Introduction
Problems are part and parcel of life. They come unannounced and have a unique way of creeping into your life – even when you are least expecting.
Whether it’s a work project that didn’t turn out as expected, a fitness goal that feels out of reach, or unexpected obstacles in any sphere of life, problems often cause stress, overwhelm, discomfort, frustration, and, worst cases, self-doubt.
These challenges test your patience and resilience. However, there are some proven problem-solving techniques to help you prevent issues from intensifying. By understanding the nature of the problem, ideating solutions, and figuring out the best one, you can make headway, if not completely win over.
Let’s discuss problem-solving and its significance, followed by discussing several techniques.
What is problem-solving?
Problem-solving is the process of identifying a problem, determining its cause and complexity, brainstorming possible solutions, evaluating their impact, and implementing the appropriate one.
It is a valuable, soft skill for professionals to build credibility and prove their decision-making excellence. Beyond advancing their professional careers, it empowers professionals to explore new angles, discover creative solutions, and make strategic decisions.
Effective problem-solving helps teams improve their current state, confidently challenge assumptions, and bounce back from setbacks with resilience.
20 Effective problem-solving techniques
Encountering challenges can easily lead to feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or frustrated. Yet, the first step towards overcoming them is to shift your perspective and face them head-on.
Look at each problem from a strategic perspective, grounding confidence in your skills and capabilities.
Here are some of the effective types of problem-solving techniques to use for specific issues and contexts:
1. Problem tree
A problem tree is a visual, structured tool to identify and analyze a problem. Also known as situational analysis or problem analysis, the method maps out root causes as the tree roots, the problem as the tree trunk, and the potential effects as the tree branches. The technique encourages the team to have discussions and participate in brainstorming sessions for deeper insights. It further helps them narrow down and uncover the underlying issues to address the problem effectively.
2. Issue tree
An issue tree, also known as a decision tree, is a visual basis for systematic analysis and solution generation. It breaks down a larger issue into several smaller components (branches) that contribute to the main problem. Depending on your specific needs, these branches can be organized by type or hierarchy. While its structure may resemble a problem tree, an issue tree serves an entirely different purpose, focusing on analyzing and resolving the primary issue.
3. Trial and error
Trial and error is a process of implementing and testing several possible solutions until you obtain the best solution to your problem. The effectiveness of this method lies in evaluating when to use it, and when to skip it, as using this approach does not guarantee ideal outcomes every time. Some ideal situations to apply this method are:
- When you have several solutions to test
- When there is no clarity on an obvious solution
- When you have time for explorations
- When the risk of failure and loss is low
4. Five whys
Five whys, as suggested by the name, is one of the simple yet powerful techniques for dissecting complex issues and finding their solutions. It encourages the team to ask ‘Why?” five times to uncover the root cause of the problem, and not just the symptoms. All you have to do is identify your problem, repeat the why question series five times, and come up with a logical answer to each question. Keep in mind that reaching the root cause may require asking ‘why’ more or fewer than five.
5. Mindspin
Mindspin is a brainstorming technique that sparks creative and out-of-the-box thinking among team members. Rather than following a strict sequence of steps for problem-solving, it fuels the flow of a wide range of ideas, necessary for further and deeper exploration. It empowers the team to share innovative ideas and build upon each other’s suggestions, aiming for fresh insights within a set time frame – all without any limitation or preconceived notion.
6. Use a solution that worked before
While it may sound pretty obvious, reusing a previously successful solution is one effective method for dealing with setbacks. However, jumping straight into implementing the solution without analyzing the situation beforehand is strictly not recommended. In fact, you should look for patterns, indicators, and similarities to determine if the recent problem shares commonalities with the previous one. Understand the problem deeply and thoroughly assess the potential repercussions to determine whether replicating the solution will truly be beneficial.
