Problem Solving

Problem solving is a part of almost every person’s daily life (both at home and in
the workplace)
Problem-solving is the process of observing what is going on in your environment;
identifying things that could be changed or improved; diagnosing why the current
state is the way it is and the factors and forces that influence it; developing
approaches and alternatives to influence change; making decisions about which
alternative to select; taking action to implement the changes; and observing impact
of those actions in the environment.
Problem-solving is important both to individuals and organizations because it
enables us to exert control over our environment.

THE PROBLEM-SOLVING PROCESS

In order to effectively manage and run a success organization, leadership must
guide their employees and develop problem-solving techniques. Finding a suitable
solution for issues can be accomplished by following the basic four-step problem-
solving process and methodology outlined below.
Step Characteristics
Define the problem Differentiate fact from opinion
Specify underlying causes
Consult each faction involved for information
State the problem specifically
Identify what standard or expectation is violated
Determine in which process the problem lies
Avoid trying to solve the problem without data
Generate alternative solutions Postpone evaluating alternative initially
Include all involved individuals in the generating
of alternatives
Specify alternatives consistent with
organizational goals
Specify short-and long-term alternatives
Brainstorm on others’ ideas
Seek alternatives that may solve the problem
Evaluate and select an alternative Evaluate alternatives relative to a target
standard
Evaluate all alternatives without bias
Evaluate alternatives relative to established
goals
Evaluate both proven and possible outcomes
State the selected alternative explicitly
Implement and follow up on the• Plan and implement a pilot test of the
solution chosen alternative
• Gather feedback from all affected parties
• Seek acceptance or consensus by all
 those affected
• Establish ongoing measures and
monitoring
• Evaluate long-term results based on final
solution

In order to be effective at problem solving you are likely to need some key skills,
which include:
Creativity. Problems are usually solved either intuitively or systematically. Intuition
is used when no knowledge is needed – you know enough to be able to make a
quick decision and solve the problem, or you use common sense or experience to
solve the problem. More complex problems or problems that you have not
experienced before will likely require a more systematic and logical approach to
solve, and for these you will need to use creative thinking.
Researching Skills. Defining and solving problems often requires you to do some
research: this may be a simple Google search or more rigorous research project.
Team Working. Many problems are best defined and solved with the input of other
people. Team working may sound like a “work thing” but it is just as important at
home and school as well as in the workplace.
Emotional Intelligence. It is worth considering the impact that a problem and/or its
solution has on you and other people. Emotional intelligence, the ability to
recognize the emotions of yourself and others, will help guide you to an appropriate
solution.
Risk Management. Solving a problem involves a certain amount of risk – this risk
needs to weigh up against not solving the problem.
Decision Making. Problem solving and decision making are closely related skills,
and making a decision is an important part of the problem-solving process as you
will often be faced with various options and alternatives.
Using established tools and techniques will help you improve your approach to
solving the problems that your team and your organization face. You’ll be more
successful at what you do. What’s more, you’ll begin to build a reputation as
someone who can handle tough situations, in a wise and positive way.