Do you have a system for solving problems? Care to share it?

Answer 1

Do a matrix where the factors are across the page (such as money, timeframe, risk) and the options run down the page (such as quit job, keep job, ask for promotion). Then give each a score out of five and add them up. Each of the options will have a score and one will stick out as the best way forward. Of course you still need to test it by your gut feeling.

Answer 2

First a quote from Calvin Coolidge:
"If you see ten troubles coming down the road nine of them will go into the ditch before they reach you". The first step then, is to determine if there really is a problem!
Now lets suppose that there really is a problem that must be handled. This is difficult to discuss without knowing more about the nature of the problem. Does the problem deal with something physical like space utilization or health? or with something emotional or relational? or perhaps with questions of religion, philosophy and spirituality. So the second step must be identifying the nature of the problem. Since your question does not give any hints here, I will offer something of a generic approach. The third step is to envision all possible responses to the problem. It is obviously impossible to envision all responses, but with a little creativity a great number of possibilities can usually be identified. This step can be done alone, but often we benefit by getting others to share their vision as well. This is especially and most obviously the case when we are working outside our own area of expertise. The next step is to critically analyze each of the envisioned approaches. This is a difficult step because we have to be careful about rationalizing our way to the solution that seems easiest or most appealing. Easy and appealing are valid criteria, but not when they are unrealistic. We analyze the possibilities according to (1) do-ability, that is can they be done with a reasonable expenditure of resources? and (2) goal satisfaction, that is the degree to which they satisfy our goals. Notice that the first criteria does incorporate ease while the second considers what we find appealing. The third step is choosing from among do-able alternative. The fifth is implementation. The sixth is evaluation, looking back on what was done, learning from the experience, and considering what if any improvements can be made. Unfortunately, there are times when there are no acceptable solutions to a problem. In this case, we have to accept the problem itself, that it is simply something we have to live with. I attempt (not with complete success) to live with as little stress as possible. My motto is, "If you can do something about it, then do it. If there is nothing you can do, then let it go".

Answer 3

This is a really good logical thinking process:

1. Determine what is going on.
2. Determine where the problem is.
3. Ask yourself, "What is it I need to resolve?"
4. Provide options and/or potential remedies
5. Develop a way to measure the options/potential remedies and choose the option based on the measurement approach

E.g.

1. I wanted a new car so that I could be assured of a reliable vehicle to get me to work and back each day. When I went to the dealership and found the perfect vehicle. The dealer told me I could lease or buy.
2. I am uncertain whether it is better to lease or buy.
3. I want to determine whether it is better to lease or buy.
4. I will:

- Compare short-term and long-term costs of the options
- I will compare the non-cost related pros and cons of each option

5. I will take the costs and pros/cons and use that to decide which way to proceed.

Answer 4

Honestly, I rely on determination. For most everything I refuse to believe that something cannot be solved. It is just a matter of time. Whether I can solve it within a specific time frame is always the challenge.

I always -

Identify the problem
Think of more than one way to approach the solution
Get the resources necessary
Try it right away
Fail
Try again
Succeed

Answer 5

I tend to get sleepy when faced with difficult decisions..
When I sleep I tend to come up with the answers to my problems....If I can't get away to sleep for a bit, then I usually become very rational which is something beyond me most days...I pretty much take risks and I jump right in without really thinking everything through but it usually turns out when I listen to my gut, things turn out better than when I overthink...
Intuition is a good thing...

Answer 6

Problems usually hit in numbers. And oftentimes seem overbearing. Concentrate and resolve one atta time. I find that works best for me.

Answer 7

Fists or hammer work best, Grog hungry grrr.

Answer 8

pro's and con's--you just gotta weigh then... Which ever column is fuller-there is your answer---or just go with what makes you happy-if thats possible.

Answer 9

system? what type of problem?

Answer 10

I try to do the "stephen covey thing" .....seek to understand!