- Skip to navigation
- Skip to main content
- Health conditions A to Z
- Amoebic meningitis
- Anaphylaxis
- Blood-borne viruses
- Common cold
- COVID-19 (coronavirus)
- Influenza (flu)
- Heart health (cardiovascular)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Meningococcal disease
- Mental illness
- Mpox (monkeypox)
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Whooping cough (pertussis)
- Healthy living A to Z
- Child development
- End-of-life and future health
- Food safety
- Having a baby
- Healthy eating
- Immunisation
- Mental health
- Physical activity
- Prevent mosquito bites
- Radio programs
- School health
- Seasonal health
- Sexual health
- Travel health
- Safety and first aid A to Z
- Air quality
- Bushfires and natural disasters
- Chemicals and contaminants
- First aid and medical
- Home and household
- Mosquitoes and pests
- Water and wastewater
- Treatments and tests A-Z
- COVID-19 testing
- Cancer treatment
- Cervical screening
- Colonoscopy
- Insulin and diabetes
- Organ and tissue donation
- Screening mammography with BreastScreen WA
- Emergency and crisis
- Health care options
- Goals of Patient Care
- Going to hospital
- Consultations
- Multicultural health
- Telehealth – delivering virtual care closer to home
- Assistance with travel costs to receive medical care
- Ambulance fees for seniors and pensioners
- Access your WA Health medical records
- Service finder
- Healthy living
Problem solving
Sometimes, it is not enough to just cope with the problems – they need to be solved.
Most people engage in problem solving every day. It occurs automatically for many of the small decisions that need to be made on a daily basis.
For example, when making a decision about whether to get up now or sleep in for an extra 10 minutes, the possible choices and the relative risks and benefits of obeying the alarm clock or sleeping later come automatically to mind.
Larger problems are addressed in a similar way. For example: “I have tasks that need to be done by the end of the week. How am I going to get them all done on time?”
After considering the possible strategies, 1 is chosen and implemented. If it proves to be ineffective, a different strategy is tried.
People who can define problems, consider options, make choices, and implement a plan have all the basic skills required for effective problem solving.
Sometimes following a step-by-step procedure for defining problems, generating solutions, and implementing solutions can make the process of problem solving seem less overwhelming.
Six step guide to help you solve problems
Step 1: identify and define the problem.
- State the problem as clearly as possible. For example: “I don’t have enough money to pay the bills.”
- Be specific about the behaviour, situation, timing, and circumstances that make it a problem. For example: “I need to pay the phone and gas bills, and I don’t have enough money to cover both this month.”
Step 2: Generate possible solutions
- List all the possible solutions; don’t worry about the quality of the solutions at this stage.
- Try to list at least 15 solutions, be creative and forget about the quality of the solution.
- If you allow yourself to be creative you may come up with some solutions that you would not otherwise have thought about.
Step 3: Evaluate alternatives
- The next step is to go through and eliminate less desirable or unreasonable solutions.
- Order the remaining solutions in order of preference.
- Evaluate the remaining solutions in terms of their advantages and disadvantages.
Step 4: Decide on a solution
- Specify who will take action.
- Specify how the solution will be implemented.
- Specify when the solution will be implemented. For example: tomorrow morning, phone the gas company and negotiate to pay the gas bill next month.
Step 5: Implement the solution
- Implement the solution as planned.
Step 6: Evaluate the outcome
- Evaluate how effective the solution was.
- Decide whether the existing plan needs to be revised, or whether a new plan is needed to better address the problem.
- If you are not pleased with the outcome, return to step 2 to select a new solution or revise the existing solution, and repeat the remaining steps.
Problem solving is something we do every day.
Some problems are small or easily solved - others are more complicated and can seem overwhelming.
One way of tackling problems is to use a specific and systematic problem solving procedure. If you’ve tried to solve certain problems without much success, try these steps out and see if they help.
Learning to solve problems effectively will help you to minimise the level of stress in your life and improve your overall sense of well-being.
Try it out and see.
