PMcrunch

While many project and program managers work on large multi-year projects, many of us also work on small to medium sized projects. In fact, while many of these small to medium sized projects last anywhere from weeks to months, larger projects and programs consist of a series of these small to medium sized projects. Let’s take a look at one of the most common problem solving techniques available for getting into rapid-action mode on these fast-moving projects.

Years ago, I learned a Dale Carnegie technique which has served me well for a long, long time. That technique prescribes performing the following four simple analytical steps:

1. What is the problem?
2. What are the causes of the problem?
3. What are the possible solutions to the problem?
4. What is the best solution to the problem?

Following these four steps in an organized manner and with input from your key team members is a sure way to taking rapid action on the highest priority issues. Let’s look at the anatomy of how that can occur.

What Is The Problem?

The first step in problem solving is to acknowledge that you have a problem. Once you have acknowledge it, it is simply a matter of, together with team members, identifying clearly what the problem is. Oftentimes, people mix problems, symptoms, and solutions. This doesn’t really matter that much in the long run because you will be looking at causes and solutions.

What Are The Causes Of The Problem?

This should be done in a brainstorming format with team members until people agree that all possibilities have been exhausted. This process might be extended a bit to categorize the causes of the problem.

What Are The Possible Solutions To The Problem?

The brainstorming for this step deserves some extra time. Make sure that you "look under every rock" and really apply some creativity to identify all the possible solutions. You might extend this also by categorizing these solutions in some sort of logical way, such as short-term and long-term solutions.

Determine The Best Solution

This determines the next action-step and it also may determine several action-steps that are sequenced in a logical order.

This technique is tried and true, and really enables project manager to pull their team together and leverage their collective skills, creating buy-in at all levels and prioritizing for the best results.

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John Reiling, PMP
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