The Six-Step Problem Solving Process
An easy approach to dealing with issues that face students. Makes use of practical, simple and systematic ways to approach problems, by making reference to clearly defined steps so that individuals or teams do
not get bogged down in problems but rather have the capabilities to resolve them.
Step 1: Identify and Select the Problem
• When a problem arises, it is crucial to clearly identify and define what the problem is. It is impossible to solve an existing problem if you
cannot identify it and determine its roots.
• Understanding and identifying a problem is much more difficult than people think. Personal beliefs and egos are often the main cause of problems and so problems can become very opinionated and thus difficult to solve.
• The key to solving these personal issues lies in reaching a consensus.
There are three elements to any consensus:
• 1) I agree (everyone in the team agrees on how the problem can be resolved).
Step 1: Identify and Select the Problem (continued)
• 2) I don’t fully agree, but I can live with and support the agreement.
• 3) I don’t agree, and I cannot live with or support the decision (consensus not reached).
• This entire process is actually a very systematic approach to
separating out things that are irrelevant and focusing in on those relevant issues that can solve the problem.
Step 2: Analyze the Problem
• This involves examining the problem thoroughly in order to identify the real bottom-line cause.
• Analysing involves gathering information and then taking a very close look at what is going on.
• The focus must be on trying to come to some sort of consensus as to why a particular problem or issue occurs.
• It is very important that all concerned parties are well informed about the problem and have analysed the problem sufficiently.
Step 3: Generate Potential Solutions
• Once the problem has been analysed, the group needs to begin to develop possible solutions to the problem.
• The brainstorming process is crucial in this step. This process is
characterised by an open floor discussion where people share ideas in an attempt to resolve any problems.
• In order to avoid conflict, every persons views need to be heard and respected. This will result in more ideas being generated and a better chance of resolving the issue.
Step 4: Select and Plan the Solution
• Now, after the generation of (hopefully) many solutions to the problem, the group needs to select the best solution to fix the problem.
• The main focus here is for the group to determine what exactly would work best in resolving the issue. It is therefore a slow process of
elimination.
• The group should, at this stage, have a clear plan of action to track the solution, gather information on how it is working, and then make any necessary adjustments to the solution.
Step 5: Implement the Solution
• This is the DO stage of Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA).
• Involves the implementation of the best solution.
• The solution must then be tracked so progress can be studied.
• Requires a scientific approach to ensure specific observations are made.
Step 6: Evaluate the Solution
• The final step. It involves the STUDY stage of PDSA.
• Evaluate if the solution did work. If not, why not?
• Are there any possible adjustments that could have been made to resolve the issue in a smoother way?
• This stage focuses on preparing individuals for the future so that if another similar problem arises, it can be dealt with efficiently.