Where to get help
Centre for Clinical Interventions (CCI)
- 9.00am – 5.00pm, Monday to Friday
- Phone: (08) 9227 4399
- Email: [email protected]
- Read more about the Centre for Clinical Interventions
See your doctor
Visit healthdirect (external site) or call 1800 022 222, mental health emergency response line (mherl).
- Metro callers: 1300 55 788
- Peel: 1800 676 822
- Rural and remote areas 1800 552 002
- Most people engage in problem solving daily.
- Sometimes following a step-by-step process to define problems, consider options and make choices can make problem solving less overwhelming.
- You can always talk to your doctor or mental health practitioner and ask for help.
This information provided by
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.
- Centre for Clinical Interventions
- Unhelpful thinking styles
- Depression – reversing the vicious cycle
- Anxiety – reversing the vicious cycle
Related sites
- Centre for Clinical Interventions (external site)
- Head to Health (external site)
- Accessibility
- Patients' rights
The Six Step Problem Solving Model
Problem solving models are used to address the many challenges that arise in the workplace. While many people regularly solve problems, there are a range of different approaches that can be used to find a solution.
Complex challenges for teams, working groups and boards etc., are usually solved more quickly by using a shared, collaborative, and systematic approach to problem solving.
Advantages of Six-Step Problem Solving
The Six-Step method provides a focused procedure for the problem solving (PS) group.
- It ensures consistency, as everyone understands the approach to be used.
- By using data, it helps eliminate bias and preconceptions, leading to greater objectivity.
- It helps to remove divisions and encourages collaborative working.
- It stops PS groups diverging into different problems.
- It also helps PS groups reach consensus
- It eliminates the confusion caused when people use different problem solving techniques on the same issue.
- It makes the decision making process easier.
- It provides a justifiable solution.
All six steps are followed in order – as a cycle, beginning with “1. Identify the Problem.” Each step must be completed before moving on to the next step.
The steps are repeatable. At any point the group can return to an earlier step, and proceed from there. For example, once the real problem is identified – using “2. Determine the Root Cause(s) of the Problem”, the group may return to the first step to redefine the problem.
The Six Steps
- Define the Problem
- Determine the Root Cause(s) of the Problem
- Develop Alternative Solutions
- Select a Solution
- Implement the Solution
- Evaluate the Outcome
The process is one of continuous improvement. The goal is not to solve but to evolve, adjusting the solution continually as new challenges emerge, through repeating the Six Step Process.
Step One: Define the Problem
Step One is about diagnosing the problem – the context, background and symptoms of the issue. Once the group has a clear grasp of what the problem is, they investigate the wider symptoms to discover the implications of the problem, who it affects, and how urgent/important it is to resolve the symptoms.
At this stage groups will use techniques such as:
- Brainstorming
- Interviewing
- Questionnaires
As this step continues, the PS group will constantly revise the definition of the problem. As more symptoms are found, it clarifies what the real problem is.
Step Two: Determine the Root Cause(s) of the Problem
Once all the symptoms are found and the problem diagnosed and an initial definition agreed, the PS group begins to explore what has caused the problem. In this step the problem solving team will use tools such as:
- Fishbone diagrams
- Pareto analysis
- Affinity diagrams
These techniques help collate the information in a structured way, and focus in on the underlying causes of the problem. This is called the root cause.
At this stage, the group may return to step one to revise the definition of the problem.
Step Three: Develop Alternative Solutions
Analytical, creative problem solving is about creating a variety of solutions, not just one. Often the most obvious answer is not the most effective solution to the problem. The PS group focuses on:
- Finding as many solutions to the problem, no matter how outlandish they may seem.
- Looking at how each solution relates to the root cause and symptoms of the problem.
- Deciding if different solutions can be merged to give a better answer to the problem.
At this stage it is not about finding one solution, but eliminating the options that will prove less effective at dealing with both the symptoms and the root cause.
Step Four: Select a Solution
In the fourth step, groups evaluate all the selected, potential solutions, and narrow it down to one. This step applies two key questions.
