4 Simple Steps to Problem Solving

Having to solve problems is part of every day business. Having a simple, reliable and repeatable framework that works for problem solving is invaluable, not only for business owners but in developing their leadership team and employee's capability.

As Albert Einstein said, "We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking as we created them.". We need to approach problem solving in a different way to the norm...

In most cases, the typical approach is to focus on the problem(s) and try to come up with the solution ourselves, which is exactly what leads to problems to start with.

A much better way to approach problem solving is to involve your leadership team, and the people closest to the problem where possible, and then follow these 4 simple steps...

1. What is the Goal/Expected Outcome?

Gain agreement on what the outcome should be as a result of solving the problem. Try to make it measurable if you can. e.g. From X to Y by DD/MM/YYYY.

Tip. Don't move to the next step until everyone agrees on step 1.

2. What is the current situation/gap?

Gather the details on the current situation and how big the GAP is to the expected outcome defined in step 1.

Tip. Shut down any blame type talk. You only want the facts. If you need to understand what caused the situation, try using the 5 Why's approach.

3. What options are available?

This is the best part of the process. The brain storming. List down all the ideas that the participants come up with that they believe could/would help achieve the desired outcome.

Rank each idea using criteria (e.g. Expected Impact, Difficulty to Implement, Cost to Implement, etc.) and a score.

Finally, sum up the scores for each idea and you should have a priority list. Cross off any ideas that won't be pursued.

Tip. Don't shut down any ideas. Encourage everyone to provide their ideas.

4. Who needs to do what by when?

Now you decide what needs to be done by who and by when to implement the ideas.

Tip. Ensure to document the actions and agree a follow-up date/time to check-in on progress. Be sure to follow-up and check-in on progress as urgent issues will easily get in the way.

I have seen some of the most challenging business problems solve in this way. The added benefit is that employees are engaged as their ideas are heard, and it sets a great example of how leadership teams can solve problems in their own departments.

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