A Handful of Tips 55 –

                             Problem-solving

Five of the best tips to solve a work problem

Problems tend to get bigger if they are not dealt with promptly.

Those in power must examine all aspects of a problem in an effort to find a rapid solution.

1. Define the problem

Make sure people fully understand and agree on the nature of the problem.

2. List possible causes

Discuss the possible causes in detail. Encourage lateral thinking. 

The obvious cause is not necessarily the real cause of the problem. It is often due to personality conflicts.

3. Generate a list of ideas for possible solutions

Establish criteria for what will be an acceptable solution.

4. Choose the best recommendation

Discard all impractical solutions. 

Discuss all the practical recommendations and their implications.

Decide on the best solution.

5. Plan the action to be taken and decide how it will be implemented

People often work better under pressure. Get it solved as quickly as possible.

Appoint competent, experienced people to make the changes. If they have been involved in solving the problem they will be supportive of the changes.

-Geoffrey

“The best way to escape from a problem is to solve it fast.”

Source: “Training Secrets” published by Moss Associates Ltd, New Zealand and Cengage Learning Asia. Also available as an eBook from Amazon.com.