7 Steps to Problem Solving

A decision needs to be made. It’s your call. What do you do? Throw a dart, spin a wheel, or ask the magic eight ball? Consult the ouija board, or use structured techniques to analyze and plan solutions? It’s a leader’s responsibility to direct problem solving, not bury your head in the sand and hope problems go away. Offering direction through decision-making is your job and makes you an attractive leader to follow.

Where Does Problem Solving Begin?

1. Define The Solved State — First, consider the outcome you desire. Describe the problem when it’s no longer a problem, what does it look like?

• What do you want to achieve?
• Is there anything you want to keep?
• What do you want to eliminate?
• What do you want to avoid?

2. Determine The Causes — To define the problem, you must understand the causes. Ask yourself and others the questions outlined below. Gather information and input.

• What is observable?

• When and where is the problem?

• What employees, departments, tools, systems, equipment, etc. are involved?

Caution: don’t get caught up in the “blame game.” It’s not who is right, it’s what is right. Often, the first reaction to a problem is who to blame, rather than defining the problem and causes. Blaming others will not solve the problem, but it will make you an unattractive leader.

3. Define The Problem — Use the solved state and the causes to define the problem.

• How would you describe the problem?

• What sets the problem apart?

• Where is the problem located?

• When does the problem occur?

• How can the problem be isolated?

4. Diagram The Problem — It doesn’t have to be pretty. Take the information you have gathered, the solved state, causes, positions, departments, systems, equipment, tools, etc., and diagram the problem.

5. Develop Solutions – Consider the following points when constructing a solution.

• If the problem is complex, it may be best to break it into parts.

• Keep in mind, something can be done.

• Remember, it’s not a problem - it’s an opportunity to improve.

• Analyze. Does the solution take you to the solved state?

• If the solved state is clear, but the problem is hard to define, begin at the solved state and go back.

• People work harder implementing their own plans. Involve everyone, as much as possible, in the planning.

• Solve the problem that exists, not the one you hope exists.

6. Implement The Plan – Don’t wait. Start solving the problem.

• When will it begin? Set a start time and a deadline.

• Who will lead the solution team?

• How will progress be tracked?

• How will you know the problem is solved?

7. Review The Progress – Plan to follow up.

• Is the plan realistic?

• Does the plan need improvements, additions?

• When will you meet with the team?

What's the Next Step? 

Are you thinking this post is all fine and good, but how do I actually solve the problem? I’m about to give you a few ideas — In the next post. The follow-up will discuss specific problem solving techniques.