Identify Goal
Define Problem
Define Problem
Gather Data
Define Causes
Identify Options
Clarify Problem
Generate Ideas
Evaluate Options
Generate Ideas
Choose the Best Solution
Implement Solution
Select Solution
Take Action
MacLeod offers her own problem solving procedure, which echoes the above steps:
“1. Recognize the Problem: State what you see. Sometimes the problem is covert. 2. Identify: Get the facts — What exactly happened? What is the issue? 3. and 4. Explore and Connect: Dig deeper and encourage group members to relate their similar experiences. Now you're getting more into the feelings and background [of the situation], not just the facts. 5. Possible Solutions: Consider and brainstorm ideas for resolution. 6. Implement: Choose a solution and try it out — this could be role play and/or a discussion of how the solution would be put in place. 7. Evaluate: Revisit to see if the solution was successful or not.”
Many of these problem solving techniques can be used in concert with one another, or multiple can be appropriate for any given problem. It’s less about facilitating a perfect CPS session, and more about encouraging team members to continually think outside the box and push beyond personal boundaries that inhibit their innovative thinking. So, try out several methods, find those that resonate best with your team, and continue adopting new techniques and adapting your processes along the way.
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June 14, 2022 - 10 min read
Solving complex problems may be difficult but it doesn't have to be excruciating. You just need the right frame of mind and a process for untangling the problem at hand.
Luckily for you, there are plenty of techniques available to solve whatever problems come at you in the workplace.
When faced with a doozy of a problem, where do you start? And what problem-solving techniques can you use right now that can help you make good decisions?
Today's post will give you tips and techniques for solving complex problems so you can untangle any complication like an expert.
At its core, problem-solving is a methodical four-step process. You may even recall these steps from when you were first introduced to the Scientific Method.
When applying problem-solving techniques, you will be using a variation of these steps as your foundation.
Takeaway: Before you can solve a problem, seek to understand it fully.
Time to get creative! You might think this will just be a list of out-of-the-box ways to brainstorm ideas. Not exactly.
Creative problem solving (CPS) is actually a formal process formulated by Sidney Parnes and Alex Faickney Osborn , who is thought of as the father of traditional brainstorming (and the "O" in famous advertising agency BBDO).
Their creative problem solving process emphasizes several things, namely:
Takeaway: When brainstorming solutions, generate ideas first by using questions and building off of existing ideas. Do all evaluating and judging later.
If you take a look at the history of problem-solving techniques in psychology, you'll come across a wide spectrum of interesting ideas that could be helpful.
In 1911, the American psychologist Edward Thorndike observed cats figuring out how to escape from the cage he placed them in. From this, Thorndike developed his law of effect , which states: If you succeed via trial-and-error, you're more likely to use those same actions and ideas that led to your previous success when you face the problem again.
Takeaway: Your past experience can inform and shed light on the problem you face now. Recall. Explore.
The Gestalt psychologists built on Thorndike's ideas when they proposed that problem-solving can happen via reproductive thinking — which is not about sex, but rather solving a problem by using past experience and reproducing that experience to solve the current problem.
What's interesting about Gestalt psychology is how they view barriers to problem-solving. Here are two such barriers:
Takeaway: Think outside of the box! And by box, we mean outside of the past experience you're holding on to, or outside any preconceived ideas on how a tool is conventionally used.
Hurson's productive thinking model.
In his book "Think Better," author and creativity guru Tim Hurson proposed a six-step model for solving problems creatively. The steps in his Productive Thinking Model are:
The most important part of defining the problem is looking at the possible root cause. You'll need to ask yourself questions like: Where and when is it happening? How is it occurring? With whom is it happening? Why is it happening?
You can get to the root cause with a fishbone diagram (also known as an Ishikawa diagram or a cause and effect diagram).
Basically, you put the effect on the right side as the problem statement. Then you list all possible causes on the left, grouped into larger cause categories. The resulting shape resembles a fish skeleton. Which is a perfect way to say, "This problem smells fishy."
Analogical thinking uses information from one area to help with a problem in a different area. In short, solving a different problem can lead you to find a solution to the actual problem. Watch out though! Analogies are difficult for beginners and take some getting used to.
An example: In the "radiation problem," a doctor has a patient with a tumor that cannot be operated on. The doctor can use rays to destroy the tumor but it also destroys healthy tissue.
Two researchers, Gick and Holyoak , noted that people solved the radiation problem much more easily after being asked to read a story about an invading general who must capture the fortress of a king but be careful to avoid landmines that will detonate if large forces traverse the streets. The general then sends small forces of men down different streets so the army can converge at the fortress at the same time and can capture it at full force.
In her book " The Architecture of All Abundance ," author Lenedra J. Carroll (aka the mother of pop star Jewel) talks about a question-and-answer technique for getting out of a problem.
When faced with a problem, ask yourself a question about it and brainstorm 12 answers ("12 what elses") to that problem. Then you can go further by taking one answer, turning it into a question and generating 12 more "what elses." Repeat until the solution is golden brown, fully baked, and ready to take out of the oven.
Hopefully you find these different techniques useful and they get your imagination rolling with ideas on how to solve different problems.
And if that's the case, then you have four different takeaways to use the next time a problem gets you tangled up:
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Want to streamline your processes and ease future problem-solving? Get started with a free two-week trial of Wrike today.
Do you have a problem-solving technique that has worked wonders for your organization? Hit the comments below and share your wisdom!
Lionel is a former Content Marketing Manager of Wrike. He is also a blogger since 1997, a productivity enthusiast, a project management newbie, a musician and producer of electronic downtempo music, a father of three, and a husband of one.
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Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."
Sean is a fact-checker and researcher with experience in sociology, field research, and data analytics.
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From deciding what to eat for dinner to considering whether it's the right time to buy a house, problem-solving is a large part of our daily lives. Learn some of the problem-solving strategies that exist and how to use them in real life, along with ways to overcome obstacles that are making it harder to resolve the issues you face.
In cognitive psychology , the term 'problem-solving' refers to the mental process that people go through to discover, analyze, and solve problems.
A problem exists when there is a goal that we want to achieve but the process by which we will achieve it is not obvious to us. Put another way, there is something that we want to occur in our life, yet we are not immediately certain how to make it happen.
Maybe you want a better relationship with your spouse or another family member but you're not sure how to improve it. Or you want to start a business but are unsure what steps to take. Problem-solving helps you figure out how to achieve these desires.
The problem-solving process involves:
Before problem-solving can occur, it is important to first understand the exact nature of the problem itself. If your understanding of the issue is faulty, your attempts to resolve it will also be incorrect or flawed.
Several mental processes are at work during problem-solving. Among them are:
There are many ways to go about solving a problem. Some of these strategies might be used on their own, or you may decide to employ multiple approaches when working to figure out and fix a problem.
An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure that, by following certain "rules" produces a solution. Algorithms are commonly used in mathematics to solve division or multiplication problems. But they can be used in other fields as well.
In psychology, algorithms can be used to help identify individuals with a greater risk of mental health issues. For instance, research suggests that certain algorithms might help us recognize children with an elevated risk of suicide or self-harm.
One benefit of algorithms is that they guarantee an accurate answer. However, they aren't always the best approach to problem-solving, in part because detecting patterns can be incredibly time-consuming.
There are also concerns when machine learning is involved—also known as artificial intelligence (AI)—such as whether they can accurately predict human behaviors.
Heuristics are shortcut strategies that people can use to solve a problem at hand. These "rule of thumb" approaches allow you to simplify complex problems, reducing the total number of possible solutions to a more manageable set.
If you find yourself sitting in a traffic jam, for example, you may quickly consider other routes, taking one to get moving once again. When shopping for a new car, you might think back to a prior experience when negotiating got you a lower price, then employ the same tactics.
While heuristics may be helpful when facing smaller issues, major decisions shouldn't necessarily be made using a shortcut approach. Heuristics also don't guarantee an effective solution, such as when trying to drive around a traffic jam only to find yourself on an equally crowded route.
A trial-and-error approach to problem-solving involves trying a number of potential solutions to a particular issue, then ruling out those that do not work. If you're not sure whether to buy a shirt in blue or green, for instance, you may try on each before deciding which one to purchase.
This can be a good strategy to use if you have a limited number of solutions available. But if there are many different choices available, narrowing down the possible options using another problem-solving technique can be helpful before attempting trial and error.
In some cases, the solution to a problem can appear as a sudden insight. You are facing an issue in a relationship or your career when, out of nowhere, the solution appears in your mind and you know exactly what to do.
Insight can occur when the problem in front of you is similar to an issue that you've dealt with in the past. Although, you may not recognize what is occurring since the underlying mental processes that lead to insight often happen outside of conscious awareness .
Research indicates that insight is most likely to occur during times when you are alone—such as when going on a walk by yourself, when you're in the shower, or when lying in bed after waking up.
If you're facing a problem, you can implement one or more of these strategies to find a potential solution. Here's how to use them in real life:
Problem-solving is not a flawless process as there are a number of obstacles that can interfere with our ability to solve a problem quickly and efficiently. These obstacles include:
In the end, if your goal is to become a better problem-solver, it's helpful to remember that this is a process. Thus, if you want to improve your problem-solving skills, following these steps can help lead you to your solution:
You can find a way to solve your problems as long as you keep working toward this goal—even if the best solution is simply to let go because no other good solution exists.
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Stewart SL, Celebre A, Hirdes JP, Poss JW. Risk of suicide and self-harm in kids: The development of an algorithm to identify high-risk individuals within the children's mental health system . Child Psychiat Human Develop . 2020;51:913-924. doi:10.1007/s10578-020-00968-9
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By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."
Picture this, you're handling your daily tasks at work and your boss calls you in and says, "We have a problem."
Unfortunately, we don't live in a world in which problems are instantly resolved with the snap of our fingers. Knowing how to effectively solve problems is an important professional skill to hone. If you have a problem that needs to be solved, what is the right process to use to ensure you get the most effective solution?
In this article we'll break down the problem-solving process and how you can find the most effective solutions for complex problems.
Problem solving is the process of finding a resolution for a specific issue or conflict. There are many possible solutions for solving a problem, which is why it's important to go through a problem-solving process to find the best solution. You could use a flathead screwdriver to unscrew a Phillips head screw, but there is a better tool for the situation. Utilizing common problem-solving techniques helps you find the best solution to fit the needs of the specific situation, much like using the right tools.
In this ebook, learn how to equip employees to make better decisions—so your business can pivot, adapt, and tackle challenges more effectively than your competition.
While it might be tempting to dive into a problem head first, take the time to move step by step. Here’s how you can effectively break down the problem-solving process with your team:
One of the easiest ways to identify a problem is to ask questions. A good place to start is to ask journalistic questions, like:
Who : Who is involved with this problem? Who caused the problem? Who is most affected by this issue?
What: What is happening? What is the extent of the issue? What does this problem prevent from moving forward?
Where: Where did this problem take place? Does this problem affect anything else in the immediate area?
When: When did this problem happen? When does this problem take effect? Is this an urgent issue that needs to be solved within a certain timeframe?
Why: Why is it happening? Why does it impact workflows?
How: How did this problem occur? How is it affecting workflows and team members from being productive?
Asking journalistic questions can help you define a strong problem statement so you can highlight the current situation objectively, and create a plan around that situation.
Here’s an example of how a design team uses journalistic questions to identify their problem:
Overarching problem: Design requests are being missed
Who: Design team, digital marketing team, web development team
What: Design requests are forgotten, lost, or being created ad hoc.
Where: Email requests, design request spreadsheet
When: Missed requests on January 20th, January 31st, February 4th, February 6th
How : Email request was lost in inbox and the intake spreadsheet was not updated correctly. The digital marketing team had to delay launching ads for a few days while design requests were bottlenecked. Designers had to work extra hours to ensure all requests were completed.
In this example, there are many different aspects of this problem that can be solved. Using journalistic questions can help you identify different issues and who you should involve in the process.
If at all possible, bring in a facilitator who doesn't have a major stake in the solution. Bringing an individual who has little-to-no stake in the matter can help keep your team on track and encourage good problem-solving skills.
Here are a few brainstorming techniques to encourage creative thinking:
Brainstorm alone before hand: Before you come together as a group, provide some context to your team on what exactly the issue is that you're brainstorming. This will give time for you and your teammates to have some ideas ready by the time you meet.
Say yes to everything (at first): When you first start brainstorming, don't say no to any ideas just yet—try to get as many ideas down as possible. Having as many ideas as possible ensures that you’ll get a variety of solutions. Save the trimming for the next step of the strategy.
Talk to team members one-on-one: Some people may be less comfortable sharing their ideas in a group setting. Discuss the issue with team members individually and encourage them to share their opinions without restrictions—you might find some more detailed insights than originally anticipated.
Break out of your routine: If you're used to brainstorming in a conference room or over Zoom calls, do something a little different! Take your brainstorming meeting to a coffee shop or have your Zoom call while you're taking a walk. Getting out of your routine can force your brain out of its usual rut and increase critical thinking.
After you brainstorm with team members to get their unique perspectives on a scenario, it's time to look at the different strategies and decide which option is the best solution for the problem at hand. When defining the solution, consider these main two questions: What is the desired outcome of this solution and who stands to benefit from this solution?
Set a deadline for when this decision needs to be made and update stakeholders accordingly. Sometimes there's too many people who need to make a decision. Use your best judgement based on the limitations provided to do great things fast.
To implement your solution, start by working with the individuals who are as closest to the problem. This can help those most affected by the problem get unblocked. Then move farther out to those who are less affected, and so on and so forth. Some solutions are simple enough that you don’t need to work through multiple teams.
After you prioritize implementation with the right teams, assign out the ongoing work that needs to be completed by the rest of the team. This can prevent people from becoming overburdened during the implementation plan . Once your solution is in place, schedule check-ins to see how the solution is working and course-correct if necessary.
There are a few ways to go about identifying problems (and solutions). Here are some strategies you can try, as well as common ways to apply them:
Trial and error problem solving doesn't usually require a whole team of people to solve. To use trial and error problem solving, identify the cause of the problem, and then rapidly test possible solutions to see if anything changes.
This problem-solving method is often used in tech support teams through troubleshooting.
The 5 whys problem-solving method helps get to the root cause of an issue. You start by asking once, “Why did this issue happen?” After answering the first why, ask again, “Why did that happen?” You'll do this five times until you can attribute the problem to a root cause.
This technique can help you dig in and find the human error that caused something to go wrong. More importantly, it also helps you and your team develop an actionable plan so that you can prevent the issue from happening again.
Here’s an example:
Problem: The email marketing campaign was accidentally sent to the wrong audience.
“Why did this happen?” Because the audience name was not updated in our email platform.
“Why were the audience names not changed?” Because the audience segment was not renamed after editing.