- Which solution is most feasible?
- Which solution is favoured by those who will implement and use it?
Feasibility is ascertained by deciding if a solution:
- Can be implemented within an acceptable timeframe?
- Is cost effective, reliable and realistic?
- Will make resource usage more effective?
- Can adapt to conditions as they evolve and change?
- Its risks are manageable?
- Will benefit the organization/
Which solution is favoured?
Acceptance by the people who will use and implement the solution is key to success.
This is where the previous steps come into play. To users and implementers, a solution may seem too radical, complex or unrealistic. The previous two steps help justify the choices made by the PS group, and offer a series of different, viable solutions for users and implementers to discuss and select from.
Step Five: Implement the Solution
Once the solution has been chosen, initial project planning begins and establishes:
- The project manager.
- Who else needs to be involved to implement the solution.
- When the project will start.
- The key milestones
- What actions need to be taken before implementing the solution
- What actions need to be taken during the implementing the solution
- Why are these actions necessary?
The group may use tools, such as a Gantt chart, timeline or log frame. Between Steps Five and during Step Six the operational/technical implementation of the chosen solution takes place.
Step Six: Evaluate the Outcome
The project implementation now needs to be monitored by the group to ensure their recommendations are followed. Monitoring includes checking:
- Milestones are met
- Costs are contained
- Necessary work is completed
Many working groups skip Step Six as they believe that the project itself will cover the issues above, but this often results in the desired outcome not being achieved.
Effective groups designate feedback mechanisms to detect if the project is going off course. They also ensure the project is not introducing new problems. This step relies on:
- The collection of data
- Accurate, defined reporting mechanisms
- Regular updates from the Project Manager
- Challenging progress and actions when necessary
In Step Six, as the results of the project emerge, evaluation helps the group decide if they need to return to a previous step or continue with the implementation. Once the solution goes live, the PS group should continue to monitor the solutions progress, and be prepared to re-initiate the Six Step process when it is required.
Overall, the Six Step method is a simple and reliable way to solve a problem. Using a creative, analytical approach to problem solving is an intuitive and reliable process.
It helps keep groups on track, and enables a thorough investigation of the problem and solution search. It involves implementers and users, and finds a justifiable, monitorable solution based on data.
You can read more about the Six-Step Problem Solving Model in our free eBook ‘ Top 5 Problem Solving Tools ’. Download it now for your PC, Mac, laptop, tablet, Kindle, eBook reader or Smartphone.
- The Six Step Problem Solving Model provides a shared, collaborative, and systematic approach to problem solving.
- Each step must be completed before moving on to the next step. However, the steps are repeatable. At any point the group can return to an earlier step, and proceed from there.
- The goal is not to solve but to evolve, adjusting the solution continually as new challenges emerge, through repeating the Six Step Process.
- Step 1) Define the Problem – Identify problems through problem formulation and questioning. The key is asking the right questions to discover root causes.
- Step 2) Determine the Root Cause – During this process, assumptions are uncovered and underlying problems are further revealed. Also, this is an opportunity to collect and analyze data.
- Step 3) Develop Alternative Solutions – Decisions are made within the group to determine the appropriate solution and process through creative selection.
- Step 4) Select a Solution – Once the group has formed solutions and alternatives to the problem(s), they need to explore the pros and cons of each option through forecasting consequences.
- Step 5) Implement the Solution – Develop an action plan to implement and execute the solution process.
- Step 6) Evaluate the Outcome – This final stage requires an evaluation of the outcomes and results of the solution process. Ask questions such as: Did the option answer the questions we were working on? Did this process address the findings that came out of the assumptions?
- This process helps keep groups on track, and enables a thorough investigation of the problem and solution search.
Free Strategy Skills Resources
See the full list of strategy skills ebooks, templates and checklists available for free download right now..
Success in your inbox
Get monthly insights handpicked by our editorial team. Act on it.
Connect with customers
LiveChat is a complete customer service platform that delights your customers and fuels your sales.
