Performance problem solving is a purposeful process that shouldn’t be confused with Decision Making which is committing to a course of action! How do you find problems and solve them in your teams?
Tags: Decision Making Factors; MDT Process; Problem Solutions; Practitioner – Team; MDT Performance Map; Performance Problem Classification; Performance Operations & Uncertainty; Performance Process- Outcome Loop; Individual Practitioner – Cross Discipline Approach; Critical Thinking Practitioner; Problem Solving Practitioner; Hot Action & Decision Making
In the highly competitive world of performance sport, problem-solving plays a critical role in achieving success. Athletes, coaches, and support staff constantly encounter challenges that require a systematic approach to overcome. By following a structured problem-solving process, teams and individuals can identify, understand, generate solutions, and assess their effectiveness. We will explore a four-stage process for problem-solving in performance sport, outlining key considerations and steps at each stage.
Stage 1: How Can We Identify the Problem?
The first stage of problem-solving involves identifying the issues at hand and determining what needs to be achieved. This stage can be approached by asking key questions:
- What are the issues?: Start by identifying the challenges or obstacles hindering performance. It could be technical, tactical, physical, mental, or even organisational.
- What are we trying to achieve?: Define the desired outcome or goal. Clearly articulate what success looks like in the given context.
- What will move us forward?: Determine the critical factors that, if addressed, would lead to progress. Identify the areas that require attention and improvement.
Stage 2: How Can We Understand the Problem?
The second stage focuses on understanding the problem in-depth to develop a comprehensive solution. This stage involves two key processes:
- Analysing: Gather relevant data and information to gain insights into the problem. Consider the potential benefits that would arise from solving the problem and the predicted impact on the overall system.
- Classifying: Assess the complexity of the problem. Determine whether it is a simple or complex/wicked problem. Understand the degree of certainty or ambiguity associated with the problem. Identify the interdependencies and connections within the problem domain.
Stage 3: How Can We Generate Solutions?
The third stage involves the generation of potential solutions to address the identified problem. Consider the following steps:
- Solutions: Determine the level of creativity and innovation required to solve the problem. Decide whether a unidisciplinary or multidisciplinary approach is necessary. Evaluate the difficulty level of the solutions and whether a quick fix or a more substantial effort is required.
- Testing: Evaluate the potential solutions by considering their direct and indirect impact. Examine the implications upstream and downstream within the performance system. Assess the realism of the proposed solutions in the given context.
Stage 4: How Do We Assess the Solutions?
The final stage focuses on implementing and assessing the chosen solutions to address the problem effectively. Consider the following steps:
- Executing: Use simulation or trial runs to test the viability of the solution and identify any potential issues or pitfalls. Define what needs to be monitored and tested during the implementation phase. Establish role clarity by determining who is responsible for each task.
- Evaluating: Review the effectiveness and impact of the implemented solutions. Conduct a post-mortem analysis to assess the outcomes and learn from the process. Reflect on the results and determine how to evolve and improve the problem-solving approach for future challenges.
Problem-solving in performance sport is a dynamic and ongoing process. By following a structured problem-solving framework, teams and individuals can identify, understand, generate solutions, and assess their effectiveness. The four-stage process outlined provides a roadmap for navigating the complexities of problem-solving in the context of performance sport. Remember, effective problem-solving requires a combination of critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