“Why was the audience segment not renamed?” Because everybody has an individual way of creating an audience segment.
“Why does everybody have an individual way of creating an audience segment?” Because there is no standardized process for creating audience segments.
“Why is there no standardized process for creating audience segments?” Because the team hasn't decided on a way to standardize the process as the team introduced new members.
In this example, we can see a few areas that could be optimized to prevent this mistake from happening again. When working through these questions, make sure that everyone who was involved in the situation is present so that you can co-create next steps to avoid the same problem.
A SWOT analysis can help you highlight the strengths and weaknesses of a specific solution. SWOT stands for:
Strength: Why is this specific solution a good fit for this problem?
Weaknesses: What are the weak points of this solution? Is there anything that you can do to strengthen those weaknesses?
Opportunities: What other benefits could arise from implementing this solution?
Threats: Is there anything about this decision that can detrimentally impact your team?
As you identify specific solutions, you can highlight the different strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of each solution.
This particular problem-solving strategy is good to use when you're narrowing down the answers and need to compare and contrast the differences between different solutions.
After you’ve worked through a tough problem, don't forget to celebrate how far you've come. Not only is this important for your team of problem solvers to see their work in action, but this can also help you become a more efficient, effective , and flexible team. The more problems you tackle together, the more you’ll achieve.
Looking for a tool to help solve problems on your team? Track project implementation with a work management tool like Asana .
Last Updated on February 29, 2024 by Ossian Muscad
Every business, regardless of its industry, encounters the inevitable challenge of problem-solving. This critical aspect of business operations is often multifaceted, whether it’s in the process of anticipating potential obstacles, addressing immediate issues at hand, or refining systems for improved efficiency. The intricate and often time-intensive nature of solving these problems demands not only a systematic approach but also the right set of tools to navigate the complexities effectively.
Problem-solving tools are, therefore, not just useful but essential for any business professional. This guide delves into the intricacies of these tools, equipping you with the necessary understanding and skills to employ them within your organizational context. From the nuances of selecting the appropriate tool for a specific challenge to the strategic implementation for maximum impact, we offer a comprehensive exploration into the world of problem-solving tools designed to streamline and enhance your decision-making processes.
Problem-solving tools are structured methodologies or frameworks designed to aid individuals and organizations in navigating the complexities of various challenges. They offer a systematic way to deconstruct and comprehend issues, thereby empowering you to tackle each component with clarity and strategic insight. These tools serve as a kind of compass in the intricate maze of decision-making, providing a step-by-step guide to dissect problems and identify their underlying causes.
By enabling focused brainstorming, these methodologies help in the generation and assessment of potential resolutions, ensuring that the execution of solutions is not only strategic but also monitored for effectiveness. Diverse in their application, problem-solving tools adapt to a range of scenarios, each with its distinct intricacies and nuances. They encourage a proactive approach to conflict resolution, fostering a mindset geared towards continual improvement and preemptive action.
Utilizing visual aids like charts or diagrams, these tools can chart the most efficient path from a problem-ridden present to a solution-oriented future, mapping out the journey from dysfunction to functional success in a clear and accessible manner.
A visual problem-solving process will help reinforce your understanding of the issue and is an excellent way for you and your team to convert abstract ideas into an actual, reconstructive plan. With that said, here are six examples of common problem-mapping diagrams that you can try:
The Fishbone Diagram , also known as the Cause-and-effect Diagram or the Ishikawa diagram , is a powerful problem-solving tool that visually maps out the potential causes of an issue. Its distinctive shape resembles the skeleton of a fish, where the “head” represents the problem and the “bones” branching out from the “spine” symbolize different categories of root causes.
Each of these categories, such as Methods, Equipment, People, and Materials, is probed to identify possible contributing factors to the problem at hand. The simplicity and effectiveness of the Ishikawa diagram lie in its ability to facilitate comprehensive brainstorming sessions based on the principle of cause and effect.
With its widespread popularity, teams across industries value this type of diagram for its ease of use and its competence in stimulating the identification and analysis of various potential causes for a problem. Fishbone diagrams are versatile tools that can be applied in numerous situations. Here’s a comprehensive list detailing common uses:
Flowcharts are among the most prevalent and straightforward problem-solving tools utilized across various industries due to their visual representation of processes or systems. They consist of shapes and arrows that designate sequential steps, illustrating the flow from one stage to another. This visual mapping allows individuals and teams to follow a problem from initiation to resolution, providing a bird’s-eye view of the entire process.
The primary advantage of employing a flowchart lies in its capacity to lay out each step in a predictable manner, thereby enabling the observer to identify bottlenecks, redundancies, or inefficiencies within any step. By using flowcharts, you can dissect complex processes into manageable parts, ensuring a more precise understanding of how each component interacts with others.
This comprehensive perspective not only aids in pinpointing where the issues arise but also enhances the potential for optimizing different segments of the workflow to achieve a more efficient, streamlined process. Flowcharts are a universal tool used to break down complex processes and illustrate step-by-step sequences. Common uses for flowcharts that span across various disciplines include, but are not limited to:
Strategy Maps are a frequently used tool for strategic planning within companies, but they also hold significant value in problem-solving tasks. The essence of a strategy map is to illustrate the connections among various aspects of the organization, such as objectives, measures, initiatives, and activities. These diagrams provide a visual representation of how each component supports the overarching goals and serve as a guide to understanding which areas require attention in order to solve a problem. There are three main types of strategy maps:
While each type of map has its specific applications and nuances, the underlying premise remains constant: to provide a comprehensive view of the strategic interdependencies within an organization. In doing so, strategy maps facilitate the identification of areas where resources can be optimized or where shifts in strategy may resolve existing problems.
Strategy Maps enable leaders and teams to align their efforts toward a common goal and to comprehend how changes in one segment of the business can ripple through and impact the organization as a whole. Strategy Maps are incredibly versatile and can be applied to a number of uses within an organization to enhance strategic understanding and alignment. Below is a detailed list of the common uses of Strategy Maps:
The 5 Whys is a problem-solving method developed by Sakichi Toyoda and later used within Toyota Motor Corporation during its manufacturing process improvements. It is a simple yet effective technique used to uncover the root cause of a problem by asking “Why?” a minimum of five times or until the underlying issue is identified.
The process involves a team collaboratively pinpointing an issue and then questioning the cause of that issue iteratively. This exercise forces deeper inquiry beyond surface-level symptoms, leading to the discovery of the fundamental problem at hand. By addressing the root cause, organizations can implement substantive, long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes.
The 5 Whys technique is versatile and can be applied in various industries and scenarios, making it a staple in the toolbox of lean manufacturing, quality management, and process improvement. The 5 Whys technique has a multitude of applications across different fields and industries due to its simplicity and effectiveness in root cause analysis. Here is a comprehensive list detailing seven common uses of the 5 Whys:
Pareto charts are statistical tools named after the Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto, who is best known for the Pareto Principle. This principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, posits that for many events, roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes. A Pareto Chart conveys this concept through a visual graph that combines both bar and line graphs.
The bars represent individual values in descending order from left to right and are typically related to frequency or cost. Next to these, a line graph indicates the cumulative total, enabling users to easily identify which factors contribute the most to the problem they are examining. Pareto Charts are especially useful in quality control and process improvement because they help stakeholders prioritize issues or defects in a process.
By concentrating efforts on the most significant problems, organizations can significantly improve their overall performance, often with considerably less effort than by treating all problems equally. Pareto Charts are widely recognized for their ability to visually represent and prioritize problems to focus improvement efforts. Here are seven common uses of Pareto Charts across various disciplines:
A decision tree is a flowchart-like structure that is used as a decision support tool, representing a series of decisions and their possible consequences, including chance event outcomes, resource costs, and utility. It’s a visual representation that maps out multiple decision paths and evaluates them based on various scenarios, which can be immensely beneficial in making informed choices in complex situations.
Decision trees feature branches that depict decision nodes and leaf nodes representing outcomes, allowing individuals or organizations to review all possible solutions and identify the best course of action before committing. This analytical tool is widely used across business, engineering, law, and medical fields due to its straightforward graphical approach, which promotes clarity in the decision-making process.
Decision Trees are versatile tools, and their application can be found in diverse areas. By exploring different scenarios and their potential outcomes, you can uncover hidden insights and make more informed decisions. Here are some common uses of Decision Trees:
An objective map is a strategic tool utilized by companies to visualize their objectives and the connections between them. This graphical illustration aids in clarifying how various goals relate to one another and often reveals how addressing one objective can influence the achievement of others.
By mapping out objectives in a clear and structured way, an objective map enables team members and stakeholders to gain insight into the hierarchy and interdependencies of their collective goals. It’s particularly valuable when trying to solve complex problems within an organization, as it helps to pinpoint which objectives need to be prioritized and tackled in order to address and resolve specific challenges effectively.
This visual mapping can become a critical step in strategic planning, ensuring that efforts are directed toward the most impactful areas. Objective Maps are crucial in a multitude of organizational processes. Here are seven common uses:
A Balanced Scorecard Map is a strategic planning and management tool that provides a visual representation of an organization’s performance measures and objectives across different perspectives. It brings together financial, customer, internal, and growth-related goals in a coherent manner, articulating how the organization creates value.
By identifying key performance indicators (KPIs) and targets within these areas, the map serves as a guide to translate a company’s vision into actionable goals. It allows managers and teams to understand at a glance how various objectives tie into overall corporate strategy and how they contribute to resolving organizational issues.
With its clear, graphical design, a Balanced Scorecard Map can highlight specific areas that require attention to drive improvement and achieve strategic balance. Balanced Scorecard Maps are used widely across various industries to enhance strategic alignment and improve organizational performance. Here is a comprehensive list detailing their common uses:
No matter what type of problem you’re facing, there’s a diagram that can help you solve it. Therefore, by understanding the different types of diagrams and how to use them, you’ll need to prepare for any issue that comes your way.
Choosing the ideal problem-solving tool largely depends on the nature of the problem and its complexity. Here are some steps you can follow to select the most suitable tool:
The goal is not just to solve the problem but to learn from the process. This learning can be applied to future problem-solving efforts, continuously improving your approach.
Q1: what differentiates a simple problem from a complex one in problem-solving.
Simple problems usually have a clear and predictable solution, whereas complex problems have many interconnected components that change dynamically and may require holistic and flexible approaches to solve. By understanding the nature of the problem, you can choose a suitable tool for effective problem-solving.
Review and update your problem-solving tools as needed when there is a significant change in the organization’s objectives or market conditions or when feedback or results indicate an improvement is warranted. Make sure your tools are aligned with your current strategy and goals to ensure their effectiveness.
Not typically. Problem-solving tools are varied and designed to address specific types of issues. It’s crucial to match the right tool to the problem to ensure an effective solution. At the same time, some tools may be adaptable and useful for multiple types of problems.
If the tool isn’t working, it’s essential to re-evaluate the situation, possibly redefining the problem or choosing a different tool that may be better suited to the circumstances. That way, you can find a solution that is more likely to yield the expected results. If necessary, seek guidance or assistance from experts in the field to help identify a suitable tool and approach.
Collaborative problem-solving can foster diverse ideas and lead to innovative solutions. However, the situation and type of problem should guide the necessity and extent of collaboration. By understanding these factors, you can choose the most effective problem-solving approach and tool for your organization’s needs.
Proficiency in various tools allows for flexibility and adaptability in tackling different problems. Continuous learning and training in multiple methodologies can significantly improve problem-solving effectiveness. Making sure your team is well-versed in various tools can also increase their confidence and competence in addressing complex issues. So, it’s beneficial to invest in training and development programs that expose individuals to a variety of problem-solving approaches and tools.
DATAMYTE is a quality management platform with low-code capabilities. Our Digital Clipboard , in particular, is a low-code workflow automation software that features a workflow, checklist, and smart form builder. This tool lets you build and deploy custom solutions for problem-solving, quality control, data collection, and analysis without any programming knowledge.
DATAMYTE also lets you conduct layered process audits, a high-frequency evaluation of critical process steps, focusing on areas with the highest failure risk or non-compliance. Conducting LPA with DATAMYTE lets you effectively identify and correct potential defects before they become major quality issues.
With DATAMYTE , you have an all-in-one solution for efficient and effective problem-solving, quality management, and continuous improvement. Book a demo now to learn more.
The art of problem-solving necessitates a careful evaluation of the problem, consideration of the tools and resources available, and a sound understanding of your organization’s capabilities. Whether the problem at hand is simple, complicated, or complex, the key lies in matching the right problem-solving tool to the task.
Regular review and adaptation of tools, coupled with a readiness to embrace training and collaboration, bolsters the problem-solving process. Through an iterative and informed approach to problem-solving, it is possible to enhance decision-making, drive continuous improvement, and achieve strategic organizational goals.
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Engineering Team
May 13, 2024
Do you want a solution to help your teams work well together, reduce friction, and speed up productivity?
The best problem-solving software has all the answers for you. Problem-solving software helps find bottlenecks, simplify workflows, and automate tasks to improve efficiency. The result? Communication is easy, and your team enjoys a collaborative work environment.
Problem-solving software gives you the right visualization tools and techniques to better articulate your ideas and concepts.
That’s not all; it also automates repetitive tasks while your team focuses on brainstorming and ideating.
In this article, we’ll cover the best problem-solving software and highlight its various features, limitations, customer ratings, and pricing details to help you make an informed decision.
1. clickup , 2. omnex systems , 5. meistertask, 6. teamwork, 10. airtable .
Businesses encounter many challenges, from operational inefficiencies and customer complaints to financial discrepancies.
As your team slowly navigates through these issues, having problem-solving software with the right features will reduce the hassle. Before investing in one, consider some of these following factors:
While you have many options, select the one with the right features that suit your needs .
Check out our list of the ten best problem-solving tools to ensure you have the features to solve complex issues effectively:
Henry Ford once said that success takes care of itself if everyone moves forward together. ClickUp problem-solving software helps you succeed by ensuring all your team members are always on the same page.
With its live collaboration, you can see if your teammates are looking at or editing documents. Also, edit documents together in real-time. Moreover, any changes on any device are updated instantly, so nobody falls behind.
The whiteboard feature is super helpful in getting your team together for brainstorming and ideating. As problem-solving involves generating and evaluating multiple ideas, the whiteboard helps write, modify, and build ideas together.
Now that you have brainstormed on core problems, you must establish a clear visual reference point for ongoing analysis. That’s where the ClickUp mind maps feature stands out. Create a hierarchical structure, with the main problem at the center and subtopics branching out.
Since these maps have interconnections, it is easy to visualize connections between different elements. This feature effectively identifies possible cause-and-effect relationships in a problem.
