"A problem well stated is a problem half solved." - Charles F. Kettering

Problem solving is a crucial skill for success in many areas of life. It requires creativity, critical thinking, and the ability to find solutions to complex issues. Success in business is about solving organisational problems or the problems your client's trust you with. Developing the skills needed to be a problem solver can help you achieve your goals and overcome obstacles to your success or your business success.

But who is Charles Kettering? Charles was an American inventor, engineer, businessman and holder of 186 patents in the USA. Born in 1876, he solved many of the problems in the development of the automobile, including an electrical starting motor to replace hand cranking, modern ignition systems, coloured car paints, and two stroke diesel engines. He was the vice-president of General Motors Research Corporation for 27 years. He also helped develop air-conditioning, fuel additives, methods for harnessing solar energy, the use of magnetism in medical diagnostic imaging, and the development of an incubator for premature babies and many other inventions and solutions to problems.

So how do you solve a problem?

As indicated in the quote from Charles Kettering, half the problem is stating what the problem is. So the key to solving problems is defining them very clearly. The following steps will help you define problems you are facing:

1. Write down a sentence or two to capture the nature of the problem,

2. Refine your statement using the 5 Ws + H to define the scope of the problem:

• What - what is the problem?

• Who - who is involved; who does the problem affect; who benefits from solving the problem; who benefits by *not* solving the problem? etc.

• Where - where is the problem occurring? Is it across the whole organisation, or just one small part? Is it internal or external (customer facing)?

• When - is the problem happening all the time, at specific times, or intermittently? Is there any pattern to when the problem occurs? Is it when certain machines are used, when certain people are working, or when certain customers are being serviced? Is the problem seasonal?

• Why - do you know why the problem is occurring? Even if your first guess isn't entirely accurate, if you keep asking why, you will get closer to the root cause. For example - "Problem - my back keeps hurting low on the right side. Q - Why is your back hurting low on the right side? A - I think it is the way I am sitting? Q -Why are you sitting that way? A - my seat angle is fixed. Q - Why is the angle fixed? A - The seat isn't height and angle adjustable." I'm sure you can think of a possible solution to this problem now.

• How - there are a number of ways to ask the how question, depending on how close you are to finding a solution to the problem.

  For example, "How is this problem affecting the client/your employee/you, etc." or "How might that solution solve the problem?", or "How can we change this procedure to reduce the overloading of this machine?", or "How can we vary your work, so you are not doing the same repetitive task for hours at a time?" As a person in leadership, working with the person who is having the problem and asking "how" questions is a great way to come up with creative solutions. They probably have already thought of a couple of ways to fix it!

It doesn't matter what the problem is or what industry the problem is occurring in; using the 5Ws + H will help you clearly define the problem, and then you can move to develop a cost-effective, workable solution. To do this, you will need to:

• develop a solution or solutions, including the costs of each and resources available to solve the problem,

• decide on the solution and evaluation criteria, then,

• implement the solution*, and lastly,

• check if the solution solves the problem.

Leadership attributes for problem solvers

As a leader, we need to develop and maintain some key attributes to be a good problem solver and lead our teams to solve problems. Consider the following attributes, and perhaps take an inventory:

1. Embrace challenges positively: Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Instead of avoiding difficulties, approach them with a positive attitude and a desire to find solutions.

2. Be curious: Ask questions, gather information, and seek out new perspectives. The more you know about a problem, the easier it will be to find a solution.

3. Think creatively: Come up with multiple solutions and think outside the box. Consider unconventional approaches and be willing to experiment.

4. Work collaboratively: Work with others to find solutions. Collaborating with others can help you identify new ideas and approaches, and can also help you build support for your solutions.

5. Be action oriented: Once you have chosen a solution, take action! Follow through on your plans and be willing to adjust your approach if necessary. Too much analysis leads to paralysis!

All the best on your problem-solving journey!

If we need help solving problems in your business, please contact us.

David Reeson, Managing Director - Upvisory Pty Ltd

M: 0423 657 968 | E: david@upvisory.com.au

* This involves change. Change management is a whole other topic of discussion. Given it was the second most popular option in our recent poll, it will be the next topic for another article in the Leadership Series.