When dealing with problems, we need to make decisions. When faced with a situation that calls for a response, we put on our thinking cap. We depend on our thinking skills. Few of us are fully aware of the need to stop and reflect on the situation. We tend to follow the easiest and least resistant path of thought. This is not necessarily always the best answer. With intelligent thinking techniques, you will be in a position to respond more effectively to every situation.
define the problem
When you visit your General Practitioner (Doctor), because you have a fever, cough and sore throat. For you, these are problems that you would like to get rid of. However, for the Doctor, these are symptoms and he is interested in identifying the real problem. Through his questioning skills, the doctor tries to diagnose his illness. Intelligent thinking requires a similar strategy. Let’s get started so we can define the problem (Get our correct diagnosis)
- Define the problem by asking the following questions:
- Who are the people most affected by this problem?
- Who else is having a similar problem?
- Why do some see this as a ‘no problem’?
- What are the negative consequences, if the problem is not solved?
- Who are the beneficiaries if the problem is solved?
- What are the root causes of this problem?
- What are the main obstacles in managing the problem.
- Where can we look for a possible solution?
- When did the problem first arise?
- How fast do we need to solve the problem?
- How can we solve the problem?
The answers to these questions should provide adequate information to define the problem. Defining the problem in writing allows us to understand the scope and consequences of the unresolved problem. This also implies defining the real problem. Write the problem in concise terms with no more than 25 words. The emphasis at this stage is to define the problems. No references are made to possible causes or solutions.
Examine the root cause(s) of the problem
The purpose is to identify all possible causes. Energy and effort should be directed at identifying the root causes that are responsible for the problem. Experts recommend that you ask the following questions to narrow down the possible root cause(s):
- What are the possible causes of this problem?
- Were changes (new equipment, new work processes, etc.) introduced just before the problem arose?
- Were there changes related to the deployment of people: new employees, transfers, etc.?
- Is it possible to recreate the problem we are experiencing to allow us to identify the root cause(s)?
Agree on the desired outcome
A problem is defined as the discrepancy/gap between the existing situation and the desired state of affairs. In other words, we have a problem when there is a difference between the two states. By dealing with the problem, we are basically trying to eliminate the gap between the existing situation and the desired state of affairs. Critical success factors must be identified and incorporated as part of the desired result. An agreement on the desired result facilitates the search for solutions.
At this stage, it would also be a good strategy to identify potential barriers that are likely to prevent you from reaching your desired state of affairs.
List of ideas and possible solutions
Developing ideas is an essential part of the thought process. You must learn to think creatively. Linear thinking is useful, but if you are interested in new and innovative ideas to bridge the gap between existing situations and the desired state of affairs, then you need to learn to think outside the box.
Asking the following questions will make your focus more meaningful at this stage:
- What interests you: a solution that leads to incremental change or radical transformation?
- Do we know anyone else who had a similar problem, but managed to overcome it?
- Will decision-making models like TRIZ work in this situation?
Select the best solution, Implement and Review
Using the decision criteria and the desired outcome as a reference, examine the benefits and limitations of each possible solution. You should also pay attention to people factors. How will people in the organization respond to the solution? Will the proposed solution disrupt and infringe the rights of the main stakeholders?
Whenever possible, go slow with our implementation. If the solutions can be tested on a small scale or implemented as a pilot project, you should adopt that option. This will allow you to manage initial problems that you may encounter while implementing the solution.
The review stage, although it is normally seen as part of the control process, we should see it as part of the thought process. By keeping our mind open, we will be able to think as we deal with the solution(s). Smart thinking strategies are useful during the initial stage of problem identification and idea generation.