Omnex’s problem-solving software has many helpful features to track, manage, and solve problems quickly. It’s a one-stop shop for dealing with internal and external issues.
The platform is also customer-centric, which responds to customers in their preferred formats. This ensures a tailored and user-friendly experience, further enhancing problem resolution through seamless interaction with stakeholders.
Hive is another excellent platform to instruct your teams better while solving complex challenges and enhancing their problem-solving skills. It’s highly interactive and lets all your team members view what’s happening and express their opinions simultaneously.
Collaborative work management helps you solve issues effectively. Hive is your virtual file cabinet where sharing documents with different teams and collaboratively working becomes more accessible.
Asana is a popular problem-solving tool that speeds up decision-making . It improves project management , and its many integrations are useful. The well-organized project documents make it easy to find what you need quickly.
It’s excellent for managing many small projects and suitable for teams without complex workflows or collaboration features.
Mesitertask is one of those problem-solving tools that offers strong kanban boards. These boards visualize the workflow and make it easier to identify bottlenecks and trace issues back to their source. Such visualizing features are similar to the ones found in the best root cause analysis tools .
A customizable drag-and-drop feature further allows users to rearrange and prioritize tasks easily. Therefore, your team members will easily play around the field and segregate tasks effectively.
Teamwork is another viable problem-solving software dealing with operational challenges. It provides a clear overview of task assignments, project profitability, and other essential details.
When combined with effective brainstorming techniques , such a clear division of work will help you solve complex issues faster.
Trello is another good option if you are searching for efficient problem-solving software. With powerful task management tools, it ensures you handle your issues efficiently.
However, Trello’s communication and collaboration tools are not up to the mark compared to other problem-solving tools. Also, it relies heavily on integrations to do the heavy lifting.
Wrike is one of the preferred project management collaboration tools that help businesses of all sizes. With preconfigured templates for tasks, workflows, and communication, it takes the burden off your shoulders.
It also has a user-friendly dashboard with enterprise-grade tools to manage recurring and one-time projects.
Monday is a cloud-based open platform, allowing businesses to collaborate better on projects. Explore many pre-built templates or create one from scratch depending on what you need.
Airtable is a cloud-based collaboration platform that combines the simplicity of a spreadsheet with the complexity of a relational database.
It allows users to create and manage databases, spreadsheets, and other types of structured data in a flexible and user-friendly way. With its user-friendly interface, you will quickly organize and track crucial information for problem-solving.
It is best to invest in problem-solving software to ensure that problems do not bog down your team and that you have the tools to solve and focus on strategic work. Our list of the ten best problem-solving software should help you find the right fit for your organization.
Thousands of businesses of all sizes choose ClickUp. With ClickUp, you get different tools to map your project, divide tasks, view the interdependence of tasks, allocate resources, and resolve bugs on time. Whether improving team productivity or identifying and squashing bugs, ClickUp does it all!
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Leanne Armstrong
May 17, 2021
Problem solving studies have suggested that the average business professional spends 3 hours every week solving work-related problems!
Problem solving may unfold differently depending on the industry, or even the department you work in. But most of us will agree that before you can fix any issue, you need to be clear on what it is, why it’s happening, and what your ideal long-term solution will achieve.
Understanding both the nature and the cause of a problem is the only way to figure out which actions will help you resolve it.
And given that most problem-solving processes are part inspiration, part perspiration, you’ll be more successful, more often, if you can reach for a problem solving tool that facilitates collaboration, encourages creative thinking, and makes it easier to implement the fix you devise.
We’ve put together this roundup of versatile problem solving tools and software to help you and your team map out and repair workplace issues as efficiently as possible. The problem solving tools include three unique categories: problem solving diagrams, problem solving mind maps, and problem solving software solutions. They include:
Let’s get started!
[Free Webinar] Lean Six Sigma: What it is and why you’ll want to use it on your next project
Mapping your way out of a problem is the simplest way to see where you are, and where you need to end up.
Not only do visual problem maps let you plot the most efficient route from Point A (dysfunctional situation) to Point B (flawless process), problem mapping diagrams make it easier to see:
A visual problem solving process help to solidify understanding and are a great way for you and your team to transform abstract ideas into a practical, reconstructive plan.
Here are three examples of common problem mapping diagrams you can try with your team.
Fishbone diagrams are a common problem solving tool so-named because, once complete, they resemble the skeleton of a fish.
With the possible root causes of an issue (the ribs) branching off from either side of a spine line attached to the head (the problem), dynamic fishbone diagrams let you:
Fishbone diagrams are also known as cause and effect or Ishikawa diagrams.
A flowchart is an easy-to-understand diagram with a variety of applications. But you can use it to outline and examine how the steps of a flawed process connect. Made up of a few simple symbols linked with arrows indicating workflow direction, flowcharts clearly illustrate what happens at each stage of a process – and how each event impacts other events and decisions.
Frequently used as a strategic planning tool , strategy maps also work well as problem mapping diagrams. Based on a hierarchal system, thoughts and ideas can be arranged on a single page to flesh out a potential resolution. Once you’ve got a few tactics you feel are worth exploring as possible ways to overcome a challenge, a strategy map will help you establish the best route to your problem-solving goal.
Problem solving mind maps are especially valuable in visualization. Because they facilitate the brainstorming process that plays a key role in both root cause analysis and the identification of potential solutions, they help make problems more solvable.
Mind maps are diagrams that represent your thinking. Since many people struggle taking or working with hand-written or typed notes, mind maps were designed to let you lay out and structure your thoughts visually so you can play with ideas, concepts, and solutions the same way your brain does.
By starting with a single notion that branches out into greater detail, problem solving mind maps make it easy to:
A mental map helps you get your thoughts about what might be causing a workplace issue out of your head and onto a shared digital space. Because mental maps mirror the way our brains take in and analyze new information, using them to describe your theories visually will help you and your team work through and test those thought models.
Idea maps let you take advantage of a wide assortment of colors and images to lay down and organize your scattered thought process. Idea maps are ideal brainstorming tools because they allow you to present and explore ideas about the best way to solve a problem collaboratively, and with a shared sense of enthusiasm for outside-the-box thinking.
Concept maps are one of the best ways to shape your thoughts around a potential solution because they let you create interlinked, visual representations of intricate concepts. By laying out your suggested problem-solving process digitally – and using lines to form and define relationship connections – your group will be able to see how each piece of the solution puzzle connects with another.
Problem solving software is the best way to take advantage of multiple problem solving tools in one platform. While some software programs are geared toward specific industries or processes – like manufacturing or customer relationship management, for example – others, like MindManager , are purpose-built to work across multiple trades, departments, and teams.
Here are three problem-solving software examples.
Layered process audits (LPAs) help companies oversee production processes and keep an eye on the cost and quality of the goods they create. Dedicated LPA software makes problem solving easier for manufacturers because it helps them see where costly leaks are occurring and allows all levels of management to get involved in repairing those leaks.
Charting software comes in all shapes and sizes to fit a variety of business sectors. Pareto charts, for example, combine bar charts with line graphs so companies can compare different problems or contributing factors to determine their frequency, cost, and significance. Charting software is often used in marketing, where a variety of bar charts and X-Y axis diagrams make it possible to display and examine competitor profiles, customer segmentation, and sales trends.
No matter where you work, or what your problem-solving role looks like, MindManager is a problem solving software that will make your team more productive in figuring out why a process, plan, or project isn’t working the way it should.
Once you know why an obstruction, shortfall, or difficulty exists, you can use MindManager’s wide range of brainstorming and problem mapping diagrams to:
MindManager is the ultimate problem solving software .
Not only is it versatile enough to use as your go-to system for puzzling out all types of workplace problems, MindManager’s built-in forecasting tools, timeline charts, and warning indicators let you plan, implement, and monitor your solutions.
By allowing your group to work together more effectively to break down problems, uncover solutions, and rebuild processes and workflows, MindManager’s versatile collection of problem solving tools will help make everyone on your team a more efficient problem solver.
Lean Six Sigma is one powerful problem solving and efficiency auditing technique that can be accomplished using MindManager. Watch this webinar for a full overview of what Lean Six Sigma is, and how MindManager fits into the process.
Find more great content here !
Armstrong, L. (2021). 9 Essential Problem Solving Tools: The Ultimate Guide. Available at: https://blog.mindmanager.com/blog/2020/07/202007problem-solving-tools/ [Accessed: 11th May 2021].
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Effective problem solving is all about using the right process and following a plan tailored to the issue at hand. Recognizing your team or organization has an issue isn’t enough to come up with effective problem solving strategies.
To truly understand a problem and develop appropriate solutions, you will want to follow a solid process, follow the necessary problem solving steps, and bring all of your problem solving skills to the table. We’ll forst look at what problem solving strategies you can employ with your team when looking for a way to approach the process. We’ll then discuss the problem solving skills you need to be more effective at solving problems, complete with an activity from the SessionLab library you can use to develop that skill in your team.
Let’s get to it!
What skills do i need to be an effective problem solver, how can i improve my problem solving skills.
Problem solving strategies are methods of approaching and facilitating the process of problem-solving with a set of techniques , actions, and processes. Different strategies are more effective if you are trying to solve broad problems such as achieving higher growth versus more focused problems like, how do we improve our customer onboarding process?
Broadly, the problem solving steps outlined above should be included in any problem solving strategy though choosing where to focus your time and what approaches should be taken is where they begin to differ. You might find that some strategies ask for the problem identification to be done prior to the session or that everything happens in the course of a one day workshop.
The key similarity is that all good problem solving strategies are structured and designed. Four hours of open discussion is never going to be as productive as a four-hour workshop designed to lead a group through a problem solving process.
Good problem solving strategies are tailored to the team, organization and problem you will be attempting to solve. Here are some example problem solving strategies you can learn from or use to get started.
Often, the first step to solving problems or organizational challenges is bringing a group together effectively. Most teams have the tools, knowledge, and expertise necessary to solve their challenges – they just need some guidance in how to use leverage those skills and a structure and format that allows people to focus their energies.
Facilitated workshops are one of the most effective ways of solving problems of any scale. By designing and planning your workshop carefully, you can tailor the approach and scope to best fit the needs of your team and organization.
Workshops are an effective strategy for solving problems. By using tried and test facilitation techniques and methods, you can design and deliver a workshop that is perfectly suited to the unique variables of your organization. You may only have the capacity for a half-day workshop and so need a problem solving process to match.
By using our session planner tool and importing methods from our library of 700+ facilitation techniques, you can create the right problem solving workshop for your team. It might be that you want to encourage creative thinking or look at things from a new angle to unblock your groups approach to problem solving. By tailoring your workshop design to the purpose, you can help ensure great results.
One of the main benefits of a workshop is the structured approach to problem solving. Not only does this mean that the workshop itself will be successful, but many of the methods and techniques will help your team improve their working processes outside of the workshop.
We believe that workshops are one of the best tools you can use to improve the way your team works together. Start with a problem solving workshop and then see what team building, culture or design workshops can do for your organization!
Great for:
By using design thinking principles and methods, a design sprint is a great way of identifying, prioritizing and prototyping solutions to long term challenges that can help solve major organizational problems with quick action and measurable results.
Some familiarity with design thinking is useful, though not integral, and this strategy can really help a team align if there is some discussion around which problems should be approached first.
The stage-based structure of the design sprint is also very useful for teams new to design thinking. The inspiration phase, where you look to competitors that have solved your problem, and the rapid prototyping and testing phases are great for introducing new concepts that will benefit a team in all their future work.
It can be common for teams to look inward for solutions and so looking to the market for solutions you can iterate on can be very productive. Instilling an agile prototyping and testing mindset can also be great when helping teams move forwards – generating and testing solutions quickly can help save time in the long run and is also pretty exciting!
Organizational challenges and problems are often complicated and large scale in nature. Sometimes, trying to resolve such an issue in one swoop is simply unachievable or overwhelming. Try breaking down such problems into smaller issues that you can work on step by step. You may not be able to solve the problem of churning customers off the bat, but you can work with your team to identify smaller effort but high impact elements and work on those first.
This problem solving strategy can help a team generate momentum, prioritize and get some easy wins. It’s also a great strategy to employ with teams who are just beginning to learn how to approach the problem solving process. If you want some insight into a way to employ this strategy, we recommend looking at our design sprint template below!
Some problems are best solved by introducing a major shift in perspective or by using new methodologies that encourage your team to think differently.
Props and tools such as Methodkit , which uses a card-based toolkit for facilitation, or Lego Serious Play can be great ways to engage your team and find an inclusive, democratic problem solving strategy. Remember that play and creativity are great tools for achieving change and whatever the challenge, engaging your participants can be very effective where other strategies may have failed.
LEGO Serious Play is a problem solving methodology designed to get participants thinking differently by using 3D models and kinesthetic learning styles. By physically building LEGO models based on questions and exercises, participants are encouraged to think outside of the box and create their own responses.
Collaborate LEGO Serious Play exercises are also used to encourage communication and build problem solving skills in a group. By using this problem solving process, you can often help different kinds of learners and personality types contribute and unblock organizational problems with creative thinking.
Problem solving strategies like LEGO Serious Play are super effective at helping a team solve more skills-based problems such as communication between teams or a lack of creative thinking. Some problems are not suited to LEGO Serious Play and require a different problem solving strategy.
Card decks and method kids are great tools for those new to facilitation or for whom facilitation is not the primary role. Card decks such as the emotional culture deck can be used for complete workshops and in many cases, can be used right out of the box. Methodkit has a variety of kits designed for scenarios ranging from personal development through to personas and global challenges so you can find the right deck for your particular needs.
Having an easy to use framework that encourages creativity or a new approach can take some of the friction or planning difficulties out of the workshop process and energize a team in any setting. Simplicity is the key with these methods. By ensuring everyone on your team can get involved and engage with the process as quickly as possible can really contribute to the success of your problem solving strategy.
Looking to peers, experts and external facilitators can be a great way of approaching the problem solving process. Your team may not have the necessary expertise, insights of experience to tackle some issues, or you might simply benefit from a fresh perspective. Some problems may require bringing together an entire team, and coaching managers or team members individually might be the right approach. Remember that not all problems are best resolved in the same manner.
If you’re a solo entrepreneur, peer groups, coaches and mentors can also be invaluable at not only solving specific business problems, but in providing a support network for resolving future challenges. One great approach is to join a Mastermind Group and link up with like-minded individuals and all grow together. Remember that however you approach the sourcing of external advice, do so thoughtfully, respectfully and honestly. Reciprocate where you can and prepare to be surprised by just how kind and helpful your peers can be!
Problem solving in large organizations with lots of skilled team members is one thing, but how about if you work for yourself or in a very small team without the capacity to get the most from a design sprint or LEGO Serious Play session?
