Tweet

A simple problem solving process

Written by: Terry Ingham

Article Overview: Time and time again I find that when businesses have problems they take a 'solve the symptom' approch when they should be taking a solve the problem appoach. The problem seems to be often that they fail to tell the difference. The symptom is the bit you see, feel or hear, the problem is usually some place else. What's called for is a systematic approch.

A simple problem solving process

Introduction By far one of the most effective personal improvement strategies any individual (or organisation) can ever use is problem solving. Far too much time and money is wasted doing things again and again when, if only we could learn from our mistakes we would put them right for good. An effective problem solving strategy does just that.

Background

Many problems you face will be repeats of problems which have occurred before; which indicates that the true cause of the problem has not been eliminated - yet. A problem can be said to exist when:

'You have deviated from what should have happened to what has actually happened'.

A systematic approach to problem solving will ensure that problems are solved effectively and stay solved.

Seven Easy Steps to Solving Problems using the 7 'D's Approach

1. Describe the problem

Problems can be described in many ways in order to better understand them. A good idea is to describe your problem using a one sentence headline which begins with 'How to' or 'How can ?' Try it!

2. Define the symptoms and facts

Next you need to establish the situation and facts. To do this use good problem solving questions such as:

- How has the problem occurred?

- Why is this a problem for you?

- What is the current situation?

- What, if anything, has been tried before?

- What else has been thought of?

- When did this problem first occur?

- What else happened just before or at that time? Etc, etc.

In order to solve any problem you need to treat the causes and not the symptoms (a symptom is what indicates to you that you have a problem). However, it is often the symptom that gets your attention. Collect facts to show you the scale of your problem and to show you the trends i.e. is the problem increasing, decreasing, static, variable, regular, intermittent etc. Then analyse your facts using tools such as pareto charts and histograms.

3. Determine the Possible Causes

Now you can begin to look for possible causes. This is where you need to be logical and radical. Think beyond what has gone before, challenge prejudices and beliefs, and examine all the relevant facts and information at hand using tools such as Brainstorming and CEDAC (Cause and Effect Diagram with the Addition of Cards). Systematically consider every possible cause and check it against the known factual information.

4. Develop Solutions and Ideas

Now using brainstorming, you need to be creative. Start your brainstorming by writing a 'How to' statement on a flipchart so it is clearly visible and in the forefront of everyones mind. Don't rule anything out. Brainstorm all possible solutions and ideas you can think of that could solve your problem. Then go to step 5.

5. Decide on the best solution

Now review your brainstorming list and eliminate any ideas that will not completely eliminate your problem. Evaluate the rest using a systematic ranking tool such as 10/4, 3 Star Rating, or Consequence Analysis (my favourite as it is the most objective). During your deliberations you should consider Cost, Complexity and Risk.

6. Do the implementation work

It's not uncommon for problems to go unsolved; simply because the implementation of the solution was not carried out or carried out badly. Solving problems means changing something and as a general rule we don't like change! Always make sure that those affected by change are involved in it, that way you gain buy-in and your change will be much more likely to succeed.

7. Demonstrate success

Finally, complete the problem solving loop to satisfy yourself that the solution you implemented worked and that it has been successful. Therefore introduce a means of checking and evaluating the results. Do not assume all will be well - check!

Common Problem Solving mistakes...

• Choosing wrong problems
• Not understanding the seriousness and the cost of the problem
• Jumping to causes/solutions
• Wrong information
• Too much information
• Treating symptoms not causes
• "Politics" and pressure
• Defensiveness
• Blame culture
• Implementing first solution
• Not evaluating solutions
• Failure to implement solution
• Not thinking through the implementation
• Not checking effectiveness

Related Articles
  Innovation or problem solving? is a great question to ask often
  THOUGHT SHOWERING (BRAINSTORMING)
  How to Solve Any Problem
  Banks Cant Sell
  10 Key Problem Solving Tips For Managers

Article Tags: current situation, improvement strategies, nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp, personal improvement, problem solving questions, systematic approach, time and money, true cause



