6 Steps to Effective Problem-Solving: A Practical Approach

Problem-solving is a vital part of any job, whether you’re a manager or an entry-level employee. Individual contributors solve problems for themselves or their coworkers. However, project managers may need help to solve problems for their clients and team members. Every employee needs to understand the problem-solving process and practice problem-solving techniques.

How does the six-step problem-solving model work?

Problem-solving is the process of recognizing and overcoming challenges. The capacity to handle problems is critical for success, whether you are a business owner, an employee, or a person. The Six Step Problem-Solving Model is a well-known and successful method. It helps to address and resolve challenges in both personal and professional settings. This model provides a systematic procedure for analyzing, recognizing, and addressing problems. However, this makes it a must-have tool for people, teams, and organizations. 

The Importance of The Six-Step method for problem-solving:

• Provides a specific procedure for the problem-solving group
• Ensures objectivity and consistency
• Aids in the elimination of bias and preconceptions.
• Promotes collaborative working
• Eases the decision-making process

Top six steps for problem-solving:

The following are the fundamental steps in problem-solving:

Identify the problem:

The first step is scrutinizing the issue and understanding more about the problem. A single circumstance can answer several problems. Determine the source of each problem. Try to predict the behavior and responses of those affected by the problem. Then, based on your preliminary observations, use the following techniques. As a result, it will help to locate the problem:

• Separate facts from opinions
• Determine the area where the problem exists.
• Analyse company policies and procedures
• Discuss with team members to gather more information.
• Define the problem in specific terms.

When defining a problem at this level, keep the problem in mind. Do not try to characterize it in terms of a solution. Depending on the intricacy of the situation, tools such as flowcharts and cause-and-effect diagrams may be helpful. It will help in defining the problem and its core causes.

Determine alternative solutions:

Consider all alternative solutions to the current problem. Invite feedback from everyone affected by it, and speak with others who may have greater experience with your problem. You can also produce ideas through surveys and discussion groups, but while considering options, keep the following considerations in mind: 

• Make sure the ideas developed align with relevant goals and objectives.
• Make sure everyone participates in the idea-generating process.
• List all the potential solutions; each problem should have at least five to eight solutions.

Solution evaluation:

It is now time to assess your list of alternatives. Examine the benefits and drawbacks of each possibility established in the previous stage. Analyze and examine all options regarding the resources needed for implementation, such as time, data, personnel, and budget.

Choose a solution:

Following the evaluation process, choose the solution most likely to address the problem. Consider how well a solution achieves the following goals:

• It solves the problem without causing another issue.
• It’s acceptable to all concerned parties.
• It is practicable and easy to implement.
• It is consistent with the company’s rules and procedures.

When selecting a solution, it’s essential to consider implementation. Determine the following:

• The employees in charge of implementing the solution.
• How will the employees implement the solution?
• The time & resources required.

Apply the selected solution:

The final phase is to put the chosen solution into action, which usually entails the following steps:

• Create an action plan for implementation
• Define objectives and break them into quantifiable targets to monitor implementation.
• Establish implementation dates.
• Communicate the program to all parties involved.
• Create feedback channels to use throughout the process.

Monitor progress and make changes:

You can guarantee that your solution works, but make sure you measure progress regularly. Collect data and comments to see if the solution meets the needs of everyone involved. If you believe the solution isn’t working, you may need to revisit your alternatives and devise a new strategy.

Problem-solving techniques:

Complex problems might be tough to solve, yet you can address the difficulties with the help of the correct tools. For instance, if you are facing a problem with paystub, buying tools and software for automation and help is a good idea. Moreover, here is a list of tools and techniques:

Five whys:

Understanding the problem better is an excellent strategy to find the root cause. 

• Fishbone diagram: It helps to visualize the problem’s core causes and is simple to use in meetings with ”Mind mapping’ to brainstorm and determine the cause & effect of any problem.
• Silent brainstorming: allows everyone to take part in idea-generating. It is because not only the loudest but also the quietest people will participate equally; everyone’s point of view is equally valid.
• Mind maps: It is a structured visual representation. It allows you to convey your ideas, concepts, and solutions as your brain does. You immediately describe the challenges, then discuss new ideas. Then finally, you reach a team consensus that can lead to a successful solution.
• Six thinking hats: allow your team to approach problems from many perspectives. You can concentrate on facts, creative solutions, or why some solutions may not work.
• The agreement certainty matrix is another fantastic visual tool for brainstorming problems. It categorizes the problems as essential, complicated, complex, or chaotic domains. Later agree on what technique you should use to handle real issues affecting a team.
• Conversation café: The team can have constructive talks with less bickering and more active listening. It helps solve the problem in rounds of dialogue until you reach a consensus on the best problem-solving technique.
• Design thinking: The 5-step approach will help you empathize with the problem when stuck with ideas. It will help you define and develop new concepts before prototyping and testing.

The most well-known concept for continuous improvement and issue solutions is Edward Deming’s PDCA. The Change Management Game is a card game in which PDCA will help you describe the problem. You can act, collect feedback, and embrace the new solution, which can help you gamify your events.

Conclusion:

Finally, the six-step problem-solving method is a successful technique for dealing with difficulties. It helps in creating improvements in both personal and professional situations. You can identify the problem, analyze it, and devise solutions. You can also implement the solution, evaluate the results, and standardize the solution.