A mastermind group – sometimes known as a peer advisory board – is where a group of people come together to support one another in their own goals, challenges, and businesses. Each participant comes to the group with their own purpose and the other members of the group will help them create solutions, brainstorm ideas, and support one another.
Mastermind groups are very effective in creating an energized, supportive atmosphere that can deliver meaningful results. Learning from peers from outside of your organization or industry can really help unlock new ways of thinking and drive growth. Access to the experience and skills of your peers can be invaluable in helping fill the gaps in your own ability, particularly in young companies.
A mastermind group is a great solution for solo entrepreneurs, small teams, or for organizations that feel that external expertise or fresh perspectives will be beneficial for them. It is worth noting that Mastermind groups are often only as good as the participants and what they can bring to the group. Participants need to be committed, engaged and understand how to work in this context.
Receiving advice from a business coach or building a mentor/mentee relationship can be an effective way of resolving certain challenges. The one-to-one format of most coaching and mentor relationships can really help solve the challenges those individuals are having and benefit the organization as a result.
A great mentor can be invaluable when it comes to spotting potential problems before they arise and coming to understand a mentee very well has a host of other business benefits. You might run an internal mentorship program to help develop your team’s problem solving skills and strategies or as part of a large learning and development program. External coaches can also be an important part of your problem solving strategy, filling skills gaps for your management team or helping with specific business issues.
Now we’ve explored the problem solving process and the steps you will want to go through in order to have an effective session, let’s look at the skills you and your team need to be more effective problem solvers.
Problem solving skills are highly sought after, whatever industry or team you work in. Organizations are keen to employ people who are able to approach problems thoughtfully and find strong, realistic solutions. Whether you are a facilitator , a team leader or a developer, being an effective problem solver is a skill you’ll want to develop.
Problem solving skills form a whole suite of techniques and approaches that an individual uses to not only identify problems but to discuss them productively before then developing appropriate solutions.
Here are some of the most important problem solving skills everyone from executives to junior staff members should learn. We’ve also included an activity or exercise from the SessionLab library that can help you and your team develop that skill.
If you’re running a workshop or training session to try and improve problem solving skills in your team, try using these methods to supercharge your process!
Active listening is one of the most important skills anyone who works with people can possess. In short, active listening is a technique used to not only better understand what is being said by an individual, but also to be more aware of the underlying message the speaker is trying to convey. When it comes to problem solving, active listening is integral for understanding the position of every participant and to clarify the challenges, ideas and solutions they bring to the table.
Some active listening skills include:
Active Listening #hyperisland #skills #active listening #remote-friendly This activity supports participants to reflect on a question and generate their own solutions using simple principles of active listening and peer coaching. It’s an excellent introduction to active listening but can also be used with groups that are already familiar with it. Participants work in groups of three and take turns being: “the subject”, the listener, and the observer.
All problem solving models require strong analytical skills, particularly during the beginning of the process and when it comes to analyzing how solutions have performed.
Analytical skills are primarily focused on performing an effective analysis by collecting, studying and parsing data related to a problem or opportunity.
It often involves spotting patterns, being able to see things from different perspectives and using observable facts and data to make suggestions or produce insight.
Analytical skills are also important at every stage of the problem solving process and by having these skills, you can ensure that any ideas or solutions you create or backed up analytically and have been sufficiently thought out.
Nine Whys #innovation #issue analysis #liberating structures With breathtaking simplicity, you can rapidly clarify for individuals and a group what is essentially important in their work. You can quickly reveal when a compelling purpose is missing in a gathering and avoid moving forward without clarity. When a group discovers an unambiguous shared purpose, more freedom and more responsibility are unleashed. You have laid the foundation for spreading and scaling innovations with fidelity.
Trying to solve problems on your own is difficult. Being able to collaborate effectively, with a free exchange of ideas, to delegate and be a productive member of a team is hugely important to all problem solving strategies.
Remember that whatever your role, collaboration is integral, and in a problem solving process, you are all working together to find the best solution for everyone.
Marshmallow challenge with debriefing #teamwork #team #leadership #collaboration In eighteen minutes, teams must build the tallest free-standing structure out of 20 sticks of spaghetti, one yard of tape, one yard of string, and one marshmallow. The marshmallow needs to be on top. The Marshmallow Challenge was developed by Tom Wujec, who has done the activity with hundreds of groups around the world. Visit the Marshmallow Challenge website for more information. This version has an extra debriefing question added with sample questions focusing on roles within the team.
Being an effective communicator means being empathetic, clear and succinct, asking the right questions, and demonstrating active listening skills throughout any discussion or meeting.
In a problem solving setting, you need to communicate well in order to progress through each stage of the process effectively. As a team leader, it may also fall to you to facilitate communication between parties who may not see eye to eye. Effective communication also means helping others to express themselves and be heard in a group.
Bus Trip #feedback #communication #appreciation #closing #thiagi #team This is one of my favourite feedback games. I use Bus Trip at the end of a training session or a meeting, and I use it all the time. The game creates a massive amount of energy with lots of smiles, laughs, and sometimes even a teardrop or two.
Creative problem solving skills can be some of the best tools in your arsenal. Thinking creatively, being able to generate lots of ideas and come up with out of the box solutions is useful at every step of the process.
The kinds of problems you will likely discuss in a problem solving workshop are often difficult to solve, and by approaching things in a fresh, creative manner, you can often create more innovative solutions.
Having practical creative skills is also a boon when it comes to problem solving. If you can help create quality design sketches and prototypes in record time, it can help bring a team to alignment more quickly or provide a base for further iteration.
The paper clip method #sharing #creativity #warm up #idea generation #brainstorming The power of brainstorming. A training for project leaders, creativity training, and to catalyse getting new solutions.
Critical thinking is one of the fundamental problem solving skills you’ll want to develop when working on developing solutions. Critical thinking is the ability to analyze, rationalize and evaluate while being aware of personal bias, outlying factors and remaining open-minded.
Defining and analyzing problems without deploying critical thinking skills can mean you and your team go down the wrong path. Developing solutions to complex issues requires critical thinking too – ensuring your team considers all possibilities and rationally evaluating them.
Agreement-Certainty Matrix #issue analysis #liberating structures #problem solving You can help individuals or groups avoid the frequent mistake of trying to solve a problem with methods that are not adapted to the nature of their challenge. The combination of two questions makes it possible to easily sort challenges into four categories: simple, complicated, complex , and chaotic . A problem is simple when it can be solved reliably with practices that are easy to duplicate. It is complicated when experts are required to devise a sophisticated solution that will yield the desired results predictably. A problem is complex when there are several valid ways to proceed but outcomes are not predictable in detail. Chaotic is when the context is too turbulent to identify a path forward. A loose analogy may be used to describe these differences: simple is like following a recipe, complicated like sending a rocket to the moon, complex like raising a child, and chaotic is like the game “Pin the Tail on the Donkey.” The Liberating Structures Matching Matrix in Chapter 5 can be used as the first step to clarify the nature of a challenge and avoid the mismatches between problems and solutions that are frequently at the root of chronic, recurring problems.
Though it shares lots of space with general analytical skills, data analysis skills are something you want to cultivate in their own right in order to be an effective problem solver.
Being good at data analysis doesn’t just mean being able to find insights from data, but also selecting the appropriate data for a given issue, interpreting it effectively and knowing how to model and present that data. Depending on the problem at hand, it might also include a working knowledge of specific data analysis tools and procedures.
Having a solid grasp of data analysis techniques is useful if you’re leading a problem solving workshop but if you’re not an expert, don’t worry. Bring people into the group who has this skill set and help your team be more effective as a result.
All problems need a solution and all solutions require that someone make the decision to implement them. Without strong decision making skills, teams can become bogged down in discussion and less effective as a result.
Making decisions is a key part of the problem solving process. It’s important to remember that decision making is not restricted to the leadership team. Every staff member makes decisions every day and developing these skills ensures that your team is able to solve problems at any scale. Remember that making decisions does not mean leaping to the first solution but weighing up the options and coming to an informed, well thought out solution to any given problem that works for the whole team.
Lightning Decision Jam (LDJ) #action #decision making #problem solving #issue analysis #innovation #design #remote-friendly The problem with anything that requires creative thinking is that it’s easy to get lost—lose focus and fall into the trap of having useless, open-ended, unstructured discussions. Here’s the most effective solution I’ve found: Replace all open, unstructured discussion with a clear process. What to use this exercise for: Anything which requires a group of people to make decisions, solve problems or discuss challenges. It’s always good to frame an LDJ session with a broad topic, here are some examples: The conversion flow of our checkout Our internal design process How we organise events Keeping up with our competition Improving sales flow
Most complex organizational problems require multiple people to be involved in delivering the solution. Ensuring that the team and organization can depend on you to take the necessary actions and communicate where necessary is key to ensuring problems are solved effectively.
Being dependable also means working to deadlines and to brief. It is often a matter of creating trust in a team so that everyone can depend on one another to complete the agreed actions in the agreed time frame so that the team can move forward together. Being undependable can create problems of friction and can limit the effectiveness of your solutions so be sure to bear this in mind throughout a project.
Team Purpose & Culture #team #hyperisland #culture #remote-friendly This is an essential process designed to help teams define their purpose (why they exist) and their culture (how they work together to achieve that purpose). Defining these two things will help any team to be more focused and aligned. With support of tangible examples from other companies, the team members work as individuals and a group to codify the way they work together. The goal is a visual manifestation of both the purpose and culture that can be put up in the team’s work space.
Emotional intelligence is an important skill for any successful team member, whether communicating internally or with clients or users. In the problem solving process, emotional intelligence means being attuned to how people are feeling and thinking, communicating effectively and being self-aware of what you bring to a room.
There are often differences of opinion when working through problem solving processes, and it can be easy to let things become impassioned or combative. Developing your emotional intelligence means being empathetic to your colleagues and managing your own emotions throughout the problem and solution process. Be kind, be thoughtful and put your points across care and attention.
Being emotionally intelligent is a skill for life and by deploying it at work, you can not only work efficiently but empathetically. Check out the emotional culture workshop template for more!
As we’ve clarified in our facilitation skills post, facilitation is the art of leading people through processes towards agreed-upon objectives in a manner that encourages participation, ownership, and creativity by all those involved. While facilitation is a set of interrelated skills in itself, the broad definition of facilitation can be invaluable when it comes to problem solving. Leading a team through a problem solving process is made more effective if you improve and utilize facilitation skills – whether you’re a manager, team leader or external stakeholder.
The Six Thinking Hats #creative thinking #meeting facilitation #problem solving #issue resolution #idea generation #conflict resolution The Six Thinking Hats are used by individuals and groups to separate out conflicting styles of thinking. They enable and encourage a group of people to think constructively together in exploring and implementing change, rather than using argument to fight over who is right and who is wrong.
Being flexible is a vital skill when it comes to problem solving. This does not mean immediately bowing to pressure or changing your opinion quickly: instead, being flexible is all about seeing things from new perspectives, receiving new information and factoring it into your thought process.
Flexibility is also important when it comes to rolling out solutions. It might be that other organizational projects have greater priority or require the same resources as your chosen solution. Being flexible means understanding needs and challenges across the team and being open to shifting or arranging your own schedule as necessary. Again, this does not mean immediately making way for other projects. It’s about articulating your own needs, understanding the needs of others and being able to come to a meaningful compromise.
The Creativity Dice #creativity #problem solving #thiagi #issue analysis Too much linear thinking is hazardous to creative problem solving. To be creative, you should approach the problem (or the opportunity) from different points of view. You should leave a thought hanging in mid-air and move to another. This skipping around prevents premature closure and lets your brain incubate one line of thought while you consciously pursue another.
Working in any group can lead to unconscious elements of groupthink or situations in which you may not wish to be entirely honest. Disagreeing with the opinions of the executive team or wishing to save the feelings of a coworker can be tricky to navigate, but being honest is absolutely vital when to comes to developing effective solutions and ensuring your voice is heard.
Remember that being honest does not mean being brutally candid. You can deliver your honest feedback and opinions thoughtfully and without creating friction by using other skills such as emotional intelligence.
Explore your Values #hyperisland #skills #values #remote-friendly Your Values is an exercise for participants to explore what their most important values are. It’s done in an intuitive and rapid way to encourage participants to follow their intuitive feeling rather than over-thinking and finding the “correct” values. It is a good exercise to use to initiate reflection and dialogue around personal values.
The problem solving process is multi-faceted and requires different approaches at certain points of the process. Taking initiative to bring problems to the attention of the team, collect data or lead the solution creating process is always valuable. You might even roadtest your own small scale solutions or brainstorm before a session. Taking initiative is particularly effective if you have good deal of knowledge in that area or have ownership of a particular project and want to get things kickstarted.
That said, be sure to remember to honor the process and work in service of the team. If you are asked to own one part of the problem solving process and you don’t complete that task because your initiative leads you to work on something else, that’s not an effective method of solving business challenges.
15% Solutions #action #liberating structures #remote-friendly You can reveal the actions, however small, that everyone can do immediately. At a minimum, these will create momentum, and that may make a BIG difference. 15% Solutions show that there is no reason to wait around, feel powerless, or fearful. They help people pick it up a level. They get individuals and the group to focus on what is within their discretion instead of what they cannot change. With a very simple question, you can flip the conversation to what can be done and find solutions to big problems that are often distributed widely in places not known in advance. Shifting a few grains of sand may trigger a landslide and change the whole landscape.
A particularly useful problem solving skill for product owners or managers is the ability to remain impartial throughout much of the process. In practice, this means treating all points of view and ideas brought forward in a meeting equally and ensuring that your own areas of interest or ownership are not favored over others.
There may be a stage in the process where a decision maker has to weigh the cost and ROI of possible solutions against the company roadmap though even then, ensuring that the decision made is based on merit and not personal opinion.
Empathy map #frame insights #create #design #issue analysis An empathy map is a tool to help a design team to empathize with the people they are designing for. You can make an empathy map for a group of people or for a persona. To be used after doing personas when more insights are needed.
Being a good leader means getting a team aligned, energized and focused around a common goal. In the problem solving process, strong leadership helps ensure that the process is efficient, that any conflicts are resolved and that a team is managed in the direction of success.
It’s common for managers or executives to assume this role in a problem solving workshop, though it’s important that the leader maintains impartiality and does not bulldoze the group in a particular direction. Remember that good leadership means working in service of the purpose and team and ensuring the workshop is a safe space for employees of any level to contribute. Take a look at our leadership games and activities post for more exercises and methods to help improve leadership in your organization.
Leadership Pizza #leadership #team #remote-friendly This leadership development activity offers a self-assessment framework for people to first identify what skills, attributes and attitudes they find important for effective leadership, and then assess their own development and initiate goal setting.