Trusted by 36,000+ companies
LiveChat helps you delight your customers and fuels your sales.
Showing top 0 results 0 results found, 6 steps to effective problem-solving.
- Post on Twitter
- Share on Facebook
- Post on LinkedIn
- Post on Reddit
- copy-button#copy track#send" data-controller="track" data-track-category="Success" data-track-action="Share" data-track-label="Copy link" > Copy link to clipboard Link copied to clipboard https://www.livechat.com/success/6-steps-to-effective-problem-solving/
Problem-solving is a crucial skill to have for success in business. It makes you more effective, helps when making a decision, and to execute ideas. No matter how big and complicated your problem is, breaking it down into steps will help you feel more in control. You won’t wander in a fog, full of self-doubt, wasting energy on what you can’t change.
This six-step problem-solving method provides focused instructions to get the solutions you need.
Step 1: Define the problem
Step 2: Determine the root cause(s) of the problem
Step 3: Develop potential solutions
Step 4: Select a solution
Step 5: Implement the solution
Step 6: Evaluate the outcome
Each step should be completed before moving on to the next one . However, steps can be repeated. For example, if you’re on the third step, you can still return to the previous step, and redefine the problem.
First Step: Define the problem
In the first step, you recognize what the problem is. Ask yourself: What am I trying to solve? You need to make sure you have a good view of the problem because you don’t want to be fixing something that is already working. Understanding this might be hard, especially if it involves a group of people, but it’s crucial for future success.
In addition to recognizing the problem, you should also establish a goal for what you want to achieve . The flow here should be very clear:
* Something is wrong or something could be improved.
* A clear goal for fixing it.
Recognizing a problem and setting up a clear goal for fixing it saves you from complaining or stressing about it. You don’t want to be stuck because of these negative emotions. Having a clear explanation of what you want to change means you’re on the right path.
Second Step: Determine the root cause(s) of the problem
Skipping to the solution of the problem without recognizing its symptoms usually means the problem will come back in the future. Like in medicine, we need to understand the difference between treating the symptoms and curing the condition. Treating symptoms helps you in the short run , but it doesn't eliminate the real reason for the problem. Recognizing the deeper issue helps to adjust the treatment and eliminate the root of the problem. Root cause analysis (RCA) distinguishes three basic types of causes:
1. Physical causes - These are tangible, material items that failed (broken laptop, broken camera, a printer that stopped working).
2. Human causes - It means that people did something wrong or didn’t do something that created a physical cause (didn’t protect a laptop which fell down on the floor or didn’t refill the printer cartridge).
3. Organizational causes - It might be a process or policy in a company that is faulty (a customer didn’t get a refund because there was nobody assigned to that task). Finding vulnerabilities in the system, like a policy that is wrong, is a good thing because you can quickly work on improving it. Discovering issues caused by people helps you find out that maybe employees have too much on their hands and that’s why they omitted something. Physical causes can lead to the conclusion that you should invest in office equipment because two days without a working computer costs your company more than just buying a new computer itself.
Third Step Develop possible solutions
It’s time to get creative and come up with as many possible solutions as you can. This is a brainstorming session , so don’t rule out some ideas because they don't seem perfect. There’s an issue with a client and the only solution you can think of is flying out to space? That’s fine. Keep an open mind, and write down everything that comes to your mind. You’ll evaluate it later.
Writing down your ideas is an important step, especially if you’re dealing with a complicated issue. It allows you to see everything better and makes it easier to choose the right solution and take action.
Third Step Select a solution
Now it’s time to go back to earth. Your job is to evaluate your list of ideas. Start by excluding those that are unrealistic to do or not helpful in any way. I guess flying to space can wait for now, but reaching out to a customer and asking them the right questions should definitely stay on the list. Which solution seems the most feasible? Think about the consequences for each of them. If you’re solving a problem for your team, think about it from their perspective . Which solution would be the best for those who will be implementing it? Here are some questions that will help you choose the right solution:
- Can this solution be implemented in the timeframe you need?
