Problem Solving - Part 5

Concluding this series, we are on step 5 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

Continue Improvement. After the solution has been implemented, return to the goals defined, and measure how the current solution is meeting these goals.

There is only one way of knowing if improvement is being made, and that is through measurement and tests.

As the saying goes, "Rome was not built in a day." The entire problem may not be solved by any singular solution. Cycling through this problem-solving method is expected. The hope is that with each iteration the situation is being improved. There is only one way of knowing if improvement is being made, and that is through measurement and tests. Measure conditions before and after the problem-solving process to have statistics to compare. Determine after each iteration of the process if the solution made progress or caused regress. Don't be afraid to revert solutions if no progress was made.

One of the biggest flaws is expecting something to eventually get better but not reverting the failed attempts to fix the problem. Before a beautiful paint job can be applied, preparation must be done to remove the grime and the old chipping paint so that the new paint can correctly bond.

Review the problem-solving process each iteration through the process. What did you learn? What will you try to do better next time? What was something that really helped solve this problem? Who were influencers into identifying and solving the problem? — Show your appreciation. Identify areas where you excelled in the process and areas where you have room for improvement.

Help solve the problems by being a team player and practicing excellent customer service.

Remember that the problem-solving process is not a one-man process. Problems tend to create heated conversations and individuals involved are likely to have strong attachments to key elements involved in the process. Implementing change is unnatural but necessary to solve problems. Do not take it personally when conflict arises. Help solve the problems by being a team player and practicing excellent customer service.