Typically rely too much on our personal experiences and insights to solve problems. That is a BIG problem.
Without actually laying eyes on what is happening, you can only accept the points of view of others and make the best determination you can with the available information.
Ultimately, this can lead to identifying the wrong problem and institute ineffective countermeasures
Instead, you should go and see the actual place or source of the problem and observe first-hand what is taking place. If you have a team of individuals working with you, take them with you… Go and see the problem the same way at the same time.
As a result everyone on the team will be able to agree to what they are seeing and have the same fundamental understanding about the problem at-hand.
By going to the actual place of the abnormality you will be able to operate on facts and not on assumptions.
- You will have accurate identification of the real problem.
- Meeting and talking first hand to anyone experiencing the problem.
- Seeing the abnormality.
- Witnessing the impact of the problem.
- Trying to see what is causing the problem.
Problem solving is a logical, common sense, fact-based, step-by-step approach based upon a “go and see” philosophy capturing what is actually happening versus what “should” be happening and requires a dissection of the problem into smaller problems or steps.
Large, vague, and complicated problems must be clarified and fully understood before the real problem can be identified and properly addressed.
In order to master this type of problem solving, it is necessary to first understand the problem at-hand.
When you first begin using this problem solving approach, you must not lean too heavily on your personal experiences or perspectives. The reason for this is simple: we typically rely too much on our personal experiences/insights to solve problems.
- Set aside pre-conceived ideas.
- See the abnormal occurrences and point of causes first hand.
- Delay cause analysis until you have a thorough grasp of what is actually happening.
- Prioritize causes in order to discover the High Value Targets.
- Establish a cause and effect relationship based on fact and not assumption.
- Continue asking ‘Why?’ until you can prevent the recurrence of the problem by addressing the root cause.
