Question

The text refers to a correctly defined problem is half solved, so improvement is contingent on the ability to understand the situation.   Discuss with your class colleagues how this relates to defining problems and causes.

Answer 1

The problem solving process has to start with identifying the problem. First step of solution has to be identifying and understanding the problem. Problem resolution has to start with the process given below.

Identify the issue that you're dealing with. Observe the problem area closely to form a detailed image of what's wrong. Keep your focus on the problem at this point, and resist the urge to define the problem in terms of a solution. For example, "We need to improve training procedures" speaks to the solution more than the problem. "Sales documentation is inconsistent" better defines the issue.

Example discussed above, provides a detailed idea of how to cope with problem. To solve the problem, we must have an idea of the issue, so that we can build a strategy around it. For example - once we have identified that problem is with sales documentation being inconsistent. Then we can form various solutions to sort it out, like we can standardise the process to remove the inconsistency or we can have a technological solution to resolve this issue, by entering control checks in ERP to avoid facing these issues again.

Thus understanding the problem, is a half resolution.