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Every problem contains three basic components:

1. The problem state: This describes the problem situation as it currently exists.

2. The solution, goal or desired state: This describes how the problem will look after it’s been solved.

3. The obstacles: These are the things that make it difficult to proceed from the problem state to the goal (solution) state.

By definition then, problem solving is the process of moving from the problem state to the goal state by a series of action steps that change or remove obstacles.

The application uses the following five step problem solving process that uses the same tools, techniques and questions commonly asked by skilled problem solvers. Since every situation is different, it is not recommended that you answer every question or complete every template. Use only the ones that fit your need.

Define problem & goal

The purpose of this task is to help ensure you are solving the right problem. To a large extent, successful problem solving is shaped by how a situation is portrayed. So, correctly defining the problem and goal may be the most important part of problem solving. It is far better to have difficulty solving the correct problem than developing a brilliant solution to the wrong problem.

· Problem Statement: Having a correctly and clearly stated problem focuses people’s thinking energies and actions. A vague problem statement has people thinking all over the place.

· Goal Statement: A goal statement describes what the problem will look like after it has been solved. Without a clear goal, people can easily head down the wrong thinking pathway and develop ineffective

Analyze facts & obstacles

It is difficult to analyze and resolve any problem without a complete understanding of the data/facts.

The more the problem is understood, the more effective the thinking will be. There is a positive correlation between people who develop more and better ideas/solutions with those that have relevant and accurate background knowledge of the problem.

If the data does not presently exist, you will have to determine where to find it. Be careful of analysis-paralysis where you collect too much information. And be mindful not to indiscriminately amass data/information. Make sure your data sources are reputable.

Find solutions

The purpose of this task is to generate a large number of different ideas that might solve the problem. The chances of developing a truly creative solution are increased substantially when you have a large pool of ideas to consider. The key to this step is to generate ideas without judgment or criticism. All ideas should be considered because any one of them could hold the seed of a brilliant solution.

Using trigger questions can help generate a wide variety of new ideas by providing the starting points to stimulate later thinking. All ideas should be considered because any one of them could hold the seed of a brilliant solution.

Remember however, developing “creative” ideas can be relatively easy. Transforming “ideas” into practical and workable “solutions” that can be implemented can be very difficult.

Decide on best solution

The purpose of this task to help make more certain decisions. It will help make you conscious of decision-making habits. It does little good if the best solution is discarded because fixed decision-making takeover.

Deciding which solution alternative to implement goes beyond simply selecting the solution that best resolves the problem. Selecting the right evaluation criteria will help. But remember, a decision is only as good, even if a correct decision, as it can be successfully executed without creating more damage than it solves

Develop implementation actions

The purpose of this task is to outline a plan of action for implementing the solution. Action planning means creating specific work activities that will lead to successful implementation. Typically this includes assigning responsibility for tasks, gaining acceptance of the plan, identifying and overcoming barriers, etc.

Feedback is a process that promotes continuously adapting to ongoing changing conditions. It is important to establish feedback mechanisms to; make ongoing corrections; prevent problem recurrence; avert future problems; or promote continuous improvement.

Also be flexible about changing the plan if the situation demands. No plan can be perfect. Anticipate potential implementation problems and prepare for them rather than simply waiting and reacting to them.

Note: A person skilled in developing and taking action avoids getting mired in unimportant details and minor implementation roadblocks. He/she does not fear imperfect solutions and knows that all solutions can and will be continuously improved and revised.