- Is it practical, helpful, and cost-effective?
- Can it adapt to conditions that evolve and change?
- Is it risky?
- Is it beneficial to you, the team, or the company?
In short, you judge the feasibility and select the best fit.
Fifth Step Implement the solution
It’s time to put everything from the paper into action. However, keep in mind that execution follows only after planning. If a problem applies to other people as well, establish these key things:
- Who is responsible for implementation?
- Who else is involved in the process?
- What is the time frame for implementation?
- What are the objectives?
- What exact actions need to be taken before and during implementation?
While implementing the solution, it’s best to act in short iterations with testing the outcome and getting feedback from others. Keep in mind that there’s no need for it to be perfect the first time. That’s also the reason you shouldn’t get attached to only one solution. If you see that the solution you chose is failing to give you the outcome you desire, try using some of the different solutions you established before.
Final Step Evaluate the outcome
In last step devote some time to review the results. What happened after you implemented the changes? What worked, what didn’t, and what did your solution improve? Analyze if your actions made the required impact and if you addressed the root causes of the issue. It’s also time to look for improvements in the solution and to plan ongoing monitoring. You can also analyze what you’ve learned and what still needs to be learned when it comes to problem-solving processes and skills.
Problem-solving skills you need
Remember that problem-solving is a process of constant improvement and that you’ll be repeating it. Don’t expect the perfect solution from the start or that the problem won’t appear in the future. In fact, don’t try to avoid problems at all because they’re part of your learning process.
If you adopt an attitude in which you focus on finding solutions every time new challenges emerge, you’ll save yourself a lot of time and stress.
Good luck with problem-solving! If you have some questions or you want to exchange ideas on how to best solve problems, reach out to me on @Twitter !
Get a glimpse into the future of business communication with digital natives.
Keep the conversation going
- copy-button#copy track#send" data-controller="track" data-track-category="Success" data-track-action="Share" data-track-label="Copy link" > Copy link Link copied to clipboard https://www.livechat.com/success/6-steps-to-effective-problem-solving/
Thanks for your comment!
It will go live straight after moderation. Come back soon!
Something's wrong
We are sorry! Please try again in few moments
Server error
Something went wrong. Please try again in few moments.
Related topics
LiveChat is a complete customer service platform that delights your customers and fuels your sales
You may also like
8 min read | Oct 05 | Justyna Polaczyk
How to Be More Productive at Work: 4 Productivity Methods You Can Start Using Today
Have you ever wondered how productive you are? How much of your time you’re slacking off... read more
11 min read | Feb 02 | Justyna Polaczyk
5 Common Customer Service Problems and How to Resolve Them
Working in customer service is like solving jigsaw puzzles. Every case has a different... read more
8 min read | Jun 11 | Olga Rogacka
15 of the Best Teamwork Quotes that Will Inspire Your Team to Work Together
There’s power in a group of people working together toward a shared goal. A properly... read more
Six Steps to Develop an Effective Problem-Solving Process
by Rawzaba Alhalabi Published on November 1, 2017
Problem-solving involves thought and understanding. Although it may appear simple, identifying a problem may be a challenging process.
“Problems are only opportunities in work clothes”, says American industrialist Henry Kaiser. According to Concise Oxford Dictionary (1995), a problem is “ doubtful or difficult matter requiring a solution” and “something hard to understand or accomplish or deal with.” Such situations are at the center of what many people do at work every day.
Whether to help a client solve a problem, support a problem-solver, or to discover new problems, problem-solving is a crucial element to the workplace ingredients. Everyone can benefit from effective problem-solving skills that would make people happier. Everyone wins. Hence, this approach is a critical element but how can you do it effectively? You need to find a solution, but not right away. People tend to put the solution at the beginning of the process but they actually needed it at the end of the process.
Here are six steps to an effective problem-solving process:
Identify the issues, understand everyone’s interests, list the possible solutions, make a decision, implement the solution.
