This information is provided as a resource for your problem solving skills improvement. Naked thinking is a way of doing things, not just a book. Having a good method for tackling tough problems helps you maintain your sense of control and therefore, your composure. Critical thinking is then stripped of the befuddling influence of excessive emotions, a state I call naked thinking.

If you would like more information about how to use this method or to learn more of the Naked Thinking Training Academy (your personalized training to become a consummate naked thinker-see more above in the menu) send me a note from the form below.

And special thanks to Lauren and her crew for such a fine job on reporting our interview. I appreciate it. ~Phil

Problem Solving Just Got Easier

RALEIGH, September 13—(THDC)—There is never a shortage of difficulties to face either as individuals or in groups. Whether you are dealing with a problem of your own or within a family or working group, the need to find a solution is always just around the next corner. The need for finding a solution begs the questions as to what is the best to find one.

We interviewed problem solving expert and therapist, Phil D’Agostino, M.Ed. on his method he calls Solugenics. Solugenics, D’Agostino explains, is a combination of a method to refocus the details of a situation in order to get to the root issues that make it a problem to resolve, and then quickly turn you attention to finding a solution instead of standing still and being frustrated by a lot of conversation regarding why it shouldn’t be a problem. “Talking about why this shouldn’t be happening isn’t very useful,” he says. “Accepting the here and now, and what’s in front of you is your first step in becoming solution oriented and not problem focused.”

There is an additional and important element that goes beyond a method, D’Agostino says. “You must be willing to behave differently from the way you feel and leave your emotional undertow at the door. Check it like you might check your coat at a restaurant. When you’re finished, you can always go back and be angry or upset later. The real power of problem solving is using your best thinking stripped out of your emotional fog.” D’Agostino calls that “Naked Thinking” which is also the title of his book.

We asked him if he would share his method and he said that there are two parts to it. The first is to use a questioning theme to focus your efforts. The second is to use what you’ve discovered in that exercise in a seven step process. Here is how he lays it out.
Necessary Elements for Problem Solving

• A commitment to mutual gain. (Strategic and altruistic concern).
• Flexibility. (An open-mindedness to accept an outcome that might look different.)
• A willingness to stake the vampire. (A commitment to never bring it up once resolved.)

Six Guiding Questions

• What are the current conditions? (What’s going on in behavioral terms?)
• Why is that a problem? (Think…”So What?”)
• What is the preferred state? (What do you want instead?)
• Is that a reasonable expectation? (Consider the costs of: time, money, emotional currency.)
• What can be done to create the preferred state? (What’s your plan?)
• How can I measure success? (Your clear-cut criteria for a successful outcome)

Seven Steps to Problem Solving

• Define problem. (Q 1 and 2 help you do this. Always define it in solvable terms.)
• Choose your outcome path. (Q 3 & 4. There may several ways to satisfy your need. Pick one.)
• Generate alternatives. (There’s usually more than one way to accomplish the outcome.)
• Evaluate the alternatives. (Each alternative will have its positives and negatives.)
• Choose and commit to plan. (Be willing to do what it takes.)
• Implement the plan. (Don’t just talk about it, do it.)
• Evaluate and control the outcome. (As you go, you gather new information. Use it to adjust.)

D’Agostino adds, “One of the most important things to do when making decisions and solving problems is to keep your cool; that is, keep your emotions in check and think, think, think! This isn’t always easy when you’re problem is big, but it is critical.”

If you would like more information about how to use this method or to learn more of the Naked Thinking Training Academy (your personalized training to become a consummate naked thinker-see more above in the menu) send me a note from the form below.

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