Four Steps to Becoming a Better Problem Solver

Problem-solving is a skill that we apply to various situations in life, including those we encounter in business. Sometimes, we may experience a never-ending and frustrating challenge, with one obstacle after another. In such cases, revisiting the steps to problem-solving can be helpful, as they provide a valuable framework to approach the problem.?

However, to be efficient at problem-solving, we?have to?determine if the perceived “problem” is a problem.

Maybe it’s not the root cause but rather a symptom, and ironing that out creates a cycle of other similar situations endlessly popping up. Solving the same things indicates that these are symptoms.?

Options always exist to solve a symptom or a recurring issue that has a process in place for resolution.

We can keep using resources and energy to solve the persistent problem or improve practices to use fewer resources and energy. There is another option, too: take time to find and fix the root cause of the problem.

Solving a root cause takes more up-front commitment, creates more time, frees up resources to explore other initiatives, and saves money over time.?

When we prioritize problems through the lens of our one-year comprehensive strategy AND the company mission, we choose what to work on that supports keeping all work on track (i.e., time and budget).

Fortunately, practical methods are available to help you break free from any?difficult?situation.?

Whether it’s a?common?or complex issue, you can rely on proven methods that guarantee results. Don’t waste time on fancy and complicated solutions; choose straightforward and effective problem-solving methods?that will?help you easily overcome any obstacle.

To lead by example, add value to the company and the team, and meet goals, one must have a specific mindset—a Curiosity Mindset.

• A Curiosity Mindset involves being open.
• A willingness to seek out information from people and sources.
• To include unusual or different sources and opinions.
• The ability to sift information for reliability.
• The capacity to connect seemingly unrelated information to find THE custom solution for your problem.

Have you ever heard the colloquialism “can’t see the forest for the trees”? This common pitfall diminishes a Curiosity Mindset and detracts from the problem-solving process.

Take these steps the next time you have a significant outcome and a problem standing in your way. Your commitment and responsibility will make it happen.

With a Curiosity Mindset, we commit to being open to answers and information beyond the core group.?This?requires a definitive process applicable to a single problem and any that occurs in business.?

The 4 Steps to Problem-Solving in Business:

• Recognize there is a problem
• Collect data
• Gather solutions
• Choose a solution

These are the steps, whether looking at long-term objectives three to five years out or solving a problem that can better support how people?do?work in your company. It seems simple, and you may know this to be?true, yet do you?really?do the work of each step to know you are doing the?right work?right now?

Recognize there’s a problem

You can decide something needs?doing, yet,?getting it done means taking action.?What you prioritize is what you value.

Not only do you need to decide whether the change will make a positive difference, but your commitment to doing the work to take action on the best solution matters, too.?

How do you take action to determine if the problem is worth solving? Schedule time for a?Present Retreat? with ten questions to create accountability?that focuses on reflection, assessment, and prioritization for what’s happening in your business right now. Even if you only do this?one time, it will give you a different perspective.

Understand what data is necessary

How do you get data for consideration, and how do you obtain uncommon data??

• Standard: search on the internet for financials, forecasts, and competing products.
• Uncommon:?ask?the people closest to the problem, listen?for?what customers are seeking,?looking at?a problem to solve in?relationship?to how it aligns?to?your mission and goals.

Are you constantly using the same internal reports? If so, do other people have the same problem, and what have they done about it? Get out of your data and collect someone else’s reports and data.

You could?take advantage of?your business overview and plan to make informed decisions.?A?detailed explanation of the two pillars of business success?is available?if you need more information.?Sometimes, when we encounter a promising solution or opportunity, we might?end up trying?to solve problems that do not require solving. To avoid this, we must ensure that any solution we consider aligns with our business overview and growth strategy. This way, we can identify which problems do not need solving by?simply?looking at the data.

Gather solutions

Now, you have the problems that — when prioritized — will reach a new outcome. There is data that reinforces that it is a problem worth solving with a commitment to prioritize making the change. These are the?basic?constraints to find the most impactful solutions.

• Possible solutions now have the following requirements:
• Solve the problem.
• Align to current business goals.
• Create momentum for long-term (three to five-year) objectives.
• Elevate what we are already doing to be better, what we are best at in the world.

In the companies I have worked with, this is the step where?the?most?failure occurs.?Without constraints, there are too many solutions and brand-new ideas (that sort of solve the initially identified problem), and more work?is created?out of the excitement that comes with open-ended possibilities.

Letting problems that don’t matter to the business purpose and goals is freeing. There is more time and energy to explore solutions that can make a difference. You still may fail, and yes, it is important to fail fast; however, iterating where the chance of failure is significantly higher is a waste of time and not worth the potential loss of confidence.?

Choose a solution and take action

Which one makes the most sense and presents the?greatest?opportunity to address everything about the problem? Get it implemented and observe the results.

Don’t forget: decisions without action keep you exactly where you are. Even if?just?the first step of the solution is designed and communicated, and the actions?are assigned?for completion — this will get things moving. Each subsequent action to move toward a completed solution will adjust for the feedback, data, and new information that comes from learning as you go.

There will be mistakes and setbacks,?and that?is part of the process.?

Sometimes, repetition of these steps is necessary to find a working solution.

In business, reaching your end goal is great, but it can be messy and takes time. Sometimes, you need more data, new information comes up, or a different solution works better. We iterate and build on what we know.?

To improve problem-solving skills, follow these steps daily for 30 days, even for simple problems. Build a Curiosity Mindset and a new skill simultaneously.