Diagnostics of Problem Solving

Problems come in all forms, shapes, and sizes. They can be professional, personal, and emotional. And they all have one thing in common: they deter us from accomplishing something and producing our desired results. Problems can bring out the following negative qualities in oursleves:
*Frustration
*Self-Blame (Asking ourselves “why me?”)
*Doubting of our own abilities
*Persistent Negative Thinking
*Helplessness and Hopelessness
If we can overcome these things by taking a step back, or taking a deep breath and thinking, then we can be efficient.

The first thing I go to when I encounter a problem is the root of it. Too often we try to solve the symptoms of the problem instead of the problem itself. I work in pharmaceutical manufacturing and I fill vials of intravenous drugs for roughly 55 hours a week. When I was new and something went wrong, I went right to the problem and only fixed that. Say the machine gets an overtorque. A lot of the time it’s a stuck vial somewhere and it’s easily correctable. But we can’t only look at that stuck vial, we have to look at the entire line and make sure there are not overlapping issues, like having a conveyer belt out of the track. I start at the in-feed of the machine and go through all the way to the out-feed every time I have a problem. This is the same way we need to handle our problems in life. Start at the root of them and see them all the way through to the proper solution in a timely manner.

1. First, you must define the problem. What is its cause? What are the signs there’s a problem at all?
2. Next, you identify various options for solutions. What are some good ideas to solve this?
3. Then, evaluate your options and choose from among them. What is the best option to solve the problem? What’s the easiest option? How should you prioritize?
4. Finally, implement the chosen solution. Does it solve the problem? Is there another option you need to try? (Valdellon)
   This problem-solving theory from Valdellon is based on the scientific method and is an extensive plan to resolve any issue.

Here is a helpful “fishbone graph” to help you to any solution. I wish you the best in all of your diagnostic and problem solving quests.

“Valdellon

WORK CITED
Valdellon, L. (2017, March 7). Problem Solving Techniques and Tips (That Actually Work) [Web log post]. Retrieved September 28, 2017, from https://www.wrike.com/blog/problem-solving-techniques/