Essential Steps for Ethical Problem-Solving

Problem solving is a deceptively simple process that enables you to come up with creative solutions for managing everyday problems life brings. Here are The Simple Steps We Teach:

1. DETERMINE whether there is an ethical issue or/and dilemma. Is there a conflict of values, or rights, or personal responsibilities? (For example, there may be an issue of self-determination of an young adult versus the well-being of the family.)

2. IDENTIFY the key values and principles involved. What meanings and limitations are typically attached to these competing values? (For example, rarely is confidential information held in absolute secrecy; however, typically decisions about access by third parties to sensitive content should be discussed and resolved.)

3. RANK the values or ethical principles which - in your personal or professional judgement - are most relevant to the issue or dilemma. What reasons can you provide for prioritizing one competing value/principle over another? (For example, your friends right to choose a beneficial course of action could bring hardship or harm to others who would be affected.)

4. DEVELOP an action plan that is consistent with the ethical priorities that have been determined as central to the dilemma. Have you conferred with family and peers, as appropriate, about the potential risks and consequences of alternative courses of action? Can you support or justify your action plan with the values/principles on which the plan is based? (For example, have you conferred with all the necessary persons regarding the ethical dimensions of keeping a secret of a friend who has shared a plan to hurt himself or someone else?)

5. IMPLEMENT your plan, utilizing the most appropriate communication and relationship skill. How will you make use of core values such as sensitive communication, skillful negotiation, and conflict resolution skills? (For example, skillful communication and negotiation may enable an impaired friend to see her/his impact on others and to take appropriate action.)

It is imperative that struggling young adults learn these stress management essential:
Creative problem solving

Feeling stressed? You're not alone. Our lives are complicated. We're faced every day with uncertainty, complicated relationships, unthinkable choices and urgent deadlines. Developing your problem-solving skills can help make life more manageable.

Problem solving is the process of identifying stressors and creating strategies to manage them. It's a powerful tool to add to your stress management toolbox. You can brush up on your problem-solving skills with these simple steps. Like any skill, the more you practice the more effective you'll be.
Identify the problem

What do you see that tells you there's a problem? Ask yourself these questions:

    What is happening?
    Where is it happening?
    Is it happening around certain people?
    When is it happening?
    Why might this be happening?

Be specific and focus on issues. Try to avoid assigning blame. It may help to describe your problem in writing. Now take a step back. Consider these questions to determine if the problem deserves the time you'll spend resolving it:

    Is the problem really that big? Would others think so?
    If you could solve this problem, would your life improve?
    Is there any part of the problem over which you have control?

You can't change everything, so it's best to focus on issues you can realistically change and that will make a real difference in your level of stress. In other words: Choose your battles.

Recall past problems that you were able to solve. Could a similar solution work for this problem, too? Ask friends, family and people you trust for advice.

If you're still having trouble, perhaps your problem is too complicated. In that case, try to divide and conquer. Break the problem into smaller parts you can more easily tackle.

Remember, consider everything that pops into your head — even ideas that initially seem silly. Your stress-reduction plan may include a little silliness. Maybe taking a salsa dancing class after work a few days a week will help you to unwind better than would quiet meditation.
Select a solution

Of all your creative ideas — silly or serious — which has the most potential? You might want to consider:

    Do you realistically think it will solve the problem?
    How will using this solution make you feel in the end? How will it make others feel?
    What are the possible positive and negative consequences?

When you've chosen what looks like the best solution, take another couple of minutes to think it through. Even the best solution may require fine-tuning. You might ponder:

    Do you have the resources and, more important, the will to carry out your plan?
    What new problems, if any, might the solution create?
    What might go wrong? Can you correct this part of the plan?