Problem Solving - Part 4

Continuing this series, we are on step 4 of the problem-solving process:

1. Understand the Problem
2. Define the Goals
3. Identify a Course of Action
4. Implement a Solution
5. Continue Improvement

Implementing a Solution. After completing analyzation of all the solutions listed and prioritizing which solutions to implement first, you have the daunting task of implementation. Don't think of it now as solving the problem as a whole but focus on the specific action item at hand. Break this action item into smaller steps to get the implementation rolling.

Defining the who-what-when matrix will help with the implementation. When everyone knows what they should be doing, and when they should be doing it, the implementation will progress. Confusion will arise when either part is missing. If an implementing party is awaiting on another aspect that they should not be awaiting upon then time will be wasted, and the implementation delayed. When somebody does not know specifically what they should be doing, that will also cause delays and hold-ups in the process.

List the tasks that need to be completed as part of the implementation. Then assign these tasks to persons on the team. Order these tasks by chronological order. It may be beneficial to use a Gantt chart to show dependencies between the tasks. During the planning of the implementation, look for tasks that are parallel to each other but assigned to the same person. Can these tasks be assigned to unique individuals to help move along the process and prevent multi-tasking burnout? Can dependent tasks be assigned to the same person to prevent delays between stopping and starting tasks?

• What needs to be done?
• Who is responsible to complete the task?
• When does the task need to be completed by?
• What are the task dependencies?

It doesn't have to be perfect, it just needs to work.

Implementing a solution can quickly get off base if you don't focus on the tasks at hand instead of sidetracking and over-optimizing. Get the current task to a done status as quickly as possible while maintaining a high quality of work. It doesn't have to be perfect in this stage, it just needs to work.

Continue reading Problem Solving - Part 5