Diagnostic skill is the ability to analyze the nature of a problem with people, ideas, things, or events. A good diagnosis precedes a recommended solution to a problem in medicine, automotive repair, or management. Supervisors are frequently called on to size up a problem in order to take the appropriate corrective action. In one government agency, lost time due to illness had reached unacceptable levels in one department. The agency director asked the supervisor to investigate the situation. The supervisor began his diagnostic work by interviewing five employees whose absenteeism had suddenly increased. All five complained of mysterious headaches and nausea.
