Problem-Solving Techniques

Problem-Solving Skills – Start Here!

How Good Are Your Problem-Solving Skills?

Constructive Controversy
Improving Solutions by Arguing For and Against Your Options

Inductive Reasoning
Drawing Good, Generalized Conclusions

Avoiding Logical Fallacies
What They Are, and How to Avoid Them

Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
Spotting Problems Before a Solution is Implemented

Heuristic Methods
Using Rules of Thumb

Means-End Analysis
Identifying the Steps Needed to Solve a Problem

Soft Systems Methodology (SSM)
Understanding Very Complex Issues

8D Problem-Solving Process
Solving Major Problems in a Disciplined Way

Appreciative Inquiry
Solving Problems by Looking at What’s Going Right

The Simplex Process
A Robust Creative Problem-Solving Process

The Straw Man Concept
Build It Up, Knock It Down, and Create a Solid Final Solution

Hurson's Productive Thinking Model
Solving Problems Creatively

The Four-Step Innovation Process
Generating Innovative Solutions to Complex Problems

Root Cause Analysis
Tracing a Problem to Its Origins

CATWOE
Understanding the Different Elements That Contribute to a Problem

5 Whys
Quickly Getting to the Root of a Problem

Drill-Down
Breaking Problems Down into Manageable Parts

Cause and Effect Analysis
Identifying the Likely Causes of Problems

Appreciation
Understanding the Full Implications of a Fact

The Four Frame Approach
Finding Other Ways Forward

Interrelationship Diagrams
Identifying Cause and Effect Relationships

Writing a Procedure
Making Sure Things are Done Without Mistakes and Omissions

Flow Charts
Understanding and Communicating How a Process Works

Using Aide-Mémoire
Creating Memory Aids and Checklists

Swim Lane Diagrams
Mapping and Improving the Processes in Your Organization

Storyboarding
Planning and Checking a Process as a Team

Unblocking Bottlenecks
Fixing Unbalanced Processes

Queuing Models
Optimizing Service and Resources

Concept Fans
Widening the Search for Solutions

Affinity Diagrams
Organizing Ideas into Common Themes

Systems Diagrams
Understanding How Factors Affect One Another