You already know that Problem-Solving is one of the core values of the new Entrepreneurial Workforce (eWorkforce). But there are some simple, little things you probably didn’t know about problem-solving. When you learn these things, you can use them yourself … and you can teach them to others too.
FIRST … “All work is a process.”
That’s right. If you think about it, you can break down almost any activity into smaller steps or tasks. Everything requires at least one step to accomplish. Keep that in mind as we continue in this discussion.
SECOND … “The problem always occurs or presents itself in one of the steps in the process.”
This is a fundamental principle of quality control and quality management. In industry, they measure outcomes from various processes to determine if they are getting the results they want. If so, everything is okay. If not, they stop the machines and fix the process.
The same thing should be true in every other aspect of work today. When you encounter a problem in a work activity, common sense says it will happen in one of the steps of that activity.
THIRD … “The solution is applied to the process too — usually in the same step or the preceding step where the problem is.”
You know the old saying, “If it ain’t broke …” Well, when you have a problem, something is broken, and you become a highly valued “service provider” (employee) when you know how to fix it.
- Review the steps in the process.
- Find where it is broken.
- Isolate the activity to identify what is broken (THE PROBLEM).
- Develop several possible solutions.
- Pick the one that seems most likely to succeed.
- Try it and see if it really does work.
- Adjust as necessary until the situation is acceptable.
SUMMARY … Let’s wrap this up. What it all boils down to is this …
- All work is actually a series of steps or tasks.
- Problems occur somewhere in the work process.
- Find the step where the problem is to identify the problem.
- Fix it.
Of course, this means that the Entrepreneurial Worker will have to become a “process oriented” person. He or she will have to understand the steps that make up a work process or job. However, this will only serve to make the Entrepreneurial Worker an indispensable member of the team.
Practice it! Teach it! And watch your own career grow with it too! ”Problem-solving really works!”
Problem-solving is necessary and has a negative connotation to most people. I like this article and will teach it to others because makes them aware of the inevitability of problems and the importance of solving them. The things that separate good workers from bad workers is how they approach and eventually solve problems. As I get older, I realize that problems are going to come, so there is no need to get flustered…If I know I live in a rainy climate, why not by an umbrella. I know it’s coming…let me be prepared!!
Our first response to a problem is usually a OMG moment that brings about a feeling of hopelessness. This article helps one to focus on the problem and to resolve it following steps sequentially. I think that additionally we shoud consider solutions that work for the short term, realizing that sometimes a solution will have to be made until someting better can be put into place. This is valuable information that I will share with others to empower them to approach a problem with a framework for a solution.