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Problem Solving Tips
On Problem Solving: In our Sep 10, 2022 about my PeopleCount project to fix our political system, I was asked for some advice about problem solving. I deferred. Here it is:
The most important things are to
– define the problem well
– understand the problem completely
– find and solve the root cause
– check the solution well, and after building it, monitor and measure it
Always define a problem well, and in writing. Often you’ll discover you’ve only identified part of it. It might seem that it’s better to focus on one aspect of the problem. This is very rarely true. It might be good only to solve one aspect of it, but if you only understand one aspect, you probably don’t understand it well at all.
Understanding the problem completely is often most difficult because many things tend to blend into the environment around them. Often we cut short the research time because a solution is needed right away. Often we cut short the research time because we get confused and it’s uncomfortable.
The root cause: Most problems have a “causal chain” creating the problem. Often this is really a graph- lots of things causing or contributing to others. A root cause is something that causes the whole problem or enough of it that addressing that cause (eliminating it or changing it) can solve the whole problem.
Often when it’s difficult to tell if a cause is a root cause, it’s because it’s not a root cause. The best way to get a clue that a solution doesn’t address the root cause is to check it. Imagine the solution is built. Does it really solve the problem? Are there ways to get around it? Will the system tend to cause the problem a different way?
Check, monitor, measure: Checking was mentioned in the above paragraph. Most solutions need to be measured after implementing, a way of checking that it really works. And then monitored, and measured periodically, if not continuously.
Rand Strauss, expert problem solver, founder of PeopleCount.org/intro.htm
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1 Reply
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Thank you, @Rand ! These steps are very valuable reminders- and help me and others from feeling anxious or overwhelmed
Appreciate your work and we will be supporting your vision with participation.
Right now-we have been on a biota a break- so in a week there will be more interaction.
With gratitude,
Renee Beth
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