Troubleshooting
Problem solving is the process of defining difficulties, finding causes, generating options, testing actions, and correcting the solution.
Definition
Effective problem solving starts with a good understanding of the problem, not with an immediate idea. It involves distinguishing symptoms from causes, collecting data, selecting success criteria, testing hypotheses, and implementing corrections. In complex situations, one action is rarely enough.
Key ideas
- Problem definition
- Cause analysis
- Testing solutions
Practice and life
Describe the problem in one sentence, then write down the symptoms, possible causes, three action options and the criterion by which you will recognize the improvement.
Common misconceptions
It is a mistake to solve a problem with the wrong name. It is also a mistake to look for one guilty person instead of a mechanism.
> A problem never goes away by looking at it, and only begins to change when it is properly addressed.
> — Guru Element
Questions for self-reflection
- What problem am I really solving?
- What is the symptom and what is the cause?
- How will I know if the solution is working?