Classic Problem Solving

Classic Problem Solving is a powerful way to use a group’s wisdom to find a solution that works for everyone.
Because it takes some time and discussion, Classic Problem Solving is not appropriate for simple problems or
safety issues. However, it is a great skill to have in your leadership repertoire. Here are the four basic steps to
Classic Problem Solving.

Step 1 Make an observation about the problem (not the person).

Do your best not to single out one or two campers by saying something
such as, “Has everyone noticed that lots of people are forgetting to say Please
and Thank You at the table?” rather than, “Has everyone noticed that Sam and
Pat keep forgetting to say Please and Thank You at the table?”
If other campers single out one of their peers, gracefully broaden the
discussion by saying something such as, “Sam and Pat sometimes forget to say
Please and Thank You but so do we all, from time to time.”

Step 2 Solicit ideas for solutions.

Grab a clipboard, a pen, and a piece of paper to write down each of the
ideas your campers come up with. Prompt them with, “What are some ideas you
have for helping us to solve this problem?”
Don’t judge or evaluate at this point. Saying, “That’s silly” or “Who’s got
a better idea?” will stifle your campers’ creativity. Just write everything down
and enjoy some of the silliness.

Step 3 Evaluate the pros and cons.

Now that you have a list of possible (if not plausible) solutions, ask the
group to tell you the pros and cons of each. By guiding the discussion a bit, you
can help shape the group’s opinion in favor of some of the more reasonable and
effective solutions.
Here, too, you can expect some laughter as some of the outrageous
solutions are evaluated. That’s fine, but keep the conversation moving.

Step 4 Pick a solution, with a promise to re-evaluate.

Let the group pick one of the better solutions, based on their evaluation
of the pros and cons. Although not all members will agree on the single best
solution, the promise to re-evaluate will satisfy most of the group.
Say something such as, “The group came up with some excellent ideas.
Based on your listing of the pros and cons, it seems as if _______ would be a good
solution to try first. If that doesn’t work, we’ll go back to the clipboard and try a
different solution.

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Classic Problem Solving Case Studies to Role-Play

The best way to get comfortable using Classic Problem Solving is to role-play the technique with a group of
other staff who pretend to be campers. Here are three scenarios to start you off, plus three spaces for
returning staff to pencil in a few problems they encountered last summer.

1. [Day or Overnight Camp] You’ve noticed that during competitive games and sports at camp, there is a
lot of “trash talking.” The campers say degrading things to one another in an effort to intimidate each
other. Although you’ve asked them—both individually and as a group—to refrain from trash talking,
it’s actually gotten more frequent and profane. You decide to sit down with the group and do some
Classic Problem Solving.

2. [Day or Overnight Camp] During free swim, the rules require campers to swim in buddy pairs.
Although some campers remember to stay within 8 feet of their buddy, others swim as if they were
alone, often drifting many yards away from their partner. You’ve blown your whistle several times to
remind all buddy pairs to stay together, but it doesn’t seem to have worked. Time for some Classic
Problem Solving.

3. [Overnight Camp] At night, when you step outside the cabin to wash up, the campers are quiet. But
before long, they start giggling and goofing around. You’ve tried to reason with them, explaining that
they need their rest and that adjacent cabins are trying to sleep, but that’s had little effect. Tonight
after taps, they are being particularly loud, so you resolve to engage them in a little Classic Problem
Solving the next morning.

4.

5.

6.

Dr. Chris Thurber You may use this handout

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@DrChrisThurber to Expert Online Training.
ExpertOnlineTraining.com Copy only with permission. © 2019