Introduction to Problem Solving and Problem Solving Approach

Introduction to Problem Solving
● What is problem solving
○ Problem solving - decision making when there is complexity and uncertainty and
where there are consequences
● Problem solving skills
○ Decision making, active listening, research, analytical, creativity, team building,
communication, critical thinking
● Why important to business
○ Adapt to new business models, tech innovation, social & environmental changes,
customer behavior; empower customers, and defeat competition,
● Approaches to problem solving - Bulletproof problem solving framework
○ 1970s - 1980s: focus on strategy
○ 1980s - 2015: focus on execution
○ 2015+: focus on problem solving


Examples of Problem Solving
● Examples of problem solving process
○ Use a tree approach to create framework, create layers in tree
○ Always ask “why not” to find alternative solutions
○ PrOACT - problem, objectives, alternatives, consequences, tradeoffs
● 5 Why Framework
○ Ask “why” 5 different ways, create sequential chain of thought to find actual
reason
● Weighted analysis - weigh considerations based on importance, quantify different factors
to compare end score
● 7 steps of problem solving
○ Define the problem
○ Disaggregate the issue (and make hypothesis)
○ Prioritize
○ Develop work plan
○ Analyze what you gather
○ Synthesize and find insights
○ Communicate
○ Then iterate (not linear process)



Bulletproof Framework of Problem Solving
● Define the problem - describe context, boundaries, stakeholders