Use technique to solve problems quickly at their source
Problem solving forms part of a professional person’s critical thinking skill set. It is one of the most important tools available to anyone seeking to increase their effectiveness and influence.
The world is full of problems and becoming a master problem solver will ensure that your value to your clients and your colleagues will always be valued.
Your challenge is to see if you can solve a problem permanently. Sometimes solutions will require some time and a team effort. Be someone others want to work with.
Follow the steps below and see just how effective you can become.
Step 1 – Identify The Problem: #
- Make sure you understand the actual problem. Be curious. Ask questions.
- Sometimes the symptom being presented to you is not the actual problem and that the actual problem is sometimes more difficult to pinpoint.
- Solving symptoms and not root causes of problems is inefficient. Keep probing with friendly questions to make sure that you are not wasting time solving the wrong problem.
Step 2 – Decide on the Right Solution #
- Once you have identified the root cause of the problem make a decision on the fastest way to solve it. There may be multiple solutions available. Some will be better than others.
- Alway aim for a permanent solution but be mindful that on occasion a rapid solution is required that may require a revisit to the actual problem once the initial urgency has been subdued.
- Sometimes you will need to ask for the assistance of others and sometimes you can go ahead and solve it yourself. When seeking the help of others, define the symptoms and actual problem clearly.
- Be prepared for possible contingencies and what actions must be taken in the event of the something going wrong.
- When dealing with the person that presented you with a problem, if required, ensure that they understand the actual problem and what steps you must take to solve it. Get buy in and understanding.
- Related to the point above, be aware of your audience and communicate accordingly. Understand they they may not have the same education in this specific regard that you do. Keep it simple.
Step 3 – Execute your solution #
- Once all role players understand the issue and actions required. Execute your plan.
- Measure twice and cut once. Nothing is worse that having to do the same things two or three times because you were not paying attention to the details.
Step 4 – Confirm Satisfaction #
- Once you can confirm that the problem is solved, verify the satisfaction of the required role players.
- Always be sure to ask, “is there anything else I can help you with today?”
Some Wisdoms to Ponder #
“The toughest part of problem solving is defining the problem. What appears to be the problem might at best merely be a symptom. It is usually necessary to delve deeper in order to locate the real problem and define it.” – from book – Just About Everything a Manager Needs to Know in South Africa pg 355.
“Every problem is a gift. Without them we wouldn’t grow” – Tony Robbins
“We fail more often because we solve the wrong problem than because we get the wrong solution to the right problem.” – Russell L. Ackoff
“Each problem that I solved became a rule, which served afterwards to solve other problems.” – Rene Descartes
“A problem is a chance for you to do your best.” – Duke Ellington
“Your ability to solve problems and make good decisions is the true measure of your skill as a leader.” – Brian Tracy
“If you are unable to understand the cause of a problem, it is impossible to solve it.” – Naoto Kan
“Solving problems means listening.” – Richard Branson
“Inside of every problem lies an opportunity.” – Robert Kiposaki
“There is no problem outside of you that is superior to the power within you.” – Bob Proctor
“You can increase your problem-solving skills by honing your question-asking ability.” – Michael J. Gelb
“All life is problem solving.” – Karl Popper