Five Easy Steps to Problem Solving

There are many different ways of approaching a problem to solve it, and there are many methodologies related to it.  For example, I have read various articles that said 10 easy steps, 8 easy steps, and/or 7 easy steps to solving a problem.  Of course, all these steps come from well-known speakers and authors.   

That is way too many steps to solve a problem, in my opinion.  Personally, I think a nice odd number like five steps would be, ancient proverb from Goldilocks, “just right.”   

I like to use the lean method of process improvement as an inspiration using Define, Measure, Analyze, Implement, and Control, also known as DMAIC, in my problem solving needs.  All I do is change the naming around to fit.  So, converted to my specification, here is my simple method:

1. Identify and define – The best and most important thing is to figure out what you want to solve. So you have to identify your problem and define it in the simplest means possible. For example, I am hungry.  This is the identification, and I need something to eat is defining it.
2. Gather and measure - This step is where you would gather facts and makes assumptions related to the problem you just identified and defined. The measure portion would be how much information you might need to put towards solving the problem.  For example, you need to gather food and need to know how much.
3. Develop solutions and analyze - Here you would go through your information and come up with various solutions and analyze how they would solve your problem in the different ways. For example, should I get a pizza or go get tacos.  Would the food I choose give me heartburn?
4. Take a course of action and implement – After you developed your solutions and analyzed it, you make your choice, and implement your solution. For example, I decided to go with pizza.  Then implementing would be on how you get it.
5. Evaluate and control - Here you are eating the pizza and you are evaluating the effects of your choice and control various factors to refine it.  For example, if the pizza is a bit bland you can add salt and pepper.  If it is giving you some heartburn because of too much marinara sauce, you can take some antacid.

So as you can see, it this is a pretty easy methodology and format to solve a problem.    It can be done in five easy steps and as easy as eating a pizza. Just keep some spice and antacid close by.