Change and the opportunity to change is constant but can only be secured if a positive and confident attitude, and an effective decision making environment exists. This is the heart of supervisor training.

This supervisor training problem solving course will help participants to achieve success by promoting their understanding of the nature of problems, their initiation and analysis as a prerequisite to problem solving. Participants ability to predict, prevent, quantify, cope, communicate and enlist co-operation is enhanced, resulting in improved quality of decision making and problem solving outcomes.

Some problems arise from weak or poorly communicated objectives. The process of realising corporate objectives and personal objectives can be assisted if the principles of planning are understood, time and resources are properly managed, and an evaluation made of the benefits and obstacles that each objective incorporates. Achievement of objectives, and the prevention of problems also needs an understanding of required results, an examination of the means available, knowledge of human behaviour patterns, and consultation and participation on the definition and evaluation of alternative solutions. Such an approach to supervisor training and problem solving has the advantage of generating innovative ideas through "think tank" or "brain storming" techniques, whilst ensuring commitment arising from collective responsibility. Therefore, the effectiveness of this supervisor training problem solving course is enhanced when combined with thinking skills. However not all problems can be predicted and prevented by these means. Problems can arise at the interpersonal level, therefore one needs to be sensitive to the operating environment, the needs of colleagues and their situation. In other words supervisor training has to be holistic.

This supervisor training problem solving course introduces more detailed methods, by considering how to recognise potentially difficult situations, identify and analyse human problems, examine their cause, effect and possible solutions identify opportunities and specify alternatives. Finally, implications and consequences are assessed, and the changes needed to secure objectives are identified and agreed.

The course concludes with an assessment and discussion on whether the making of good decisions needs to balance technical appraisal with an ability to appreciate the value of intangibles and human considerations.

Throughout the supervisor training problem solving course participants will use studies from their own environment. This will conclude with them preparing and presenting a problem analysis of their business issues so that course concepts can be applied to give them and their organisation immediate benefit.