Puzzles Can Help With Problem Solving

I love to solve problems! I enjoy the challenge of taking a situation that may seem unsolvable, and breaking it down into little pieces (or steps) that can be accomplished. This love of problem solving is partly due to my Grandmother. I have fond memories of sitting next to her helping with the crossword puzzle in the Sunday paper. And, if not a crossword puzzle, then it was Jumble, Scrabble (now called Words with Friends) or a jigsaw puzzle.

 I’m well aware that there are a zillion different ways to solve a problem, but I like this seven step process:

1. Define and Identify the Problem
2. Analyze the Problem
3. Identify Possible Solutions
4. Select the Best Solution(s)
5. Evaluate the Solution
6. Develop an Action or Contingency Plan
7. Implement the Solution

I’ll use my crossword puzzle example to illustrate the 7 steps of the problem solving process.

1. Define and Identify the Problem: “Oh, look! The Sunday paper is here! I’m going to do the crossword puzzle!”
2. Analyze the Problem: “What’s the theme of this week’s puzzle?” Is it rated easy, medium or hard? Is the font little? Should I use a pen or a pencil?”
3. Identify Possible Solutions: “I’ll solve the easy and known words first, and I’ll build on existing words to solve others.”
4. Select the Best Solution(s): “I’m stuck on this one. I’ll leave it for now, work around it and come back to it later.”
5. Evaluate the Solution(s): “Does this word fit in the number of boxes provided? Does it make sense? Does it fit with other words around it?”
6. Develop an Action and/or Contingency Plan: “Do I need a dictionary? Can I ask a friend? Did I use a pencil so I can erase a wrong answer?”
7. Implement the Solution(s): “I’ll check my answers with the answer key for correctness”

 Here’s an example from my work setting, Columbia College:

1. Problem: Decreased enrollments at one of our nationwide campuses.
2. Analysis: Increased competition
3. Solutions: Increased marketing, advertising and business development.
4. Best Solution: Lunch and Learn event on identified campus.
5. Evaluation of Solution: Received approval from all interested parties.
6. Action Plan: Create procedure for event, identify location and schedule event, etc.
7. Implementation: Conduct event, and evaluate its effectiveness.

 So if you’re ever stuck on how to solve (or fix) something, give this process a try. And if you ever need a recommendation on a jigsaw puzzle, just ask me!