What happens when you or your organization is confronted with complex problem or issue? Are things not working the way they should? Is it people or material to blame? Was it a systemic issue, or just an isolated incident? If there were an easy solution, then why wasn’t it implemented?
When faced with a complex problem or issue, there is a template for coming up with a solution. It is commonly referred to as The Problem Solving Loop. Even when not explicitly used as a tool, many people will apply it even on a simplified level without actually even consciously recognizing the tool’s use. Analytical/Critical Thinking can be applied to nearly every step of the process.
Generally, there are five steps in the loop. Other methodologies could add in additional steps, but often they are really just breaking up the steps into parts. The first (1st) and the most critical step to complete correctly is defining the problem, or Problem Identification. You always want to start off on the right, yes?
The second (2nd) step would be looking for potential solutions and exploring ideas to List Courses of Action. Brainstorming and opening your mind to alternative ideas really can help to generate several options. How can you know if you are going to select the right choice if you haven’t looked at alternative solutions?
Naturally, the next step (3rd) would be to Select the Best Solution, including any application of analysis to determine the choice. Each choice can be weighed against the others. The assessment or judgements can be based on specific criteria to compare the options. Ultimately, a choice needs to be made.
After deciding on the best idea or solution, the fourth (4th) step would be to actually perform the Implementation and test it. However, the process doesn’t end there, and finally it is necessary to Evaluate to results of the solution and test whether it solved the defined problem. While conducting the final (5th) step, a determination can be made if the initial issue was resolved and/or new issues were discovered. This can trigger another cycle of the problem solving loop again.
Throughout my careers, I have applied this methodology at a structured level and simplified level for problems in the military and civilian sectors. Nearly all complex challenges are best resolved when using a proven problem solving process. Analyzing objectively will improve the results as well as efficiency of reaching the best solution.
Comentários