**A Guide to Problem Solving: Techniques and Methods**

Problem solving, the process of finding solutions to complex issues, can often feel overwhelming. At CONDUCT.EDU.VN, we understand these challenges and offer a comprehensive guide to problem solving, providing effective strategies and resources to enhance your analytical skills and decision-making processes. Master problem resolution and decision analysis with our expert guidance.

1. Exploring Profitable Problem-Solving Techniques

There are many methods to choose from that offer problem-solving techniques. You can use some of these problem-solving techniques reactively to solve a known issue or proactively to find more efficient or effective ways of performing tasks. For additional methods, explore resources like MindTools. It’s important to create a culture of trust. Reassure people that the goal isn’t to blame individuals but to identify and resolve the issue to prevent future occurrences. This encourages transparency and honest input. Remember, people will often hide things to protect themselves.

1.1. Creative Problem Solving (CPS)

Coined by Alex Osborn in the 1940s, Creative Problem Solving (CPS) is a structured approach to generate innovative solutions. The four-step process is as follows:

Clarify: Explore the vision, gather data, and formulate questions.
Ideate: Use brainstorming to generate divergent thinking and ideas.
Develop: Formulate solutions as part of an overall plan.
Implement: Put the plan into practice and communicate it to all parties.

This method supports innovative resolutions by focusing on structured thinking and collaborative idea generation.

1.2. Appreciative Inquiry

Appreciative Inquiry identifies strengths within people and organizations, leveraging them to drive improvements. This approach focuses on a “positive core” rather than dwelling on weaknesses. It involves:

Discovery (fact-finding)
Dream (visioning the future)
Design (strategic purpose)
Destiny (continuous improvement)

This method aims to create a positive and collaborative environment for problem solving. According to a study by Case Western Reserve University, Appreciative Inquiry enhances organizational performance and employee engagement by focusing on strengths and positive potentials.

1.3. “Five Whys” Method

The “Five Whys” method suggests asking “Why” at least five times to dig deeper into the root cause of a problem. This iterative questioning helps uncover underlying issues that may not be immediately apparent.
Using the “five whys” is part of the “Analyze” phase of Six Sigma but can be used with or without the full Six Sigma process.
Consider this example:

The vehicle will not start. (the problem)

Why? – The battery is dead. (First why)
Why? – The alternator is not functioning. (Second why)
Why? – The alternator belt has broken. (Third why)
Why? – The alternator belt was well beyond its useful service life and not replaced. (Fourth why)
Why? – The vehicle was not maintained according to the recommended service schedule. (Fifth why, a root cause)

This method is useful for finding simple solutions in various problem-solving scenarios.

1.4. Lean Six Sigma (DMAIC Method)

The Lean Six Sigma DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) method is a structured approach to process improvement. The main steps include:

Define: Clearly lay out the problem and gather feedback from those who are customers of the process.
Measure: Quantify the current state of the problem to measure how well the fix performed once it was implemented.
Analyze: Find the root cause of the problem.
Improve: Craft, execute, and test the solution for measurable improvement.
Control: Sustain the fix through a monitoring plan.

This method helps optimize processes and reduce inefficiencies.

1.5. Root Cause Analysis

Compared to other methods, you’ll more often find this technique in a reactive problem-solving mode, but it is helpful nonetheless. Put simply, it requires a persistent approach to finding the highest-level cause, since most reasons you’ll uncover for a problem don’t tell the whole story. Most of the time, there are many factors that contributed to an issue. The main reason is often shrouded in either intentional or unintentional secrecy. Taking the time to drill down to the root of the issue is key to truly solving the problem.

1.6. Deming-Shewhart Cycle: Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA)

The Deming-Shewhart Cycle, or PDCA, is an iterative four-step approach for continuous improvement:

Plan: Establish goals and objectives to gain agreement. Start on a small scale to test results and get a quick win.
Do: Implement and execute the solution.
Check: Study and compare actual to expected results.
Act/Adjust: Adjust based on the check phase results.

This cycle ensures ongoing refinement and effectiveness of solutions.

1.7. 8D Problem-Solving

The 8D (Eight Disciplines) problem-solving method aims to implement a quick fix in the short term while working on a more permanent solution with no recurring issues. The nine steps are:

Prepare and Plan: Collect initial information and prepare your approach.
Form a Team: Select a cross-functional team.
Describe the Problem: Clearly lay out the issue.
Interim Containment Action: Determine if an interim solution is needed.
Root Cause Analysis and Escape Point: Find the root cause and where in the process it could’ve been found.
Permanent Corrective Action: Incorporate key criteria into the solution.
Implement and Validate the Permanent Corrective Action: Measure results from the implemented fix.
Prevent Recurrence: Update work procedure documents.
Closure and Team Celebration: Praise the team for their efforts.

