Problem Solving 7 Steps (2024)

Effective Problem Solving

Problem solving with a standardized, disciplined and methodical approach is by far the best way of understanding root causes, exploring influences and implementing solutions that not only work, but also stay effective over time. The best solution to a problem is not always the most obvious and only after careful thought and assessment can the most suitable and feasible solution or solutions be implemented. The 7 step problem solving guide provided below has been created to help solve problems where the solution or in some cases the problem itself is not obvious.

STEP 1: The Right Problem to Solve
STEP 2: Analyse the Problem
STEP 3: Define the Problem
STEP 4: Develop Opportunities (Possible Solutions)
STEP 5: Select the Best Solution
STEP 6: Implement the Solution
STEP 7: Evaluate and Learn

When should problem solving be used?

Anytime you have a goal to achieve or simply experience a challenge, problem solving techniques can be adopted. The steps provided can be used on any problem no matter how small and simple, or large and complex with the only difference being the amount of overall time required to be spent on the problem at hand. Unfortunately effective problem solving does take some time and attention to detail but the rewards for the time taken may far outweigh the consequences for leaving problems in place.

Identifying the right problem to solve can be by far the most crucial element in the process and it can’t be stressed enough that for this step to work to its full potential it is important to remember to focus on the problem and not just its symptoms or possible solutions, these parts will come shortly. If dealing with multiple problems the right problem is generally the one with the most important outcome, the greatest chance for solution and the nearest deadline. When trying to determine the right problem or if only intending to confirm one, ask yourself the following questions:

Being as specific as possible what exactly is the problem to be solved?

a clearly and concisely defined problem avoids confusion.
A vaguely defined problem could be interpreted as something different.

Can the problem be broken down further?

A problem in its most simple form is in the best state for solving.
Complex problems are possibly multiple smaller problems.

Is the problem exactly the same from multiple perspectives? If not, can it be reworded so that it is?

Problems can look different to different people.
Solving for one person will not necessarily solve for everyone.

Is there anyone who thinks it is not a problem? Why not?

Any doubt is worth looking into, they could know something you don’t.
It is always a possibility that you or your perceptions are the problem.

Is the problem a symptom of a deeper, underlying condition?

Fixing the problem will stop future symptoms.
Fixing a symptom is only temporary.

Is the problem one that can be solved? If no, can the problem be redefined?

How to get to work with a broken leg is a problem that can be solved.
A broken leg itself is not a problem because it can’t be solved, it's broken.

Can the problem be defined as an opportunity?

An opportunity is something positive we generally look forward to and want to take advantage of.
A problem is generally something negative we don’t like and simply want to get rid of.

Is the problem a beneficial one to solve? Why?

The most beneficial problem is often a good place to start.
The world is full of problems and unfortunately we can’t solve them all.

Are you trying to solve a problem? Or are you confusing cause and effect?

Building an airstrip so a plane has somewhere to land can be solving a problem.
Building an airstrip because you know planes land on them does not guarantee a plane.

Once the above questions can be answered concisely you should be left with a well-defined problem which can also be described as an opportunity and more importantly you should have a better understanding of what you will be going to solve or achieve. It is time for the next step, analysing the problem.

Analysing the problem starts with collecting as much information as possible relating to all aspects of the problem. This is where you find out what you already know about the situation and what areas need further looking into. To help discover all the facts it is a good idea to create a number of lists relating to the problem where you in turn list as many points as possible.

Remember that in this stage writing down anything and everything that comes to mind can be a good starting point; irrelevant items can be removed at the end. Some of the information you may find valuable may stem from the following questions. There are quite a few questions to consider, but hopefully they will guide you in the right direction. They are based on the "5 W's and 1 H".

When did the problem first appear?

What was its initial impact?
How was it identified?
Who identified it first?
How did it start?
Where did it start?
Why did it start?
What initially started it?
When did it start?

When does a solution need to be found?

Would it be better to wait for a better time to implement a solution?
Is too late to look for solutions?

Once every aspect of the problem has been looked into it is not uncommon for other potential problems to be identified as well. It may be necessary to start the entire process again for these new problems, but remember that problems are best dealt with one at a time and with that in mind it is time for the next step, defining the problem.

Only after the right problem has been identified and analysed can one be sure of the correct definition of the problem. In most cases the definition will remain unchanged from STEP 1, but in some cases once other available information has been brought to light the problem, the opportunity or the desired outcome may have changed to accommodate either new information or a new perspective on the problem itself.

The following definitions should be written down for future reference. If there is any hesitation with any of the definitions it can be a sign that you don’t fully understand the problem at hand and that the previous step should be re-visited.

Define exactly what the problem is.
Define exactly what needs to be solved.
Define your problem as an opportunity.
Define the desired outcome.

There is always more than one way to solve a problem and in some cases simultaneous solutions may be required. As with the previous steps it is essential that time is taken to develop plenty of innovative and creative ideas. At the end of this step you can be certain you will have the best solution if you have explored all possible avenues and generated every conceivable option. To help you find the best solution the following methods can be used.

