PROBLEM SOLVING AND THE HEADACHE OF COPING WITH CONTINUING CHANGE

Abstract

As the complexity and spread of vertical and horizontal flux change has increased in recent times
owing to internal and external exigencies, it has become apparent that just leading change
initiatives without bonding and problem solving skills is not nearly sufficient to effect
satisfactory change.The pressure emanating to transform can be seen across a wide spectrum of
players endeavouring to problem solve so as tocope with change. Coping with change has
become a constant challenge for contemporary leaders, communities, governments and
corporations. This paper discusses problem-solving skills as a key requirement to enable change
management. Problem solving skills are skills possessing the ability to solve problems in an
effective and timely manner devoid ofimpediments or be-as-it-may; with minimal acceptable
impediments. It involves being able to identify and define the problem, generate alternative
solutions, evaluate and select the best alternative, and implement the best optedsolution. How to
manage this process in the face of nagging pressure for continuous change to keep up with
competition and market demands is the headache that the paper delves into; the elephant in the
room