Problems are inevitable in any career, but how you approach them can make a big difference in your success and satisfaction. Sometimes, you may feel stuck or frustrated by a challenge that seems unsolvable. In this article, you'll learn some practical strategies to help you find the right solution for any problem.
The first step to solving a problem is to understand it clearly. You can do this by asking yourself some questions, such as: What is the goal or desired outcome? What are the constraints or limitations? What are the assumptions or facts? What are the causes or effects? Write down your answers and check if they are specific, measurable, relevant, and realistic. You can also use tools like mind maps, diagrams, or flowcharts to visualize the problem and its components.
In my experience really understanding the problem if having the skills to see it from different angles. What could cause a problem from one perspective may be the one thing somebody else loves. Problem-solving will never make everyone happy but understanding the problem and its impact will help to assess how to create the best solution.
The next step is to brainstorm as many ideas as possible to solve the problem. You can do this by yourself or with others, using techniques like freewriting, mind mapping, or SCAMPER (Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse). Don't judge or filter your ideas at this stage, just write them down and try to be creative and diverse. You can also look for inspiration from other sources, such as books, articles, podcasts, or mentors.
The third step is to evaluate and select the best solutions from your list. You can do this by using criteria like feasibility, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and alignment with your goals and values. You can also use tools like pros and cons lists, SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats), or decision matrices to compare and rank your options. Choose the solution that meets your criteria and has the most benefits and the least drawbacks.
The fourth step is to plan and implement your chosen solution. You can do this by breaking down your solution into smaller steps, assigning tasks and deadlines, and identifying resources and support. You can also use tools like Gantt charts, action plans, or checklists to organize and monitor your progress. Execute your solution with confidence and flexibility, and be ready to adjust or modify it if needed.
The best-laid plans need a plan, never undervalue the benefit of a documented plan. Sometimes things can very easily divert from the original plan but it's still an important part of the process. Why did things change? can you learn something from this?
The final step is to test and review your solution and its results. You can do this by collecting feedback, data, or evidence to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of your solution. You can also use tools like surveys, interviews, or experiments to evaluate the outcomes and impacts of your solution. Review your solution and its results and identify what worked well and what didn't, and what you learned and what you can improve.
You're stumped by a problem. How can you find the right solution? By following these five steps, you can clarify, generate, evaluate, plan, and test your solutions and overcome any challenge in your career.
People often overlook the end stages of a problem as it's now resolved. However, some of the best future resolutions come from lessons learnt from a previous problem. Using documents such as a lesson-learned log or feedback forms can help identify what went well and what could be improved in future.