The document outlines the 6 step problem solving process: 1) define the problem, 2) analyze the problem, 3) generate possible solutions, 4) analyze the solutions, 5) select a solution, and 6) implement the solution. It notes that common mistakes in problem solving include trying to find a solution too quickly before fully understanding the problem. The process emphasizes taking time to fully define and analyze the problem before jumping to solutions.

1. Problem Solving
Maksym Dovgopolyi

2. Faced with a problem
• get afraid or uncomfortable and wish it
would go away
• feel that they have to come up with an
answer and it has to be the right answer
• look for someone to blame
Maksym Dovgopolyi

3. Being faced with a problem
becomes a problem
• it has to be solved and we're not sure
how to find the best solution
• there will probably be conflicts about
what the best solution is
Maksym Dovgopolyi

4. Look out!
• The most common mistake in problem
solving is trying to find a solution right
away
• That's a mistake because it tries to put
the solution at the beginning of the
process, when what we need is a solution
at the end of the process.
Maksym Dovgopolyi

5. 6 steps of problem-solving
process
1. Problem definition
• Be clear about what the problem is;
• How is the current situation
different from what I actually want
it to be?
• What do I actually want, or how do I
actually want things to be?
• What is preventing me/team from
achieving my goals?
Maksym Dovgopolyi

6. 6 steps of problem-solving
process
2. Problem Analysis
• How is this problem affecting me?
• How is this problem affecting
project team?
• How is this problem affecting
current task and project overall?
• Who else is experiencing this
problem?
• What is preventing me from
achieving goals?
Maksym Dovgopolyi

7. 6 steps of problem-solving
process
3. Generate possible solutions
• Analogy: using a solution that solved
an analogous problem;
• Brainstorming;
• Reduction: transforming the problem
into another problem for which
solutions exist;
• Research;
• Divide and conquer: breaking down a
large, complex problem into smaller,
solvable problems;
• Root cause analysis.
Maksym Dovgopolyi

8. 6 steps of problem-solving
process
4. Analyze Solutions
• Is it relevant to my situation?
• Is it realistic?
• Is it manageable?
• What are the consequences – both
good and bad?
• What is the likelihood that it is going
to help me reach my goal?
Maksym Dovgopolyi

9. 6 steps of problem-solving
process
5. Select an option or options
• How effective is the solution?
• Did it achieve what is required?
• What consequences (good and bad)
did it have in my situation?
Maksym Dovgopolyi

10. 6 steps of problem-solving
process
6. Implementation
• Define affection on the Project
(Sprint time, resources);
• Document the agreement (Jira);
• Monitor compliance and follow-
through.
Maksym Dovgopolyi

11. Problem-solving is a cycle
researcher Effective
Issue possible solutions Solution
evaluate
Maksym Dovgopolyi

12. Thank you
Maksym Dovgopolyi

13. Links
Links
Effective Problem Solving in the Workplace
http://www.mediate.com/articles/thicks.cfm
Problem Solving Strategies
http://www.lorainccc.edu/current+students/advising+and+counseling/counseling/problem+solving.htm
Problem solving
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Problem_solving
Maksym Dovgopolyi