The LevelTen Solution to Problem Solving

For years the advice I gave new consultants about problems solving is this:

1. Make sure you thoroughly define the problem. A problem well defined is half solved.
2. Never present a problem to a client without a solution. Nobody likes problems, everybody likes solutions.

While reading Dale Carnegie's How to Stop Worrying & Start Living, I came across and interesting chapter that gives a four step process for problem solving. In a chapter titled How to Eliminate Fifty Percent of Your Business Worries Dale Carnegie describes the process that Leon Shimkin, a former partner and general manager of Simon and Schuster, used to drastically reduce the time his staff spent on problems and in meetings. The process is:

1. What is the problem? (e.g. define the problem) Never attempt to solve a problem yourself, much less ask others to solve it until you have it accurately described it.
2. What is the cause of the problems? To permanently solve a problem you must know the causes, not just the symptoms.
3. What are all possible solutions of the problem? Other wise known as creative thinking or idea generation. Brainstorm about all reasonable solutions. Often the right solution is not perfect just the best of all possibilities.
4. What solution do you suggest? rAlso known as critical thinking or evaluation of ideas. Always provide a well reasoned solution when presenting a problem.

While I think this is a great process, I believe one extra step is needed to make it a LevelTen process.

5. How will we determine success? Without feedback and analysis how will we know we choose the correct solution. Many solutions are iterative. Often we must create a test and solution refinement cycle to derive the ultimate solution.

A problem is simply any situation where you have an opportunity to make a difference, to make things better. The question arises, how much better? Business presents us with many challenges, which ones will we get the best returns by solving? There is much to be gained by approaching each problem-solution set as a scientific method style experiment with determined goals and analysis process. Presenting just a problem will be met with a negative reaction. A well thought out solution will get your ideas consideration. A favorable business case built around your solution will motivate decision makers to action. Your solution delivering on its promises will make you the hero.