7. TRIZ
TRIZ (a Russian acronym), meaning The Theory of Inventive Problem Solving, is an innovative problem-solving technique developed by engineer Genrich Altshuller in the Soviet Union. The method assumes that innovation follows patterns and that a solution to your problem exists already, as someone, somewhere might have already faced it. It encourages teams to use existing knowledge and proven solutions, eliminating the need to reinvent the wheel and drawing inspiration from past solutions.
8. Divide and conquer
The divide and conquer method comes in handy when you are faced with a complex problem that seems daunting at first glance. Breaking down a large complex problem into a set of smaller, manageable parts is what explains this strategy. The subproblems share the same nature as the original problem. Doing this, you can find the solution for each smaller chunk individually, and then combine them to form a solution for the larger problem.
9. Six thinking hats
The six thinking hats is a problem-solving technique focused on viewing a problem from different angles. There are six different colored hats with each color representing six different perspectives, including, facts and data, creativity, possibilities and outcomes, planning, emotion, logic, etc. You can either ask one member to wear all six hats or assign different hats to multiple individuals to get a comprehensive outlook of the problem. Using this method, one can eliminate any biases that could creep in due to individual perceptions.
10. Cause and effect diagram ( Fishbone Diagram )
The cause-and-effect diagram, or the fishbone diagram or Ishikawa diagrams, is a powerful example of a root-cause analysis method. Participants draw upon fish anatomy to represent the problem as a fish head and the possible root causes as fish bones. The method helps teams brainstorm and dig deeper into finding the potential causes giving rise to a particular problem. With the problem and the causes outlined, teams can begin to identify feasible solutions to the problem.
11. Get advice from your peers
While this problem-solving technique may come across as unconventional, turning to your peers to seek their input offers a fresh lens on the situation. By tapping into their knowledge, ideas, skills, and expertise, you gain the ability to look into the problem from a different angle. This contribution increases the likelihood of discovering unique solutions and resolving issues effectively. And even if you don’t make the most out of their input or end up not taking their advice, the process itself can lead to growth and collaboration.
12. Working backward
Working backward is a reverse approach to solving problems. Contrary to traditional methods, the approach begins by considering the ‘end result’ as the starting point, followed by identifying any key milestones. With both these goals established, the next step involves retracing and progressing toward the initial phase. This requires you to structure a sequence of actions in the opposite direction. The method is useful in situations when you are aware of the desired results, but are unaware of the correct course of action.
13. SWOT analysis
SWOT analysis is a four-quadrant framework to solve problems by identifying the internal and external strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. All you have to do is start by making four quadrants and filling in the details in each category. This method puts emphasis on knowing your nitty-gritty, before moving on to finding the solution. By providing a comprehensive understanding of your current situation, you can use the framework to make smarter and intelligent decisions to tackle problems effectively.
14. Impact and effort matrix
The impact and effort matrix is a powerful tool to deal with problems in a unique way. During the process, participants are required to brainstorm several solutions for the problem. Once done, each possible action is categorized based on two factors: impact and effort into a 2×2 matrix.
- High Impact, Low Effort: The best ideas
- High Impact, High Effort: Need closer evaluation
- Low Impact, High Effort: Best to skip
- Low Impact, Low Effort: Need more study
The matrix helps evaluate the viability of solutions before committing to execution.
15. The Round-Robin technique
The Round-Robin technique is a structured brainstorming session designed for group participation. Unlike traditional brainstorming, this approach ensures that each participant actively engages and gets an equal chance to contribute. The session can be conducted either verbally or in writing, with one key rule: every participant must make constructive contributions. The process continues with everyone involved until the circle is complete, enough time has passed, or ideas are exhausted.
16. Moscow method
The Moscow method, commonly known as a prioritization technique, also serves as an effective framework to solve problems. For example, when team members brainstorm possible solutions, this method helps them evaluate and prioritize the most critical ones for effective decision-making. It involves categorizing solutions into four groups: Must-haves, Should-haves, Could-haves, and Won’t-haves. This approach ensures that the most impactful solutions are given priority, while less critical ones are set aside, ultimately driving better outcomes for the team and the project.