In the context of problem solving, mediation is important in keeping a team engaged, happy and free of conflict. When leading or facilitating a problem solving workshop, you are likely to run into differences of opinion. Depending on the nature of the problem, certain issues may be brought up that are emotive in nature.
Being an effective mediator means helping those people on either side of such a divide are heard, listen to one another and encouraged to find common ground and a resolution. Mediating skills are useful for leaders and managers in many situations and the problem solving process is no different.
Conflict Responses #hyperisland #team #issue resolution A workshop for a team to reflect on past conflicts, and use them to generate guidelines for effective conflict handling. The workshop uses the Thomas-Killman model of conflict responses to frame a reflective discussion. Use it to open up a discussion around conflict with a team.
Solving organizational problems is much more effective when following a process or problem solving model. Planning skills are vital in order to structure, deliver and follow-through on a problem solving workshop and ensure your solutions are intelligently deployed.
Planning skills include the ability to organize tasks and a team, plan and design the process and take into account any potential challenges. Taking the time to plan carefully can save time and frustration later in the process and is valuable for ensuring a team is positioned for success.
3 Action Steps #hyperisland #action #remote-friendly This is a small-scale strategic planning session that helps groups and individuals to take action toward a desired change. It is often used at the end of a workshop or programme. The group discusses and agrees on a vision, then creates some action steps that will lead them towards that vision. The scope of the challenge is also defined, through discussion of the helpful and harmful factors influencing the group.
As organisations grow, the scale and variation of problems they face multiplies. Your team or is likely to face numerous challenges in different areas and so having the skills to analyze and prioritize becomes very important, particularly for those in leadership roles.
A thorough problem solving process is likely to deliver multiple solutions and you may have several different problems you wish to solve simultaneously. Prioritization is the ability to measure the importance, value, and effectiveness of those possible solutions and choose which to enact and in what order. The process of prioritization is integral in ensuring the biggest challenges are addressed with the most impactful solutions.
Impact and Effort Matrix #gamestorming #decision making #action #remote-friendly In this decision-making exercise, possible actions are mapped based on two factors: effort required to implement and potential impact. Categorizing ideas along these lines is a useful technique in decision making, as it obliges contributors to balance and evaluate suggested actions before committing to them.
Some problem solving skills are utilized in a workshop or ideation phases, while others come in useful when it comes to decision making. Overseeing an entire problem solving process and ensuring its success requires strong project management skills.
While project management incorporates many of the other skills listed here, it is important to note the distinction of considering all of the factors of a project and managing them successfully. Being able to negotiate with stakeholders, manage tasks, time and people, consider costs and ROI, and tie everything together is massively helpful when going through the problem solving process.
Working out meaningful solutions to organizational challenges is only one part of the process. Thoughtfully documenting and keeping records of each problem solving step for future consultation is important in ensuring efficiency and meaningful change.
For example, some problems may be lower priority than others but can be revisited in the future. If the team has ideated on solutions and found some are not up to the task, record those so you can rule them out and avoiding repeating work. Keeping records of the process also helps you improve and refine your problem solving model next time around!
Personal Kanban #gamestorming #action #agile #project planning Personal Kanban is a tool for organizing your work to be more efficient and productive. It is based on agile methods and principles.
Conducting research to support both the identification of problems and the development of appropriate solutions is important for an effective process. Knowing where to go to collect research, how to conduct research efficiently, and identifying pieces of research are relevant are all things a good researcher can do well.
In larger groups, not everyone has to demonstrate this ability in order for a problem solving workshop to be effective. That said, having people with research skills involved in the process, particularly if they have existing area knowledge, can help ensure the solutions that are developed with data that supports their intention. Remember that being able to deliver the results of research efficiently and in a way the team can easily understand is also important. The best data in the world is only as effective as how it is delivered and interpreted.
Customer experience map #ideation #concepts #research #design #issue analysis #remote-friendly Customer experience mapping is a method of documenting and visualizing the experience a customer has as they use the product or service. It also maps out their responses to their experiences. To be used when there is a solution (even in a conceptual stage) that can be analyzed.
Managing risk is an often overlooked part of the problem solving process. Solutions are often developed with the intention of reducing exposure to risk or solving issues that create risk but sometimes, great solutions are more experimental in nature and as such, deploying them needs to be carefully considered.
Managing risk means acknowledging that there may be risks associated with more out of the box solutions or trying new things, but that this must be measured against the possible benefits and other organizational factors.
Be informed, get the right data and stakeholders in the room and you can appropriately factor risk into your decision making process.
Decisions, Decisions… #communication #decision making #thiagi #action #issue analysis When it comes to decision-making, why are some of us more prone to take risks while others are risk-averse? One explanation might be the way the decision and options were presented. This exercise, based on Kahneman and Tversky’s classic study , illustrates how the framing effect influences our judgement and our ability to make decisions . The participants are divided into two groups. Both groups are presented with the same problem and two alternative programs for solving them. The two programs both have the same consequences but are presented differently. The debriefing discussion examines how the framing of the program impacted the participant’s decision.
No single person is as good at problem solving as a team. Building an effective team and helping them come together around a common purpose is one of the most important problem solving skills, doubly so for leaders. By bringing a team together and helping them work efficiently, you pave the way for team ownership of a problem and the development of effective solutions.
In a problem solving workshop, it can be tempting to jump right into the deep end, though taking the time to break the ice, energize the team and align them with a game or exercise will pay off over the course of the day.
Remember that you will likely go through the problem solving process multiple times over an organization’s lifespan and building a strong team culture will make future problem solving more effective. It’s also great to work with people you know, trust and have fun with. Working on team building in and out of the problem solving process is a hallmark of successful teams that can work together to solve business problems.
9 Dimensions Team Building Activity #ice breaker #teambuilding #team #remote-friendly 9 Dimensions is a powerful activity designed to build relationships and trust among team members. There are 2 variations of this icebreaker. The first version is for teams who want to get to know each other better. The second version is for teams who want to explore how they are working together as a team.
The problem solving process is designed to lead a team from identifying a problem through to delivering a solution and evaluating its effectiveness. Without effective time management skills or timeboxing of tasks, it can be easy for a team to get bogged down or be inefficient.
By using a problem solving model and carefully designing your workshop, you can allocate time efficiently and trust that the process will deliver the results you need in a good timeframe.
Time management also comes into play when it comes to rolling out solutions, particularly those that are experimental in nature. Having a clear timeframe for implementing and evaluating solutions is vital for ensuring their success and being able to pivot if necessary.
Improving your skills at problem solving is often a career-long pursuit though there are methods you can use to make the learning process more efficient and to supercharge your problem solving skillset.
Remember that the skills you need to be a great problem solver have a large overlap with those skills you need to be effective in any role. Investing time and effort to develop your active listening or critical thinking skills is valuable in any context. Here are 7 ways to improve your problem solving skills.
Remember that your team is an excellent source of skills, wisdom, and techniques and that you should all take advantage of one another where possible. Best practices that one team has for solving problems, conducting research or making decisions should be shared across the organization. If you have in-house staff that have done active listening training or are data analysis pros, have them lead a training session.
Your team is one of your best resources. Create space and internal processes for the sharing of skills so that you can all grow together.
Once you’ve figured out you have a skills gap, the next step is to take action to fill that skills gap. That might be by asking your superior for training or coaching, or liaising with team members with that skill set. You might even attend specialized training for certain skills – active listening or critical thinking, for example, are business-critical skills that are regularly offered as part of a training scheme.
Whatever method you choose, remember that taking action of some description is necessary for growth. Whether that means practicing, getting help, attending training or doing some background reading, taking active steps to improve your skills is the way to go.
Problem solving can be complicated, particularly when attempting to solve large problems for the first time. Using a problem solving process helps give structure to your problem solving efforts and focus on creating outcomes, rather than worrying about the format.
Tools such as the seven-step problem solving process above are effective because not only do they feature steps that will help a team solve problems, they also develop skills along the way. Each step asks for people to engage with the process using different skills and in doing so, helps the team learn and grow together. Group processes of varying complexity and purpose can also be found in the SessionLab library of facilitation techniques . Using a tried and tested process and really help ease the learning curve for both those leading such a process, as well as those undergoing the purpose.
Effective teams make decisions about where they should and shouldn’t expend additional effort. By using a problem solving process, you can focus on the things that matter, rather than stumbling towards a solution haphazardly.
Some skills gaps are more obvious than others. It’s possible that your perception of your active listening skills differs from those of your colleagues.
It’s valuable to create a system where team members can provide feedback in an ordered and friendly manner so they can all learn from one another. Only by identifying areas of improvement can you then work to improve them.
Remember that feedback systems require oversight and consideration so that they don’t turn into a place to complain about colleagues. Design the system intelligently so that you encourage the creation of learning opportunities, rather than encouraging people to list their pet peeves.
While practice might not make perfect, it does make the problem solving process easier. If you are having trouble with critical thinking, don’t shy away from doing it. Get involved where you can and stretch those muscles as regularly as possible.
Problem solving skills come more naturally to some than to others and that’s okay. Take opportunities to get involved and see where you can practice your skills in situations outside of a workshop context. Try collaborating in other circumstances at work or conduct data analysis on your own projects. You can often develop those skills you need for problem solving simply by doing them. Get involved!
Learn from the best. Our library of 700+ facilitation techniques is full of activities and methods that help develop the skills you need to be an effective problem solver. Check out our templates to see how to approach problem solving and other organizational challenges in a structured and intelligent manner.
There is no single approach to improving problem solving skills, but by using the techniques employed by others you can learn from their example and develop processes that have seen proven results.
Using tried and tested exercises that you know well can help deliver results, but you do run the risk of missing out on the learning opportunities offered by new approaches. As with the problem solving process, changing your mindset can remove blockages and be used to develop your problem solving skills.
Most teams have members with mixed skill sets and specialties. Mix people from different teams and share skills and different points of view. Teach your customer support team how to use design thinking methods or help your developers with conflict resolution techniques. Try switching perspectives with facilitation techniques like Flip It! or by using new problem solving methodologies or models. Give design thinking, liberating structures or lego serious play a try if you want to try a new approach. You will find that framing problems in new ways and using existing skills in new contexts can be hugely useful for personal development and improving your skillset. It’s also a lot of fun to try new things. Give it a go!
Encountering business challenges and needing to find appropriate solutions is not unique to your organization. Lots of very smart people have developed methods, theories and approaches to help develop problem solving skills and create effective solutions. Learn from them!
Books like The Art of Thinking Clearly , Think Smarter, or Thinking Fast, Thinking Slow are great places to start, though it’s also worth looking at blogs related to organizations facing similar problems to yours, or browsing for success stories. Seeing how Dropbox massively increased growth and working backward can help you see the skills or approach you might be lacking to solve that same problem. Learning from others by reading their stories or approaches can be time-consuming but ultimately rewarding.
A tired, distracted mind is not in the best position to learn new skills. It can be tempted to burn the candle at both ends and develop problem solving skills outside of work. Absolutely use your time effectively and take opportunities for self-improvement, though remember that rest is hugely important and that without letting your brain rest, you cannot be at your most effective.
Creating distance between yourself and the problem you might be facing can also be useful. By letting an idea sit, you can find that a better one presents itself or you can develop it further. Take regular breaks when working and create a space for downtime. Remember that working smarter is preferable to working harder and that self-care is important for any effective learning or improvement process.
Now we’ve explored some of the key problem solving skills and the problem solving steps necessary for an effective process, you’re ready to begin developing more effective solutions and leading problem solving workshops.
Need more inspiration? Check out our post on problem solving activities you can use when guiding a group towards a great solution in your next workshop or meeting. Have questions? Did you have a great problem solving technique you use with your team? Get in touch in the comments below. We’d love to chat!
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Experiential Education
When solving problems, dig at the roots instead of just hacking at the leaves. Anthony J. D'Angelo
What will you learn?
Effective problem solving often requires you to collect, process, analyse and evaluate information to find a solution/s. Along with other transferable skills like communication, planning and organisation, teamwork, critical thinking, digital literacy, and active inquiry (for example), it is essential in work and life more generally.
There are a few different stages in the problem solving process, which makes it a little more complicated than it probably sounds. For example, you first have to define the problem, then collect more information about it and do some research and investigations into causes. After that, you need to process the material to understand it, and then analyse and evaluate it (whilst generating possible solutions along the way). The final solution/s and action plan then come from there.
There are various stages to problem solving. We have described those that we see as key in the process, starting with recognising the problem to begin with and defining and labelling it; through to solving it, evaluating it and planning for contingencies. In connection with this, we have introduced certain problem solving tools and techniques that can be used at each stage. This is because some methods work better at different stages than others. The methods are presented in more detail in the section following this one, titled ‘Tools of the Trade’.
So, what are the key stages in the problem solving process?
This first stage is where you identify the symptoms. You look for facts and analyse data, as well as explore history and human factors such as attitudes, values and reactions (soft data). Symptom identification can be achieved through collecting all kinds of data, including through interviews and focus groups, brainstorming and mind mapping. More on these methods can be found later in this module.
Define and label the Problem (and determine causes)It is important to have a clear definition of the problem otherwise the solutions generated will not work. This is because the solutions you come up with will not necessarily address the actual problem (i.e. ‘the real problem’ or ‘key stone’). For example, if you define the problem as being poor performance by employees, when in fact it is a lack of training or high expectations, the solutions generated to address the problem are unlikely to be effective.
In this stage, it is good to write down some problem statements. Begin by noting the problem and why it is important to solve. Consider the benefits to solving the problem (e.g. costs, consumer satisfaction, employee wellbeing, time, product quality).
Work out stakeholders (both internal and external) and who all the members of the team are. In regards to the problem, think through - who, what, where, when, how and why.
Find the root cause of the problem (do not be caught on symptoms otherwise you won’t find the real issue).
The tools we recommend to help you define the problem and determine the cause (including the root cause) are:
Mind mapping, brainstorming.
To explore some of these further, see below under ‘Tools of the Trade’.
After defining the problem and finding the root cause, you need to generate ideas and solutions. This usually happens through brainstorming and mind mapping. These are good techniques for generating ideas quickly (and just getting it all down).
These methods help to generate thought not only around problem statements, definitions or causes (in stage one) but about potential solutions, impacts, and much more. These techniques are more concerned with ‘quantity’ in terms of getting as many ideas as possible, rather than ‘quality’. You can also do a force-field analysis in this stage or positive and negative analysis.
Students interested in watch in a lecture on critical thinking and problem solving in the context of agriculture can watch the following video:
Critical thinking and Problem solving | 19:08 mins
To explore brainstorming and mind mapping, please see below under ‘Tools of the Trade’.
