Identify the Problem: The first area of focus in your problem solving steps is recognition of the problem. This might sound like common sense; however, this is a very important step. Try to describe the problem as objectively as possible, as opposed to focusing on the potential consequences or implications of the problem. This can give you a better sense of the issue you are specifically dealing with at the moment.
Define and Analyze the Problem: In this second of six problem solving steps, you will want to figure out what caused the problem, what the problem looks like at this moment, and the urgency of addressing the problem. Find out the root cause of the problem. In this step, you want to also learn as much as you can about the problem. Be flexible in your approach. Do research on the problem. Look at the problem from a different perspective. Evaluate all of the different ways in which the problem could impact you.
Generate Potential Solutions: Here you want to brainstorm and come up with as many solutions as you possibly can for the problem as you come to the third phase of problem solving steps. Be creative and don’t concern yourself at this point with how feasible the solutions which can fix the problem. You want a number of different options to choose from. This process of generating solutions can also help you look at the problem from multiple perspectives. Keep in mind that it may be impossible to address all areas of a problem. When this is the case, break the problem down and try to generate solutions by writing them down or speaking in a group.
Find solutions for parts of the problem (as opposed to the problem as a whole). It may be necessary to seek out help in your problem solving steps by polling trusted colleagues or friends. A cross-functional problem solving group can help. Different ideas, from different points of view, put on a white board helps. Anything goes; any solution is acceptable, no matter how outlandish. No comment is withheld. Freewheeling and objectivity are the keys here. Furthermore, this activity lends itself towards creating trust, leading to true collaboration. After all, collaboration is one of the tenets of innovation.
Decision-Making: In this fifth of our problem solving steps, you want to evaluate the solutions you came up with in step 3. Weigh the short- and long-term pros and cons of each solution. In addition, in this step, you want to start to evaluate how feasible each solution is. That is, how easily can you implement the solution to the problem? Mark each one on a scale of feasibility, so you can sort them how you wish later in some way when you transcribe what you are creating on a white board.
Implement a Solution and Evaluate its Success: In this final of our problem solving steps, you want to choose a solution and implement it. Take action. In choosing a solution, you want to weigh the pros and cons of each potential solution, and it is generally a good idea to start out with a solution that is associated with low risk and that is compatible with your priorities and future goals. Once you have implemented a solution, evaluate how it was and was not successful. If the solution did not completely address the problem, you can then move back through some of the different stages to address other areas of the problem.
