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Solving Problems
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When we are faced with a problem we think about it for a few minutes, weigh up the facts and then make a decision. This is indeed what people do a thousand times every day. The speed with which we make decisions can give the impression that problem solving is an event, when it is in fact a process.
Most problems are relatively simple and unimportant.
A key step emphasised in this course is writing out the problem! It is amazing what a simple thing like writing down information can do to increase your success with problem solving. You do not always have a clipboard in your hand. But whenever you have a problem, begin by taking a minute to make the problem “visible” in writing.
Click here to download a problem solving worksheet.
Visibility does several things:
- If a problem solving process is taking place only in your mind, no one can help you! Others are kept from pointing out oversights, errors or faulty assumptions.
- If you do not make your thinking visible, you do not have a reliable way to review how you attempted to solve a problem – and therefore to learn from your mistakes.
- Writing down the problem will help you see the whole problem rather than just some parts and pieces of it.
- Part of your job as a leader is to help your people develop. You may be an outstanding problem solver. But if you cannot make what you think visible, how can you teach?
- In a team meeting, visibility will help keep your group on track and focused on the problem at hand.
Assumptions of Problem Solving
What are the seven assumptions to problem solving?
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Assumption |
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1. |
Problems are part of life: mastering the process does not mean that problems no longer occur in an individual’s life. |
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2. |
Problem solving is not always a linear process bound by western culture. |
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3. |
Problems often have more than one solution. |
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4. |
Self-determination is a key to client satisfaction and problem resolution. |
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5. |
Problem solving is learnt. |
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6. |
Empowering people to solve present and future problems leads to both immediate and long-term benefits. |
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7. |
The problem solving process may be interrupted or incomplete, personal and environmental factors, as well as changing life circumstances may prevent movement through the process. |
Approaches to Problem Solving
Individuals and organisations deal with problems in different ways. Let’s describe what is believed to be the five most prevalent approaches to problem solving.
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Reactive |
This approach has frequently achieved an acceptable degree of success and do not want the status quo disturbed. They cling to the old way and are suspicious of change in both social and technical systems, no matter how great the apparent need. |
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Inactive |
Acting in this approach problems are dealt with by attempting to ignore them. These organisations achieve a limited degree of success. |
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Proactive |
These people try to predict the problems they will have to face and to prepare solutions in advance. They do this to get a jump on both the problem and their competition. |
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Interactive |
This approach sees problems as an avenue to both organisational and individual development and therefore treat them as opportunity. Rather than attempting to predict future problems and preparing for their arrival, such organisations solve current problems in a way that avoids future ones. |
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Hyperactive |
These people do best in crises situations. Rather than ignoring or regulating problems they are good at creating them. |
Participative Problem Solving
In order to ensure buy-in from all stakeholders, participation from step one is essential. The participative approach will give you more pro’s than cons.
In most cases the employee at ground level has a better understanding of day to day issues in the workplace than the manager. In many cases managers have overlooked a minor detail in the problem solving process which had major ramifications.
Synergy refers to the phenomenon that a group will always come up with a better answer that the individual.
The buy in and co-operation from the group is much better if they have been involved from the start.
The group ensures that the problem are viewed from different perspectives, value systems and ideologies.