Problem Solving 101

"Problems are opportunities in work clothes." - Henry Kaiser

There are several steps to solving problems but probably the first and most important is to define the problem. If you don't know what you are trying to fix it will be hard to be successful. It is helpful to write down the potential problems so you can look at them carefully. If you can see it in front of your eyes, you are more likely to be able to examine by looking from different perspectives. You may also be able to identify that some of the written statements add to the problem and can be part of the solution. If you try to do it in your mind, the thoughts may be jumbled and you will either react too quickly (and possbily incorrectly) or do nothing - both could have really bad consequences.

Second, you should generate all possible solutions. You should also write these down because you will be able to examine more carefully and possibly put them in some type of order so you can sequentially work for the best solution in the third step in the process, selection and evaluation of solutions. Usually, the best solutions are combinations of thoughts and strategies. This does not have to be done independently because sometimes "two heads are better than one" and often others can see the problem and solutions more readily because their emotions are not involved.

Finally, implement solution. When you do this, you must be careful to not give up too quickly because sometimes the problem is not fixed instantly. Afterall, it took more than one trial to create the problem. If the solution doesn't work, do not be afraid to go back to the first step and start the process over. If you struggle, do not be afraid to ask for help.