8 Steps to Solve a Problem

1. Determine The problem

You can’t fix a problem if you can’t identify and define it.

2. Assess The Problem’s reach

You need to recognize the impact and boundaries of the problem. Unfortunately, many employees who are good at identifying problems often can’t communicate the size of these problems or their probable ramifications.

3. Research The Problem’s causes

Employees should look into all aspects of the problem before asking for a manager’s input or involvement. What provoked the problem? What are its root causes and drivers? Is it likely to recur? Is an immediate fix in order or does it require a long-term answer?

4. Determine Various options

Consider all your options for fixing the problem. Be creative. Don’t settle on the most obvious solution. If the problem isn’t too severe, you may need to consider only two or three possible solutions. If you face a larger problem, you need to examine at least five or six options. The more options you develop, the better your ultimate choice will be. Expect your list of choices to include some non-starters. 

5. Evaluate All options

With each option, ask if it resolves the problem. Does it address all long-term implications? Will it be easy to implement? Is it within your firm’s “sphere of control?” Will the results outweigh the costs? Will the solution meet all regulatory requirements? Explore and discuss all your choices to determine their feasibility. 

6. Figure Out the Ideal solution

Choose wisely. As a manager, you know what will fly for your company. You may want to combine the best aspects of the best options to derive the best solution. Discuss this option with all stakeholders to secure buy-in and avoid any blowback.

7. Implement This solution

Assign people on your team to carry out the fix. Make sure they achieve the result you want. 

8. Review Your results

Many managers forget about or ignore this step. Don’t make this mistake. Your review “embeds the learning.” It acknowledges team members’ contributions and proves the merit of the process you and your team instituted to achieve the best possible results.