How to Improve Your Problem Solving and Decision Making

Be open minded

  • Think outside the box: don’t just look at the obvious and tried and tested options.
  • Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo. Produce as many possible options without evaluating them.
  • Ask others for their ideas.

Provide a clear problem statement

  • Clarify the nature of the problem. Use facts /data rather than emotions.
  • Dig deep under the surface to identify the key causes, you can use the Isikawa fishbone process.
  • Gather, collate, classify and organise the information you need to make a decision.

Decide the actions that will address the solution

  • Remember the Pareto principle (also known as the 80-20 rule), states that, for many events, roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes.
  • Agree on a solution to address the causes identified.
  • Produce an action plan to deliver the solution.

 

140728 bpd logo clear backgroundThis business tip is sponsored by BPD Associates Limited, a JobsTT partner.   If you want support in developing yourself and/or your team on this topic, please visit www.bpdassociates.com.