How to Solve a Problem

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How to Solve a Problem

Here is how you could figure out how to solve your current problem. Draw out a Problem-Cause-Solution mind map, and spend time filling it in.

Remember: All problems have causes

All problems have causes; in fact, all problems have multiple causes.

All problems are created and maintained by a network of related causes.

If you want to stop a problem, then you need to:

• Identify the network of related causes.
• Remove the causes or
• Nullify their effects.

If you remove the causes, or nullify their effects, then the problem will disappear.

For example, a fire. There are three causes of a fire: Heat, Oxygen, Fuel.

If you put heat, oxygen and fuel together in the same time and place, you will have a fire. And if you remove any one of those three elements, then the fire will immediately go out.

Since we live in a cause-effect universe, if you stop the causes, then you stop their problematic effects.

When you have a problem, your task is to sit down and try to figure out the major causes of the problem and interrupt them.

How could you do that? The simplest way I know of, is to draw a diagram that looks like this.

Use this diagram to frame your problem - cause - solution - analysis.

Example: On 27th January 1967, there was a terrible fire on board the Apollo 1 service module test rig, which killed all three crew members: "Gus" Grissom, Ed White, and Roger Chaffee. The fire completely destroyed the Command Module.

The three major causes of the deaths were found to be:

1. High oxygen content of the atmosphere in the command module.
2. Electrical cables capable of generating sufficient heat to ignite surrounding combustible materials.
3. Escape hatches that could not be opened by the astronauts.

Each of these three causes, had subset causes and each of these subset-causes suggested remedies.

1. Reduce the oxygen content.
2. Insulate the cables.
3. Reduce the amount of combustible material.
4. Redesign the escape hatch.

All these steps were then taken.

Forward Planning

It is a shame that things have to go wrong before someone thinks to fix the problem.

A better way would be to use this method to pre-empt problems and to figure out how we, (you) could prevent problems from happening in the first place.

Use the diagram above to predict, pre-empt and prevent problems before they even have a chance to occur.

Prevention is better than cure.

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About the Author: Chris Farmer

Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years’ experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.

Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.

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Further Reading in Decision Making and Problem Solving

• The Law of Diminishing Returns
  More is not necessarily better. There is a point which is optimum. After this point comes diminishing returns, where additional amounts of time, money and effort are ineffective and may even be dangerous.
  Read Article >
• Decision Making and Problem Solving Training
  When you are faced with a situation, you need to classify what kind of situation it is, then use the appropriate mode of thinking for the problem.
  Read Article >
• 10 Steps to Solving Problems at Work
  Problem solving is an essential skill, not only at work, but in personal situations. Use these ten steps to improve your problem-solving skills. Learn how to identify the circumstances around the problem and the logical steps to take.
  Read Article >
• Black and White Thinking
  Right or wrong? Real life problems are often too complex to apply black and white thinking to. Instead, try using another concept, the Law of Identity, on which to base your analysis and decision making.
  Read Article >
• The Single Most Important Thing
  Be the best by learning how to pick out the single most important thing, in any situation or conversation.
  Read Article >

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