Problem Solving

Clearly identifying the problem, its symptoms, impact, and the desired outcome before attempting to solve it.

Viewing and structuring a problem from different perspectives to better understand what is actually being solved.

Gathering information, asking questions, and removing ambiguity to develop a clear understanding of the problem. 

Defining the boundaries, scale, constraints, and key areas of a problem to keep the solution focused.

Comparing the current state with the desired state to identify what is missing and what needs to change.

Recognizing and detecting specific problems, weaknesses, risks, or obstacles that require attention.

Repeatedly asking “Why?” to uncover the underlying cause of a problem.

Organizing potential causes into categories to identify the root cause.

Examining how different factors contribute to a specific outcome.

Breaking a problem into mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive components.

Structuring a complex problem into smaller, manageable questions.

Forming hypotheses and testing them with evidence.

Breaking a problem down to its most fundamental truths.

Understanding how interconnected parts influence the overall problem.

Identifying limitations or bottlenecks preventing a solution.

Examining workflows to identify inefficiencies or failure points.

Generating a wide range of ideas and potential solutions without immediately judging or eliminating them.

Visually organizing ideas and connections to explore a problem from multiple perspectives.

Using imaginative and unconventional thinking to develop effective solutions to complex problems.

Developing multiple possible approaches instead of relying on a single solution.

Approaching a problem from the opposite direction to uncover new perspectives and potential solutions.

Using a structured set of creative prompts to modify, improve, or generate new ideas and solutions.

Comparing the advantages and disadvantages of different options before making a decision. 

Evaluating whether the expected benefits of a solution justify the resources, costs, and effort required.

Comparing multiple options against defined criteria to identify the most suitable choice.

Assigning different levels of importance to evaluation criteria and scoring options accordingly.

Identifying potential risks, uncertainties, and negative consequences before implementing a solution.

Evaluating the potential effects and consequences a decision or solution may have on people, processes, or outcomes.

A continuous improvement framework that follows the process of Plan, Do, Check, and Act.

A structured improvement method that follows Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control.

A structured approach to defining a problem, analyzing its causes, developing solutions, and documenting the process.

An eight-step methodology for identifying, correcting, and preventing recurring problems.

A systematic problem-solving model involving Identify, Define, Explore, Act, and Look Back.

A systematic methodology for solving complex and inventive problems by identifying patterns and contradictions.

Creating a clear plan that defines the steps, responsibilities, resources, and timeline needed to implement a solution.

Taking specific actions to eliminate the cause of an existing problem and prevent it from happening again.

Taking proactive measures to reduce the likelihood of potential problems occurring in the future.

Putting the selected solution into action and coordinating the resources and activities required for execution.

Tracking results and key indicators to determine whether a solution is achieving its intended outcome.

Continuously reviewing processes, identifying opportunities, and making ongoing improvements to achieve better results.