developing people at work

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Problem Solving Techniques

There are many methods to help solve problems. The key to solving problems in our experience is to define the problem clearly. In the scenario below we focus on key issues for managers in their search to solve the problems they face.

Scenario: A manager has just taken up a new job and is told that 'there are problems'. This page describes briefly the process used by the new manager to identify key problems and to establish a priority for resolving them.

What is a problem?

For the puposes of this scenario we define a problem as a gap between what is expected to happen and what actually does happen. A problem is relative to a person. For example President Clinton's problem in the USA with impeachment is not a problem for many people on the European side of the Atlantic.

The DSA Problem Solving process.

Based on our view that finances, customers, staff and the organisation should be all looked at - four key questions are posed:

1. Can we pay the bills?
2. Have we any customers?
3. Can our people deliver what the customers want?
4. Are we well organised and resourced to meet the customers requirements?

Each stage of the process has its own series of more detailed questions based on well established management practice.

We aim to associate questionnaires with each of the above questions to help discover how well you are prepared to take on a new job.

For further information please contact david.shepherd@management.org.uk