You're struggling to find a solution to a problem at work. What's the first step you should take?

The first step in defining a problem is to understand what kind of a problem it is, what action will be needed to resolve it, and what we need to know to take effective action. Effective actions generally fall into one of three categories: fix a problem, make a decision, implement a plan. To effectively fix a problem, we need to know "What did change?". To effectively make a decision, we need to know "What should change?". To effectively implement a plan, we need to know "What could change?"

Once we have the problem, the next step should be to spend more time with the problem rather than looking for solution. Re-framing the problem, looking at it from a different perspective helps build clarity. Dimensions to look at, for re-framing the problem: - Meaning: What could the problem mean? How do you define the keywords used in the problem statement? - Opportunities: What are the possible positive outcomes from resolving the problem? - Situation: Under what condition is the problem at its peak and at its lowest? - Perspective: Talk to other people. How it seems to others? - Beyond the horizon: What to be done once this is solved?

The first stepis define and understand it thoroughly. Break it down into smaller parts, gather all relevant information, and identify the root cause. Once you have a clear understanding, brainstorm potential solutions and consider seeking advice or input from others who might have faced similar issues.

In the words of Einstein: "Understanding the problem is more important than solving it, because a precise description of the problem itself reveals the solution." The most important phase of the Problem Solving approach, in my opinion, is defining the problem.

?? Here is the workflow that I have used for years. 1. Identify problem 2. find the root cause of the problem 3. Check the organization's listens learned to see if we have faced the same problem before. 4. Brainstorming with team & Expert 5. Find possible solutions 6. Narrow down solutions to find the best one based on budget, timeline, and stakeholders' requirements. 7. Take an action to solve the problem.

In a real-world manufacturing scenario, declining product quality is a critical issue. To analyze it, we can employe the following tools - Overall Problem: Decreasing Product Quality Fishbone Diagram: People: New, untrained workers. Process: Complex assembly process. Technology: Outdated machinery causing malfunctions. Materials: Inconsistent raw material quality. 5 Whys: Why is quality decreasing? - Increased defects. Why more defects? - Inadequately trained workers. Why inadequate training? - Complexity / Updated Processes. Why not adequately trained? - Lack of Experts / New Hiring without training. Core Issue: Inadequate training Solution: Implement regular & updated comprehensive training for existing & new hires from experts.

My advice is to take a walk. Just walk around a while, and separate yourself from the analysis. Get a cup of coffee, tea or a bottle of cold water, etc. This will help you reset and refresh your perspective and analyze the problem differently.

Analyzing the why can be a great way to understand the problem. Gain clarity on the problem by looking at it from an outsider's perspective instead can sometimes give you a better understanding. It can lead to some more creative ideas that wouldn't come up if you were still looking it from the weeds. The big picture evaluation can help with being more creative and designing new solutions instead of trying to leverage what has been done in the past.

As we have clear definition of the problem, next thing to consider is to collect datapoints and use cases affected by the problem. Do not deviate from scope and context while doing so. Often it helps to identify timelines and historical occurrences which either surface or aggravate the problem. Analyse the business impact too which helps to prioritize the problem. Often it is better to collaborate with the subject matter experts to get an early feedback on the approach and direction of analysis.

In addressing root causes of problems, focus on identifying key factors contributing the most. Use tools like fishbone diagrams to visually map out causes, but concentrate on critical inputs. For example, in a fishbone diagram, categorize and prioritize the main causes based on their impact. Complement this with a matrix to quantify each cause's effect, helping to pinpoint those most influential. This approach streamlines problem-solving by focusing efforts on areas with the greatest impact, making it more efficient and effective. It transforms a broad analysis into a targeted strategy, ensuring resources are applied where they yield the most significant results.

If I'm having trouble solving a problem despite trying my best, I think it's a good idea to talk about the challenges and ask for help. Having a discussion with the team usually brings up different solutions. Also, when you explain the problem to someone else, you often understand it better and can come up with a solution. This helps us quickly find answers, which is important to meet deadlines.

Innovation leaders, such as those at Google, encourage wild and creative brainstorming sessions, embracing the philosophy that no idea is too outlandish in the initial stages. They employ SCAMPER and mindmapping among many tools and this approach has driven major innovations, such as the development of PageRank for their search engine, transforming how search results are prioritized based on authority and relevance, and pioneering autonomous driving technology through Waymo. These examples highlight the importance of expansive thinking and a willingness to explore unconventional ideas in fostering technological and business breakthroughs, illustrating the impact of a daring brainstorming culture in innovation leadership.

In generating solutions for organizational problems, involving key players is crucial. This inclusion not only brings diverse perspectives but also fosters synergy and manages change effectively. During brainstorming sessions, encourage team members from various departments to contribute. This collective approach not only generates a wider range of ideas but also aids in understanding the problem from different angles. It's important to create an environment where all ideas are welcomed, regardless of feasibility at this stage. Methods like mind mapping can help in organizing these ideas, but the primary focus should be on the collaborative process. The participation of key players ensures that proposed solutions are well-rounded.

There can be multiple solutions to any problem, it’s important to evaluate them and choose the right one based on functional and non-functional requirements. Note down pros and cons of each of them for following factors, 1. Longevity 2. Maintainability 3. Complexity 4. Backward compatibility 5. Interoperability 6. Non-functional impact Likely “simple is better” until there is obvious need to choose the complex one. I prefer to get feedback based on above matrixes from teammates or SMEs to choose the right one.

4. Strategize the solutions: Collaborative Brainstorming: Encourage open communication and brainstorming sessions to generate diverse ideas. Foster an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts. Prioritize Ideas: Evaluate and prioritize the generated ideas based on feasibility, impact, and alignment with goals. Focus on solutions that address the root cause. Assign Responsibilities: Delegate tasks according to team members' strengths and expertise. Clearly define roles and responsibilities to ensure accountability. Regular Check-ins: Schedule regular check-ins to monitor progress, address challenges, and adjust the strategy as needed.

It's important to remember you probably won't generate your greatest solution on your first try. This is fine and it's the only way professional problem solvers work. Instead, consider putting in a minimum viable solution (MVS) and see how it performs. Use this information to further iterate and improve, eventually arriving at the optimal solution. Businesses do this all the time. That's what beta testing and A/B testing is. Amazon started only selling books, AirBnB sold air mattresses. Don't get stuck on THE BEST solution. Focus on failing fast to learn quickly.

Emphasizing the iterative nature of solution implementation is key. Adopting an agile approach, where solutions are implemented in stages, allows for continuous feedback and adjustments. This reduces the risk of large-scale failure and enables a more adaptive and responsive problem-solving process.

The very first step is to make sure you understand the problem before you dive into solutions. It happens a lot that the problem is not comprehensively clarified which can lead to a never ending struggle.

The first step when struggling to find a solution at work is to assess the problem objectively. Break it down into smaller components, gather relevant information, and consider seeking input from colleagues or supervisors. Collaborative brainstorming and leveraging diverse perspectives can often lead to new insights and potential solutions.

Sometimes you must break the chain of thoughts if you struggle to find a solution. Going back to the problem-solving framework may not work. 1. Talk to people who are not looking at that problem 2. Work on some other problem for sometime 3. Use generative AI tools!

For doing the first step, i would refer to following text: "If I had an hour to solve a problem and my life depended on the solution, I would spend the first 55 minutes determining the proper question to ask, for once I know the proper question, I could solve the problem in less than five minutes." - Albert Einstein

You must first identify the problem's components, break it down, and pinpoint the root cause to formulate a systematic plan for resolution.