Chapter 9, # 46.

This was my response to a question on a take-home essay test for one of my communication classes.  If you can't tell, I had a bit of fun with it.

In his famous song “Ice Ice Baby,” rap artist Vanilla Ice tells his audience: “If you got a problem, yo, I'll solve it. Check out the hook while my DJ revolves it.” I'm not sure what that second sentence means, but in order to make the first claim, Mr. Ice surely must have mastered the steps in the Problem-Solving Agenda, which are: 1) Define and delineate the problem; 2) Analyze the problem; 3) Identify alternative solutions; 4) Evaluate proposed solutions; 5) Choose the best solution.

Let's suppose that Mr. Ice is called upon to solve a problem in the produce department of a grocery store. “Vanilla,” the manager says, “we just don't know how to best organize our vegetables.” Mr. Ice then would (1) check everyone else's understanding by defining and delineating the problem, making sure all members of the group viewed the same issue as the problem. Then Mr. Ice might (2) analyze the problem by leading the produce department in a discussion about the importance of foodstuff organization, who will be affected and various limitations of size, counter-space and refrigeration. Next, discussion would continue with (3) members of the group brainstorming to identify possible solutions such as organization by color, size, scientific classification, storage capacity, popularity, number of syllables, etc. These solutions would be recorded and and then (4) evaluated based on appeal and feasibility. Perhaps placing pumpkins parallel to prunes would put-off potential patrons, but bananas by blueberries might bring big buyers. Upon evaluation of the proposed solutions, the (5) best solution is then chosen, with everyone lending their support in the carrying out of the decision

While the scenario may be fictitious and even a little ridiculous, the process remains true. In following the Problem-Solving Agenda, groups can creatively, effectively and efficiently resolve whatever problems may arise. If these steps are taken, not only will important issues be taken care of, but the group will become more cohesive through the process. Maybe that's the “hook” Vanilla told us to check out.