Over the years I’ve learned that the #1 job responsibility of every employee is to be an effective problem solver. That’s the fundamental reason you are hired – to help your company overcome the problems it faces, to bring solutions to the table rather than just restate the problem.
Problem solving can be tough, but here are 8 simple problem solving tips I teach managers and executives that can help you solve your next problem.
1. Challenge conventional wisdom
Many problems stem from attempting to solve it with old thinking. When stuck, look for a fresh approach, a new angle, or a unique perspective. Challenge the way it’s always been done because it may actually be the wrong way to handle the problem. If the conventional solution really worked, the problem should have already gone away.
2. Ask an outsider
Get someone who is not intimately involved in your department or even your company to offer her input. Often an objective outsider can quickly get to the core issue, ask that one question that brings new light into the problem, or challenge the way you’re currently attacking the problem (See #1). It also helps the other person feel important and valued to have helped you in your problem, and they will likely return the favor in the near future when they face a tough problem.
3. Look for the unexpected
Force yourself to look beyond the average, the expected, and the typical. Inject innovative and creative alternatives into your solutions process. Turn the problem upside-down, inside-out, right-side up, and look at it from new, different, fresh perspectives.
4. Two (or more) heads are better than one
Even when you are an expert in the problem area, it can be very helpful to involve others in the process. We all waste too much time trying to be a solo pilot in solving our problems. Quickly get other involved – sometimes even an outsider (See #2).
5. Follow your intuition
Intuition is perfectly acceptable in problem solving given you: (1) clearly understand the problem and the potential cause, (2) have been in a similar situation before, and (3) possess data, information, and research that support your intuitive solution. If the above three criteria are met, then go with your intuition. In fact, most executives base their decisions more upon intuition than fact.
6. Take a break
When stuck, get way from the problem, take a walk, forget about it, and come back later. A fresh mind is always advantageous in problem-solving to a tired, frustrated mind.
7. No decision is a decision
Sometimes the best solution is to do nothing. As leaders, we are wired to always take action – that’s how we became leaders. R ealize that no action is sometimes the right thing to do.
8. Attack the problem, but never the people
This may be the most important tip of them all. I t’s the problem that needs fixing, not the people. Indeed your team may need new skills, knowledge, or information to effectively implement a new solution. But always remember that as a leader, you must attack the problem and not your people.
What have I missed? Please share your tips so we can all become better problem solvers.
NOTE: These tips are excerpted from Chapter 1 of my book, Management Excellence, available for download and purchase on this site.
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