Best Techniques for Effective Problem Solving
Key Takeaways:
- The problem-solving processes can often be as complex and many-sided as the problems they are designed to solve.
- In the Six Thinking Hats technique, by ”trying on” the role of each hat, you can thoroughly investigate a problem from all possible angles and form a complex representation of it and its possible solutions.
- The 5 Whys technique will allow you to gradually get to the root cause of the problem, which may reveal the way how to deal with it.
- By identifying the weaknesses and strengths of a particular phenomenon, opportunities to improve or avoid it, and potential threats posed either by or to it in the SWOT analysis, you can build a holistic view of the problem and get insights on how to overcome it.
- The Three W’s: What? So What? Now What? method is aimed at understanding the problem, defining the reasons behind it, and considering future actions.
- The simplest The Wanderer technique is based on the fact that the brain needs a break from searching for answers, and the right solution will appear when you mentally remove yourself from the problem.
The problem-solving processes can often be as complex and many-sided as the problems they are designed to solve. However, with a positive attitude and, more importantly, the right approach, even seemingly overwhelming challenges can come as minor issues once they are sorted out.
So, we offer you some popular techniques for quickly and successfully addressing complexities.
Six Thinking Hats
An instrumental technique for taking a comprehensive look at a problem is the Six Thinking Hats technique. The author of this method, Edward de Bono, considers six metaphorical hats of different colors with a separate function. Switching between these hats examines the situation from different angles and a complex representation of the problem and possible solutions is formed. The relationship between the color of the hat and its purpose is as follows:
The white hat represents objectivity and is based on real facts. This hat should collect all the necessary information and carefully analyze the data while keeping a cool head.
The red hat is a symbol of inner subconscious feelings, emotions, and intuition. This is where any assumptions and guesses about solutions are worked out, even without any logical justification.
The main generator of various ideas is the green hat. Its area of responsibility is creativity, out-of-the-box thinking, and unlimited imagination. This implies collecting numerous alternatives and approaches to solving complex situations.
The yellow hat focuses on an exclusively positive scenario and symbolizes an optimistic attitude and mindset.
The role of foresight, critical thinking, and caution is assigned to the black hat. It helps to identify potential risks, problems, challenges, and negative aspects of an idea or solution.
The blue hat is the one of control. It represents the overall thinking process and facilitates the management and organization of the whole session. The blue hat sets the agenda, manages time, and ensures that the other hats are applied effectively.
The 5 Whys
The next 5 Whys technique was developed by Sakichi Toyoda, the founder of Toyota Industries, as a part of the Toyota production system. The essence of this method is pretty simple and lies in its very name. The main task is to get to the root cause of the problem by asking yourself the question “why” 5 times. It is worth noting that this is the number of 5 of these “whys” that is the most common variation of this technique. However, depending on the complexity of the problem, you can adjust it for yourself.
Start the process by thinking about your problem and asking yourself why it happened. Each subsequent “why” is a search for a more precise answer compared to your previous one, thus bringing you closer to the truth you are looking for.
It is extremely important to remain objective in this technique and be guided by common sense, not by a somewhat subjective point of view, whether your own or someone else’s.
SWOT analysis
You have probably come across such a concept as SWOT analysis. The abbreviation SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. This analysis is an excellent tool for finding solutions to certain problems of both a business and an individual. In order to conduct this kind of analysis, create a matrix of four quadrants containing each of these four categories of SWOT analysis. Then try to generate ideas based on their meaning and jot your thoughts down right away.
By identifying the weaknesses and strengths of a particular phenomenon, opportunities to improve or avoid it, and potential threats posed either by or to it, you can build a holistic view of the problem and get insights on how to overcome it.
The Three W’s: What? So What? Now What?
This is a quite helpful framework in the context of decision-making and problem-solving. Like most similar techniques, it is aimed at analyzing the problematic situation and considering actions to its resolving.
Each of the questions in this method’s name is a separate stage:
“What?” is the first step, which intends to provide a clear understanding of the problem by objectively evaluating all aspects and details of the situation.
“So What?” delves deeper into the meaning of the problem and encourages considering possible implications that may result from this trouble.
“Now What?” shifts the focus to further steps. This final point considers a possible plan of action and measures to be taken. It also involves making final decisions based on the data processed and the conclusions drawn in the previous stages.
The Wanderer
This is a technique that everyone has encountered at least once, whether consciously or subconsciously. Very often, a problem can be so exhausting that there is nothing left to do but just give up and return to your routine. But then suddenly, in an unexpected place and at an unexpected moment, an insight comes.
Thus, this method assumes that after prolonged stress, our brain needs time to rest and reboot, deliberately forcing it to switch from the problematic situation to something more pleasant. In other words, you need to remove yourself from the problem, and you may find the answer when you least expect it.
So, we hope that you will pick up the most suitable technique to sort your problems out. For a more effective result, you can also try to combine these approaches to come up with the best solutions as simply and easily as possible.
Or perhaps you are familiar with other facilitation and problem-solving techniques? If so, we’d love you to let us in on your secrets in the comments below.
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