Helping Heuristics

Overview

Heuristics are structures that signal important elements to consider when entering a new situation. They are a tool to simultaneously develop deeper insight and help to respond with a quick decision-making attitude. This method is based on short exchanges that reveal effective heuristics.

Use this method to:

• Avoid common traps when giving and asking for help.
• Change unwanted giving help patterns that include: premature solutions, unneeded advice; adding pressure to force use of advice; moving to next steps too quickly; trying too hard not to over-help.
• Change unwanted asking for help patterns that include: mistrusting, not sharing the real problem; accepting help without ownership; looking for validation, not help; resenting not getting enough.
• Improve inter-professional coordination in any professional group.
• Expand options when frustration takes over while in the process of helping another work team member.