Steps to Problem Solving
Problem Solving

Steps to Problem Solving

You can solve simple problems in 1-step, however if you try using 1-step problem-solving on more complex problem you quickly find yourself in a reactive loop. Many people find it difficult to image that if the problems many dimensions are not occuring to them or the complex issue do make sense to them, then it must not make sense!

"Just because it does not make sense to you, does not mean it does not make sense!"
- Terrence O'Hanlon


You actually do not know everything and you have a thing called bias. Bias, especially when you are unaware, can blind you to reality. Many times your mind is made-up way before you have the facts. In problem solving, this is NOT useful.

No alt text provided for this image

Disciplined problem solving does not have to be complicated to be effective. It requires people who are comfortable with enquiry-based thinking rather than answer-based thinking. Standing in the enquiry and asking questions are the most powerful tools you have.

I have assembled a small collection of #ProblemSolving tutorials for you to dive into when time permits. Even though some are repeating information from a previous video, they each deliver the message in different ways and I think that helps your brain reach understanding sooner. They are all brief.

I hope you will share your problem-solving experiences in the comments below.

Got a wicked problem? First, tell me how you make toast

What are the Five Whys?

The 5 Whys Problem-Solving Method

The 5 Whys


5 Whys Root Cause Analysis Problem Solving Tool

5 Whys: Root Cause Analysis and Problem Solving

The Jefferson Memorial and the 5 Whys


The 5 Whys Explained - Root Cause Analysis

The 5 Whys - Lean Problem Solving


7 Step Problem Solving

The 7 steps of Effective Problem Solving

Problem Solving Strategy: 7 Steps of the ‘Fish Technique’



Learn Toyota's 8 Step Practical Problem Solving Methodology

And finally - a little distration to make this topic even more interesting:

FUNNY: 5 Whys (01)


FUNNY: 5 Whys (02)

I hope you enjoy the enquiry methods used in context of problem solving. To learn more powerful ways to shift the context of Reliability Leadership for you and your team, please consider participating in a future Certified Reliability Leader workshop.

I look forward to meeting you there.

Rod Jenkins

Organizational Effectiveness Resource & Certified RCFA Principal Investigator - Retired yet seeking opportunities to teach & mentor investigators

4 年

The video with the girl asking why and her dad answering is a classic video. I would normally show this video during a training class to put things in perspective. Thanks for sharing it.

Volker Reddig

Managing Director /Owner at Blu Sky Engineering & Consulting

4 年

Treasure chest of Why's!

JD Solomon

How to Get Your Boss's Boss to Understand by Communicating with FINESSE | Solutions for people, facilities, infrastructure, and the environment.

4 年

Nice overview.

Farhat Khan CRE, CMRP, CSSGB, CRL, RBI

Maintenance Reliability Engineer

4 年

5 Why is very simple problem solving tool which follows a linear path where every effect is linked to only one cause. In real life scenarios, the problems are not that simple. In those complex problems, one effect would be caused by several causes connected with 'AND' or 'OR' logic. So they need more sophisticated, structured and multi-branched problem solving methodologies. So just relying on the 5 Why analysis in those situations may lead to solutions which will prove ineffective down the road.

Alejandro Erives

Creating the future in maintenance, reliability, and your organization.

4 年

Great Terrence! To add 1more to your 5-why-video-montage, here is one of my own. My shout out to 5-why (a tool that's free!) is at 1:40.... ??

要查看或添加评论,请登录

Terrence OHanlon的更多文章

社区洞察

其他会员也浏览了