The document outlines a 7-stage process for problem solving: 1) identify the problem, 2) explore the problem from different perspectives, 3) consider potential solutions, 4) look at alternatives, 5) select a solution, 6) implement the solution, and 7) evaluate the results. It recommends embracing challenges, being inspired by others, enjoying the journey, and being open to feedback. Various tools are presented for each stage, such as the 5 Whys technique for problem definition and SWOT analysis for considering alternatives. An open mindset is key to effective problem solving.

1. PROBLEM
SOLVING
Tools and Mindset

2. AGENDA
Mindset required
7 stages of solving
Helpful tools

3. Problems are only opportunities in work
clothes.
Henry Kaiser (American industrialist)

4. Learn and explore!
Nothing is perfect.
Embrace challenges
Persist
Be inspired by others
Enjoy the journey
Be grateful for feedback and criticism (really!)!
Mindset!
“We can not solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them”
- Albert Einstein

5. If I had an hour to solve a problem I'd spend
55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5
minutes thinking about solutions.”
Albert Einstein

6. 7 Stages of problem solving (linear model)
Process orientated: methodically moving through each stage
IDENTIFY
EVALUATE
CONSIDER
IMPLEMENT
EXPLORE LOOK AT
ALTERNATIVES
SELECT
1 2 3 4
7 6 5
1. Identify
2. Explore
3. Set goals
4. Look at
alternatives
5. Select
6.
Implement
7. Evaluate

7. STAGE 1: Define the problem
Sounds simple doesn’t it!?!
Clearly state the problem
Identify what circumstances lead to the
cause of the problem
Why? Why? Why? Why? Why?
Write down a clear definition of the
problem (including boundaries), causes and
barriers

8. Stage 1: Helpful tools
The 5 Whys
(https://hbr.org/2012/02/the-5-whys.html )
Cause and Effect Analysis(also known as Fishbone diagram)
(https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTMC_03.htm )
CATWOE
(http://creatingminds.org/tools/catwoe.htm )
Drill Down
(http://www.mbatools.co.uk/Toolbox/Complexity/drilldown.htm )

9. STAGE 2: EXPLORE
§ Assess the problem from every perspective.
§ Test the assumptions you’ve made about the problem
or the causes of the problem.
§ Look for systems, patterns and consequences in
problem causes.
§ List the benefits of each idea.
Scope the problem from every angle…
STAGE 3: CONSIDER
§ Develop ideas to address the problem.
§ Identify multiple ideas to increase your chances of
finding a solution.
§ Create a worst case scenario.
Develop multiple options to solve your problem

10. Stage 2 & 3: Helpful tools
SWOT Analysis
(https://searchcio.techtarget.com/definition/SWOT-analysis-strengths-
weaknesses-opportunities-and-threats-analysis )
Porter’s Five Forces
(https://www.isc.hbs.edu/strategy/business-strategy/Pages/the-five-
forces.aspx )
PEST (Political, Economic, Social and Technological) Analysis
(http://pestleanalysis.com/pest-analysis/ )
Value Chain Analysis
(https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/5678-value-chain-analysis.html )

11. Actively (and after
consideration!) put the
ideas into action.
STAGE 4: LOOK AT ALTERNATIVES
§ Compare alternatives to possible solutions.
§ Identify solutions to all parts of the problem.
§ What are the risks with each alternative?
§ List advantages and disadvantages.
§ What is the likelihood of failure?
STAGE 5: SELECT
§ Decision making process to selection option to progress: evaluate
the solutions against the outcome sought.
§ Eliminate ideas which don’t meet criteria or less likely to achieve
outcome (economic, social, environmental costs)
§ Assess risks associated with preferred idea.
§ Decide if to proceed to implement.

12. Stages 4 & 5: Helpful tools
Brainstorming (https://www.lifehack.org/articles/technology/15-best-brainstorming-and-mind-
mapping-tech-tools-for-every-creative-mind.html )
Crawfords slip approach: http://creatingminds.org/tools/crawford.htm
Affinity diagrams: http://www.balancedscorecard.org/portals/0/pdf/affinity.pdf
For large groups: Charette procedure: http://www.designorate.com/brainstorming-using-charette-
procedure/
Decision tree analysis (https://www.mindtools.com/dectree.html )
Cost/benefit analysis (www.bca.com.au/docs/.../policy_essentials_cost_benefit_analysis_final_7-9-
2012.pdf )
Six thinking hats (http://www.debonothinkingsystems.com/tools/6hats.htm )
Risk analysis (https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTMC_07.htm )

13. STAGES 6 & 7: IMPLEMENT AND EVALUATE
Implement solutions and evaluate
IMPLEMENT IDEA
What are the steps to implement the idea?
What are the impacts (who will be impacted)?
How will you measure the idea (success or failure)?
EVALUATE
Was the problem solved?
What was the impact of the idea implementation?
What worked and what didn’t work?
What is the feedback from stakeholders?

14. 1. You don’t know what you don’t know.
2. Is the problem really a problem?
3. Consider failure of not finding a
solution – what is the result?
4. Socialize the idea before
implementation.
Things to consider…
“So many roads. So many detours. So many choices. So
many mistakes.”
- Sarah Jessica Parker

15. The greatest threat to our planet is the
belief that someone else will save it.”
Robert Swan
Save the planet….it’s the only one with
coffee!