Problem solving is a crucial skill for executive managers in the technology industry, where they face complex, dynamic, and uncertain challenges every day. How do successful executive managers approach and overcome these problems? In this article, we will explore some of the techniques that they use and how you can apply them to your own work.
One of the first steps in problem solving is to identify the root cause of the issue, rather than focusing on the symptoms or the immediate effects. This helps to avoid wasting time and resources on fixing the wrong things or creating new problems. To identify the root cause, executive managers use tools such as the 5 Whys, the Fishbone Diagram, or the Pareto Analysis, which help them to dig deeper into the problem and find the underlying factors that contribute to it.
The most important aspect that leaders sometime miss is that in 'problem solving', 'problem' comes first. Hence, it is so very critical to spend sufficient time, understanding the 'problem'. Jumping directly onto the 'solving' part or even possibly deploying 'resources' for 'solving' what one does not clearly understand can ultimately be detrimental on the outcome. The '5 Whys Method' or many others could be handy to have all stakeholders understand the nuances of the problem and to determine the root cause. "A problem well understood, is a problem half-solved"
Once the root cause is identified, executive managers need to generate multiple possible solutions that address the problem and meet the desired outcomes. This requires creativity, innovation, and divergent thinking, as well as an open mind and a willingness to explore different perspectives and options. Executive managers use techniques such as brainstorming, mind mapping, SCAMPER, or TRIZ, which help them to generate, organize, and evaluate ideas.
Before implementing a solution, executive managers need to test and refine it to ensure that it is feasible, effective, and sustainable. This involves gathering feedback, data, and evidence from various sources, such as customers, stakeholders, experts, or experiments, and using them to validate, improve, or modify the solution. Executive managers use methods such as prototyping, piloting, A/B testing, or Lean Startup, which help them to test and refine solutions in a fast and iterative way.
The final step in problem solving is to communicate and implement the solution in a clear, convincing, and collaborative way. This requires executive managers to have strong communication, presentation, and persuasion skills, as well as the ability to lead, motivate, and empower their teams and partners. Executive managers use strategies such as storytelling, visualization, stakeholder analysis, or change management, which help them to communicate and implement solutions effectively.
Communication is often key be it 'internally' within the team towards ensuring 'inclusivity', or even 'externally' towards ensuring all stakeholders fully understand the nuances of the problem root cause and aligned on the approach/solution proposed.
Problem solving is not a one-time event, but a continuous process of learning and improvement. Executive managers need to monitor and evaluate the results of their solutions, identify any gaps or issues, and apply the lessons learned to future problems. Executive managers use tools such as feedback loops, KPIs, or PDCA cycles, which help them to learn and improve from their problem solving experiences.
Problem solving is a skill that can be developed and enhanced with practice, training, and coaching. Executive managers can improve their problem solving skills by seeking opportunities to solve real-world problems, learning from other successful problem solvers, and using proven problem solving techniques and frameworks. Executive managers can also help their teams and organizations to develop a problem solving culture, by fostering a growth mindset, encouraging collaboration and innovation, and rewarding problem solving efforts and achievements.
Creo que adicional a las técnicas de resolución de problemas es clave tener una actitud futurista, es decir: estar claro del punto al que queremos llegar y evitar quedarse pegado del momento o situación del pasado para poder avanzar. Un lider con una actitud hacia encontrar soluciones y no culpables.