A few months ago, I produced a video describing this the three stages of the problem-solving cycle: Understand, Strategize, and Implement. That is, we must first understand the problem, then we think of strategies that might help solve the problem, and finally we implement those strategies and see where they lead us.

5-steps to Problem Solving

• Define the problem. In understanding and communicating the problem effectively, we have to be clear about what the issue is.
• Gather information. What were the circumstances?
• Generate possible solutions. Work together to brainstorm on all possible solutions.
• Evaluate ideas and then choose one.
• Evaluate.

Polya created his famous four-step process for problem solving, which is used all over to aid people in problem solving:

1. Step 1: Understand the problem.
2. Step 2: Devise a plan (translate).
3. Step 3: Carry out the plan (solve).
4. Step 4: Look back (check and interpret).

Those steps are:

• Define the problem.
• List all the possible solutions.
• Evaluate the options.
• Select the best solution.
• Create an implementation plan.
• Communicate your solution.

8-Step Problem Solving Process

1. Step 1: Define the Problem. What is the problem?
2. Step 2: Clarify the Problem.
3. Step 3: Define the Goals.
4. Step 4: Identify Root Cause of the Problem.
5. Step 5: Develop Action Plan.
6. Step 6: Execute Action Plan.
7. Step 7: Evaluate the Results.
8. Step 8: Continuously Improve.

What are the Seven Steps?

• Step 1: Plan for Success.
• Step 2: Sizzling Starts.
• Step 3: Tightening Tension.
• Step 4: Dynamic Dialogue.
• Step 5: Show, Don’t Tell.
• Step 6: Ban the Boring.
• Step 7: Exciting Endings/Ending with Impact.

Some key problem-solving skills include:

• Active listening.
• Analysis.
• Research.
• Creativity.
• Communication.
• Dependability.
• Decision making.
• Team-building.

Five of the most common processes and factors that researchers have identified as barriers to problem solving are confirmation bias, mental set, functional fixedness, unnecessary constraints, and irrelevant information.

Excellent problem solvers build networks and know how to collaborate with other people and teams. They are skilled in bringing people together and sharing knowledge and information. A key skill for great problem solvers is that they are trusted by others.

Common barriers to problem solving are cognitive blocks that impede the ability to correctly solve problems. These can be perceptual, emotional, intellectual, expressive, environmental, and cultural.

There’s more than one way to solve a problem. In this lesson, we’ll review the five most common methods: trial and error, difference reduction, means-ends analysis, working backwards, and analogies.

Three Types of Problem. There are three types of problem: Tame, Complex and Wicked. Be sure you know which type you are working on. There are other ways of characterising problems (eg, linear/non-linear, hard/soft, the Cynefin Framework – which focusses on cause/effect) but the three types cover the whole spectrum.

The first step of the problem solving process is to identify and define the problem. The second step, which is to analyze the problem, involves gathering information, sorting through relevant and irrelevant information, and evaluating the source of the problem by asking the Five W’s: who, what, where, when, and why.

Below we have outlined the key factors affecting the problem solving process.

• Understanding the problem. The most important factor in solving a problem is to first fully understand it.
• Personality types/Temperament.
• Skills/Competencies.
• Resources available.
• External.

The purpose of Step 4, “made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves”, is to begin to determine the root cause of one’s drinking, identify any weaknesses that may have contributed to alcoholism, and understand personal strengths that can help support the person with their self-discovery and recovery in …

Working Step Four

1. List ways you have avoided taking personal responsibility for your own actions.
2. List ways that you have become unreasonably angry.
3. List ways that fear has taken over your actions.
4. List things you have done that you are now ashamed of.

Admitted to God

Fourth Step Prayer It is I who has made my life a mess. I have done it, but I cannot undo it. I will begin a searching & fearless moral inventory.

The Significance of the Serenity Prayer in 12-Step Recovery. To accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.

First Step Prayer Dear Lord, I admit that I am powerless over my addiction. I admit that my life is unmanageable when I try to control it. The true meaning of powerlessness.