Micro capsule
"Problem Solving"
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“If I were given one hour to save the planet, I would spend 59 minutes defining the problem and one minute resolving it”
Albert Einstein
Problem Definition
Establish the Need for a Solution
The purpose of this step is to articulate the problem in the simplest terms possible: “We are looking for X in order to achieve Z as measured by W.”
Justify the Need
The purpose of answering the questions in this step is to explain why you attempt to solve the problem.
Contextualize the Problem
What approaches have we tried?
The aim here is to find solutions that might already exist in your organization and identify those that it has disproved. By answering this question, you can avoid reinventing the wheel or going down a dead end.
What are the internal and external constraints on implementing a solution?
Write the Problem Statement
Now it’s time to write a full description of the problem you’re seeking to solve. The problem statement, which captures all that the we learned through answering the questions in the previous steps, helps establish a consensus on what a viable solution would be.
Problem solving
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Steps
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Identify the issues (Problems)
Be clear about what the problem is.
What is the desired outcome?
Is the problem actually many problems?
1
Understand everyone's interests
The best solution is the one that satisfies everyone's interests.
This is the time for active listening. Put down your differences for awhile and listen to each other with the intention to understand.
2
List the possible solutions
This is the time to do some brainstorming. There may be lots of room for creativity. Separate the listing of options from the evaluation of the options.
3
Evaluate the options.
What are the Pros and cons? Honestly! Separate the evaluation of options from the selection of options.
4
Select an option or options.
What's the best option, in the balance? Is there a way to "bundle" a number of options together for a more satisfactory solution?
5
Google Way for Attacking Problems
People want to do a good job.
Rather than demand “accountability” offered a difficult and interesting problem to solve, confident that someone would want to accept the challenge.
Linus's Law
"Given enough eyeballs, all bugs are shallow"
"Given a large enough beta-tester and codeveloper base, almost every problem will be characterized quickly and the fix will be obvious to someone."
People perform best at tasks that interest them.
“best people” can be anyone that is interested in fixing the problem.
Great leaders provide a sense of mission and purpose.
Talent is overrated. It is only effective when directed by passion and purpose.
Micro capsule - Problem Solving
By Roy Cruz
Micro capsule - Problem Solving
small presentation about who to solve a problem in projects management.