Once you have generated optimal solutions, you then need to make some decisions about what to choose. There are many decision-making tools that can be used. Some of these include:
Once you arrived at your solution to your problem, an action plan should be developed. Elements to include in your action plan could be a series of questions. There are no hard and fast rules on what to include in your action plan. However, it must be highly effective in solving the problem or problems. It must be well thought through, achievable and highly relevant to your business.
Some elements to include in your plan may be:
This section of the module provides some detail on problem solving tools – and when to use them. Not all possible tools are described but we have tried to include those that are often used in business/enterprise.
The 5W’s approach is most useful when defining the problem and then later on when identifying if more data or analysis is required.
In most cases, you can define a problem by noting:
What are the attributes of the problem – what is the issue? Then move on to ask questions such as, ‘What do I need to know? What would be ideal? What will we use to measure if we solve the problem?’ You can ask the ‘what question’ repeatedly to drill down as well. For example, if a what question points to skill shortages as a problem, you would then ask, ‘what skills?’ if the answer is ‘communication skills’, you would ask ‘what communication skills’? | |
Where is the structural or physical location of the problem? So, where does the problem typically generate from? Or, where might we expect or foresee issues? | |
When does the problem occur in regards to time? When does the problem need to be fixed? When will we implement a solution? | |
Who are the people affected by the problem? Who is the source of the problem? Who are the key stakeholders involved in the problem (including customers, partners/external parties, employees)? Who will decide if we have solved the problem? | |
Why do we want to/need to solve the problem? Why is this happening to begin with? Why are people reacting in certain ways? The why question gets to the underlying causes of the problem and contributing factors. Quite often the why question is asked 5 times. This is to ensure drilling down as much as possible to find the root causes. This part is called the 5 WHY’s, which is considered an approach to root cause analysis. The point being to find causes to the problem not symptoms. |
SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool that is used to generate information on which rigorous, logical, defendable decision can be based. As the diagram highlights, SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.
To complete a SWOT Analysis for your business/company/enterprise or workplace, start with asking the following questions:
Weaknesses:
Opportunities:
To explore SWOT Analysis further (and to find blank templates to use) please follow this link to a module on SWOT Analysis
Mind mapping is an effective means to brainstorm and collect your thoughts. A mind map is a diagram that visually organises information and involves writing down a central theme/concept and thinking of new and related ideas which radiate out from the centre.
By focussing on key ideas written down in your own words and looking for connections between them, you can map knowledge in a way that will help you better understand and retain information.
To see an example from the contemporary issues and sustainability unit, look below. You will see a mind map by Dr Nissen of economic, environmental and social issues that enterprises may face (and various strategies and plans that can be used to sustainably manage these issues). The map shows you a way of viewing how to undertake the process. It is best to produce a mind map that is suited to your own agricultural enterprise.
Find more on Mind Mapping here including examples.
Brainstorming is a popular group problem-solving technique.
A desktop search of definitions of brainstorming revealed that it is typically referred to as a technique for:
If you are interested in exploring the method of brainstorming beyond this brief description, please follow this link to a short module on Brainstorming .
A fishbone analysis is often useful for trying to organise information generated from a root cause analysis, brainstorming or mind mapping exercise. You input this information into a fishbone diagram i.e. a picture of a fish where you write the main problem in the head, then record causes in the spines. The best way to do this is to write the problem as a statement or question and then add to the backbones of the fish with potential causes. The picture below provides an example of what a fishbone diagram looks like.
For other examples and access to fishbone templates, please click here .
GoLeanSixSigma also have a great Excel tool for fishbone diagrams:
After you have undertaken the initial research on a topic, affinity mapping is a useful strategy to visualise and categorise this information. It is an effective and dynamic way of recording the qualitative and quantitative data you have collected such as on-site observations and interviews. The first step to affinity mapping involves documenting your findings on separate sticky notes, followed by grouping them according to topics (e.g. trends, challenges, themes) and then categorising them with headings. Be prepared to move your sticky notes around; affinity mapping is a dynamic process.
Pokars, S. 1989. Systematic Problem Solving and Decision Making. The Viability Group, Inc. USA.
Porter, M. E. 1979 How competitive forces shape strategy, Harvard Business Review, vol. 59, no. 2, pp. 137-145.
Porter, M. E. 2008. The five forces that shape strategy. Harvard Business Review, vol. 88, pp. 78-93
< https://globaldigitalcitizen.org/critical-thinking-skills-cheatsheet-infographic >.
Next to defining a problem accurately, root cause analysis is one of the most important elements of problem-solving in quality management. That’s because if you’re not aiming at the right target, you’ll never be able to eliminate the real problem that’s hurting quality.
So which type of root cause analysis tool is the best one to use? Manufacturers have a range of methods at their fingertips, each of which is appropriate for different situations. Below we discuss five common root cause analysis tools, including:
Download our free Root Cause Analysis 101 Guidebook Read 14 quality metrics every executive should know
A Pareto chart is a histogram or bar chart combined with a line graph that groups the frequency or cost of different problems to show their relative significance. The bars show frequency in descending order, while the line shows cumulative percentage or total as you move from left to right.
The Pareto chart example above is a report from layered process audit software that groups together the top seven categories of failed audit questions for a given facility. Layered process audits (LPAs) allow you to check high-risk processes daily to verify conformance to standards. LPAs identify process variations that cause defects, making Pareto charts a powerful reporting tool for analyzing LPA findings.
Pareto charts are one of the seven basic tools of quality described by quality pioneer Joseph Juran. Pareto charts are based on Pareto’s law, also called the 80/20 rule, which says that 20% of inputs drive 80% of results.
Learn how to create Pareto charts in this post or download the Pareto Chart Tip Sheet and Sample Excel File
The 5 Whys is a method that uses a series of questions to drill down into successive layers of a problem. The basic idea is that each time you ask why, the answer becomes the basis of the next why. It’s a simple tool useful for problems where you don’t need advanced statistics, so you don’t necessarily want to use it for complex problems.
One application of this technique is to more deeply analyze the results of a Pareto analysis. Here’s an example of how to use the 5 Whys:
Problem: Final assembly time exceeds the target
Of course, it may take asking why more than five times to solve the problem—the point is to peel away surface-level issues to get to the root cause.
Learn more about the 5 Whys method in this blog post or download our free 5 Whys worksheet
A fishbone diagram sorts possible causes into various categories that branch off from the original problem. Also called a cause-and-effect or Ishakawa diagram, a fishbone diagram may have multiple sub-causes branching off of each identified category.
Learn more about how to use a fishbone diagram in this blog post and download our free set of fishbone diagram templates
A scatter plot or scatter diagram uses pairs of data points to help uncover relationships between variables. A scatter plot is a quantitative method for determining whether two variables are correlated, such as testing potential causes identified in your fishbone diagram.
Making a scatter diagram is as simple as plotting your independent variable (or suspected cause) on the x-axis, and your dependent variable (the effect) on the y-axis. If the pattern shows a clear line or curve, you know the variables are correlated and you can proceed to regression or correlation analysis.
Download a free tip sheet to start creating your own scatter diagrams today!
Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) is a method used during product or process design to explore potential defects or failures. An FMEA chart outlines:
When applied to process analysis, this method is called process failure mode and effects analysis (PFMEA). Many manufacturers use PFMEA findings to inform questions for process audits , using this problem-solving tool to reduce risk at the source.
No matter which tool you use, root cause analysis is just the beginning of the problem-solving process. Once you know the cause, the next step is implementing a solution and conducting regular checks to ensure you’re holding the gain and achieving sustainable continuous improvement.
The first step to solving a problem is to define the problem precisely. It is the heart of problem-solving.
Root cause analysis is the second important element of problem-solving in quality management. The reason is if you don't know what the problem is, you can never solve the exact problem that is hurting the quality.
Manufacturers have a variety of problem-solving tools at hand. However, they need to know when to use which tool in a manner that is appropriate for the situation. In this article, we discuss 7 tools including:
The model introduced by Ishikawa (also known as the fishbone diagram) is considered one of the most robust methods for conducting root cause analysis. This model uses the assessment of the 6Ms as a methodology for identifying the true or most probable root cause to determine corrective and preventive actions. The 6Ms include:
Related Training: Fishbone Diagramming
The Pareto Chart is a series of bars whose heights reflect the frequency or impact of problems. On the Chart, bars are arranged in descending order of height from left to right, which means the categories represented by the tall bars on the left are relatively more frequent than those on the right.
Related Training: EFFECTIVE INVESTIGATIONS AND CORRECTIVE ACTIONS (CAPA) Establishing and resolving the root causes of deviations, problems and failures
This model uses the 5 Why by asking why 5 times to find the root cause of the problem. It generally takes five iterations of the questioning process to arrive at the root cause of the problem and that's why this model got its name as 5 Whys. But it is perfectly fine for a facilitator to ask less or more questions depending on the needs.
Related training: Accident/Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis
Process | Failure | Effect | S | Causes | O | D | RPN |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FMEA is a technique used to identify process and product problems before they occur. It focuses on how and when a system will fail, not if it will fail. In this model, each failure mode is assessed for:
A combination of the three scores produces a risk priority number (RPN). The RPN is then provided a ranking system to prioritize which problem must gain more attention first.
Related Training: Failure Mode Effects Analysis
A scatter diagram also known as a scatter plot is a graph in which the values of two variables are plotted along two axes, the pattern of the resulting points revealing any correlation present.
To use scatter plots in root cause analysis, an independent variable or suspected cause is plotted on the x-axis and the dependent variable (the effect) is plotted on the y-axis. If the pattern reflects a clear curve or line, it means they are correlated. If required, more sophisticated correlation analyses can be continued.
Related Training: Excel Charting Basics - Produce Professional-Looking Excel Charts
Also known as KJ Diagram, this model is used to represent the structure of big and complex factors that impact a problem or a situation. It divides these factors into small classifications according to their similarity to assist in identifying the major causes of the problem.
The Fault Tree Analysis uses Boolean logic to arrive at the cause of a problem. It begins with a defined problem and works backward to identify what factors contributed to the problem using a graphical representation called the Fault Tree. It takes a top-down approach starting with the problem and evaluating the factors that caused the problem.
Finding the root cause isn't an easy because there is not always one root cause. You may have to repeat your experiment several times to arrive at it to eliminate the encountered problem. Using a scientific approach to solving problem works. So, its important to learn the several problem-solving tools and techniques at your fingertips so you can use the ones appropriate for different situations.
P&PC, SPC/6Sigma, Failure Investigation, Root Cause Analysis, PDCA, DMAIC, A3 This webinar will define what are the US FDA's expectation for Production and Process Control / Product Realization, the use of statistical tehniques, 6 sigma, SPC, for establishing, controlling , and verifying the acceptability of process capability and product characteristics, product acceptance or validation and other studies. Non-conformance, OOS, deviations Failure Investigations, and Root Cause Analysis, PDCA, DMAIC, and similar project drivers to improvement, A# and similar dash boards.
Accident/Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis If a major workplace injury or illness occurred, what would you do? How would you properly investigate it? What could be done to prevent it from happening again? A properly executed accident/incident investigation drives to the root causes of the workplace accident to prevent a repeat occurrence. A good accident/incident investigation process includes identifying the investigation team, establishing/reviewing written procedures, identifying root causes and tracking of all safety hazards found to completion.
Root Cause Analysis - The Heart of Corrective Action This presentation will explain the importance of root cause analysis and how it fits into an effective corrective and preventive action system. It will cover where else in your quality management system root cause analysis can be used and will give examples of some of the techniques for doing an effective root cause analysis. Attendees will learn how root cause analysis can be used in process control.
Addressing Non-Conformances using Root Cause Analysis (RCA) RCA assumes that systems and events are interrelated. An action in one area triggers an action in another, and another, and so on. By tracing back these actions, you can discover where the issue started and how it grew into the problem you're now facing.
Risk Management Under ISO 14971 ISO 14971:2019 is the definitive standard for risk management for medical devices and IVDs. The standard lays out a comprehensive approach to managing risks in the life sciences. The course will discuss practical approaches to complying with the standard.
Introduction to Root Cause Investigation for CAPA If you have reoccurring problems showing up in your quality systems, your CAPA system is not effective and you have not performed an in-depth root cause analysis to be able to detect through proper problem solving tools and quality data sources, the true root cause of your problem. Unless you can get to the true root cause of a failure, nonconformity, defect or other undesirable situation, your CAPA system will not be successful.
Root Cause Analysis and CAPA Controls for a Compliant Quality System In this CAPA webinar, learn various regulations governing Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) and how organization should collect information, analyze information, identify, investigate product and quality problems, and take appropriate and effective corrective and/or preventive action to prevent their recurrence.
How to Design and Implement a Dynamic Control Plan This webinar training will discuss how to design a dynamic control plan that combines FMEA and the control plan by extending the FMEA to encompass the elements of the control plan and create a living document that helps to drive continual improvement.
An Easy to Implement Integrated Risk Management Approach Compliant with ISO 14971 This integrated risk management training for medical devices will discuss how to incorporate risk management as per ISO 14971 guidelines in all phases of medical device development. It will highlight the documentation needed to support the decisions made as part of the risk management process.
The Use and Mis-use of FMEA in Medical Device Risk Management The presentation will discuss the proper use of FMEA in risk management and how to recognize and avoid the traps associated with this tool in order to have a more efficient risk management process. Most medical device manufacturers use FMEA as a part of their risk management system. Most medical device manufacturers use FMEA as a part of their risk management system.
Root Cause Analysis for CAPA Management (Shutting Down the Alligator Farm) Emphasis will be placed on realizing system interactions and cultural environment that often lies at the root of the problem and prevents true root cause analysis. This webinar will benefit any organization that wants to improve the effectiveness of their CAPA and failure investigation processes.
Root Cause Analysis for Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) The Quality Systems Regulation (21 CFR 820) and the Quality Management Standard for Medical Devices (ISO 13485:2003), require medical device companies to establish and maintain procedures for implementing corrective and preventive action (CAPA) as an integral part of the quality system.
Strategies for an Effective Root Cause Analysis and CAPA Program This webinar will provide valuable assistance to all regulated companies, a CAPA program is a requirement across the Medical Device, Diagnostic, Pharmaceutical, and Biologics fields. This session will discuss the importance, requirements, and elements of a root cause-based CAPA program, as well as detailing the most effective ways to determine root cause and describing the uses of CAPA data.
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Problem solving is an increasingly important soft skill for those in business. The Future of Jobs Survey by the World Economic Forum drives this point home. According to this report, complex problem solving is identified as one of the top 15 skills that will be sought by employers in 2025, along with other soft skills such as analytical thinking, creativity and leadership.
Dr. Amy David , clinical associate professor of management for supply chain and operations management, spoke about business problem-solving methods and how the Purdue University Online MBA program prepares students to be business decision-makers.
