What is the first step in the problem-solving process?

The first step in the problem-solving process is to group incidents as problems. This step is crucial because it allows the supervisor to clearly define what issues need to be addressed. By identifying and categorizing specific incidents or challenges faced by the team or organization, the supervisor can recognize patterns or underlying factors contributing to the situation. This systematic approach lays the groundwork for effective analysis and resolution of issues.

Identifying key stakeholders, developing a community survey, and conducting background checks are important components in their own right but come later in the problem-solving process. Stakeholders play a significant role in the implementation phase, surveys help gather data to inform decisions, and background checks can be critical for specific situations but are not foundational for understanding the broader problem at hand. Thus, grouping incidents is fundamental to moving forward with problem resolution.