This method provides a structured framework for addressing and resolving complex problems.

1.8. Army Problem Solving Process

The US Army’s problem-solving process involves five steps:

Identify the Problem: Understand the situation and define a scope and limitations.
Gather Information: Uncover facts, assumptions, and opinions about the problem.
Develop Screening and Evaluation Criteria: Use feasibility, acceptability, distinguishability, and completeness to screen solutions.
Generate, Analyze, and Compare Possible Solutions: Compare the solutions to one another.
Choose a Solution and Implement: Put the fix into practice and follow up to ensure it is being followed consistently and having the desired effect.

This method focuses on a structured approach to decision-making and implementation.

1.9. Hurson’s Productive Thinking Model

Tim Hurson’s Productive Thinking Model consists of six actions:

Ask “What is going on?”: Define the impact of the problem and the aim of its solution.
Ask “What is success?”: Spell out the expected outcome.
Ask “What is the question?”: Tailor questions to the problem type.
Generate answers: Prioritize answers that are the most relevant to solutions.
Forge the solution: Refine the raw list of prioritized fixes.
Align resources: Identify resources, team, and stakeholders needed to implement and maintain the solution.

This model focuses on structured thinking and resource alignment for effective problem solving.

2. An 8-Step Problem-Solving Process

2.1. Identify, Define, and Clarify the Issue

Clarify the problem by gaining understanding of critical stakeholder’s viewpoints to cement consensus behind what the issue really is. Take time to drill down on an issue before you get too far into solving a problem that may not be the exact problem.

2.2. Root Cause Analysis

Identify these three items:

What happened?
Why did it happen?
What process do we need to employ to significantly reduce the chances of it happening again?

There are typically three types of causes:

Physical: Perhaps a part failed due to poor design or manufacturing.
Human error: A person either did something wrong or didn’t do what needed to be done.
Organizational: This one is mostly about a system, process, or policy that contributed to the error.

During the search for the root cause, ensure people that you aren’t there to assign blame to a person but rather identify the problem so a fix can prevent future issues.

2.3. Produce a Variety of Solution Options

Solicit solution ideas from a variety of sources, both close to and far away from the process you’re trying to improve. You never know where the top fix might come from.

2.4. Evaluate and Select Planned Fix(es)

Running each fix through a filter of cost and impact is a vital step toward identifying a solid solution and hopefully settling on the one with the highest impact and low or acceptable cost. Categorizing each solution can help teams sift through them:

High Cost/Low Impact: Implement these last, if at all, since they are expensive and won’t move the needle much.
Low Cost/Low Impact: These are cheap, but you won’t get much impact.
High Cost/High Impact: These can be used but should be second to the next category.
Low Cost/High Impact: Getting a solid “bang for your buck” is what these fixes are all about. Start with these first.

2.5. Document the Final Solution and Success Metrics

Formalize a document that all interested parties agree to follow. Be overly descriptive in the explanation of the solution and how success will be achieved.

2.6. Successfully Sell and Execute the Fix

Communicate the fix and ask for questions multiple times until all parties have a solid grasp on what is now required of them. Knowing and anticipating objections of those in senior or key leadership positions is central to gaining buy-in before fix implementation.

2.7. Evaluate, Monitor, and Follow Up

Doing check-ins with the new process will ensure that the solution is working. Without regularly monitoring the fix, you can only gauge the success or failure of the solution by speculation and hearsay.

2.8. Collaborative Contingencies, Iteration, and Course Correction

Any part of any process will always be subject to the need for future iterations and course corrections. There might need to be slight, moderate, or wholesale changes to the solution previously implemented as new information is gained, new technologies are discovered, etc.