Every business will face challenges at some point. Those that are successful will have people in place who can identify and solve problems before the damage is done.
“The business world is constantly changing, and companies need to be able to adapt well in order to produce good results and meet the needs of their customers,” David says. “They also need to keep in mind the triple bottom line of ‘people, profit and planet.’ And these priorities are constantly evolving.”
To that end, David says people in management or leadership need to be able to handle new situations, something that may be outside the scope of their everyday work.
“The name of the game these days is change—and the speed of change—and that means solving new problems on a daily basis,” she says.
The pace of information and technology has also empowered the customer in a new way that provides challenges—or opportunities—for businesses to respond.
“Our customers have a lot more information and a lot more power,” she says. “If you think about somebody having an unhappy experience and tweeting about it, that’s very different from maybe 15 years ago. Back then, if you had a bad experience with a product, you might grumble about it to one or two people.”
David says that this reality changes how quickly organizations need to react and respond to their customers. And taking prompt and decisive action requires solid problem-solving skills.
David says there are a few things to consider when encountering a challenge in business.
“When faced with a problem, are we talking about something that is broad and affects a lot of people? Or is it something that affects a select few? Depending on the issue and situation, you’ll need to use different types of problem-solving strategies,” she says.
There are a number of techniques that businesses use to problem solve. These can include:
“We have a lot of these different tools,” David says. “Which one to use when is going to be dependent on the problem itself, the level of the stakeholders, the number of different stakeholder groups and so on.”
Each of the techniques outlined above uses the same core steps of problem solving:
Data drives a lot of daily decisions in business and beyond. Analytics have also been deployed to problem solve.
“We have specific classes around storytelling with data and how you convince your audience to understand what the data is,” David says. “Your audience has to trust the data, and only then can you use it for real decision-making.”
Data can be a powerful tool for identifying larger trends and making informed decisions when it’s clearly understood and communicated. It’s also vital for performance monitoring and optimization.
The courses in the Purdue Online MBA program teach problem-solving methods to students, keeping them up to date with the latest techniques and allowing them to apply their knowledge to business-related scenarios.
“I can give you a model or a tool, but most of the time, a real-world situation is going to be a lot messier and more valuable than what we’ve seen in a textbook,” David says. “Asking students to take what they know and apply it to a case where there’s not one single correct answer is a big part of the learning experience.”
An online MBA from Purdue University can help advance your career by teaching you problem-solving skills, decision-making strategies and more. Reach out today to learn more about earning an online MBA with Purdue University .
If you would like to receive more information about pursuing a business master’s at the Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business, please fill out the form and a program specialist will be in touch!
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Problem solving is a crucial skill in both personal and professional settings. Whether it’s addressing a personal challenge or drafting a business problem solving proposal , the ability to identify a problem and develop a solution is essential. Writing a problem solving essay helps articulate the issue clearly and systematically outline potential solutions. Effective problem and solution involves critical thinking, creativity, and a structured approach to overcome obstacles and achieve goals.
Problem solving is the process of identifying a challenge, analyzing its components, and finding an effective solution. It involves critical thinking, creativity, and the application of various techniques and tools.
1. math word problems.
Problem: Jane has 3 apples, and she buys 4 more apples from the store. How many apples does she have now?
Problem: A group of students needs to complete a science project, but they are having trouble coordinating their schedules.
Problem: A student struggles to start writing an essay on a given topic.
Problem: A student has trouble managing time between homework, extracurricular activities, and leisure.
Problem: Two students have a disagreement over a shared locker space.
Example 1: workplace conflict.
Situation : Two team members have a disagreement that affects their productivity.
Situation : Struggling to manage monthly expenses and savings.
Understand the Problem: Before attempting to solve any problem, it’s crucial to fully understand it. Read through the problem statement carefully and make sure you grasp every detail.
Break It Down : Divide the problem into smaller, more manageable parts. This approach, known as decomposition, makes it easier to tackle complex issues by focusing on individual components one at a time.
Research and Gather Information : Collect all relevant information and data that might help in solving the problem. Look for similar problems and their solutions.
Brainstorm Possible Solutions : Generate as many potential solutions as possible. Don’t worry about evaluating them at this stage; the goal is to think creatively and come up with a wide range of ideas.
Evaluate and Select the Best Solution : Assess the feasibility, pros, and cons of each potential solution. Consider factors such as resources, time, and potential risks. Choose the solution that best addresses the problem and is most practical.
Develop an Action Plan : Create a detailed plan for implementing your chosen solution. Outline the steps you need to take, assign tasks if working in a team, and set deadlines to ensure timely progress.
Implement the Solution : Put your plan into action. Stay focused and be prepared to adapt if necessary. Keep track of your progress and make adjustments as needed.
Monitor and Review : After implementing the solution, monitor the results to ensure the problem is resolved. Evaluate the outcome and review the process to learn from any mistakes or successes.
1. on your resume.
When listing problem-solving skills on your resume, provide concrete examples. Use action verbs and quantify your achievements where possible.
Your cover letter is a great place to elaborate on your problem-solving abilities. Describe a specific situation where you successfully addressed a challenge.
“In my previous role at XYZ Company, I identified a bottleneck in our production line. I conducted a thorough analysis and implemented a new workflow, which reduced production time by 25% and saved the company $50,000 annually.”
Be prepared to discuss your problem-solving skills in depth during an interview. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses.
Example: “Can you give an example of a time when you solved a difficult problem at work?”
Highlight problem-solving skills on LinkedIn and other professional profiles. Share posts or articles about your problem-solving experiences and successes.
“I’m thrilled to share that I recently led a project to overhaul our customer service protocol, resulting in a 40% reduction in response time and a significant boost in customer satisfaction!”
During performance reviews, make sure to emphasize your problem-solving contributions. Provide specific examples and outcomes.
“In the past year, I resolved three major project roadblocks, enabling our team to meet all deadlines and exceed our performance goals.”
If applicable, create case studies or detailed project descriptions that showcase your problem-solving process and results. This can be particularly useful for portfolios or presentations.
Case Study: Improving IT System Efficiency
Problem-solving often involves other soft skills such as communication, creativity, and teamwork. Highlighting these related skills can further emphasize your ability to solve problems effectively.
“By fostering open communication within my team and encouraging creative brainstorming sessions, we were able to devise innovative solutions to our most pressing challenges.”
Practice regularly, learn various problem-solving techniques, and engage in activities that challenge your thinking.
Common techniques include brainstorming, root cause analysis, the 5 Whys, and SWOT analysis.
Identify the problem, analyze the problem, generate solutions, select a solution, implement, and evaluate.
Discuss specific situations where you effectively solved problems, highlighting your thought process and outcomes.
Critical thinking involves analyzing and evaluating information, while problem-solving focuses on finding solutions to problems.
They enable leaders to manage challenges effectively, inspire innovation, and guide teams through obstacles.
Assess through scenarios or challenges that require identifying, analyzing, and resolving problems.
Creativity enables out-of-the-box thinking, which can lead to innovative and effective solutions.
Apply it to anticipate potential issues, plan solutions, and ensure smooth project execution.
Resolving customer complaints by identifying the issue, brainstorming solutions, and implementing changes to prevent future complaints.
Text prompt
10 Examples of Public speaking
20 Examples of Gas lighting
A business journal from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
June 25, 2024 • 7 min read.
In this Nano Tool for Leaders, Penn's David Resnick offers guidance on using helpful constraints to unlock new solutions to old problems.
Nano Tools for Leaders® — a collaboration between Wharton Executive Education and Wharton’s Center for Leadership and Change Management — are fast, effective tools that you can learn and start using in less than 15 minutes, with the potential to significantly impact your success and the engagement and productivity of the people you lead.
Harness constraints and analogies to unlock new solutions to old problems.
Traditional brainstorming, as coined by Alex Osborne in the 1950s, asks participants to consider any and all ideas that might solve a problem. While blue-sky, no-limits thinking has several benefits, the drawback is that leaders often, paradoxically, get stuck. They encounter challenges like the “curse of the blank page,” not knowing where to start because they can start anywhere. They may also face the “ Einstellung effect ,” a phenomenon whereby the easy recollection of familiar solutions can block their ability to think of new ones.
This has led some to (erroneously) believe that generating solutions is best left to people who are naturally creative. The good news is that there are tools that can help one become much better at generating new ideas. The even better news is that using these tools does not involve extensive training or attending workshops. In fact, one tool developed at Penn Medicine’s Center for Health Care Transformation and Innovation is a simple card game , and the “secret sauce” it teaches is how to leverage constraints and analogies. The Accelerators in Innovation game has teams of players use accelerator cards to create new kinds of solutions with questions such as “How would you solve postpartum depression if you operated like IKEA?” and “How might you tackle long emergency room wait times if you were Warren Buffet?” The solutions are then applied to problems presented on challenge cards while trying to avoid monkey wrenches from their opponents. After rapid-fire pitches, the judge determines each round’s winner.
1. make sure you are solving a problem..
Don’t solve for how to implement a solution. A classic example involved a design team brought in to figure out how to increase access to incubators. The issue is that the solution was already baked in (increase access to incubators). The team spent some time reframing the problem to focus on the true issue: ensuring that newborns are kept at a safe temperature, especially when delivery occurs in places with little or no access to electricity. Reframing to focus on the actual problem opened the team to entirely different solutions.
Having to pull ideas out of thin air can be difficult and stressful. Analogies force us to consider other options or perspectives we may never have thought of, or thought of and dismissed. They cause us to ask ourselves “What is good about this other solution and how might it be applied to solving the problem I’m facing?” Examples include:
Think about successful companies and how their strengths could be applied to your problem. For example, IKEA is phenomenal at clearly explaining to people with limited background knowledge and literacy how to do something. So how might IKEA go about explaining post-op care to knee replacement patients?
Similarly, try using personas. Mary Poppins is renowned for making an unpleasant experience a delightful one. Mr. Rogers is known for his commitment to leveraging the kindness of neighbors. Darth Vader’s approach to getting things done is a ruthless level punishment for those who fail. Regardless of whom you choose, you can use the strengths or philosophies of these characters to inspire ideas. How might Mary Poppins improve adherence to physical therapy regimens? How might Darth Vader?
Constraints are, unintuitively, another great way to force new thinking. Some options are:
How might you solve a problem if you were forced to delete a crucial (but perhaps onerous or costly) step of the process? Great examples are “How might tollbooths collect fees without a human there to do it?” (FastPass) or “How might people get their rental car if there was no line to wait in?” (Hertz Gold).
How might you solve the problem if you had to solve for extreme use cases or extreme targets? For example, what would it take to screen 100 percent of eligible patients for colon cancer? How might you reduce civilian traffic fatalities to zero?
Apply real-world constraints that have thrown a monkey wrench in your plans for past ideas. For example, how might you create a new marketing campaign that must be successful for consumers who do not speak English? How might you build a new product to launch on time even if multiple team members take a sabbatical or parental leave?
Focus on solving for how to make your solution delightful to users. This isn’t about making something silly or fun. It’s about surprising your users in a manner that unexpectedly accomplishes something for them.
An additional benefit to Penn Medicine’s Accelerators card game is that it encourages multiple rounds to hear multiple ideas. When thinking of solutions, push for volume in your initial rounds. You’ll soon “use up” the ideas that come to mind easily and be forced to consider more creative or audacious alternatives.
Another key component of generating ideas while playing a game is that it allows for laughter and a sense of play. This mindset can foster creativity and an atmosphere of psychological safety for sharing ideas.
Rebecca Trotta, PhD, director of the Center for Nursing Excellence at Penn, leveraged this tool in developing a new program to support older adults after hospitalization. Her challenge was to build a service that could provide intensive at-home support. Despite an existing evidence-based protocol, there was concern that patient acceptance of this support would be low. Many folks are simply exhausted after being in the hospital and don’t want someone in their home. Using the constraint of solving for “delight,” Trotta and her team came up with the idea of delivering home meals to these patients and their caregivers.
While it might appear as a frivolous and seemingly useless expense, it turned out that after spending days (and sometimes weeks) in the hospital, patients came home to fridges that were empty or full of spoiled food. Providing them with a meal ensured they had adequate nutrition. More importantly, though, the meals showed a sense of caring and thoughtfulness that went well beyond patients’ expectations. It built a strong sense of trust that paid dividends in drastically increasing the acceptance of home services compared to baseline.
David Resnick, MPH, MSEd, Senior Innovation Manager at Penn Medicine’s Center for Health Care Transformation and Innovation. Accelerators in Health Care card game co-created with Michael Begley, MA, Senior Experience Consultant at EPAM Systems, and Visiting Professor and Assistant Program Director of Masters of UX at Thomas Jefferson University.
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How the pandemic accelerated the use of digital wallets, how financial frictions could hinder innovation, looking for more insights.
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Jennifer Ludden
A homeless person walks near an elementary school in Grants Pass, Ore., on March 23. The rural city became the unlikely face of the nation's homelessness crisis when it asked the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold its anti-camping laws. Jenny Kane/AP hide caption
In its biggest decision on homelessness in decades, the U.S. Supreme Court today ruled that cities can ban people from sleeping and camping in public places. The justices, in a 6-3 decision along ideological lines, overturned lower court rulings that deemed it cruel and unusual under the Eighth Amendment to punish people for sleeping outside if they had nowhere else to go.
Writing for the majority, Justice Gorsuch said, “Homelessness is complex. Its causes are many.” But he said federal judges do not have any “special competence” to decide how cities should deal with this.
“The Constitution’s Eighth Amendment serves many important functions, but it does not authorize federal judges to wrest those rights and responsibilities from the American people and in their place dictate this Nation’s homelessness policy,” he wrote.
In a dissent, Justice Sotomayor said the decision focused only on the needs of cities but not the most vulnerable. She said sleep is a biological necessity, but this decision leaves a homeless person with “an impossible choice — either stay awake or be arrested.”
The court's decision is a win not only for the small Oregon city of Grants Pass, which brought the case, but also for dozens of Western localities that had urged the high court to grant them more enforcement powers as they grapple with record high rates of homelessness. They said the lower court rulings had tied their hands in trying to keep public spaces open and safe for everyone.
But advocates for the unhoused say the decision won’t solve the bigger problem, and could make life much harder for the quarter of a million people living on streets, in parks and in their cars. “Where do people experiencing homelessness go if every community decides to punish them for their homelessness?” says Diane Yentel, president of the National Low Income Housing Coalition.
Today’s ruling only changes current law in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which includes California and eight other Western states where the bulk of America’s unhoused population lives. But it will also determine whether similar policies elsewhere are permissible; and it will almost certainly influence homelessness policy in cities around the country.
Grants Pass and other cities argued that lower court rulings fueled the spread of homeless encampments, endangering public health and safety. Those decisions did allow cities to restrict when and where people could sleep and even to shut down encampments – but they said cities first had to offer people adequate shelter.
