To master the discipline of problem solving, you need to develop a formula or method that enables you to deal effectively with almost any problem you face in the course of your career or personal life. Fortunately, there is a proven formula for problem solving and decision making that you can use in almost any situation. Let's take a look.
Step 1- Take time to define the problem clearly. In medicine, they say that "accurate diagnosis is half the cure." Therefore, you need to ask, "what exactly is the problem?" It is absolutely amazing how several people become upset about a problem they are facing or in an organisation, but every one of them has a different idea or definition of the exact nature of the problem they are facing. Your job is to achieve clarity and to get everyone to agree on the definition of the problem before you move on to the business of solving it.
Step 2-Ask your self, "Is It Really A Problem?" Remember, there are some things that you can do nothing about. They're not problems; they are merely facts of life. If interest rate rise or market price collapses, this is not a problem. It is not something that is amenable to a solution. Instead, it is something that must be worked around and dealt with Also, very often what appears to be a problem or a setback is actually an opportunity is disguise. Sometimes, the problem does not need to be solved at all. Instead, you are now free to do something completely different-which might be even better for you.
Step 3: Ask Your Self, "What Else Is The Problem?" Beware of any problem for which there is only one definition. The more ways you can define a problem, the more likely it is that you will find the best solution By asking and answering a series of question like this, we eventually find the correct definition, one that is amenable to workable solution.
Step 4-Ask yourself, "How Did This Problem Occur?" Seek to understand the cause of the problem so you can ensure that it doesn't happen again. In your life or business, if a problem recurs repeatedly, it is a sign that your business is poorly organised or out of control in that area. There is a defect built into your systems that is causing the same problem to recur. Your job is to find out why this happens repeatedly so you can solve the problem at its root.
Step 5- Ask yourself, " What Are All The. Possible Solutions?" The more possible solutions you develop, the more likely you will come up with the right one. The quantity of the solution seems to be directly proportion to the quantity of solutions considered in problem solving. Beware a problem for which there is only one solution.
Step 6- Ask Yourself, "What Is The Best Solution At This Time?" Sometimes, any solution is better than no solution. An average solution vigorously executed is often superior to an excellent solution that cannot be implemented because of its complexity or because no one has the ability to execute it. The rule is that fully 80 percent of all problems should be dealt with immediately. Only 20 percent of problems need to be put off to a later time. If you must put off a problem, set a specific deadline for making a decision on that problem, and then make your decision at that deadline with whatever information you have at the time. There is a rule that says that every large problem was once a small problem that could have been solved easily and inexpensively at that time. Sometimes, the best strategy is to "nip it in the bud." When it is clear that there is a problem a solution, do what has to be done-and do it quickly.
Step 7- Make A Decision. Select a solution, any solution, and then decide on a course of action. Always ask " What is my next action? What I'm going to do now?"
Step 8-Take Responsibility. Who exactly is going to carry out the solution or the different elements of the solution? Its is quite common for a group to meet to solve a problem and to agree on a solution, but when the group meets again two weeks later, it turns out that nothing has happened. Why? No one was made specifically responsible for carring out the decision.
Step 9- Set Measure For The Decision. What are you trying to accomplish with this decision, and how will you measure results? How will you know that it worked? The more accurately you can determine the result that you want to achieve by the solution, the more likely it is that you will achieve it.
The main reward you get for solving problems is the opportunity to solve bigger and more important problems. Your rate of pay and speed of promotion and forward movement in your life and career are largely determined by your problem solving ability. The more you focus on solutions, the more solutions you will come up with, and the more value you add to yourself and more valuable your contribution will be to your organization.
But Note! Anytime you find yourself surrounded by problems, Never! Face the problem behind you because if you do, after wasting all your energy and time on the problem behind you will still turn back to the problem in front of you. Focus on the problem in front of you using all your time and energy on it rather than the one behind you. Be Wise!
Reference:- for more on this topic check NO EXCUSES! by BRIAN TRACY
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