PROBLEM SOLVING

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PROBLEM SOLVING

THE SIX STEPS TO PROBLEM SOLVING

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Problem Solving

There are many ways to solve problems and people feel comfortable with different ways as they work for them. Problem solving is about finding a way to solve your problems that will work for and one that you will be able to

adhere to. Trying to solve problems differently is one of the reasons why people find it hard to find solutions to their problems. Similarly with just

blindly going into problem solving without a plan on how to go about doing it.

You will end up feeling defeated and out of control

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STEP 1: IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM

 The first thing that needs to be done is identification. There is no point of trying to solve the problem if no one is sure what the problem actually is.

 You can do this by using the STAR method. This is an antonym that stands for Stop, Think, Act and Review.

 Try to find what lies beneath what is going on, that is the real problem so that it is easier to find a solution.

 Set up a goal that you want to reach after solving the problem so that you can see how to get from the problem to the goal.

 Try to reach a consensus with everyone involved.

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STEP 2: ANALYSE THE PROBLEM

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Once the problem is identified the next step would be to analyse the problem, as in the root of it.

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Here you try to find the cause of the whole debacle.

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This will help you to find and collect information to fix your problem.

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Try to find out why the problem exists as that will make things easier.

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STEP 3:GENERATE POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS

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Since the problem and the cause(s) has been identified it is time to try and find solutions.

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This will be done by brainstorming and looking at suggestions on how the problem could be overcome.

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The more the ideas, the better as this will increase the chances of actually finding the solution.

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STEP 4: SELECTION AND PLANNING

• It is now time to sift through the suggestions and find the most suitable one.

• This can be done by looking at the pros and cons of each possible solutions.

• Doing this will also help with finding what will work best for the problem you are facing.

• You also have to consider factors that will affect the solving of the problem.

• Use the PDSA (Plan, Do, Study and Act) approach from here onwards. This will help to see how the plan will out out and to make necessary adjustments to get the

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STEP 5:IMPLEMENT THE SOLUTION

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This is where the solution is developed and put to the test.

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This is as an ongoing process and the results may not be immediate but you should stick to the plan.

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STEP 6: EVALUATE THE SOLUTION

• This is where you take a step back to see if the solution actually did solve the problem.

• You evaluate the results produced by the solution tested. Did it work or not?

• If it didn’t work find the reasons and how to alter the solution to counter those reasons.

• This is where you improve your solution to get the best results possible.

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CONCLUSION

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Perfecting the skill to solve problems will be very advantageous to you.

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It will make it easier for you to face any problem that you may encounter along the way.

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This six step method will help you make better decisions.

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THE PROBLEM SOLVING LOOP

This right here is the problem solving loop which basically summarises the six steps to problem solving.