Problem/Situation Analysis: Use these sample phrases to craft meaningful performance evaluations, drive change and motivate your workforce.

Problem/Situation Analysis is the ability to solve problems and assess situations to know what kind of solution is required to calm it down.

Problem/Situation Analysis: Exceeds Expectations Phrases

  • Asks oneself what the situation is, makes a list of issues within the situation, and defines why each one is a problem
  • Brainstorms possible ways to resolve the issue at hand and writes down possible solutions even those that seem absurd
  • Weighs both the positive and negative effects of the suggested solutions to the problem or situation at hand
  • Looks for the solution that highlights the most positive effects as well as that, which produces the mildest consequences
  • Concentrates on the solution that can lead one to achieve the set goals and anticipates possible challenges associated with this solution
  • Defines own goals specifically and makes them as realistic and as attainable as possible
  • Accepts that the problem already exists and puts more energy into solving it rather than in resisting it
  • Gathers some good knowledge about the problem at hand in order to decrease the uncertain anxiety and fear that one would face when solving it
  • Tries to look for solutions from other people who have faced the same situation, how they have solved it and the kind of challenges they have faced along the way
  • Opens own mind to a solution that may work and tries it out instead of making snap judgments based on little experience and information

Problem/Situation Analysis: Meets Expectations Phrases

  • Tries to break the problem down into smaller, manageable parts in order to decrease anxiety and think more clearly
  • Finds a more positive side of the situation and focuses on it in order to reduce the situation's negative emotional impact
  • Uses more positive or neutral words to describe the situation and avoids words that may make one feel frustrated about the situation
  • Keeps own motivation up by rewarding oneself after successfully completing a phase of the problem
  • Looks at the problem from different directions in order to identify the root cause rather than getting sidetracked by the symptom
  • Prepares for the worst possible outcome and how to deal with it; tries something else when a solution one has implemented doesn't work
  • Tries to form own goals in the sense of actions one can take to achieve the desired goals
  • Keeps track of each solution in order to know what needs to be changed or whether the solution itself needs to be changed
  • Takes full responsibility for mistakes made from solutions that one has implemented and refrains from blaming other people
  • Sets a deadline for when a situation should be solved and a schedule for reporting in order to stay on track and know when one is falling apart

Problem/Situation Analysis: Needs Improvement Phrases

  • Blames other people when one makes mistakes instead of taking responsibility for own actions
  • Spends time complaining about the problem at hand instead of looking for solutions and prevention of such a problem in the future
  • Does not take the time to create a plan that would help one stay on track when analyzing the situation at hand
  • Faces the problem alone without involving other people's ideas and therefore ends up spending more time on the problem than expected
  • Believes in perfection; spends time going through a problem over and over instead of trying out the available solutions and looking for changes afterward
  • Does not care about checking the progress of the implemented solutions or suggesting changes
  • Does not create time to do exercises that improve one's ability to think strategically and analytically
  • Jumps into solving a problem without enough information and facts thus generates solutions that are half-baked
  • Does not ask questions or look at the situation from different angles thus fails to understand it better
  • Breaks down a problem into smaller ones but does not develop strategies to solve the problems

Problem/Situation Analysis: Self Evaluation Questions

  • Describe a time when you solved a problem without all the necessary information about it in hand. How did you go about it and what was the outcome?
  • How do you weigh the advantages and disadvantages of a solution before implementing it?
  • Can you explain the steps you have taken to troubleshoot a problem? How effective have these steps been?
  • What information do you research when analyzing a problem and how do you use it?
  • Your manager wants to buy a program that will improve the customer service and asks you for a recommendation. How would you reply?
  • Describe a time when you have anticipated a problem. What did you do about it?
  • Describe the most difficult situation/problem you have ever solved. What steps did you take to diagnose it and what was the outcome?
  • What factors have you considered when developing and evaluating solutions to a problem?
  • What are some of the challenges that you have encountered when analyzing problems and how have you faced them?
  • Describe a time when you have found a creative way to solve a problem. How did you feel?

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