The 3-D Nature of Real World Problems

About the Book

Old-fashioned problem solving in the workplace can make you crazy - more so today than ever before. That's because real-world problems are maddeningly 3-Dimensional, while too many organizations are attacking these challenges with traditional 2-Dimensional tools that look at the surface, without effectively probing what is going on beneath the obvious.

We began work in this arena as employees of a large global organization, and continued our efforts as consultants to these same kinds of firms. One of our most important conclusions is that colour blindness and dimension impairment around problem solving aren't genetically programmed in people. Instead these traits most often result from immersion in organizational cultures, where they are handed down in statements such as the following:

"It's common sense; anyone can see what's going on!" (We call this 'Sherlock Holmes miraculously solved the crime.')

"We've always done it like that around here." (Here, a seasoned veteran bravely fights the last war.)

"I'm a can-do person; fixing problems is my special gift. (We call this 'The Lone Ranger Rides Again.')

"We're in the repair department; this is what we do." (Here we see a whole posse of Lone Rangers riding again as part of a formally established, and probably quite expensive, department of problem fixers.)

"Because I'm your boss and I said so!" (This is where Attila the Hun rides again.)

About the Author

Dan Koger

Over the past 20 years, Dan has provided consulting services in organizational communications, group-performance development, process improvement, change management, conflict resolution, presentation skills, customer service and quality improvement.

He has worked in a wide variety of industries, including banking and finance, telecommunications, the news media, energy services, government, automotive and other manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and high technology. Clients have included such diverse companies as AT&T, General Motors, Johnson & Johnson, IBM, and Nortel, with many assignments requiring extended work in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

He has a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Missouri, a masters degree in American economic history from Michigan State University, a doctorate in American Studies/Communications from Michigan State University, and certification in Strategic Business Planning from Wharton School of Business. Currently Dan is a faculty member at Phoenix University teaching communications.

GAB Consultancy
124 Forrester Court
Simi Valley, California 93065
(805) 522-0286

Email: gab4iso@aol.com

Greg Brower has been President of GAB Consultancy for the past 8 years. Dr. Brower has worked as an International lecturer and consultant in the field of quality. He has worked closely with Dr. W. Edwards Deming and Philip Crosby and has been personally authorized to instruct and consult on their behalf. Dr. Brower has had the unique experience of applying the key quality philosophies to the test of daily application, both in his current role and as founder of the General Motors Quality Institute.

His broad-based perspective enables Dr. Brower to clarify the relationships between different quality ideas and approaches. At the same time, his background and orientation focus on the practical value of these ideas; that is, making them work for an organization. He is also numbered among the few Americans who have consulted to Japanese industry. Massaki Imai's latest book, Gimba Kaizen, highlights some of these contributions.

Dr. Brower holds a bachelor's degree from Wayne State University, a master's degree in Management from Central Michigan University, a doctorate in Education from Western Michigan University, and certification in Strategic Business Planning from Wharton School of Business.

GAB Consultancy
124 Forrester Court
Simi Valley, California 93065
(805) 522-0286

Email: gab4iso@aol.com