PROBLEM
SOLVING
STRATEGIE
S
Reported by: Jholan Jose
PROBLEM SOLVING
STRATEGIES
We all experience issues on a
daily basis. Some are easy, such as
deciding what to have for lunch.
Others are more difficult, such as
resolving a disagreement with a loved
one or determining how to overcome
obstacles to your ambitions. We all
know that brooding on the problems
won’t get you anywhere. We need to
find a solution…
TO FIND A SOLUTION,
YOU NEED AN
EFFECTIVE STRATEGY.
THIS IS A LIST OF
PROBLEM SOLVING
STRATEGIES.
1. DEFINE THE
PROBLEM CLEARLY
• Take the time to thoroughly comprehend the
issue by breaking it into smaller, easier-to-
manage components. Clearly state the
problem and what needs to be resolved.
• Example:
If you’re facing a scheduling conflict,
pinpoint the exact overlapping events and
their timing.
2. USE THE "5 WHYS"
TECHNIQUE
• To find the source of the issue, ask "why" five
times, or as many times as necessary. This
aids in discovering underlying problems.
• Example:
If your car won’t start, ask: Why?
(Battery dead) Why? (Alternator malfunction)
Why? (Alternator failed) etc.
3. BRAINSTORMING
• Without passing judgment, come up
with as many possible solutions as you
can. You may improve ideas later, and
quantity can lead to quality.
• Example:
When planning a marketing
campaign, brainstorm different themes,
platforms, and target audiences before
narrowing down to the best ideas.
4. DIVIDE AND
CONQUER
• Break the problem down into smaller,
more manageable components, and
solve each part individually.
• Example:
If you have a large project,
divide it into smaller tasks like
research, design, testing, etc., and
tackle them one by one.
5. TRIAL AND
ERROR
• Test different approaches and learn
from the results. This method works
well when you don’t have a clear
solution at first.
• Example:
If you are learning to ride a
bike, you will stumble at first until you
get how to ride it properly.
6. ROOT CAUSE
ANALYSIS
• Focus on identifying the fundamental cause
of the problem, rather than just addressing
symptoms.
• Example:
If you’re experiencing frequent delays
in your projects, investigate whether the root
cause is poor communication, lack of
resources, or unrealistic timelines.
7. LATERAL THINKING
• Approach the problem from an unexpected
angle, using unconventional or indirect thinking
methods. This is useful for breaking free from
traditional solutions.
• Example:
If you’re trying to improve team
productivity, instead of just offering incentives,
consider ways to improve team morale or
introduce a fun challenge.
These strategies offer a broad
range of approaches depending on
the complexity and nature of the
problem. You can use one or
combine several to find the best
solution.
Do you have a specific situation in
mind where you want to apply one
of these methods?