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.
Knowing how to solve problems and make good decisions is a master skill of top managers
Gather Information - You will learn how to gather the correct information and distinguish between fact and opinion.
Define the Cause - Problems are like icebergs - we often only see what’s on the surface. You will discover how to get to the root cause of the problem
Create Options - You will generate a wide variety of innovative ways for you to develop stronger solutions.
Develop Selection Criteria - During this programme you will be learn how to test your ideas against clear decision criteria.
Make the Decision - We will help you decide what to do, how to do it, when to do it, who will do it and when it will be completed.
The importance of Monitoring - What gets monitored gets done.
When to Celebrate - At the end of this one-day course you will have clearly defined the barriers to success in your organisation, explored solutions and developed an action plan for continuous improvement.
To enhance your skills request more inforamtion on Problem Solving simply message me below.
As author, publisher, trainer and motivational speaker, I have trained over 10,000 people and inspired professionals across the UK, USA and the Far East. Working as a Training Consultant to many of…
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