Finding Solutions

Establish criteria for measuring success, then track progress and take corrective actions when necessary.

Problem solving involves closing the gap between what is actually taking place and a desired outcome. Once you have identified a problem that needs to be addressed, start by analyzing the problem and defining it as clearly as you can. This is a key step: the definition you generate will have a major impact on all remaining steps in the process. If you get the definition wrong, all remaining steps will be distorted, because you will base them on insufficient or erroneous information.

Definition is important even if the solution appears to be obvious--without full assessment you may miss an alternative resolution that is more advantageous. Gather as much information about the situation as you can. Try to understand the goals of all of the parties involved, and clarify any aspect of the problem you are unclear about.

Once you are satisfied that you have full understanding of the issues, develop courses of action that could provide a resolution to the problem. There is often more than one way to solve a problem, so it is critical to consider all possible solutions and arrive at several alternatives from which tho choose.

Your decision will provide you with an action plan. However, this will be of little value unless it is implemented effectively. Defining how, when, and by whom the action plan is to be implemented an communicating this to those involved is what connects the decision with reality.

Your involvement should not end at implementation, however. Establish criteria for measuring success, then track progress and take corrective actions when necessary. Try to develop and maintain positive attitudes in everyone involved in the implementation process.

ACTION POINT: Define problems clearly and connect their solution to reality with an action plan.