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7-Step Problem Solving: Develop Solutions Gather & Analyze Data

The 7-step problem solving method outlines a process for defining, analyzing, and resolving problems in a collaborative way. The 7 steps are: 1) define the problem, 2) understand the current situation, 3) gather and analyze data, 4) develop solutions, 5) implement solutions, 6) hold the gain, and 7) reflect and learn. Going through each step helps ensure problems are clearly defined, root causes are identified, multiple solutions are considered, solutions are effectively implemented and improvements are sustained and shared.

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rakibul sagor
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643 views2 pages

7-Step Problem Solving: Develop Solutions Gather & Analyze Data

The 7-step problem solving method outlines a process for defining, analyzing, and resolving problems in a collaborative way. The 7 steps are: 1) define the problem, 2) understand the current situation, 3) gather and analyze data, 4) develop solutions, 5) implement solutions, 6) hold the gain, and 7) reflect and learn. Going through each step helps ensure problems are clearly defined, root causes are identified, multiple solutions are considered, solutions are effectively implemented and improvements are sustained and shared.

Uploaded by

rakibul sagor
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

7-step problem solving

Common language and shared tools increase the speed, quality and effectiveness of problem solving.

DEVELOP
SOLUTIONS

IMPLEMENT
GATHER &
ANALYZE 4 SOLUTIONS
DATA
3 5
UNDERSTAND
2
HOLD
CURRENT THE
SITUATION
6 GAIN

1 7
DEFINE THE REFLECT
PROBLEM & LEARN

USE THIS METHOD WHEN THE OUTPUT OR PRODUCT OF THE WORK OR PROCESS IS (ONE OR MORE):
• Late • Costs more than expected • Demands excess and
• Takes longer than expected • Requires rework repeated handling
• Is incomplete • Causes complaints • Has wasted time or
unnecessary activities
• Has errors or defects
7-step problem solving
STEP PURPOSE OUTCOME

1
DEFINE THE Agree on what the problem ❏ A clear written statement describes the situation
PROBLEM “is” and why it’s important to concisely
address
❏ Processes involved are identified
❏ Consequences of not solving the problem are known
❏ The ‘facts’ compel action

2
UNDERSTAND Understand what is ❏ Context for and history of the problem are understood
CURRENT contributing to the problem,
SITUATION how the work is currently ❏ Identify, agree and document
done, and where it breaks ❏ Where things stand today, e.g., a process map
down
❏ Symptoms that need attention
❏ Constraints or obstacles in the way
❏ Opportunities for possible leverage
❏ Factors to consider, (political, legislative, risks, etc.)

3
GATHER & Use data and critical thinking ❏ A “root cause” analysis is completed
ANALYZE to better understand what is
DATA happening and why ❏ “Suspect” data is gathered
❏ Data and other situational information is analyzed
❏ Root cause(s) are prioritized for resolution

4
DEVELOP Explore multiple solutions and ❏ Multiple solutions are considered
SOLUTIONS choose the best one(s); create
an implementation plan ❏ Impact analysis is completed

5
IMPLEMENT Effectively implement the ❏ A detailed implementation work plan with milestones
SOLUTIONS selected solution(s) and measures to track progress is completed
❏ Effective execution of the work plan is completed
❏ Implementation glitches are fixed

6
HOLD THE Install control(s) that will ❏ Control mechanism(s) are in place
GAIN prevent slippage, or will
initiate intervention if the gain ❏ Escalation triggers and paths are set
starts to slip ❏ Process owner is assigned to monitor and improve

7
REFLECT Learn from the problem ❏ Lessons learned are identified and communicated
AND LEARN solving process and
implementation and apply
what was learned in the future

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