R-4 Ryan Case Problem-Solving Process (1)

Problem solving is the art of identifying problems and implementing the best
possible solutions. Revisiting your problem-solving skills may be the missing piece
to leveraging the performance of your business, achieving Lean success, or
unlocking your professional potential.
Ask any colleague if they’re an effective problem-solver and their likely answer
will be, “Of course! I solve problems every day.”
Problem solving is part of most job descriptions, sure. But not everyone can do it
consistently.
The Problem-Solving Process
Problem solving is the process of defining a problem, identifying its root cause,
prioritizing and selecting potential solutions, and implementing the chosen
solution.
There’s no one-size-fits-all problem-solving process. Often, it’s a unique
methodology that aligns your short- and long-term objectives with the resources at
your disposal. Nonetheless, many paradigms center problem solving as a pathway
for achieving one’s goals faster and smarter.
One example is the Six Sigma framework, which emphasizes eliminating errors
and refining the customer experience, thereby improving business outcomes.
Developed originally by Motorola, the Six Sigma process identifies problems from
the perspective of customer satisfaction and improving product delivery.
Lean management, a similar method, is about streamlining company processes

over time so they become “leaner” while producing better outcomes.
Trendy business management lingo aside, both of these frameworks teach us that
investing in your problem solving process for personal and professional arenas will
bring better productivity.
How to Solve Problems: 5 Steps
1. Precisely Identify Problems
As obvious as it seems, identifying the problem is the first step in the problem-
solving process. Pinpointing a problem at the beginning of the process will guide
your research, collaboration, and solutions in the right direction.
At this stage, your task is to identify the scope and substance of the problem. Ask
yourself a series of questions:
• What’s the problem?

• How many subsets of issues are underneath this problem?
• What subject areas, departments of work, or functions of business can best
define this problem?
Although some problems are naturally large in scope, precision is key. Write out
the problems as statements in planning sheets. Should information or feedback
during a later step alter the scope of your problem, revise the statements.
Framing the problem at this stage will help you stay focused if distractions come
up in later stages. Furthermore, how you frame a problem will aid your search for a
solution. A strategy of building Lean success, for instance, will emphasize
identifying and improving upon inefficient systems.
2. Collect Information and Plan
The second step is to collect information and plan the brainstorming process. This
is another foundational step to road mapping your problem-solving process. Data,
after all, is useful in identifying the scope and substance of your problems.
Collecting information on the exact details of the problem, however, is done to

narrow the brainstorming portion to help you evaluate the outcomes later. Don’t
overwhelm yourself with unnecessary information — use the problem statements
that you identified in step one as a north star in your research process.
This stage should also include some planning. Ask yourself:
• What parties will ultimately decide a solution?

• Whose voices and ideas should be heard in the brainstorming process?
• What resources are at your disposal for implementing a solution?
Establish a plan and timeline for steps 3-5.
3. Brainstorm Solutions
Brainstorming solutions is the bread and butter of the problem-solving process. At

this stage, focus on generating creative ideas. As long as the solution directly
addresses the problem statements and achieves your goals, don’t immediately rule
it out.
Moreover, solutions are rarely a one-step answer and are more like a roadmap with
a set of actions. As you brainstorm ideas, map out these solutions visually and
include any relevant factors such as costs involved, action steps, and involved
parties.
With Lean success in mind, stay focused on solutions that minimize waste and
improve the flow of business ecosystems.
4. Decide and Implement
The most critical stage is selecting a solution. Easier said than done. Consider the
criteria that has arisen in previous steps as you decide on a solution that meets your
needs.
Once you select a course of action, implement it.
Practicing due diligence in earlier stages of the process will ensure that your
chosen course of action has been evaluated from all angles. Often, efficient
implementation requires us to act correctly and successfully the first time, rather
than being hurried and sloppy. Further compilations will create more problems,
bringing you back to step 1.
5. Evaluate
Exercise humility and evaluate your solution honestly. Did you achieve the results
you hoped for? What would you do differently next time?
As some experts note, formulating feedback channels into your evaluation helps
solidify future success. A framework like Lean success, for example, will use
certain key performance indicators (KPIs) like quality, delivery success, reducing
errors, and more. Establish metrics aligned with company goals to assess your
solutions.

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Problem solving is the art of identifying problems and implementing the best

The Problem-Solving Process

Lean management, a similar method, is about streamlining company processes

How to Solve Problems: 5 Steps

1. Precisely Identify Problems

• What’s the problem?

2. Collect Information and Plan

Collecting information on the exact details of the problem, however, is done to

This stage should also include some planning. Ask yourself:

• What parties will ultimately decide a solution?

Brainstorming solutions is the bread and butter of the problem-solving process. At

4. Decide and Implement

Once you select a course of action, implement it.

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