18
A Template for Problem Solving
To be an effective problem solver:
1)
Figure out, and regularly re-articulate, your goals, purposes, and needs.
Recognise problems as emergent obstacles to reaching your goals, achieving
your purposes, and satisfying your needs.
2)
Wherever possible, take problems one-by-one. State the problem as clearly
and precisely as you can.
3)
Study the problem to make clear the “kind” of problem you are dealing with.
Figure out, for example, what sorts of things you are going to have to do to
solve it. Distinguish problems over which you have some control from
problems over which you have no control. Set aside the problems over which
you have no control. Concentrate your efforts on those problems you can
potentially solve.
4)
Figure out the information you need and actively seek that information.
5)
Carefully analyse and interpret the information you collect, drawing what
reasonable inferences you can.
6)
Figure out your options for action. What can you do in the short term? In the
long term? Recognise explicitly your limitations as far as money, time, power.
7)
Evaluate your options, taking into account their advantages and
disadvantages in the situation you are in.
8)
Adopt a strategic approach to the problem and follow through on that strategy.
This may involve direct action or a carefully thought-through wait-and-see
strategy.
9)
When you act, monitor the implications of your actions as they begin to
emerge. Be ready at a moment’s notice to revise your strategy if the situation
requires it. Be prepared to shift your strategy or your analysis or statement of
the problem, or all three, as more information about the problem becomes
available to you.