Problem Solving and Decision Making

Problem solving is a valuable skill that can really only be learnt, and perfected, through continual practice. A wide range of problem solving models and techniques are available to assist in evaluating and solving diverse problems of varying degrees of complexity.

Problemsolving skills help you determine the source of a problem and find an effective solution. Although problemsolving is often identified as its own separate skill, there are other related skills that contribute to this ability.

Effective problem solving strategies.

1.Define and understand the problem
2.Assess the scale of the problem
3.Gather relevant information
4.Identify the root causes
5.Test the hypothesis
6.Involve others
7.Consider the proposed solution(s)
8.Test the proposed solution
9.Champion your decision
10.Monitor the results


Problem solving and decision making are not synonymous with each other, but they are both important skills for everyone to have. People often use the terms problem solving and decision making interchangeably specifically because they have elements in common.

Problem solving and decision making involve critical thinking.

Critical thinking is a process by which you question your own assumptions – as well as those of others in order to decide on next steps to solve a problem. Critical thinking often results in using a mix of research, analysis, questioning and exploration of new ideas in order to gain rich insight into a situation, becoming informed in a way that isn’t restricted by the subjective perspectives of peers or the status quo.

ProblemSolving: A Step by Step Approach
1. Identify the problem?

There is no better starting point than defining what it is that needs to be fixed.

It means taking the time to thoroughly review the situation separating the symptoms from the cause. Making your diagnosis is about understanding what hurts and why. This takes time and might mean doing a bit of research to reveal the underlying issues behind the problem.

2. Determine the Root Causes

Once you have identified what your problem is, you need to figure out why it is.

What is behind it?
What is causing it?
Can it be quantified or qualified.
What is going on at a core level?
Because as you work towards solving your problem, you are going to want to find a solution that deals with the causes and not just the symptoms, right? So again, take the time to investigate the situation. Collect information, analyze your findings, and refine your diagnosis.

3. Find Multiple Solutions

Being a good problemsolver means thinking innovatively and that means thinking outside the box. Do not settle for the first solution you find. Push the boat out. Find as many alternative solutions as you can. And then find some more.

This might mean looking for solutions in unusual places or from unusual sources – talking to a different set of colleagues, keeping an open mind, or being receptive to the interchange of ideas or perspectives. Whatever if it takes, once you have a set of alternative solutions, subject them all to analysis.

4. Find the Solution that will Work Best

Easier said than done? Not necessarily. Go about it logically. Answer these questions:

Is it technically viable?
Is it scaleable?
Do you have the resources?
What are the risks? Can they be managed?
Does your solution benefit as many people as possible?
Can it be measured? How will you measure it?
5. Plan and Implement Your Solution

Give this part plenty of thought too. Build a really tight plan to execute your solution. You will need to cover who, what, when, and how you will implement your plan.

And just as importantly, you will need to think about how you are going to determine if your solution was a success, which leads us to the final step.

6. Measure the Success of Your Solution

How does it measure against your goals? Have you met your objectives? Have you stayed within budget? Is the work complete? Can you see a measurable outcome?

Evaluating the success of your solution is a vital – and often neglected step – because it shows you clearly whether your solution is the correct one, or whether you need to go back to step one and start over. Because a key part of problemsolving effectively is about being prepared to get it wrong – and to learn from your mistakes.