You're struggling to solve a problem in hospitality management. What's the best way to approach it?

1 Define the problem

The first step in problem solving is to clearly identify and understand the nature, scope, and impact of the problem you are facing. You can use tools such as the 5 Whys, the Fishbone Diagram, or the SWOT Analysis to help you analyze the problem from different perspectives and find its root causes, effects, and contributing factors. You should also gather relevant data and information from various sources, such as customer feedback, staff reports, financial statements, or industry benchmarks, to support your problem definition and diagnosis.

2 Generate possible solutions

The next step is to brainstorm and generate as many possible solutions as you can for the problem. You can use techniques such as mind mapping, SCAMPER, or brainstorming sessions to stimulate your creativity and explore different options. You should not judge or filter any ideas at this stage, but rather focus on quantity and diversity. You can also involve your team members, colleagues, or mentors in this process, as they may offer valuable insights, suggestions, or experiences that can help you find better solutions.

4 Implement the solution

The fourth step is to implement the solution you have chosen and monitor its results and outcomes. You should develop a clear and detailed action plan that specifies the tasks, responsibilities, resources, timelines, and indicators for implementing the solution. You should also communicate the plan to your team members, stakeholders, and customers, and get their feedback and support. You should track and measure the progress and performance of the solution using quantitative and qualitative data, and adjust or modify the plan as needed.

5 Learn from the problem

The final step is to learn from the problem and the solution, and use the knowledge and experience to improve your future problem solving skills. You should conduct a thorough evaluation and review of the problem solving process, and identify what worked well, what did not work well, and what can be improved or changed. You should also document and share your findings, lessons, and best practices with your team members, colleagues, or industry peers, and apply them to similar or new problems that may arise in the future.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?