Problem solving and Decision making

1. The Alexandrian Solution
Creative Problem Solving and Decision Making
Christos K. Agrogiannos

2. Introduction
• “The origins of the “Gordian knot,” a term
commonly used to describe a complex or
unsolvable problem, can be traced back to a
legendary chapter in the life of Alexander the
Great. As the story goes, in 333 B.C. the
Macedonian conqueror marched his army into
the Phrygian capital of Gordium in modern day
Turkey. Upon arriving in the city, he
encountered an ancient wagon, its yoke tied
with what one Roman historian later
described as “several knots all so tightly
entangled that it was impossible to see how
they were fastened.” Phrygian tradition held
that the wagon had once belonged to Gordius,
the father of the celebrated King Midas. An
oracle had declared that any man who could
unravel its elaborate knots was destined to
become ruler of all of Asia.
The Alpha Methodology
Consulting, Training & Coaching

3. Introduction
• According to the ancient chronicler Arrian, the
impetuous Alexander was instantly “seized
with an ardent desire” to untie the Gordian
knot. After wrestling with it for a time and
finding no success, he stepped back from the
mass of gnarled ropes and proclaimed, “It
makes no difference how they are loosed.” He
then drew his sword and sliced the knot in half
with a single stroke. In another version, he
simply pulled out a lynchpin running through
the yoke, loosening the knot enough that he
was able to unfasten it. Whatever method he
used, the young king was immediately hailed
as having outsmarted the ancient puzzle.”
The Alpha Methodology
Consulting, Training & Coaching

4. Description
• The more serious and complex the
problems, the more difficult decisions are,
and the greater the risk, since the
hypotheses and the psychological pitfalls
are more.
• When these "traps" coexist at the same
time, then the final decision may be far
from right.
• The more accurate analysis of the problem
and the handling of all these traps will help
us make the right decision.
The Alpha Methodology
Consulting, Training & Coaching

5. The Alpha Approach
• In this journey from the problem to its
solution we will examine various tools and
techniques of problem analysis and
techniques to deal with it, which will
eventually help in deciding through
creative thinking.
• It is an approach that helps executives of
today's businesses respond to key
questions that every business is concerned
about today and the future.
• An issue that will be particularly
emphasized is creative thinking both in
understanding and resolving the problem,
as well as in the dynamics of decision-
making through intuition.
The Alpha Methodology
Consulting, Training & Coaching

6. The Alpha Approach
• Dr. Alkistis Agio and Xristos Agro, both strongly
believing in synergy and collaboration, put
their strengths together and in Unity offer this
Problem solving and Decision making journey.
• In this journey from ancient Greek practices to
nowadays existing tools you will analyse a
problematic situation to finally reach the
proper decision to act.
• You can choose from our Generic Employee or
Managerial Empowerment proposes for the
success of your managers and people to solve
problems the following creativity workshops
from 1-3 days depending on the mix of
approach and the audience.
The Alpha Methodology
Consulting, Training & Coaching