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

See also: Goal setting and Brainstorming and Ideation and Action orientation

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 cause or causes of 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. This may involve developing various solutions and testing those solutions in terms of their effectiveness.

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:

Articles on strategies and approaches to problem solving

Six sigma and problem solving

Six Sigma is a "problem-solving methodology that uses the DMAIC model to improve processes and reduce costs. DMAIC stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control."[5]

Source: Six Sigma and problem solving


Articles on Six Sigma and problem solving

Problem thinking and systems thinking

The Thinker by Auguste Rodin, 1902.

See also: Systems thinking

Systems thinking is a holistic approach to problem solving that views issues as part of a larger, interconnected system. It focuses on understanding the relationships and interactions between different components within that system rather than analyzing them in isolation. It also prioritizes identifying how changes in one part of the system can impact other parts through feedback loops and interdependencies.[6][7][8]

Problem solving with systems thinking "refers to a holistic approach to tackling issues by considering the entire system involved, analyzing the interconnected relationships between its components, and identifying potential solutions that address the root causes of a problem rather than just treating symptoms, ultimately leading to more sustainable and long-term solutions."[9]

Articles on problem solving and systems thinking

Videos on systems thinking:

Videos on systems thinking and problem solving:

Problem solving and contextual solution process

A problem solving and contextual solution process "refers to a method of addressing issues by thoroughly understanding the specific situation or context surrounding the problem, then developing solutions that are tailored to those unique circumstances, taking into account all relevant factors and constraints within that context."[10]

Problem solving and contextual solution process articles

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."[11]

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.

Analytical thinking and critical thinking

See also: Analytical thinking and Critical thinking and Creative problem solving and Rational thinking and Intellectual curiosity

Analytical thinking and critical thinking are both crucial for problem solving, but they differ in their respective approaches. Analytical thinking focuses on breaking down complex information into smaller and more manageable parts to better understand the underlying principles and relationships (See also: Cause and effect and systems thinking). Critical thinking, on the other hand, involves evaluating information, forming better judgments, and questioning assumptions to arrive at well-reasoned and rational conclusions.[12]

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:

Theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ)

The Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) is a methodology that utilizes a structured approach to problem solving via analyzing patterns found in global patents across various industries. This allows for the use of prediction and development of innovative solutions that is based on historical inventions.

Article:

Quote

"Creativity can solve almost any problem." - George Lois

See also: Quotes about problems in life and problem solving

  • "Creativity can solve almost any problem." - George Lois
  • “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

Books

  • Solve It!: The Mindset and Tools of Smart Problem Solvers by Dietmar Sternad. econcise (November 15, 2021)
  • Questions Are the Answer: A Breakthrough Approach to Your Most Vexing Problems at Work and in Life by Hal Gregersen. Harper Business; Illustrated edition (November 13, 2018)
  • What Do You Do With a Problem? by Kobi Yamada. ‎Compendium; Reprint edition (July 1, 2016)

Creative problem solving books:

  • Creative Problem Solving: Root Cause Analysis, 5 Whys, Feynman Technique and Beyond by Lawrence Wilson. ASIN: B0C6P8GH2HPublisher. ‎Independently published (March 4, 2023)
  • Bulletproof Problem Solving: The One Skill That Changes Everything by Charles Conn and Robert McLean. Wiley; 1st edition (March 6, 2019)

See also

External links

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

George Polya's 4 steps to problem solving:

Problem solving Videos

General problem solving:

References

  1. ↑ What is problem solving
  2. ↑ Problem solving process
  3. ↑ Problem solving process
  4. ↑ The problem-solving process, American Society for Quality
  5. ↑ Six Sigma and problem solving
  6. ↑ What is systems thinking
  7. ↑ What is Systems Thinking?
  8. ↑ Understanding systems thinking concepts and workplace applications
  9. ↑ Problem solving and systems thinking
  10. ↑ Problem solving and contextual solution process
  11. ↑ Problem solving
  12. ↑
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