Here are Six Common Approaches to Problem Solving:

How does your mind work?

1: Analytical Problem Solving

An analytical thinker has the ability to get into the detail of a problem, evaluate all components &
perspectives to understand it and determine whats missing. Analytical thinkers ask questions to fill in
any gaps they see in order to foresee next steps. They have confidence in their ability and make
assumptions & decisions because of their constructive fact finding process. Although their assumptions
are credible & decisions well supported, they may not move quickly enough to a solution if they do not
have all the facts. Because their fact-finding process takes time, they may not offer any opinions unless
specifically asked.

2: Logical Problem Solving

A logical thinker has the ability to continuously collect detail and put it into sequence, allowing them to
see the big picture & evaluate where the problem exists and why. Then using historical data, they infer
solutions based on similar situations. If this worked before in a similar situation, it will work again in this
one. The problem with inferring solutions based on past situations occurs when past situations do not
exist. When past situations have been exhausted or a new solution is required, the logical problem
solver may be at a loss.

3: Rational Problem Solving

A rational problem solver has the ability to take information that is available & make assumptions based
on that information, deducting the most optimal solution given their personal perspective. A rational
person may use the words from my perspective here is the problem and the best approach to solve it is
xyz in order to achieve what I believe to be the best solution. The problem is that although the
approach may be rational for that individual, the starting point of that reasoning may be completely
unjust to another. Rational problem solvers often do not see the world from perspectives other than
their own.

4: Absolute Problem Solving

An absolute problem solver has the ability to see a problem as black or white and a solution as right or
wrong. Absolute thinkers believe there is a right way of doing something and if there is a problem it is
because they are unaware of the solution that exists. They try to find that solution by seeking an
authoritative source that can confirm the answer. These individuals often have difficulty moving past a
problem, they do not like making decisions without affirmation that they are moving forward with an
accepted approach. Absolute thinkers also tend to group their thoughts based on information that they
have confidence in; inferring a solution that worked elsewhere must work in a parallel situation.
5: Creative Problem Solving

A creative problem solver has the ability to envision several outcomes, make assumptions as to what
needs to be done to achieve an outcome & is willing to take risks because they have confidence in their
own judgment. Creative thinkers start from scratch and are not limited by steps or processes; instead
they create unique paths and new solutions. The limitation of creative problem solving is often that
there is no limit to the creative process. If a problem has a deadline or budget constraint, creative
thinkers may struggle because they have difficulty focusing and can lose sight of more obvious solutions.

6: Positive Problem Solving

A positive problem solver has the ability to compartmentalize a problem as an individual event and seek
solutions with an open mind. Positive thinkers are not restricted by fears or past results, instead they
predict improvement and are more open to finding ways of achieving it. Thus they listen for
opportunities to improve and collaborate. The limitation of positive thinkers is that they may not hold
situations or individuals accountable when they are required to do so. This makes it possible that
problems reoccur several times before solutions are put in place because they are not pragmatic enough
to solve the issues.

So which approach to problem solving do you usually take? Do you find that it works for you all the
time? Some of the time? Never? Some people are naturally skilled at one approach vs. another
because thats where their mindset takes them. But when you understand the different paths, you can
open the door to the best problem solving technique for a given situation.

What about the people on your team? Chances are you have more than one type of problem solver
among you. I challenge you to cultivate these talents and make them into a competitive
advantage. Your teams ability to solve problems quickly, creatively and successfully can be a
competitive advantage for your organization. It is one thing to say your problem has been solved; it is
another to say that you were able to use it as a means of improving and strengthening your business;
catapulting you forward. That should be your goal, leave the bandages for your competition!

4 Steps to Making Your Teams Problem Solving Strategy a Competitive Advantage

1) Take yourself and each of your team members and align them with one of the 6 problem solving
STRENGTHS:

Has the ability to get into the detail of a problem and evaluate all components & perspectives to
understand it and determine whats missing.
Has the ability to continuously collect detail and put it into sequence, allowing them to see the big
picture & evaluate where the problem exists and why.

Has the ability to take information that is available and make assumptions based on that information,
deducting the most optimal solution given their personal perspective.

Has the ability to see a problem as black or white and a solution as right or wrong by seeking
authoritative approval & consensus.

Has the ability to envision several outcomes, make assumptions as to what needs to be done to achieve
an outcome & is willing to take risks because they have confidence in their own judgment.

Has the ability to compartmentalize a problem as an individual event and seek solutions with an open
mind.

2) Next take the same approach to lining up yourself and your team with one or more of the 6 problem
solving WEAKNESSES:

They may not move quickly enough to a solution because they do not have all the facts.

When past comparative situations have been exhausted or a new solution is required, they may be at a
loss.

They often do not see the world from perspectives other than their own.

They often have difficulty moving past a problem, they do not like making decisions without affirmation
that they are moving forward with an accepted approach.

If a problem has a deadline or budget constraint, they may struggle because they have difficulty focusing
and can lose sight of more obvious solutions.

They allow problems to reoccur several times before solutions are put in place because they are not
pragmatic enough to solve the issues.

3) Discuss the Strengths & Weaknesses Problem Solving evaluation process with your team as a whole
and the individual evaluation with each team member one-on-one.

Train your team on each of the problem solving mindsets, making it an open discussion amongst
them. This will help you tackle problems more strategically when they do indeed occur.

Work with each individual to overcome their weaknesses by leaning on other team members who can
use their strengths to assist.

Once you meet with everyone individually it is up to you whether or not to share the conclusions
with the entire team. Personally I believe this is an important step, but it really depends on your team
and if you think they are ready to share the information. You may choose to wait until positive steps
have been taken to improve weaknesses, then share. Team members may also decide to share the
information on their own.
4) You are ready to tackle your next business problem!

Assign each problem to one team member to lead the solution process based on their strengths. Assign
support to the leader based on their weaknesses. This team approach will get you to the best, most
competitive solutions faster.

From: http://www.managingamericans.com/BlogFeed/Management/6-Approaches-to-Problem-Solving-
For-You-Your-Team.htm

OR

APPROACHES IN PROBLEM SOLVING

In decision making, the engineer manager is faced with problems which may either be simple or
complex. To provide him with some guide, he must be familiar with the following approaches.
Refers to the evaluation of alternatives using intuition and subjective judgement.

Managers use this when:

1. The problem is fairly simple.

2. The problem is familiar.

3. The costs involved are not great.

4. Immediate decisions are needed

EXAMPLE

A factory operates on three shifts with the following schedule:

First Shift: 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Second Shift: 2:00PM to 10:00PM

Third Shift: 10:00PM to 6:00PM

Each shift consist of 200 workers manning 200 machines. On Sept. 16, 1996, the operations went
smoothly until the factory manager, an industrial engineer was notified at 1:00PM that 5 of the workers
assigned to the second shift could not report for work because of injuries sustained in a traffic accident
while they were on their way to the factory.

Because of the time constraints, the manager made an instant decision on who among the first shirt
workers would work to man the five machines.

From: Decision Making: Engineering Management Lecture 2