflected on evaluation reports, so I would consider that an incentive.
You are on to something though where the risk vs reward scale is lopsided when it comes to makes impactful decisions.
You are on to something though where the risk vs reward scale is lopsided when it comes to makes impactful decisions.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
CW2 (Join to see) - It's "an" incentive, however, I would hazard that if you broke down "statistical promotion" (the way we promote the junior most ranks), Critical Thinking, is "very low" compared to other skills (Rifle, PT, PME)
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