Problem Solving

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Purpose, people, process, and problem-solving are four key elements that contribute to the success of any organization. Each of these elements plays a critical role in shaping an organization's culture, productivity, and ability to achieve its goals effectively. 

Purpose: Having a clear and compelling purpose is essential for any organization. It provides a sense of direction and helps attract and retain employees, customers, and stakeholders who share the same values, beliefs, and vision. A clearly defined purpose also helps an organization to make strategic decisions, engage in meaningful work, and stay focused on what truly matters. 

People: People are the most valuable asset of an organization. Having the right people in the right roles is essential for organizational success. Investing in people by providing them with the necessary tools, training, and support to grow and develop is critical to achieving long-term success. Moreover, prioritizing the needs and satisfaction of employees can lead to greater morale, productivity, and retention. 

Process: A well-designed process can improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance the overall quality of work. Effective processes can also increase collaboration, promote innovation, and create a culture of continuous improvement. Therefore, organizations should regularly evaluate and optimize their processes to ensure they are aligned with business goals and customer expectations. 

Problem-solving: Problem-solving is an essential component of organizational success. Encouraging a problem-solving mindset within an organization can lead to more innovative solutions, increased productivity, and greater efficiency. Creating a culture that supports and rewards problem-solving and innovation can lead to continuous improvement and better outcomes for customers and stakeholders. 

Achieving success in an organization requires an alignment of purpose, people, process, and problem-solving. Combining these elements in a consistent and intentional manner can help build a strong and resilient organization and yield long-term success.

It is important to understand that there is no single method to solving problems. Each problem (or opportunity) is unique situation and must be approached by gaining a deep understanding of the issue(s) and root cause. The easiest way to solve a problem is to go the the place where the problem is occurring,  observe and ask why, at least 5 times. If you can see the problem occur, you can fix the problem immediately. 

However, even with this scenario, there is a framework to follow. Plan, Do, Check, Act is well known and it can be applied to any situation because of the elements of the process:

• Clarify the problem (Plan)
• Break the problem down into manageable pieces (Plan)
• Set a target to be achieved (Plan)
• Observe and think through to the root cause (Plan)
• Develop countermeasures (Plan)
• Implement and follow through on countermeasures (Do)
• Evaluate results and process (Check)
• Make sure the results are sustained (Act)

Most companies react to symptom rather than gaining a deep understanding of the root cause. This can only be accomplished through observation and understanding why.