Instructions
STEP 1: Conduct a post-mortem
Identify a problem that you have encountered recently – it can be personal or professional. Solve the problem using the four steps outlined in Chapter 5
Step 1: provide a detailed explanation of the problem, which includes identifying the root cause of the problem
Step 2: list 3 possible solutions, along with potential pros /cons of the problem
Step 3: describe which of the solutions is best and why
Step 4: develop a short plan to implement the solution
STEP 2: Conduct a pre-mortem
Identify a decision that you have to make now or anticipate having to make in the near future – it can be personal or professional. Imagine a future where your decision has failed (that you made the wrong decision about a job, a project flopped, etc.). Use the pre-mortem technique to help you solve the problem
Step 1: Define failure – what does failure look like here?
Step 2: Describe 3-5 potential reasons that the decision has failed
To help develop these, think of the risks and challenges associated with the decision
Step 3: What are the themes that you see in those reasons
That is, what type of risk or challenge come up multiple times (e.g., financial, personnel)
Step 4: How can you mitigate these risks/challenges?
Step 5: How might you adjust your plan to address these risks/challenges?
Submission Instructions
Create a document with both your pre- and post-mortems in it. You may use bullet points to organize your responses. But, please use full sentences and explain your responses.
While traits are relatively stable over the course of your life, your leadership skills are malleable and can be developed. In this assignment, we’re going to practice one skill in particular: problem solving. Problem solving is a conceptual skill that leaders possess that allows leaders fix issues that arise, which is important for continuous growth and improvement.
Your book (in Chapter 5) offers an approach to problem solving that is often used in decision making and problem solving. This approach helps leaders to take corrective action when problem occurs. While effective, this approach is very reactive. There is another approach that is more proactive, called the pre-mortem approach. Watch the video below to learn a little more about both approaches. Then, you’ll practice each in the assignment.
4 Steps
1.Identify the problem
2.Generate alternative solutions
3.Select the best solutions
4. Implement the solution
