Automation, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence (machine learning) have increased rapidly of late. Technology makes many decisions on our behalf on a daily basis. Despite this, problem solving and decision making are still some of the most sought-after human skills. Professionals in the workplace need these skills to maximise efficiency, productivity, and both team and individual performance. This article will explore just 4 of the ways you can improve your problem solving and decision-making skills:
Define a clear problem statement
When trying to solve challenges, it is important to understand the issue that needs to be addressed. Write a clear problem statement. It is the crucial first step in the process. Stanford University lists this as a critical step in the Design Thinking process.
According to Wikipedia “A problem statement is a concise description of an issue to be addressed, or a condition to be improved upon. It identifies the gap between the current (problem) state and desired (goal) state of a process or product. Focusing on the facts, the problem statement should be designed to address the Five W’s.“ (Who, What, When, Where, Why)
Draw a Fishbone diagram
A fishbone diagram, sometimes called a cause-and-effect diagram, or an Ishikawa diagram, is a visual tool to understand the potential causes of a problem, in order to help identify its root cause.
We can also use this diagram to ask “Why” five times to try to understand more deeply why the problem occurred.
Benefits of a fishbone diagram include the following:
- A highly visual brainstorming tool which can spark further examples of root causes.
- A way to quickly identify if the root cause is found multiple times in the same or different causal tree.
- A tool which allows us to see all causes simultaneously.
Brainstorm effectively
Most people have heard of brainstorming and have taken part in a brainstorming session. However, few do it effectively.
When brainstorming ideas, it is critical not to judge the ideas. Simply write down as many as possible. Dr Linus Pauling, the only person ever to have won the Nobel Prize twice, once said: “to have a good idea, you need to have lots of ideas “. Too many people make the mistake of trying to think of one magic solution.
Furthermore, in order to facilitate the brainstorming process, it is far better to stand up around a flipchart or a whiteboard than sit down around a meeting table. It is scientifically proven that we are more creative when we stand up or move around as the blood flows faster around our body.
Draw a Mind Map
Another great technique to solve problems, think creatively, and help us make decisions, is to use mind maps. Research suggests that our brain works by connecting one idea to the next. Mind mapping our thoughts will help us see the whole picture. See below 5 simple steps to draw a mind map:
- Take a piece of paper and turn it sideways (landscape).
- Write your main idea or topic in the middle of the page.
- Write other ideas that branch out from this main topic or idea.
- Use key words or as much detail as you like.
- Use different colours and images if you wish.
Perhaps you feel it’s time for you to Improve your Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Skills!