Sub Blog 4

When a problem occurs, most often you're "under the gun", stressed and short on time. (Who isn't these days?) To solve your problem, you need the right mind-set. And, you may find it beneficial to apply an organized approach to problem solving. These will get you started.

1) Define the problem. (No brainer.) Then, take a deep breath.

2) Think of yourself as a creative problem solver. Adopt a "For Every Problem There's a Solution" attitude. Remind yourself that no one is perfect, no company is perfect, and we don't live in a perfect world. Problems do occur. They are part of life. These mind-sets will help you to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

3) Find answers to these questions:
Where is it happening?
How is it happening?
When is it happening?
Why is it happening?
With whom is it happening?
What might be the root-cause?

4) Consider different ways to approach the problem.
If it is a problem with a coworker, customer, or even someone in your personal life, consider -

Can you agree to meet each-other half-way?
What might you both agree to?
What is the person's personality?
What would be the best approach with the person?
Does the customer have a justifiable complaint?

Don't forget to ask yourself...

Am I at fault?
Am I the problem?
Is an apology in order?

If you are in a management position with an organizational problem, consider -

What is the root cause of the problem?
Which approach is the most realistic to accomplish for now?
(You may want to involve your team in a brainstorming session to obtain answers to these first two questions.)
Do you have the resources?
Are they affordable?
Do you have enough time to implement the approach?
What is the extent of risk associated with any alternative to solving the problem?

If you are in a management position and there is a problem with an individual or team consider -

Why didn't you know about it?
What / who is the root cause of the problem?
Who else is effected by it?
Who dropped the ball?

Tactfully obtain input from other individuals one at a time. Otherwise, people tend to be inhibited about offering their impressions of the real causes of problems. Write what your opinions and what you've heard from others.

What approach do I need to make with the person/team?

5) Select the best approach. When selecting the best approach, consider:

Which approach is the most likely to solve the problem for the long term?
Which approach is the most realistic to accomplish at this time?
Do you have the resources?
Are they affordable?
Do you have enough time to implement the approach?
What is the extent of risk associated with each alternative?

6) Make a decision on how you will solve the problem. Determine the best solution that will help you get the results you want. Solve the problem. Ask for cooperation.

7) Think about how the problem could have been avoided in the first place.

After you've applied this approach to problem-solving, it will become second nature to you.