Five (5) Steps of Problem Solving

• Analyse Contributing Factors

To gain a better diagnosis of the situation, so that you may focus on the problem as far as its root cause, and not just the symptoms. You will need to seek what caused the problem by gathering and evaluating data, isolating possible contributing circumstances, and pinpoint what needs to be addressed for a resolution.

• Generate Interventions

The cause is known, it is time to develop possible solutions through brainstorming. This phase is perfect for teamwork or collecting opinions of others. A single solution strategy is not as effective as compiling a set of alternatives that improves your odds of a successful solution. This phase applies skills such as: Brainstorming, Creative thinking and Forecasting.

• Evaluate Solutions

Analyse the strategies identified in Step 2 and decide on the best possible solution. Important considerations for the decision maker include cost implications, resource management, and a risk assessment of what may prevent the successful implementation of the chosen solution.

• Implement a plan

At this stage the course of action has been decided, and it must be implemented along with benchmarks that can quickly measure and accurately determine whether the solution is achieving what is intended or not. 

• Assess the Solution’s Effectiveness

Once a solution is implemented, you need to have systems in place to evaluate if your solution solved the problem and what could be done differently in future. Feedback channels when assessing solution’s effectiveness helps future proof problem solving practices.