By following the whole process, you will be able to enhance your problem-solving skills and increase your patience. Keep in mind that effective problem solving does take some time and attention. You have to always be ready to hit the brakes and slow down. A problem is like a bump road. Take it right and you’ll find yourself in good shape for the straightaway that follows. Take it too fast and you may not be in as good shape.
Case study 1:
According to Real Time Economics, there are industries that have genuinely evolved, with more roles for people with analytical and problem-solving skills. In healthcare, for example, a regulatory change requiring the digitization of health records has led to greater demand for medical records technicians. Technological change in the manufacturing industry has reduced routine factory jobs while demanding more skilled workers who can operate complex machinery.
Case study 2:
Yolanda was having a hard time dealing with difficult clients and dealing with her team at the office, so she decided to take a problem-solving course. “I was very pleased with the 2-day Problem Solving program at RSM. It is an excellent investment for anyone involved in the strategic decision-making process—be it in their own company or as a consultant charged with supporting organizations facing strategic challenges.“
Yolanda Barreros Gutiérrez, B&C Consulting
As a response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Potential.com is offering individuals free access to our future skills library (20+ Courses) to support you during the COVID outbreak. It’s your chance to learn essential skills to help you prepare for future jobs. Register now for free using your details and coupon code: potentialreader .
Click here to register (coupon embedded) .
Having read this I believed it was extremely enlightening. I appreciate you taking the time and energy to put tis informative article together. I onc again findd myself spending a significant amount of time both reading and leavfing comments. But so what, it was still worth it!
Leave a Reply Cancel reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Subscribe to our newsletter
- About Problem Solving
- Related Topics
Problem Solving Resources
Case studies, problem solving related topics.
- Brainstorming
- Continuous Improvement
- Eight Disciplines (8D)
- Fishbone Diagram
- Nine Windows
- Shainin System™
- Total Quality Management (TQM)
- Quality Resources /
- Problem Solving
What is Problem Solving?.
Quality Glossary Definition: Problem solving
Problem solving is the act of defining a problem; determining the cause of the problem; identifying, prioritizing, and selecting alternatives for a solution; and implementing a solution.
- The problem-solving process
- Problem solving resources
Problem Solving Chart
The Problem-Solving Process
In order to effectively manage and run a successful 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.
1. Define the problem
Diagnose the situation so that your focus is on the problem, not just its symptoms. Helpful problem-solving techniques include using flowcharts to identify the expected steps of a process and cause-and-effect diagrams to define and analyze root causes .
The sections below help explain key problem-solving steps. These steps support the involvement of interested parties, the use of factual information, comparison of expectations to reality, and a focus on root causes of a problem. You should begin by:
- Reviewing and documenting how processes currently work (i.e., who does what, with what information, using what tools, communicating with what organizations and individuals, in what time frame, using what format).
- Evaluating the possible impact of new tools and revised policies in the development of your "what should be" model.
2. Generate alternative solutions
Postpone the selection of one solution until several problem-solving alternatives have been proposed. Considering multiple alternatives can significantly enhance the value of your ideal solution. Once you have decided on the "what should be" model, this target standard becomes the basis for developing a road map for investigating alternatives. Brainstorming and team problem-solving techniques are both useful tools in this stage of problem solving.
Many alternative solutions to the problem should be generated before final evaluation. A common mistake in problem solving is that alternatives are evaluated as they are proposed, so the first acceptable solution is chosen, even if it’s not the best fit. If we focus on trying to get the results we want, we miss the potential for learning something new that will allow for real improvement in the problem-solving process.
3. Evaluate and select an alternative
Skilled problem solvers use a series of considerations when selecting the best alternative. They consider the extent to which:
- A particular alternative will solve the problem without causing other unanticipated problems.
- All the individuals involved will accept the alternative.
- Implementation of the alternative is likely.
- The alternative fits within the organizational constraints.
4. Implement and follow up on the solution
Leaders may be called upon to direct others to implement the solution, "sell" the solution, or facilitate the implementation with the help of others. Involving others in the implementation is an effective way to gain buy-in and support and minimize resistance to subsequent changes.