3. Resources for Your Problem-Solving Journey

Testing your problem-solving skills through case study scenario exercises. Review these articles and books to discover more:

THE LEAN SIX SIGMA POCKET TOOLBOOK: A QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE TO NEARLY 100 TOOLS FOR IMPROVING QUALITY AND SPEED

This book is like a Bible for Lean Six Sigma, all in a pocket-sized package.
SOME SAGE PROBLEM SOLVING ADVICE

The American Society for Quality has a short article on how it’s important to focus on the problem before searching for a solution.
THE SECRET TO BETTER PROBLEM SOLVING: HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW

Wondering if you are solving the right problems? Check out this Harvard Business Review article.
PROBLEM SOLVING 101: A SIMPLE BOOK FOR SMART PEOPLE

Looking for a fun and easy problem-solving book that was written by a McKinsey consultant? Take a look
THE BASICS OF CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING – CPS

If you want a deeper dive into the seven steps of Creative Problem Solving, see this article.
APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY: A POSITIVE REVOLUTION IN CHANGE

Appreciative Inquiry has been proven effective in organizations. Review this book to join the positive revolution.
PROBLEM SOLVING: NINE CASE STUDIES AND LESSONS LEARNED

The Seattle Police Department has put together nine case studies that you can practice solving.
ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS: THE CORE OF PROBLEM SOLVING AND CORRECTIVE ACTION

Need a resource to delve further into Root Cause Analysis? Look no further than this book for answers to your most vexing questions.
SOLVING BUSINESS PROBLEMS: THE CASE OF POOR FRANK

This solid case study illustrates the complexities of solving problems in business.
THE 8-DISCIPLINES PROBLEM SOLVING METHODOLOGY

Learn all about the “8Ds” with this concise primer.
THE PROBLEM-SOLVING PROCESS THAT PREVENTS GROUPTHINK HBR

Need to reduce groupthink in your organization’s problem-solving process? Check out this article from the Harvard Business Review.
THINK BETTER: AN INNOVATOR’S GUIDE TO PRODUCTIVE THINKING

Tim Hurson details his own Productive Thinking Model at great length in this book from the author.
5 STEPS TO SOLVING THE PROBLEMS WITH YOUR PROBLEM SOLVING INC MAGAZINE

This simple five-step process will help you break down the problem, analyze it, prioritize solutions, and sell them internally.
CRITICAL THINKING: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO CRITICAL THINKING, BETTER DECISION MAKING, AND PROBLEM SOLVING

4. FAQ on Problem Solving

What is problem solving?

Problem solving is the process of identifying a problem, developing potential solutions, and implementing the best course of action.
What are the key steps in a typical problem-solving process?

Common steps include identifying the problem, analyzing its root causes, generating potential solutions, evaluating these solutions, implementing the chosen solution, and monitoring its effectiveness.
What are some common problem-solving techniques?

Popular techniques include brainstorming, the Five Whys method, root cause analysis, SWOT analysis, and the PDCA cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act).
How can I improve my problem-solving skills?

Practice active listening, critical thinking, and creative thinking. Seek diverse perspectives and continuously learn from your experiences.
What is the importance of root cause analysis?

Root cause analysis helps identify the underlying causes of a problem, rather than just addressing the symptoms, leading to more effective and sustainable solutions.
How do you encourage creative thinking in problem solving?

Foster an environment where all ideas are welcomed, encourage brainstorming sessions, use visual aids, and promote out-of-the-box thinking.
What role does data play in problem solving?

Data provides insights and evidence to understand the problem better, evaluate potential solutions, and measure the success of implemented solutions.
How do you handle conflicts during problem solving?

Encourage open communication, active listening, and respectful dialogue. Focus on facts and data, and seek common ground to reach a consensus.
What is the difference between reactive and proactive problem solving?

Reactive problem solving addresses issues as they arise, while proactive problem solving anticipates and prevents problems before they occur.
What ethical considerations should be kept in mind during problem solving?

Ensure transparency, fairness, and honesty throughout the process. Consider the impact of solutions on all stakeholders and adhere to ethical guidelines and regulations.

5. Need Assistance with Your Problem-Solving Process?

There’s a lot to take in here, but following some of these methods are sure to improve your problem-solving process. However, if you really want to take problem-solving to the next level, CONDUCT.EDU.VN can come alongside your team to help you solve problems much faster than you ever have before.

There are several parts to this leadership transformation process provided by InitiativeOne, including a personal profile assessment, cognitive learning, group sessions with real-world challenges, personal discovery, and a toolkit to empower leaders to perform at their best.

There are really only two things stopping good teams from being great. One is how they make decisions and two is how they solve problems. Visit conduct.edu.vn or contact us today at 100 Ethics Plaza, Guideline City, CA 90210, United States or Whatsapp: +1 (707) 555-1234 to grow your team’s leadership performance by making decisions and solving problems more swiftly than ever before.

A Guide to Problem Solving: Techniques and Methods