Problem-Solving

Several problems arise in each project. Often, they happen on the technical side. But we may face them in the supply chain, at suppliers, customer communication, project schedule etc. We should be ready for these issues as they appear in risk management.

Risk management will not cover one hundred per cent, even in well-prepared projects. We get into firefighting mode if we have to handle too many problems. It burns people. We need project members alive, not dead heroes.

To start solving the problem, we need to identify the key players around the issue. Who works for the process and product, who benefits from it (customer) and who supports the process? Involve as many different functions as possible, and do not forget the operator, and technician who does the daily job. They have the most valuable experiences and improvement ideas (frequently not listened to).

Apply Critical Thinking: challenge the Status quo, consider alternative solutions, collect and evaluate data.

A properly led workshop with the right team makes a huge step forward.

But do not forget the most critical task: rigorous follow-up with the adequate and effective control mechanism (see CAPA, Control phase in Six Sigma or any similar methodology).

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