Regardless of how the solution is rolled out, feedback channels should be built into the implementation. This allows for continuous monitoring and testing of actual events against expectations. Problem solving, and the techniques used to gain clarity, are most effective if the solution remains in place and is updated to respond to future changes.
You can also search articles , case studies , and publications for problem solving resources.
Innovative Business Management Using TRIZ
Introduction To 8D Problem Solving: Including Practical Applications and Examples
The Quality Toolbox
Root Cause Analysis: The Core of Problem Solving and Corrective Action
One Good Idea: Some Sage Advice ( Quality Progress ) The person with the problem just wants it to go away quickly, and the problem-solvers also want to resolve it in as little time as possible because they have other responsibilities. Whatever the urgency, effective problem-solvers have the self-discipline to develop a complete description of the problem.
Diagnostic Quality Problem Solving: A Conceptual Framework And Six Strategies ( Quality Management Journal ) This paper contributes a conceptual framework for the generic process of diagnosis in quality problem solving by identifying its activities and how they are related.
Weathering The Storm ( Quality Progress ) Even in the most contentious circumstances, this approach describes how to sustain customer-supplier relationships during high-stakes problem solving situations to actually enhance customer-supplier relationships.
The Right Questions ( Quality Progress ) All problem solving begins with a problem description. Make the most of problem solving by asking effective questions.
Solving the Problem ( Quality Progress ) Brush up on your problem-solving skills and address the primary issues with these seven methods.
Refreshing Louisville Metro’s Problem-Solving System ( Journal for Quality and Participation ) Organization-wide transformation can be tricky, especially when it comes to sustaining any progress made over time. In Louisville Metro, a government organization based in Kentucky, many strategies were used to enact and sustain meaningful transformation.
Certification
Quality Improvement Associate Certification--CQIA
Certified Quality Improvement Associate Question Bank
Lean Problem-Solving Tools
Problem Solving Using A3
NEW Root Cause Analysis E-Learning
Quality 101
Making the Connection In this exclusive QP webcast, Jack ReVelle, ASQ Fellow and author, shares how quality tools can be combined to create a powerful problem-solving force.
Adapted from The Executive Guide to Improvement and Change , ASQ Quality Press.
Featured Advertisers
Search form
Six steps to becoming a better problem solver.
Whether you are a Cisco Networking Academy student, a parent, an intern, a rookie, or the president of a large corporation you are going to have to face problems at some point.
Problems which will need solutions to solve them.
They are part of everyone’s life.
Like it or not, we all have to make decisions. And the decisions we make need to solve the problems we face. Whether you want to fix a bug in your network, hit a deadline, secure that promotion or start your own company – however big or small, we all set objectives and goals for ourselves that require us to solve problems.
Being good at problem-solving is in big demand. Employers routinely add it to their wish-list. How many times have you seen “problem solvers wanted” in job descriptions? As far as tech goes, the ability to resolve challenges effectively is fast becoming an essential skill for recruitment.
So how do you sharpen this particular skill? Is there an approach or strategy to problem-solving that can be mastered or improved?
Well, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that a systematic approach built on well-defined steps can help you find solutions that yield real, sustainable, and scale-able solutions – whatever the problem.
Problem-Solving: A Step by Step Approach
1. Identify the problem?
There is no better starting point than defining what it is that needs to be fixed.
It means taking the time to thoroughly review the situation - separating the symptoms from the cause . Making your diagnosis is about understanding what hurts and why. This takes time and might mean doing a bit of research to reveal the underlying issues behind the problem.
2. Determine the Root Causes
Once you have identified what your problem is, you need to figure out why it is.
- What is behind it?
- What is causing it?
- Can it be quantified or qualified.
- What is going on at a core level?
Because as you work towards solving your problem, you are going to want to find a solution that deals with the causes and not just the symptoms, right? So again, take the time to investigate the situation. Collect information, analyze your findings, and refine your diagnosis.