Seek advice; ask an expert
In today’s day and age there is an expert on pretty much any topic you can imagine. Sometimes the best and fastest approach to getting the information we need can be simply to ask someone who knows more about the subject than we do. Of course finding that someone can be a challenge in itself, but the rewards in doing so could far outweigh other options. If the expert is unsure about the best approach for your situation they will probably be able to point you in the right direction.

Brainstorming
Best done with a group of individuals brainstorming is always a good starting point. Brainstorming involves creating a list of ideas spontaneously contributed by an individual or group of individuals. With this method there is no wrong answer and wild or unexpected answers are often encouraged with all suggestions being written down. The process continues until no more suggestions can be thought of and the list of ideas can later be used to develop a solution.

The Scientific Method
A method for conducting an objective investigation which is a proven approach to solving problems in a way that is reliable, consistent and non-arbitrary. The scientific method can be seen to underlay the scientific revolution and has helped to create many of the great accomplishments of recent human history. A basic flow chart of the scientific method is shown below.

Have a Guess
If there is some indication, a technique you have heard of or a gut instinct about a possible solution, why not look into it further. Starting with an inkling and checking and adjusting it to suit the problem at hand could lead to the ideal solution. This method generally works better for a limited number of potential solutions where you can eliminate the options one at a time but there is no harm in employing the method in any case, it might just lead to the solution you have been looking for.

Work Backwards
If the “where to start” is not obvious starting at the end goal and working backwards can be a good approach. Working backwards can sometimes offer the fastest solution because it gets you thinking with where you want to end up in mind. This approach to problem solving can also be effective when used at a point not quite at the end goal or even to back check the starting point from a different perspective.

Do the Opposite
What effect does doing the opposite to what you have been doing have on the situation? If you at a dead-end or simply want to explore the opposite of something that clearly isn’t working, doing the opposite can provide a new and refreshing perspective. Rather than avoiding a situation, doing a complete 180 and diving straight in can in some cases be the best and/or fastest approach.

A Randomized Approach
When all else fails or there is no indication what so ever to what sort of approach should be taken a random approach may be required. By applying random solutions and seeing how they influence the problem at hand may eventually lead to something more meaningful. You might get lucky and find the solution you have been looking for or worst possible case you may just find yourself where you started.

If after numerous attempts without success it might be necessary to go back to previous steps and try to "look outside the square". Every now and then a problem presents itself that will require a bit more creativity to come up with a feasible solution.

With a list of possible solutions developed in the previous step it is time to select the best individual or best combination of solutions to be put into action and to eliminate the problem at hand. The process of selecting the best solution is a matter of ranking all of the available solutions against one another and defining each options “pluses and minuses”. Some of the key areas that might need to be evaluated and prioritised have been listed below.

Operational validity: Can the solution actually be implemented or is it just an idea?
Economic validity: Is the solution economical? Will the solution bring an economic result?
Degree of Complexity: Is the solution simple to implement or are there complexities involved?
Ease of Implementation: Is the solution ready to go and easy to install?
Stakeholder interest: Does the solution satisfy everyone’s interests.
Potential Risk: Does the solution bring any additional risk with it?
Personal commitment: Is the solution something that reflects the ideals of all involved? Is the solution something you believe in?
End result: Will the solution solve all parts of the problem or will the problem just be reduced or concealed?

Keeping in mind that the best solution will be the result of considerable deliberation and also that one solution that is available for any problem is to simply do nothing, everything should now be in place for putting the solution into action. If something happens so that the chosen solution/s cannot be used or if the solution stops working, there will now be a list of alternatives already assessed, prioritised and ready to go.

The implementation plan is just as important as implementing the solution/s and monitoring the progress of this step is something that will need to be done also. A brief guide to some of the things that will need to be considered have been detailed below.

Planning and documentation of a new solution/s

When will the solution be implemented?
Where will the solution be implemented?
How is the solution to be implemented?
What has to be done before the solution is implemented?
How long will the solution take to start working?
What time frame is the solution expected to take before the problem is solved?
Have monitoring provisions been put in place?
What are the key signs to look for to indicate the solution is working?
Who will need to be notified about the changes about to take place?
At what stages will the progress be reviewed?
Have contingency arrangements been put in place for if the solution doesn’t work?
What will be the next step if the solution doesn’t work?
If required, have all agreements been documented and signed?
How will it be confirmed that the problem has been solved?
Are steps required to remove or disable the solution?
What will happen once the problem has been solved?

Putting the solution into action

Put the solution into action
Monitor the progress and effect of the solution
Test and ensure the solution is meeting expectations and outcomes

Hopefully everything went to plan and the problem is now solved and even if it wasn’t, this step is still the same. It is vital that the whole process is evaluated from problem to solution and a good starting point is to document the 7 step procedure. This step is intended to not only provide a future reference but also a learning experience for future problem solving. At a very minimum the following questions should be answered:

How effective was that particular solution?
Did the solution achieve the desired outcomes?
What consequences did problem solving activity have on my situation?

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