Six Steps of Problem Solving Approach

I really like problem solving (I know, it's crazy!) I even have it in my Linkedin Summary :)

Somehow I feel challenged when I see a a problem and the people around the problem doesn't seem to care whether it's solved or not. Maybe I'm the ideal type of customer that would go the extra mile to fill in customer feedback form/questionnaire, whether anyone actually reads it or not. Not in the form of criticizing though, it's not like "Hey your bathroom is leaking" but more like "If you have bigger font on the menu it might help for older people to see the text clearly"

So anyways, I've summarized how Problem Solving works - in my head at least, and maybe it will help you make a schematic approach on how you and your team looks at a problem.

First things first. Do you know the difference between fix and solve?

Is there any difference between “solved the problem” and “fixed the problem”?

Do people actually use both forms?

“Solved” implies that you understood the problem (and depending on the context, usually also that you made it go away). So you solved it the way you’d solve a math problem.

“Fixed” might mean you didn’t understand the problem, but got it to go away. e.g. you changed something in a computer program, and then it started doing what you want, but you don’t understand why. 

That’s fixing without solving.

One crude example of a temporary fix (which most people know is only a temporary fix) is to bang on something (like an old TV set) until it works. Banging on something can make a loose connection temporarily connect, but it will probably come loose again soon.

You might describe this as “fixing the problem”, but not as “solving the problem”.

Is it useful? well maybe temporarily, but eventually the problem will arise again.

If someone says “I fixed the problem”, it usually means they think they’ve made a permanent fix that won’t break again.

Depending on context and who you’re talking to (their level of expertise with the thing they fixed), they might or might not have understood exactly why their actions solved the problem. (And in that last sentence, “solved” means “removed” or “corrected”, not necessarily with the connotation of fully understood. Context matters as much as word choice, in some cases.)

Do we fix a problem or do we solve a problem?

The simplest example is in sales.

How do the top sales people sell? They solve their customers’ problems.

You must describe the problem clearly, and from the customer’s point of view. The problem should be the one customer sees value of solving.

If you can’t put a finger on your customer’s problem, you won’t solve it. Worse, you will lose time and credibility.

6 Steps of Problem Solving Approach

Identify the problem.

You must solve the right problem, this is critical. Identify the problem by asking the right questions and observing.

Analyze the problem.

How often does it occur? Are there any special circumstances that it occurs? can you rule out any causes? Don’t be satisfied with a superficial answer. Look for the root cause of the problem rather than get sidetracked by the symptom.

Develop multiple solutions.

Don’t stop at the first solution you identify, it may be good but there may be others that are even better. Evaluate alternative scenarios.

Choose the optimal solution.

Develop a base of support, consider the pros and cons, and prepare contingency plan.

Measure the progress.

Set measures on your decision. How will you know that you are making progress? How will you measure success? How will you compare the success of this solution against the success of another solution?

Execute. Get busy. Get going.

Develop a sense of urgency. The faster you move in the direction of your clearly defined goals, the more creative you will be. The more energy you will have and the more you will learn.

A problem is like a curve in the road. Take it right and you’ll find yourself in good shape for the straightaway that follows. Take it too fast and you may not be in as good shape.

Coaching is similar to a problem-solving.

I don't give quick fix. I will give suggestions, advice, and share my knowledge, but it's not like one time meeting would suddenly land you on your dream job which you've been applying for the 100th time. Career advancement takes process, it takes effort, time - and sometimes money when it comes to enabling yourself so that you are more qualified to the job (especially when it's something technical).

More importantly, it needs you to focus on what you really want.

Do you know what you want and what you really, really want in your career life? :-)

Once you do, let me know and we can have a chat on how you can reach that goal of yours, or if you don't know what you want yet, I can help you find your career clarity and focus through a free 20-minute call.

Let me know by commenting "Me!" if you're interested.