3. Find Multiple Solutions
Being a good problem-solver means thinking innovatively and that means thinking outside the box. Do not settle for the first solution you find. Push the boat out. Find as many alternative solutions as you can. And then find some more.
This might mean looking for solutions in unusual places or from unusual sources – talking to a different set of colleagues, keeping an open mind, or being receptive to the interchange of ideas or perspectives. Whatever if it takes, once you have a set of alternative solutions, subject them all to analysis.
4. Find the Solution that will Work Best
Easier said than done? Not necessarily. Go about it logically. Answer these questions:
- Is it technically viable?
- Is it scale-able?
- Do you have the resources?
- What are the risks? Can they be managed?
- Does your solution benefit as many people as possible?
- Can it be measured? How will you measure it?
5. Plan and Implement Your Solution
Give this part plenty of thought too. Build a really tight plan to execute your solution. You will need to cover who, what, when, and how you will implement your plan.
And just as importantly, you will need to think about how you are going to determine if your solution was a success, which leads us to the final step.
6. Measure the Success of Your Solution
How does it measure against your goals? Have you met your objectives? Have you stayed within budget? Is the work complete? Can you see a measurable outcome?
Evaluating the success of your solution is a vital – and often neglected step – because it shows you clearly whether your solution is the correct one, or whether you need to go back to step one and start over. Because a key part of problem-solving effectively is about being prepared to get it wrong – and to learn from your mistakes.
Remember that all problems are simply puzzles waiting to be solved. Practice using these six steps to build your problem solving acumen and you will find that your abilities being highly valued.
Being Positive means Better Problem Solving
Problem solving skills are fundamental to being a successful technologist. Employers and industry research support the notion that skilled problem solvers are in high-demand.
Learn Why Employers want Techies with Data Analysis Skills
Data analysis is one of the top skills in demand by employers.
Ideate Like a Pro
Wanted: Innovative thinkers. Creative problem-solvers. Disruptive decision-makers. Makers. Shakers. Fire-starters. Brainstormers. Ideators.
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
The six steps of problem solving involve problem definition, problem analysis, developing possible solutions, selecting a solution, implementing the solution and evaluating the outcome. Problem solving models are used to address issues that...
When multiplying or dividing different bases with the same exponent, combine the bases, and keep the exponent the same. For example, X raised to the third power times Y raised to the third power becomes the product of X times Y raised to th...
The four steps for solving an equation include the combination of like terms, the isolation of terms containing variables, the isolation of the variable and the substitution of the answer into the original equation to check the answer.
Define the Problem. 2. Determine the Root Cause(s) of the Problem. 3. Develop Alternative Solutions. 4. Select a Solution. 5. Implement the Solution.
Six step guide to help you solve problems · Step 1: Identify and define the problem · Step 2: Generate possible solutions · Step 3: Evaluate alternatives · Step 4:
Step One: Define the Problem · Step Two: Determine the Root Cause(s) of the Problem · Step Three: Develop Alternative Solutions · Step Four: Select a Solution.
Six-Step Problem-Solving Process · Establish criteria for selecting a solution · Generate potential solutions that will address the root causes of
1. Define the Problem · 2. Brainstorm Solutions · 3. Analyze Your Options · 4. Choose a Solution · 5. Create a Plan · 6. Evaluate Your Plan.
First Step: Define the problem · Second Step: Determine the root cause(s) of the problem · Third Step Develop possible solutions · Third Step
Here are six steps to an effective problem-solving process: · Identify the issues · Understand everyone's interests · List the possible solutions.
The Problem-Solving Process · 1. Define the problem · 2. Generate alternative solutions · 3. Evaluate and select an alternative · 4. Implement and follow up on the
Are you looking for a tool to help you resolve workplace problems? This webinar will introduce you to the Six-Step Problem-Solving Process:
3. Develop. Alternative Solutions. 1. Define the. Problem. 4. Select a.
Problem-Solving: A Step by Step Approach · 1. Identify the problem? · 2. Determine the Root Causes · 3. Find Multiple Solutions · 4. Find the Solution that will