The First Mistake When Problem Solving

In the rush to fix a problem do you forget the facts? 

           In this article, we are going to talk about the very first mistake most people make in problem-solving…

      … failure to get in and dig out the facts before rushing in with either: 

·      a temporary fix that causes more problems, or,

·      just completely the wrong solution, providing the right answer to the wrong question!

·      and… 

           …sometimes wasting a HUGE amount of money!!! 

So, what’s the fix? 

            Well, mainly: Stop! Look! and Listen! 

           A bit like crossing the road really. You probably wouldn’t do this if there was a car or worse a 40-tonne truck coming 

           Yet in problem-solving, metaphorically this is exactly what people do. You’ve probably seen examples:

·      new systems,

·      reorganisations,

·      product launches,

·      communication and marketing campaigns,

·      technical or organisational changes

·      you can add your own…

           …many times, each of which don’t work in some meaningful or profound way. 

So, let’s start with Rudyard Kipling! 

           And his 6 best friends (and mine and yours I would offer):

·      What?

·      How?

·      When?

·      Where?

·      Who?

·      Why? 

Here’s how you can use them… 

           … data gathering! This consists of getting some pretty universal questions and asking them. For example: 

Starting with the way it is done now” 

·      What is done now?

·      How is it done?

·      When is it done?

·      Where done?

·      Who does it? 

Then moving onto the Rationale: 

·      Why is it done?

·      Why that way?

·      Why then?

·      Why there?

·      Why them? 

Then moving on to look at Alternatives: 

·      What else could be done?

·      What other ways are there?

·      When else could it be done?

·      Where else could it be done?

·      Who else could do it? 

Then finally… even though you can likely guess some of the real answers to these questions prior to full problem-solving – it is far better not to…

           … and do the rest of your problem-solving process first, and then come back. But… 

           … if there’s not much time – just doing these simple steps should also improve your problem-solving ideas - massively. So, here’s the last of this set of common-sense questions… 

Best Solution(s) Ideas 

·      What is the best thing to do?

·      How could it best be done?

·      When is the best time?

·      Where would work best?

·      Who would be best to do it? 

Here’s another set of common-sense questions…           

These can be useful before, after or instead of the above questions (I find them most useful after!): 

·      Statement of the problem and possibilities? 

·      Quantification of the problem and possibilities – how much – numerical measures? 

·      Who, when, where, how long, of the problem and possibilities? 

·      Cost of the problem and possibilities? 

This set of questions can be answered twice:

1.    For the current situation.

2.    For the desired situation. 

Then to summarise things you can ask: 

·      Opportunity from moving from the present to the desired state?

·      Potential Gains?

·      Likely Timescale?

·      Estimated savings and likely benefits? 

It’s good to know what you’re really talking about.                     

The real story is you can:

1.    Use the above questions to avoid expensive mistakes.

2.    Take your understanding of a problem past the symptom level.

3.    Set the ground for some proper problem-solving.            

This is also the first point when you can update or revise your Project Definition Sheet – (contact me if you haven’t got a copy). You could even use these questions to give you sensible information to actually create your Project Definition Sheet in the first place. 

           You can also use these questions to unpack something quite a bit more anytime, anyplace.  

           The person who asks the question is in charge of the situation and remember… 

           … to be interesting – be interested! 

            Asking questions is the real winner!           

In terms of data display – I usually put my questions and answers in a tabular grid – if you want a copy of mine – you know what to do – just drop me an email here ([email protected])

Wishing you fabulous success

Thomas

Thomas Welsh

The Visionary’s Champion

Leading Expert on Releasing Potential