Problem solving

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"Life is one long series of problems to solve. The more you solve, the better a man you become." - Sir Radzig Kobyla, March of 1403.

According to the American Society for Quality: "Problem solving is the act of defining a problem; determining the cause of the problem; identifying, prioritizing, and selecting alternatives for a solution; and implementing a solution."[1]

Being adept at problem solving is vital to thriving in one's personal and professional endeavors. Fields that are especially known for problem solving are management, engineering, mathematics and a variety of scientific fields.

Problem solving process

 
The problem solving process involves "defining the problem, generating solutions, evaluating options, and implementing a solution."[2]

The problem solving process involves "defining the problem, generating solutions, evaluating options, and implementing a solution."[3]

According to the American Society for Quality the problem solving process includes:[4]

1. Identify the problem.

2. Define/analyze the problem. Understand the problem and its impact on goals.

3. Generate alternative solutions (Via brainstorming, ideation and other methods)

4. Evaluate potential solutions. Consider the pros and cons of each solution.

5. Select a solution: Pick the best option.

6. Implement the solution.

7. Evaluate the solution and make any adjustments. Determine if the solution was successful and should be improved on.

Additional resources:

3 basic approaches to problem solving. Problem solving strategies


Articles on strategies and approaches to problem solving

Six sigma and problem solving

Creative problem solving

See also: Creative problem solving

 
Statue of the creative Renaissance man Leonardo da Vinci in Tuscany, Italy.

Creative problem solving "involves breaking down a problem to understand it, generating ideas to solve the problem and evaluating those ideas to find the most effective solutions. It uses techniques to make the problem solving process engaging and collaborative."[5]

The six stages of creative problem solving, often referred to as the Osborn-Parnes model, are: Objective Finding, Fact Finding, Problem Finding, Idea Finding, Solution Finding, and Acceptance Finding; essentially, defining the problem, gathering information, identifying the core issue, brainstorming ideas, selecting the best solution, and planning for implementation. Explanation of each stage:

1. Objective Finding: Clearly state the goal or desired outcome of the problem-solving process.

2. Fact Finding: Gather all relevant information and data about the problem situation.

3. Problem Finding: Analyze the information to identify the root cause or key issues that need to be addressed.

4. Idea Finding: Generate a wide range of potential solutions through brainstorming or other creative techniques. See also: Ideation

5. Solution Finding: Evaluate the generated ideas, select the most promising solution, and refine it.

6. Acceptance Finding: Develop a plan to implement the chosen solution and address potential obstacles to acceptance.

How to come up with brilliant solutions

See also: Creativity and Openness and Ideation and Brainstorming and Innovation and Collaboration and Brilliant

Problem solving and resourcefulness

See also: Creativity and Innovation and Openness and Ideation and Brainstorming and Perfectionism

Articles on problem solving and resourcefulness:

Quote

See also: Quotes about problems in life and problem solving

  • “Victory comes from finding opportunities in problems.” - Sun Tzu
  • "Life is one long series of problems to solve. The more you solve, the better a man you become." - Sir Radzig Kobyla, March of 1403.
  • "There’s no use talking about the problem unless you talk about the solution." - Betty Williams
  • "It’s not a problem that we have a problem. It’s a problem if we don’t deal with the problem." - Mary Kay Utech
  • "Never try to solve all the problems at once — make them line up for you one-by-one." - Richard Sloma
  • "Every project is an opportunity to learn, to figure out problems and challenges, to invent and reinvent." - David Rockwell
  • "Problems do not go away. They must be worked through or else they remain, forever a barrier to the growth and development of the spirit. Until you value yourself, you won't value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it." - M. Scott Peck
  • "You will find peace not by trying to escape your problems, but by confronting them courageously. You will find peace not in denial, but in victory." - J. Donald Walters
  • "All problems become smaller when you confront them instead of dodging them." - William F. Halsey
  • "When solving problems, dig at the roots instead of just hacking at the leaves." - Anthony J. D'Angelo
  • "A problem well put is half solved.” - John Dewey
  • “The formulation of the problem is often more essential than its solution, which may be merely a matter of mathematical or experimental skill.” - Albert Einstein
  • "All my problems bow before my stubbornness.” - Amit Kalantri, Wealth of Words
  • "Let God's promises shine on your problems." - Corrie Ten Boom
  • "It is wise to direct your anger towards problems - not people; to focus your energies on answers - not excuses." William Arthur Ward
  • "Sometimes it seems as if there are more solutions than problems. On closer scrutiny, it turns out that many of today's problems are a result of yesterday's solutions." - Thomas Sowell
  • "You will only be remembered for two things: the problems you solve or the ones you create." - Mike Murdock

See also

External links

Articles:

Ray Dalios 5 steps to success (problem solving included):

Systems thinking:

George Polya's 4 steps to problem solving:

Problem solving Videos

General problem solving:

References