That’s a challenge in many places that don’t have nearly enough shelter beds. In briefs filed by local officials, cities and town also expressed frustration that many unhoused people reject shelter when it is available; they may not want to go if a facility bans pets, for example, or prohibits drugs and alcohol.
Critics also said lower court rulings were ambiguous, making them unworkable in practice. Localities have faced dozens of lawsuits over the details of what’s allowed. And they argued that homelessness is a complex problem that requires balancing competing interests, something local officials are better equipped to do than the courts.
"We are trying to show there's respect for the public areas that we all need to have," Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison told NPR earlier this year. She wrote a legal brief on behalf of more than a dozen other cities. "We care for people, and we're engaging and being involved in the long-term solution for them."
Attorneys for homeless people in Grants Pass argued that the city’s regulations were so sweeping, they effectively made it illegal for someone without a home to exist. To discourage sleeping in public spaces, the city banned the use of stoves and sleeping bags, pillows or other bedding. But Grants Pass has no public shelter, only a Christian mission that imposes various restrictions and requires people to attend religious service.
"It's sort of the bare minimum in what a just society should expect, is that you're not going to punish someone for something they have no ability to control," said Ed Johnson of the Oregon Law Center, which represents those who sued the city.
He also said saddling people with fines and a criminal record makes it even harder for them to eventually get into housing.
Johnson and other advocates say today’s decision won’t change the core problem behind rising homelessness: a severe housing shortage, and rents that have become unaffordable for a record half of all tenants. The only real solution, they say, is to create lots more housing people can afford – and that will take years.
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BY TROY RUMMLER
THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2024
As the hare learned from the tortoise, speed isn’t everything.
Theoretical scientists at Sandia and Boston University have discovered that quantum computers are unrivaled at solving an advanced math problem. Unusually, they proved quantum computers are not faster than regular computers; instead, they use far less memory.
The revelation upends the conventional wisdom that the value of a quantum computer is that it can solve certain problems much faster than a normal one. It could also help researchers find more real-world uses for the rapidly advancing tech.
“This is the first exponential quantum advantage for a natural streaming problem,” said Sandia’s Ojas Parekh, a member of the team.
Memory is important for any computer. The more memory it has, the bigger problems it can solve. For quantum computers, which store information in qubits, “Space really matters because it’s hard building quantum computers with lots of qubits,” Ojas said.
The team is presenting its findings at the Symposium on Theory of Computing, which runs from June 24-28 in Vancouver, British Columbia. The mathematical proof is available on the website arXiv .
Sandia’s Laboratory Directed Research and Development program and the DOE’s Office of Science, Office of Advanced Scientific Computing Research, funded the work.
In 1994, American scientist Peter Shor startled the world when he proved future quantum computers would be able to crack standard encryption algorithms alarmingly fast. In the 30 years since, however, researchers have only found a handful of other problems these computers can solve quicker than normal ones.
The research emerging from Sandia and Boston University now points to a different area where quantum advantage is possible.
“Much of the focus in quantum advantage research has been on achieving time advantage,” said Nadezhda Voronova , a Ph.D. candidate in Boston University’s department of computer science. “Research on quantum advantage with respect to other resources, like memory, has been relatively limited.”
Shifting attention to these other attributes, like efficiency, could help scientists find more practical uses for quantum computers.
“Are we currently missing important quantum advantages because we’re focused or biased toward certain kinds of problems?” Ojas said.
The math problem at the center of the team’s claim, called maximum-directed cut, is significant because it is what researchers call a natural problem.
“When we talk about a natural problem,” said John Kallaugher from Sandia, “what we mean is that it’s a problem of independent interest — that people were already studying it in the classical setting.”
Ojas further explained, “The max-directed cut problem amounts to finding the two groups of agents in a network with the most communication directed from one group to another. This problem finds applications in cybersecurity and social network analysis and design.”
Computers normally need lots more memory as this kind of problem grows more complex. But quantum computers don’t, the team found. They are exponentially more efficient with their memory usage, at least when data arrives in a stream. Streaming calculations are useful when data sets are too large to fit in a computer’s memory or when the data is being created continuously.
John previously published that quantum computers could have a distinct but smaller advantage than what he and his team have now proven. The new finding of an exponential ratio is significant because an advantage needs to be very large to be worth the time and money it takes to build and run a quantum computer.
Like Shor’s algorithm, the new finding is still theoretical because it has not yet been demonstrated on a computer.
Maximum-directed cut is not very useful on its own. However, it is a widely known optimization problem in advanced mathematics, which the research team sees as a hint to the kinds of practical uses quantum computers could have in the future.
“In cybersecurity, for example, efficiently solving optimization problems could lead to better resource allocation, enhanced incident response strategies and more accurate risk assessments,” Voronova said.
John added, “This could point the way to algorithms that can handle problems too large for any classical computer to process.”
“There could be more algorithms like this,” Voronova speculated.
“No one has, really, the complete picture,” Ojas said.
The microsoft co-founder believes a.i.-powered climate solutions outweigh the energy consumption of data centers..
Bill Gates is urging the world not to overreact when it comes to A.I.’s vast energy consumption. Despite concerns regarding the high electricity use of data centers required to power the new technology, the Microsoft (MSFT) co-founder claims this will be offset by innovations in A.I. regarding sustainable energy and carbon reduction.
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“ Let’s not go overboard ,” said Gates while speaking yesterday (June 27) at the Breakthrough Energy Summit, as reported by the Financial Times. While Gates said data centers could globally increase electricity usage by 2 to 6 percent, the billionaire believes tech solutions will act as a countervailing force. “The question is, will A.I. accelerate a more than 6 percent reduction? And the answer is: certainly.”
Amid a race for A.I. dominance in the world of Big Tech, companies like Microsoft, Meta (META) , Google (GOOGL) , Amazon (AMZN) and OpenAI are funneling billions into the development of data centers across the U.S. to train and deploy A.I. models. But with this rapid growth comes soaring energy use. A query on OpenAI’s ChatGPT, for example, takes up nearly 10 times as much electricity to process as a search on Google, according to a recent report from Goldman Sachs (GS) . And while data centers currently consume 1 percent to 2 percent of global power, this will likely rise to 3 percent to 4 percent by 2030 with carbon dioxide emissions from data centers possibly doubling as of 2030, the report predicts.
While it is difficult to accurately predict the energy consumption of “these data centers in 10, 20 years from now,” the demand for A.I. “is going to grow very fast,” Fengqi You , an energy engineering professor at Cornell University, told Observer, noting that the current capabilities of U.S. infrastructure are an especially pertinent issue. The development of data centers across the country have already put a strain on regional power grids .
Gates is a prominent believer in technology’s abilities to solve climate issues . He’s the founder of Breakthrough Energy Ventures , a climate-focused investment firm that has committed more than $3.5 billion to tech startups cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and has given more than $1 billion to the nuclear energy startup Terrapower .
According to Gates, major tech companies are willing to pay a “green premium” to develop data centers with new sources of power. Amazon, for example, has claimed it will run its data centers entirely on green energy by 2025 , while Google and Microsoft say they can accomplish this by 2030.
“They’re all paying attention to it, and they want to go down that path,” Baratunde Cola , the founder of carbon nanotude company Carbice Corporation , told Observer of Big Tech’s goal towards cleaner energy. But what’s more unclear is “how fast we can go there,” he added.
It will take time to untap the amount of green electricity needed for such a transition, according to Gates, who noted that global goals to reach net zero emissions by 2050 may be unachievable. “Another 10 or 15 years might be more realistic,” he said.
Gates isn’t the only prominent tech leader betting on A.I.’s green possibilities. In April, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos invested $100 million via his environmentally-focused Bezos Earth Fund into an initiative encouraging proposals to use A.I. to combat climate change. And Geoffrey Hinton , an A.I. academic who previously worked for Google, earlier this month joined the advisory board of CuspAI , a startup aiming to create A.I.-generated materials used in carbon capture and storage to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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Problem solving software is the best way to take advantage of multiple problem solving tools in one platform. While some software programs are geared toward specific industries or processes - like manufacturing or customer relationship management, for example - others, like MindManager , are purpose-built to work across multiple trades ...
We'll outline that process here and then follow with techniques you can use to explore and work on that step of the problem solving process with a group. The seven-step problem solving process is: 1. Problem identification. The first stage of any problem solving process is to identify the problem (s) you need to solve.
9 Problem-solving tools for gathering and selecting ideas. Problem-solving tools support your meeting with easy-to-use graphs, visualisations and techniques. By implementing a problem-solving tool, you break the cycle of mundane verbal discussion, enabling you to maintain engagement throughout the session. 28. Fishbone Diagram
NGT is used to generate and evaluate or rank a series of actions or solutions. It is often used after a brainstorming session to organize and evaluate the products of the brainstorming session. The problem or decision is stated by the facilitator. Ideas are generated or imported from a previous brainstorming session.
2. Break the problem down. Identifying the problem allows you to see which steps need to be taken to solve it. First, break the problem down into achievable blocks. Then, use strategic planning to set a time frame in which to solve the problem and establish a timeline for the completion of each stage. 3.
Balance divergent and convergent thinking. Ask problems as questions. Defer or suspend judgement. Focus on "Yes, and…" rather than "No, but…". According to Carella, "Creative problem solving is the mental process used for generating innovative and imaginative ideas as a solution to a problem or a challenge.
In insight problem-solving, the cognitive processes that help you solve a problem happen outside your conscious awareness. 4. Working backward. Working backward is a problem-solving approach often ...
Solving complex problems may be difficult but it doesn't have to be excruciating. You just need the right frame of mind and a process for untangling the problem at hand. ... More problem-solving tools Hurson's Productive Thinking Model. In his book "Think Better," author and creativity guru Tim Hurson proposed a six-step model for solving ...
Heuristics are shortcut strategies that people can use to solve a problem at hand. These "rule of thumb" approaches allow you to simplify complex problems, reducing the total number of possible solutions to a more manageable set. ... making it a useful problem-solving tool. However, mental sets can also lead to inflexibility, making it more ...
4 steps to better problem solving. While it might be tempting to dive into a problem head first, take the time to move step by step. Here's how you can effectively break down the problem-solving process with your team: 1. Identify the problem that needs to be solved. One of the easiest ways to identify a problem is to ask questions.
Q3: Can one problem-solving tool be used for all types of problems? Not typically. Problem-solving tools are varied and designed to address specific types of issues. It's crucial to match the right tool to the problem to ensure an effective solution. At the same time, some tools may be adaptable and useful for multiple types of problems.
The first step in solving a problem is understanding what that problem actually is. You need to be sure that you're dealing with the real problem - not its symptoms. For example, if performance in your department is substandard, you might think that the problem lies with the individuals submitting work. However, if you look a bit deeper, the ...
ClickUp ratings and reviews. G2: 4.7/5 (2,000+ reviews) Capterra: 4.7/5 (2,000+ reviews) 2. Omnex Systems. via Omnex. Omnex's problem-solving software has many helpful features to track, manage, and solve problems quickly. It's a one-stop shop for dealing with internal and external issues. The platform is also customer-centric, which ...
1. Fishbone diagrams. Fishbone diagrams are a common problem solving tool so-named because, once complete, they resemble the skeleton of a fish. With the possible root causes of an issue (the ribs) branching off from either side of a spine line attached to the head (the problem), dynamic fishbone diagrams let you: Lay out a related set of ...
Brainstorming and team problem-solving techniques are both useful tools in this stage of problem solving. Many alternative solutions to the problem should be generated before final evaluation. A common mistake in problem solving is that alternatives are evaluated as they are proposed, so the first acceptable solution is chosen, even if it's ...
Using a problem solving process helps give structure to your problem solving efforts and focus on creating outcomes, rather than worrying about the format. Tools such as the seven-step problem solving process above are effective because not only do they feature steps that will help a team solve problems, they also develop skills along the way.
The 5 Whys strategy is a simple, effective tool for uncovering the root of a problem. You can use it in troubleshooting, problem-solving, and quality-improvement initiatives. Start with a problem and ask why it is occurring. Make sure that your answer is grounded in fact, and then ask the question again. Continue the process until you reach the ...
Problem-solving tools refer to strategies that can help determine the cause of a problem and identify the best solutions available. The first step in addressing an issue at work is to outline your objectives. Once you establish the cause, you can isolate variables that can help contribute to a potential solution.
The tools we recommend to help you define the problem and determine the cause (including the root cause) are: The 5W's (and the 5 WHY's) SWOT Analysis. Mind Mapping. Brainstorming. The Fishbone Diagram (or Cause and Effect Diagram) Affinity Mapping. To explore some of these further, see below under 'Tools of the Trade'.
Enjoy exploring these stages! Step 1: Find the Problem (Questions 7, 12) Some problems are very obvious, however others are not so easily identified. As part of an effective problem-solving process, you need to look actively for problems - even when things seem to be running fine.
Below we discuss five common root cause analysis tools, including: Pareto Chart. The 5 Whys. Fishbone Diagram. Scatter Diagram. Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) Download our free Root Cause Analysis 101 Guidebook. Read 14 quality metrics every executive should know. 1.
However, they need to know when to use which tool in a manner that is appropriate for the situation. In this article, we discuss 7 tools including: The Ishikawa Fishbone Diagram (IFD) Pareto Chart. 5 Whys. Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) Scatter Diagram. Affinity Diagram.
Problem solving is an increasingly important soft skill for those in business. The Future of Jobs Survey by the World Economic Forum drives this point home. According to this report, complex problem solving is identified as one of the top 15 skills that will be sought by employers in 2025, along with other soft skills such as analytical thinking, creativity and leadership.
Problem solving is the process of identifying a challenge, analyzing its components, and finding an effective solution. It involves critical thinking, creativity, and the application of various techniques and tools. Examples of Problem Solving. Analytical Thinking: Breaking down complex problems into manageable parts.
For New Ideas, Think Inside (This) Box June 25, 2024 • 7 min read. In this Nano Tool for Leaders, Penn's David Resnick offers guidance on using helpful constraints to unlock new solutions to old ...
The decision will not solve the larger problem of rising homelessness. Attorneys for homeless people in Grants Pass argued that the city's regulations were so sweeping, they effectively made it ...
As the hare learned from the tortoise, speed isn't everything. Theoretical scientists at Sandia and Boston University have discovered that quantum computers are unrivaled at solving an advanced math problem. Unusually, they proved quantum computers are not faster than regular computers; instead, they use far less memory. The revelation upends the conventional wisdom that the […]
Can Solve Its Own Energy Problem The Microsoft co-founder believes A.I.-powered climate solutions outweigh the energy consumption of data centers. By Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly • 06/28/24 1:42pm