Introduction
General
In this information the words ‘problem’ and ‘issue’ are often used interchangeably.
Put simply if you are alive you will have, at some time, problems to solve.
Problem solving is something that anyone can do.
If you approach this discipline in the right way then you can be a successful problem solver.
Issues will be encountered in all aspects of your life, not just in the workplace but at home and elsewhere.
In addition, some of these issues won’t be yours directly.
If you have the right set of skills you can help others to resolve some serious issues.
It really doesn’t matter what job you do, and at what level, you will come across problems.
As well as the use of our brains we now have an increasing access to technology that can make many issues much easier to approach.
For example, communication tools are many and varied.
If you are keen on spreadsheets it becomes an easy matter to make adjustments that will allow you to easily and rapidly assess different scenarios.
It is less common, particularly in the workplace, that problems are resolved without the input of others.
So, in this sense you may find that gaining additional working knowledge of other skills is useful.
For example, leadership, time management, motivation, risk and project management.
In a way, problem solving lies at the hub of a variety of other disciplines.
Problem solving is not about getting the solution that you believe is right it is about getting the right solution.
There are no hard and fast rules to solve all issues.
The techniques identified here will need practice that will breed confidence.
Some of the techniques are merely a matter of summarising some aspects of common sense.
Others will give you a different viewpoint on the problem solving process.
Many techniques will have a degree of overlap with others and there will be many similarities.
The information presented does not try to recommend a particular problem solving strategy but rather highlight many approaches from which to choose.
Different problems will necessitate a tailored approach.
Generally, it’s in everyone’s interest to solve issues.
It should not be the case that problems are simply passed down a chain of command.
It is not your job to make the boss look good and it should not be their job to just pass the buck.
Certainly, everyone has a job to do and part of that is suitable motivation via good practices of delegating responsibility.
Part of this will be the need to recognise the existence of issues and involve persons who are best placed to solve them.
We must also realise that each individual thinks about solving problems in a different manner.
Getting people to adopt particular systems and approaches should improve problem solving skills without removing the need for individual creativity.
Generic approach
Getting angry and panicking are not conducive to good problem solving.
A calm rational approach is preferred.
The techniques and comments and advice in this information will try to cover generic applications.
In general, the principals should apply whether you are:
- A worker with no staff reporting to you.
- A new manager.
- A senior experienced manager.
- A parent or individual with no children.
In real life the exact approach used will need to be tailored and modified based upon many issues.
For example:
- The attitude of senior management
- Available budgets
- Access to resources
- Time constraints
- Level of quality required
You should be able to implement problem solving without any fear from senior management but in some cases managers may have closed minds despite demonstrated benefits.
We hope that once you have incorporated and tried out some of these problem solving techniques you will come to agree that problem solving is an integral part of the overall process of work and life.
Problem solving culture
The main aim is to provide a good grounding and show the basic ideas of problem solving techniques.
Hopefully, this will give you a very good understanding and a platform for success.
You should still read many more detailed and specialised books on this subject to improve and hone your problem solving techniques even further.
In addition, the problem solving process will only work if all those, who have a vested interest in it, are convinced of its benefits.
We hope this information will help you to tailor your training needs and convince all those involved of the merits of good problem solving techniques.