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PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGIES
THE SIX STEP PROBLEM SOLVING TECHNIQUE
THE PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS:
As students, we are always faced with endless problems such as academic pressure, emotional stress and other factors.
We need a six step problem solving technique to assist us.
There is a systematic approach to help us students, solve problems without us thinking and feeling thoughts as “What do I do next?”
The six step problem solving technique provides a systematic, concise approach to resolving complicated problems that we as students constantly face.
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Six step problem solving technique
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1.Identify the problem
2.Analyse the problem
3.Generate possible solutions 4.Select and
plan a solution 5.Implement
the solution 6.Evaluate the solution
Step 1: Identify And Select Problem
It is important to identify the type of problem that you are faced with which sounds rather simple but can become a challenging task.
Generally most problems encountered by people are closely linked to emotional issues one such example is ego.
HOW CAN EVERYONE ESTABLISH A POINT OF AGREEMENT?
The use of a consensus allows for people to formulate a point of agreement.
However, this is no easy task.
For a consensus to be successful there should be a lot of discussions and people should have an active open mind.
People should adopt an understanding attitude, as well as flexibility when dealing with the problem itself.
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What Are The Elements In A Consensus?
i. I agree
ii. I don’t fully agree but can live in support of an agreement.
iii.I don’t agree, cannot live or support this agreement.
These 3 steps can effectively alleviate the issue enabling one to generate an effective solution.
There are 2 interesting and creative problem solving styles:
One is called “The Star Method.”
The second one is called “The PDSA Method.”
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The two Problem Solving Styles:
“The Star Method”
Stop, Think, Act, Review.
This step requires deep introspection and this approach involves identifying the issue that constitutes the problem.
“The PDSA Method”
Plan, Do, Study, Act
Both of the above methods assist one to make good decisions using the tools mentioned above.
Once the problem has been identified, a clear, precise statement should be written.
This statement should incorporate reducing the gap between goal and the problem.
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Step 2: Analyse The problem
Once the problem has been identified, one would need to analyse with deep introspection to investigate the cause of the problem.
The Analysisprocess would entail an individual to acquire information.
Generally, most people get caught up in the symptoms of the problem using assumption instead of finding out the actual problem itself.
It is of no use to get angry at a person’s attitude or actions if that is not the root cause of the problem.
One would need to engage in researching information and would need to formulate reasons as to why this problem has occurred and the possible elements that have triggered this problem to occur.
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Step 3: Generate Potential Solutions
Once the problem has been identified and well analysed, now embarks an important stage called generating of solutions.
This can be a very exciting and creative process since every possible solution is analysed and identified.
This can also be called the “Brainstorming” process.
No solution can be judged or deemed to be right or wrong.
This enables open communication between teams, or groups of people as these suggestions can allow for a common grounds for agreement ultimately playing a crucial role in resolving the issue of conflict.
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Step 4:Select And Plan Solution
Since a variety of possible solutions have been generated the best solution must be chosen and implemented.
Other factors must be taken into consideration such as solutions should not in anyway break rules, or contradict policies and regulations.
“Elimination” should occur in this process and should leave an individual with two good solutions to carefully consider and implement the best one.
Discussion through consensus would enable an individual to choose the best solution.
Also The “PDSA”(Plan,Do,Study, Act) should be implemented to derive a plan of action.
This plan can evaluate whether the solution is effective and if not, one should identify what mechanisms should be changed to ensure success.
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Step 5: Implement The Solution
According to the PDSA (Plan,Do,Study, Act) this step is the “Do” stage.
This would require one to engage in a scientific approach to identify how effective the implemented and chosen solution is.
If it is not effective enough, the weaknesses should be noted and modified so that it can bring about success.
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Step 6: Evaluate The Solution
According to the PDSA Technique, this is the final stage called “Study.”
In this step, one must consider how effective the solution is.
If it was not as successful as expected, what can you change about your implemented solutions?
Identify the faults and correct them by modifying appropriately.
According to EFF, below are their 6 Steps involved in problem solving:
Identify problems
Ascertain information from sources to identify the problem
Derive various types of solutions
Identify strengths, weaknesses and benefits and risks associated.
Choose an alternative that is appropriate to goals and objectives.
Implement evaluation of solution or decision.
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Conclusion
This six step problem solving technique is an effective approach on how to handle unforeseen circumstances.
It enables one to implement effective problem solving skills.
These tools are of great significance and is very realistic, implement these steps today and resolve unforeseen complex issues tomorrow!
The power to implement this powerful tool lies within you.
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