The Guiding Principles of Problem Solving - part 1

Often enough, problem solving methodology and techniques are commonly taught in training classroom.?However, there are important guiding principles behind an effective problem solving that guides the methodology and techniques.?I summarise 5 principles in this article which I pick up from professor Patrick Noonan of Goizueta Business School of Emory University.??

Principle #1: Have a process

Having a structured problem-solving process is important because it provides a systematic approach to effectively address and resolve issues.?A process guides the team to gain clarity of what specifically is the issue and install consequential steps to follow.?Techniques like 5-whys, Is Is-not, PDCA used in the process helps identify the root causes, encourages critical thinking, promotes collaboration, and improves decision-making, resulting in more efficient and successful problem resolution.

Principle #2: Be Intentional?

Being intentional in problem solving means approaching the problem-solving process with purpose, focus, and conscious effort. It involves being proactive, deliberate, and strategic in your approach to finding solutions.?For instance, when your boss ask “why are you doing what you are doing”, one is clear of the end-in-mind objective of his/her choices.?One make deliberate and careful choices instead of out of convenience or simply follow a process thoughtlessly.

Principle #3: Have the right fight at the right time

Having the right fight at the right time refers to choosing your battles wisely and selecting the appropriate moments to address conflicts or disagreements.?It implies understanding when it is necessary and beneficial to engage in a conflict or argument, and when it might be more strategic to let certain issues go or find alternative approaches to resolving them.?Problem solving is an iterative process which we make 2-steps forward 1 step back.?Therefore, it is important to break out of the so-called analysis paralysis.???

Principle #4: Let question do the heavy lifting

Ask good question at every step of the process. Questions help steer conversation, plants ideas on others’ head, check understanding and consensus, push for focus and depth.?Well-crafted questions encourage exploration, analysis, and creative solutions, leading to a deeper understanding of the problem and more effective problem-solving outcomes.

Principle #5: Disambiguate?

Getting clarity and maintain clarity is essential to making progress.?False consensus is an enemy in problem solving because it creates an illusion of agreement or unanimity when, in reality, it may not exist.?3W (What When Who) expectation rule steers clear of what need to be done, when it will be done and by who.?Ownership and accountability is not left to any assumption that one will proactively pick it up.

Source of article : Professor Patrick Noonan,?“How to Approach Problems Like a Management Consultant” YouTube.