What tools can you use for Problem Solving? There are heaps! The best approach is to think of the solution or outcome you need and then pick the right tool to create that outcome, or, in other words, Start with the End in Mind.
Here are our top 10 Problem-Solving Tools (Number 10 is the absolute best!!!):
1. SWOT Analysis (In-Person or Digital)
Solution/Outcome: Helps identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to a project or business decision. This framework aids in strategic planning and risk management by providing a comprehensive view of internal and external factors. By following the structured thinking in the SWOT Analysis you can stay on track and have the discipline to do the right thinking at the right time, this allows you to solve the right problem.
2. Root Cause Analysis (RCA) (In-Person or Digital)
Solution/Outcome: Identifies the underlying causes of a problem rather than just addressing symptoms. This approach leads to more effective long-term solutions by ensuring the core issue is resolved.
3. 5 Whys (In-Person)
Solution/Outcome: A simple problem-solving technique that involves asking "Why?" five times to drill down to the root cause of an issue. It helps teams move beyond surface-level explanations to uncover deeper causes.
4. Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa Diagram) (In-Person or Digital)
Solution/Outcome: Visual tool used to identify, explore, and display the possible causes of a specific problem. It’s useful for teams to brainstorm and organise potential factors contributing to a problem. Another structured thinking tool that allows you to examine key elements of the problem or situation
5. Design Thinking (In-Person or Digital)
Solution/Outcome: A human-centred approach to innovation and problem-solving that focuses on understanding the user, challenging assumptions, and redefining problems to identify alternative strategies and solutions. It’s often used for developing creative solutions in product and service design. Check out the Google Design Sprint process to look at how you can rapidly innovate and create amazing new solutions!
6. Kanban Boards (Digital - e.g., Trello, Jira; In-Person - physical boards)
Solution/Outcome: Visual workflow management tool that helps teams manage work in progress, identify bottlenecks, and improve task management. It promotes transparency and efficiency in project execution. Any tool that helps you visualise work allows you to SEE the problem! This is one of the most effective tools to use!
7. Action Learning (In-Person)
Solution/Outcome: A process where a group works on a real problem, takes action, and learns as individuals and a team. It’s effective for solving complex issues and fostering leadership development simultaneously. Do something...learn from it!
8. Scenario Planning (In-Person or Digital)
Solution/Outcome: A strategic planning tool that helps teams anticipate possible future scenarios and develop strategies to address them. It’s useful for long-term planning and risk management.
9. PDCA Cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act) (In-Person or Digital)
Solution/Outcome: A continuous improvement tool that involves planning a change, implementing it, checking the results, and acting on what has been learned. It fosters iterative problem-solving and process improvement.
10. Collaboration (In-Person)
Solution/Outcome: Commitment to each other allows you to focus on learning and growing together. This is the best problem-solving tool you will ever use! Be open to listening and learning from different perspectives.
These tools and frameworks provide structured approaches to problem-solving, helping leaders and teams proactively address challenges and improve organisational outcomes.