Problem Solving Techniques - Steps and Methods Ed

Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 7
At a glance
Powered by AI
The key takeaways are that effective problem solving is a process involving defining the problem, listing solutions, evaluating options, selecting the best solution, creating an implementation plan, and communicating the solution.

The steps involved in effective problem solving are: 1) Define the problem 2) List possible solutions 3) Evaluate the options 4) Select the best solution 5) Create an implementation plan 6) Communicate the solution.

An implementation plan should include how the selected solution will be put into practice, including testing and feedback phases, any potential changes, and how compliance and success will be monitored.

20/08/2021 Problem solving techniques: Steps and methods

Menu

Problem solving techniques: Steps


and methods

Home Blog Problem solving techniques: Steps and methods

Blog Education Posted on May 29, 2019

Constant disruption has become a hallmark of the modern workforce and organisations


want problem solving skills to combat this. Employers need people who can respond to

https://credentials.deakin.edu.au/problem-solving-techniques-steps-and-methods/ 1/7
20/08/2021 Problem solving techniques: Steps and methods

change – be that evolving technology, new competitors, di erent models for doing
business, or any of the other transformations that have taken place in recent years.
Menu

In addition, problem solving techniques encompass many of the other top skills
employers seek. For example, LinkedIn’s list of the most in-demand soft skills of 2019
includes creativity, collaboration and adaptability, all of which fall under the problem-
solving umbrella.

Despite its importance, many employees misunderstand what the problem solving
method really involves.

Tom Wujec: Got a wicked problem? First, tell me how you make toast

What constitutes effective problem solving?


E ective problem solving doesn’t mean going away and coming up with an answer
immediately. In fact, this isn’t good problem solving at all, because you’ll be running with
the rst solution that comes into your mind, which often isn’t the best.

Instead, you should look at problem solving more as a process with several steps involved
that will help you reach the best outcome. Those steps are:

1. De ne the problem
2. List all the possible solutions
3. Evaluate the options
4. Select the best solution

https://credentials.deakin.edu.au/problem-solving-techniques-steps-and-methods/ 2/7
20/08/2021 Problem solving techniques: Steps and methods

5. Create an implementation plan


6. Communicate your solution
Menu

Let’s look at each step in a little more detail.

The rst solution you come up with won’t always be the best – taking the time to consider your
options is an essential problem solving technique.

1. Define the problem


The rst step to solving a problem is de ning what the problem actually is – sounds
simple, right? Well no. An e ective problem solver will take the thoughts of everyone
involved into account, but di erent people might have di erent ideas on what the root
cause of the issue really is. It’s up to you to actively listen to everyone without bringing
any of your own preconceived notions to the conversation. Learning to di erentiate facts
from opinion is an essential part of this process.

The same can be said of data. Depending on what the problem


An e ective is, there will be varying amounts of information available that
problem solver will help you work out what’s gone wrong. There should be at
least some data involved in any problem, and it’s up to you to
will take the
gather as much as possible and analyse it objectively.
https://credentials.deakin.edu.au/problem-solving-techniques-steps-and-methods/ 3/7
20/08/2021 Problem solving techniques: Steps and methods

opinions of 2. List all the possible solutions


everyone Menu
Once you’ve identi ed what the real issue is, it’s time to think of

involved into solutions. Brainstorming as many solutions as possible will help


you arrive at the best answer because you’ll be considering all
account potential options and scenarios. You should take
everyone’s thoughts into account when you’re brainstorming
these ideas, as well as all the insights you’ve gleaned from your data analysis. It also helps
to seek input from others at this stage, as they may come up with solutions you haven’t
thought of.

Depending on the type of problem, it can be useful to think of both short-term and long-
term solutions, as some of your options may take a while to implement.

Getting everyone involved in the brainstorming process will ensure you get multiple
perspectives when problem solving.

3. Evaluate the options


Each option will have pros and cons, and it’s important you list all of these, as well as how
each solution could impact key stakeholders. Once you’ve narrowed down your options to
three or four, it’s often a good idea to go to other employees for feedback just in case
https://credentials.deakin.edu.au/problem-solving-techniques-steps-and-methods/ 4/7
20/08/2021 Problem solving techniques: Steps and methods

you’ve missed something. You should also work out how each option ties in with the
broader goals of the business.
Menu

There may be a 4. Select an option


way to merge Only now should you choose which solution you’re going to go
with. What you decide should be whatever solves the problem
two options
most e ectively while also taking the interests of everyone
together in order involved into account. There may be a way to merge two options
together in order to satisfy more people.
to satisfy more
people.
5. Create an implementation plan
At this point you might be thinking it’s time to sit back and relax – problem solved, right?
There are actually two more steps involved if you want your problem solving method to
be truly e ective. The rst is to create an implementation plan. After all, if you don’t carry
out your solution e ectively, you’re not really solving the problem at all. 

Create an implementation plan on how you will put your solution into practice. One
problem solving technique that many use here is to introduce a testing and feedback
phase just to make sure the option you’ve selected really is the most viable. You’ll also
want to include any changes to your solution that may occur in your implementation plan,
as well as how you’ll monitor compliance and success.

6. Communicate your solution


There’s one last step to consider as part of the problem solving methodology, and that’s
communicating your solution. Without this crucial part of the process, how is anyone
going to know what you’ve decided? Make sure you communicate your decision to all the
people who might be impacted by it. Not everyone is going to be 100 per cent happy with
it, so when you communicate you must give them context. Explain exactly why you’ve
made that decision and how the pros mean it’s better than any of the other options you
came up with.

Problem solving credential

https://credentials.deakin.edu.au/problem-solving-techniques-steps-and-methods/ 5/7
20/08/2021 Problem solving techniques: Steps and methods

Menu

Prove your problem solving skills with Deakin


Employers are increasingly seeking soft skills, but unfortunately, while you can show that
you’ve got a degree in a subject, it’s much harder to prove you’ve got pro ciency in things
like problem solving skills. But this is changing thanks to Deakin’s micro-credentials. These
are university-level micro-credentials that provide an authoritative and third-party
assessment of your capabilities in a range of areas, including problem solving. Reach out
today for more information.

The future of work

Soft skills

Browse credentials

What is a credential?
Why do a credential?
How do credentials work?
Selecting your level
How will I be assessed?

Benefits

Bene ts for postgraduates


Bene ts for organisations
Bene ts for professionals

https://credentials.deakin.edu.au/problem-solving-techniques-steps-and-methods/ 6/7
20/08/2021 Problem solving techniques: Steps and methods

Reputation

Media centre Menu

Blog

Contact

© Copyright Deakin University 2021.


Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code 00113B.

Privacy

Disclaimer

Copyright

https://credentials.deakin.edu.au/problem-solving-techniques-steps-and-methods/ 7/7

You might also like