Define the problem
Ask
the right questions to find out what is the real problem that needs
solving. Take the problem statement given and examine it for words that
inappropriately dictate or imply a particular solution.
If you redefine the
problem, that is, ask the right question, better solutions may come
about.
Carefully analyze symptoms, background and data for
hints
Do
not try to re-invent the "wheel." If the problem has been
around for a while, then a trained eye can quickly gain priceless
information by going through old reports, talking to people who supply,manufacture
or use the product or process.
Always ask people
to give you both their opinion and reasoning concerning a given
problem.
Explore possible solutions
Identify
all possible solutions by remaining open to new ideas and deferring
judgment until all are gathered.
Test the validity
of theories by the execution of designed experiments.
Clear your head when data seems to make no sense
Walk
away from the problem to clear-up your thinking process and be ready to
objectively re-examine the facts.
This activity is
necessary when you begin to feel mentally drained from your attempts to
interpret apparently conflicting information.
Evaluate alternatives
Evaluate
whether each alternative meets the requirements. Measure each against the
established criteria. Rank criteria and assign weight factors to each. Do
not stop the evaluation process prematurely but also do not succumb to
"analysis paralysis" and never make a choice.
Implement the solution that makes most sense
Implement
the "superior or proper" not "right" solution. At
times you may have more than one solution suitable for
implementation.
Always make sure
the solution you are recommending meets the criteria of all involved.
Frequently, some of that criteria may not be known to the project team.
Politics, company culture and other underlining conditions usually play a
vital role in every project.
Choose and
implement the clearly superior solution. If it does not work, then try
another. At the end you are going to succeed.
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