17. Improved solutions
The improved solution technique is an iterative process aimed at refining and optimizing a previous set of solutions to achieve the best possible outcome. The method is most effective when you have an initial set of solutions and want to fine-tune them for greater impact. The process also encourages group collaboration, enabling all the team members to participate and contribute their insights. The method focuses on ongoing improvement, ensuring that the final outcome delivers the maximum value.
18. Agreement-Certainty Matrix
The agreement-certainty matrix is a visual decision-making tool to identify the level of agreement and certainty among team members about the challenges. When organizing problems from simple to chaotic in a two-dimensional matrix, you get two types of problems: Technical and adaptive.
Technical problems: Solutions are clear, known, and agreed upon. Also, the problem is well-understood.
Adaptive problems: Solutions may or may not be unknown and require experimentation
Sorting problems this way helps teams get clarity on the approaches that may work best for each type and obtain effective results.
19. Kipling method
The Kipling method, also known as the 5W1H method, is a questioning technique to analyze a problem. Based on Rudyard Kipling’s poem “I Keep Six Honest Serving Men”, the method is also known by the name “6 Serving Men of Creativity.”
The six series of questions are:
- What: What is the problem or situation?
- Why: Why is the problem important? Why is it happening?
- Where: Where is the problem happening?
- When: When did this happen? When should it be addressed?
- Who: Who is involved? Who is affected?
- How: How did this happen? How can we solve it?
With all these six questions asked, you get a deeper understanding of the issue, dissecting every crucial factor required to develop a desired solution.
20. Pareto principle
The Pareto principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, helps pinpoint the few critical parameters that contribute most to the problem. According to this principle, 80% of the problem’s severity often stems from 20% of the factors. By analyzing key statistics and facts, identifying patterns, and developing strategies, you can zero in on these high-impact factors. Addressing these core issues allows you to implement solutions more effectively, maximizing your results with focused efforts.
Importance of problem-solving techniques
Problems are the opportunities to discover new possibilities. And the best ideas come when you choose to deal with them and not ignore them.
This is where problem-solving techniques come to our assistance. These approaches redefine our perspective on problems, activating our creative and strategic thinking.
Let’s find out how these are crucial to resolving challenges and leading with confidence.
- Better decision-making: Effective techniques for problem-solving help teams improve their decision-making process. These structured systems enable teams to strategically evaluate problems, solutions, and impact, allowing teams to make informed decisions and not be impulsive.
- Enhanced creativity: Innovative problem-solving approaches encourage teams to tap into their creative side, inspiring them to explore innovative and unconventional ideas. The approach revolutionizes their methods of developing solutions to the problem.
- Increased efficiency: Problem-solving methods provide a boost to teams’ ability to decode a problematic situation. These eliminate the scope for cumbersome and dull practices, resulting in quicker solutions and better workflow.
- Reduced stress: Effective problem-solving techniques empower individuals to take less stress and get more work done. They feel encouraged to look into solutions., rather than keeping themselves drained of unnecessary worry.
- Builds resilience: When problem-solving skills help employees overcome challenges, they feel motivated to face obstacles with confidence. This strengthens their adaptability and morale.
- Boosts collaboration: Problem-solving techniques develop several opportunities for the team to interact and collaborate with others. They learn to work as a unit, eliminating any barriers that could limit their success.
Conclusion
Problems are inevitable – whether simple or complex, big or small, in personal life or professional, they are universal.
No matter the magnitude, the solutions are limitless. Recognizing a problem and confronting it with courage is the first step toward success. Because when we accept setbacks rather than avoid them, we evolve to be problem-solvers. This mindset of resilience empowers you to not only achieve the best outcomes but also gain an edge over any challenge.
And problem-solving techniques form the basis for driving innovation and accelerating progress. With these solutions at your disposal, you can strategize your way out of the problems to be the one leading the change.
