Discussing
Problems(Part1)
One of the most common reasons for holding a meeting is to solve a problem. But, while we might have the right people at the meeting, the process is often flawed because one question hasn’t clearly been asked and answered: “What is the problem?” So, in this lesson we’re going to focus on how to define the problem through discussion and then restate the problem as a challenge.
Kathryn:Okay everybody, let's get
started. (pause) I think we've all noticed thatstaff moraleis extremely low.
All:Murmurs of agreement.
Kathryn:We' ve got toget to grips withthis before itcomes back to bite us.To start with, what exactly is
the problem? Is it budget cuts, the economy, or are we missing something? Let’s
have some input.
Neil:Well, look at the economy. Who
wouldn’t be depressed?
Natalie:I'm not sure I follow. Could
you explain?
Paul:I think he means that people are
nervous. We’ve had budget cuts and lay-offs and everyone’s…
Natalie:… the economy affects
everybody, but morale is worse here than other places and I, for one, would
like to know theroot cause.
Bill:Actually, it seems obvious to me
– lack of personal contact. Neil’s on Bleaker Street, Torben iswho-knows-where– I have to take a cab just to file
expenses!I bumped intoSarah the other day
and she said "Howdy, stranger!"
Neil:You know, I don’t see what
you’re getting at...
Kathryn:Hang on, let'shear
Bill out.
Bill:Well, two years ago, when we
were expanding, we rented offices in other locations and we all got spread
out.
Paul:Yeah, I remember that. I used to
see Neil’s team every day, but we email now.
Neil:Absolutely. M y department moved
and I only see you folks at meetings.
Kathryn:I think we’reonto somethinghere. We’vepinpointedthe underlying cause of low morale. Let’s
define it as due to a lack of face-to-face contact.
All:(Murmurs of agreement)
Natalie:So, let’s state it as a
challenge. How can we improve morale, without spendinga fortune?
Bill:Exactly. (Murmurs of
agreement)
Kathryn:Good, we’ve got something we
can reallysink our teeth into. Time for
some brainstorming. To start off with, I’d like everyone to justthrow out some ideas. Okay?
Neil:Here’s one, how about if
we...
Vocaburary Note
staff morale・・・ General mood of
company's employee
get to grips with・・・To deal with a
problem
comes back to bite us・・・ To cause
ploblems at a later time
To bumped into some・・・ To meet someone
you know by chance
To be onto somthing ・・・ Close to making a imortant discovery
