Method Of Problem Solving

However, if you look a bit deeper, the real issue might be a lack of training, or an unreasonable workload.

help you ask the right questions, and work through the layers of a problem to uncover what's really going on.

There are four basic steps in solving a problem: Steps 2 to 4 of this process are covered in depth in other areas of Mind Tools.

For these, see our sections on Creativity for step 2 (generating alternatives); Decision Making for step 3 (evaluating and selecting alternatives); and Project Management for step 4 (implementing solutions).

At this stage, it's also important to ensure that you look at the issue from a variety of perspectives.

If you commit yourself too early, you can end up with a problem statement that's really a solution instead.Using established tools and techniques will help you improve your approach to solving the problems that your team and your organization face.You'll be more successful at solving problems and, because of this, more successful at what you do.The articles in this section of Mind Tools therefore focus on helping you make a success of the first of these steps – defining the problem.A very significant part of this involves making sense of the complex situation in which the problem occurs, so that you can pinpoint exactly what the problem is.However, for a more comprehensive process, you can use Simplex, Appreciative Inquiry or Soft Systems Methodology (SSM).These provide detailed steps that you can use to solve a problem effectively.The Drill Down technique will help you split your problem into smaller parts, each of which can then be solved appropriately.The four-step approach to solving problems that we mentioned at the beginning of this article will serve you well in many situations.With one, you can solve problems quickly and effectively.Without one, your solutions may be ineffective, or you'll get stuck and do nothing, with sometimes painful consequences.