Problem Solving Process

Understanding the Problem-Solving Process

Effective problem-solving is at the heart of success in any field. Drawing inspiration from the book “General Relativity for Babies” by Chris Ferrie, which simplifies complex topics into easy-to-understand concepts, I have created a straightforward guide to the problem-solving process.

This guide is also informed by the strategies from Richard Rumelt’s “Good Strategy Bad Strategy,” emphasising a deep understanding of situations, thorough analysis, and continuous improvement. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. What is going on here?
   Comprehend the situation and identify patterns to classify the problem.

2. Gather data.
   Collect relevant information to understand the problem better.

3. Analyse the data.
   Look for trends and insights that reveal underlying issues.

4. Find immediate causes.
   Identify factors, such as errors or breakdowns, that are directly affecting the situation.

5. Dig deeper. Ask “Why?” repeatedly.
   Use techniques like the “Five Whys” to trace the root cause.(developed by Sakichi Toyoda)

6. Generate solutions.
   Brainstorm and identify the best possible solutions to address the root causes.

7. Plan implementation.
   Develop an action plan with specific tasks, responsibilities, and timelines.

8. Implement the plan and test the solution.
   Execute the plan and test its effectiveness.

9. Check for unintended consequences.
   Examine if there have been any unintended side effects from the implemented actions.

10. Evaluate the results.
    Assess the outcomes to determine if the problem has been resolved.

11. Seek feedback from the team.
    Obtain insights and feedback from team members to refine the solution.

12. Communicate the results.
    Share the evaluation results with the entire team.

13. Continue to improve based on feedback and results.
    Make the necessary adjustments and improvements to ensure long-term success.

14. Problem solved!
    Celebrate the resolution and learn from the process to tackle future problems more efficiently.