PROBLEM SOLVING

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 FOUR BASIC STEPS OF THE PROBLEM-SOLVING PROCESS

• In order to effectively manage and run a

successful organization, leaders must
guide their employees and develop
problem-solving techniques.
• Finding a suitable solution for issues can
be accomplished by following the four-
step problem-solving process and
methodology outlined below.
• 1. Define the Problem
• 2. Generate Alternative Solutions
• 3. Evaluate and Select an Alternative
• 4. Implement and Follow Up on the Solution
 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(A flowchart is a
picture of the separate steps of a process
in sequential order) to identify the
expected steps of a process and 
cause-and-effect diagrams to define and
analyze root causes.
• The sections below help to 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 very good.
- 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.
 What are problem-solving skills?
• Problem-solving skills help you to determine the
source of a problem and find an effective solution.
• Although problem-solving is often identified as its
own separate skill, there are other related skills that
contribute to this ability.
• Some key problem-solving skills include:
• 1. Active listening 2.Analysis
• 3. Research 4. Decision making
• 5. Communication 6. Dependability
• 7.Creativity 8.Team-building
• 1. Active listening
• This is very essential in problem
solving.
• This helps to understand verbal
communication clearly and to avoid
misunderstanding. 
• 2. Analysis
• The best step to solving any problem is analyse
the situation.
• Your analytical skills will help you understand
problems and effectively develop solutions.
• You will also need analytical skills during
research to help distinguish between effective
and ineffective solutions.
• 3. Research
• Researching is an essential skill related to problem
solving. As a problem solver, you need to be able to
identify the cause of the issue and understand it fully.
• You can begin to gather more information about a
problem by brainstorming with other team members,
consulting more experienced colleagues or acquiring
knowledge through online research or courses.
• 4.Decision-making
• Ultimately, you will need to make a decision about how to
solve problems that arise.
• At times (and with industry experience), you may be able to
make a decision quickly.
• Solid research and analytical skills can help those who have
less experience in their field.
• There may also be times when it is appropriate to take
some time to craft a solution or escalate the issue to
someone more capable of solving it.
 
• 5.Communication
• When identifying possible solutions, you need to
know how to communicate the problem to others.
• You also need to know what communication channels
are the most appropriate when seeking assistance.
(Oral communication or Written Communication)
• Once you find a solution, communicating it clearly will
help to reduce any confusion and make implementing
a solution easier.
 
• 6. Dependability (trustworthy and
reliable)
• Dependability is one of the most important skills
for problem-solvers.
• Solving problems in a timely manner is essential.
• Employers highly value individuals they can trust
to both identify and then implement solutions as
fast and effectively as possible.
• 7. Creativity
• To solve the problem person need to be
creative.
• Creativity will bring new ideas and new
solutions.
• Creative people are more good in
problem solving.
• 8. Team building
• Team building is very good help for solving the
problems.
• When people think together solutions can be
found easier than thinking alone.
• Different alternatives can be experimented to
solve the problems.
• Team spirit help to achieve the goal
systematically.
 HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR PROBLEM-SOLVING
SKILLS
• There are several methods you can use
to improve your problem-solving skills.
• Whether you are searching for a job or
currently working, improving your
problem-solving skills and associated
abilities will help you a strong
candidate and employee.
• A. Acquire more technical knowledge in your
field.
• Depending on your industry, it may be easier
to solve problems if you have a strong
working technical knowledge.
• You can gain more technical knowledge
through additional coursework, training or
practice.
• B. Seek out opportunities to solve
problems.  
• By putting yourself into new situations,
you are more likely to be exposed to
opportunities to problem solve.
• You may find there are opportunities to
volunteer for new projects in your
current role, on another team or outside
the workplace for another organization.
• C. Do practice problems. 
• Practice and role-play can be useful tools when
learning to develop your problem-solving skills.
• You can find professional practice books for your
industry and problem-solving scenarios in online.
• Practice how you might solve those problems and
determine if your potential solutions are viable.
• D. Observe how others solve problems .
• You may have colleagues or friends who are skilled
problem solvers.
• Observing how those colleagues solve problems can
help you to improve your own skills.
• If possible, ask one of your more experienced
colleagues if you can observe their techniques.
• Asking relevant questions can be helpful in applying
them in your own career.
• END