How to Solve Problems

Solving problems is not easy. How many times have you 'solved' a problem only to have it occur again? This 'How To' will show you how to truely solve a problem.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Identify the problem. Actually, identify the root problem. Employee tardiness may not be the root problem. The root problem could be the lack of communicating work schedules. Determine what is the real problem. This may take much investigation. Once you solve this problem, the bigger problem (ie.. employee tardiness) will not occur. Be specific. Use a variety of sources such as reports, customer/vender comments, and concerned employee views.

2. Determine courses of action to solve the problem. Be creative. Brainstorm ideas that may or may not solve the problem. Record these ideas to investigate later. Record each idea, even the ideas the bosses may not like!

3. Determine positives and negatives of each course of action. Record the benefits and reasons not to implement each course of action.

4. Determine the course(s) of action to take. You now have the information to make a good decision to solve the problem. This course(s) of action should account for a variety of potential problems not just solve the root cause(s) identified earlier.

5. Determine the resources needed to implement the course(s) of action. This could be equipment, fuel, training, new employees, flyers, software, marketing programs, or music. Identify and get the resources required to solve the problem.

6. Next, do the management piece; plan and organize your resources. Identify who is going to accomplish which tasks, when these tasks should be accomplished, and what method of follow up to take. Also, identiy ONE person to coordinate and be in charge of the people solving the task. Otherwise, you run the risk of no follow up and important benchmarks not happening as planned.

7. Continuing this idea, Follow Up, Follow Up, Follow Up. Without adequate follow up the project is doomed to fail. If solving the problem is important, then, following up with each person involved with solving the problem is a necessity. No follow means certain failure even in great organizations.

Tips & Warnings

• When brainstorming courses of action, record at least three courses. More would be better. You may need to implement two or more courses of action to solve complex problems.
• Ensure you are solving the root cause(s) of the problem. Otherwise, the problem will surface again.
• Stay objective when solving problems. Don't bring up old battles or instigate new turf wars.
• Many people are resistant to change even if change solves a problem. Use good communication with all affected parties to improve people's acceptance of the course(s) of action.

[sandhillkar]

on 2/2/2009 Wonderful management steps! Good job!