Resources

Below is an example of our typical Six Step Method Workshop webinar:

Six Steps to become an Essential Problem Solver Workshop – creating solutions that last

This workshop will explore the crucial elements that will make you an Essential Problem Solver.

During this session we’ll also highlight your real-life situation and give you the opportunity to use your issue and apply it to Steps in our Problem-Solving Method.

Below is an outline of the Six Steps:

 Developing Awareness: a method to thoroughly assess your situation

Defining the Problem: a process to determine the true nature and clarification of the problem

Exploring the Problem: a system to examine the critical elements involved with the problem

Generating, Analyzing & Selecting Options: a series of innovative ways to increase the number and quality of options; also, a way to objectively consider and decide on which option/s to use.

Implementing Solutions: a straight forward approach to create a plan to execute the option/s

Reviewing & Assessing Progress: a sequence to monitor progress and capture learnings.

Six Step Problem Solving Method Explained

1. Develop Awareness             (Investigating)

 Look at your situation from what’s going on inside and outside the issue. It will help you to examine and understand the critical aspects of problem. Ask yourself and those who know about the problem, to explain the important elements they see. Others on your team should ask questions, to gather key information, so you can view it from their point of view.

2. Define the Problem  (Determining)

Again, use good questions on yourself and others, to thoroughly understand the issue. This is the point where you need to decide who else you want to get involved, collecting their information and feedback on the proposed problem. In the end, you should try to define your problem as an open-ended question, which will help jump-start your thinking about solutions.

3. Explore the Problem (Examining)

Through further investigation, you will collect necessary information, then clarify its value and relevance. Next, it’s critical to confirm and verify what data you believe is true and the conclusions you can draw from that data. The final element in this part is to consider what other points of views you need to get to obtain multiple perspectives on the problem.

4. Generate, Analyze and Select Options (Expanding/Deciding)

In this step, you get to generate and evaluate options for solving your problem. One technique to help you uncover new options is brainstorming. You will then sort, rank, develop, and choose an option/s.  Use individual criteria to be deliberate and explicit in your selection. Also think about the acceptance or resistance you might get from others about your choice.

5. Implement Solutions (Taking Action)

Now it’s time to create an implementation plan that specifies the tasks that need to be done and time frames for work to be completed. The who, what and when you need for implementing your strategy. Finally, you need to be specific about who else needs to be involved to complete your plan. Do you need to recruit them first, or are they already on board?

6. Review and Assess Progress                         (Evaluating)

How do you know if your solution is working? You will need to include a process for reviewing your solution, measuring it, assessing it, and getting feedback from those affected. You should also build a review date into the process. It might arise naturally; for instance, if approval or funding is needed. If a natural date is not apparent, a specific date should be set to review progress. This needs to be done early in the process to be sure any problems can be identified, and course corrections planned and implemented. It is also important to create ways to capture what you learn as the plan proceeds.