Related Forum Posts
Entrepreneurs come up with "The Big Idea" - A question we have been asked more than once recently, by both aspiring entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship researchers, is: How do entrepreneurs come up with "The Big Idea"? The most recent case was an MBA student who really wanted to become an entrepreneur but felt he could never come up with a "big idea". Well, in our experience the reality is that most successful entrepreneurs didn't think they were going to come up with a big idea either! Our advice to this MBA was straightforward. Don't look for big ideas, look for problems that need solving. Problems are a much easier starting point and act as a focus for creativity and innovation - providing you can be passionate about it and are prepared to devote an obsessive level of attention to the important details. At our core we are all resourceful, creative creatures once we have a problem in front of us. Ideally the problems that you should seek should be in an area where you have experience / expertise. That will help ensure you really understand the problem and increase the likelihood of you being able to formulate an intelligent and practical solution, incorporating the potential for a competitive advantage. Virtually all the ventures we know arose out of dissatisfaction with the current state of things. Viewing innovation and entrepreneurship as the process of identifying problems, devising potential solutions and then implementing those solutions is often more useful and productive as a perspective.
Re: Are you satisfied with your ISP's services? - The same in my case my ISP holds my phone number. What i don't like is that if i have a technical problem the process take to much time and they will never hurry up to solve the problem. Save God this it not happening to often. Another think that bugs me is the advertising .... to many offers and advertisements that are annoying people.
Creating Your Advisory Board - Part 1 Steps 1 & 2 - Thanks Kevin, I will go through each step in detail, starting with this post. 1) determine the objective of your advisory board. Why do you want an advisory board? to generate better ideas, open up new markets, launch new products? brainstorming, problem solving, fiduciary duties etc? Whatever you need from your board, be very clear in presenting what you want to accomplish by building this team. A good advisory board can be general in scope or targeted on specific markets. know how often you want to run meetings and set agendas appropriately. 2) Choosing the Right People once you are clear in what you want to accomplish it will be substantially easier to find the right people. Consider this a full time recruiting process to begin with. Start with your dream list of advisors. Perhaps you want to launch a new junk removal service, wouldnt it be great to have the CEO of 1-800 Got junk? start there. determine the areas of expertise that you need to recruit. Big names can be a bonus but not always. Find people who are going to be able to give you the time you need. People who will be honest, open and free with their ideas, resources and connections. You will want problem solvers with diverse skills, expertise and experience. If you need help approaching people, email me and I will give you some direct assistance. Until next issue, items 3 & 4 Jude
Re: How to make $10 million from home in 4 easy steps - Seems simple enough. Now the problem is actually finding the right niche and running with it.
Re: HOw to market a B2B consulting company - How about providing a white paper on Common security holes (only mention the ones that the prospect can easily and inexpensively fix themselves). Towards the end explain that there are other greater security flaws that exist and that you provide a "Free Security Consultation and Report". They could use this report to get cheaper quotes but you are getting so much more... you get face time with the company and get to build rapport with them. I know of a company here in Toronto that does Energy Audits on your home and provide you with a report on ways you can save energy- they also also offer to fix it for you through their suppliers. they had a story run on them on Earth Day this year and they were bombarded with over 200 calls in one day to have these audits done. The audits are done for free. You could write up a shocking story on Security and holes that exist within businesses today and submit this story to the newspapers business edition or to a Trade Magazine written for the industry you are trying to serve. Most journalists may pick up this article and feature it or interview you directly. Also, I would redesign your site to be more Information-based to educate potential prospects (how to solve common security issues) rather than it being all about the company - people are more interested in solving their problem and often aren't searching the internet for a particular company by name unless it is well established. So give them juicy information freely. note: When I first heard this idea of giving away free information about solving a problem I was hesitant to use it in my web design business. I gave it a try anyways and the amazing part was that even the easy inexpensive things I advised them they could fix in their websites they offered to pay me to do it for them - from there I was able to upsell them on greater improvements. I've since sold this company - but it was fun!


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Tweet

Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!

Name:
Email:

Popular Articles

The Right Job - Part Five 'Compensation'

Selling On Ebay The Good The Bad And The Ugly

TRADE SHOW FOLLOW-UP: HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.