One of the most powerful techniques for problem solving is to focus on the Problem not the solution.
Let me explain.
The best way to get a good solution is to have lots of solutions to choose from. Unfortunately, many people bring you a single solution disguised as the problem.
They may say “My problem is I need a kettle.” Only one solution provide a kettle.
If they had said “My problem is that I need to boil water” we could have provided many solutions.
A Manager may say “My problem is I need More People” Only one solution get more people.
If the Manager had said “My problem is the people I have cannot do the work with Skills, Resources and Procedures we have in place” We now have more options available to solve this problem.
I remember running a problem-solving course for a successful company in Hull. The Distribution Director ‘s opening statement was this “My problem is I need a new warehouse “ You can see this is not his problem, it’s what he believes to be his single solution.
We solved the problem by re-designing his warehouse, installing high lift, narrow-isle trucks and introducing stock rotation systems.
The result was a 42% increase in storage space, a 20% increase in efficiency and a saving of £2 million on the original solution of a new warehouse.
There are many steps to problem solving but the most important is to Clearly Identify the problem.
Next time a person comes to you with a problem, ask yourself has this person given me the problem or have they given me what they believe to be the solution.
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