Problem solving in the workplace is a common reason for employers and business managers to hire consultants, but rather than just having a consultant solve your problems for you, you can use a variety of tools to become better trained in problem solving in the workplace. People at all levels of business can contribute to problem solving exercises with good solution training.

The most common types of problem solving education and training are workshops, online courses and tutorials and brainstorming tools. Depending on how extensive your problem solving education and training will be, some workshops may be costly, but by investing in training for resolving workplace problems, you'll be saving time and money in the future.

Get workplace problem solving tools from the following sources:

1. Schedule an on-site or off-site workshop for your staff for learning problem solving skills.
2. Enroll in a course to obtain problem solving information from experts.
3. Use online programs and tutorials for quick problem solving tools.
   

Action Steps
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Get in depth training for problem solving in business with a workshop

Problem solving workshops are one of the most widely used ways for businesses to boost their problem solving skills. Workshops are useful because they can be attended by many members of your business team and be tailored towards finding a specific problem solving solution for your business.

I recommend: HeadScratchers schedules problem solving workshops on-site or through open enrollment at their workshop site in Denver, Colorado. Kepner-Tregoe also has an extensive workshop schedule, so you can choose which workshop best fits your business's needs.

Use an online course to learn problem solving from experienced professionals

You may not need to schedule a full workshop to obtain the problem solving education and training you need to get your business in shape. Many problem solving experts also provide courseware that you can order and complete online, allowing you to bring their expertise at problem solving in business to your own computer.

I recommend: Flexstudy.com offers an online course from the American Management Association designed to teach practical problem solving skills for the workplace. InnovativEye.com has a one-hour course in using innovative thinking to find new solutions to tough problems.

Consider online tools for learning problem solving skills on your own time

A number of online tools exist that can help give you a jump start on innovation and problem solving without the cost or time commitment of a full workshop or course. Online tools may include games designed to stretch your thinking, creativity exercises or brainstorming activities to get you ready for more effective problem solving.

I recommend: Infinite Innovations has a number of free online tools for brainstorming, as well as problem solving process tips. IdeaConnection offers a number of online resources in innovative thinking and problem solving, including a place for your business to share successful problem solving solutions with others.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When training yourself in problem solving techniques, remember that resolving workplace problems often requires multiple approaches and perspectives. Providing problem solving training to a number of people in your business team will help you maximize the flow of productive ideas and enable you to collaborate more effectively on finding solutions.

Problem solving in the workplace isn't so different from problem solving in your personal life; it requires creative and critical thinking, an ability to look at the situation from multiple perspectives, and an awareness of the primary factors contributing to the problem.

There is one major difference, however: Business problem solving usually requires the participation of several people, at several levels, from top management to administrative assistants. That's why it's important that your problem solving sessions are structured; instead of everyone randomly throwing out ideas, it helps to follow a specific plan, which you can develop on your own or with the help of an expert.

Methods of successful problem solving in business include:

1. Creating "what-if" scenarios or considering several outcomes
2. Examining the problem from multiple perspectives, or employing multiple problem solving tools
3. Breaking a problem down into smaller, more manageable parts
4. Identifying both the internal and external factors contributing to a problem
5. Understanding how these multiple factors interact with each other

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Stimulate your creative thinking skills with online or computer-based problem solving tools

Sometimes, you just need something to spark your creative thinking skills, and help you approach a problem from a different perspective. Many websites devoted to management, leadership and problem solving feature online tools to get you and your team started. These tools may include articles outlining various problem solving processes, free downloadable worksheets or workbooks to guide you through these methods, problem solving exercises, and even free newsletters to offer ongoing problem solving guidance.

I recommend: The MindTools website offers free online problem solving tools, as does the Free Management Library.

Learn workplace problem solving techniques at a workshop or seminar

For more intensive problem solving training, enroll in a workshop or seminar. Many last just a day or two, and are offered either at your site or at another location such as a university. Team leaders or upper management can attend, and then bring the principles back to the office, or, for smaller groups in particular, the entire team can attend together. This is an effective way to instruct all the staff at once, and help them practice effective problem solving in the workplace in the future, not just in response to a specific issue.

I recommend: The American Management Association offers problem solving workshops, as does the Rothman Consulting Group.

Get expert problem management help from a consultant

Training and tools can take you a long way in resolving workplace problems, but some circumstances require the aid of an expert. Problem solving consultants have years of experience, and because they've likely worked with companies in several fields and with a wide variety of problems, they bring a well-rounded approach that may help them see more options. They may have also seen your problem before, or have experience in your industry, and so know the unique challenges you face. Just as important, outside consultants are neutral about the situation, making it easier for them to be objective because they're not as attached the way things have always been done as longtime employees may be.

I recommend: The Consultants Mall has a section listing problem solving consultants, and The Sawyer Partnership offers problem solving consulting and coaching.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Problem solving in business isn't just for times of change or crisis; it's an essential skill that can prevent problems and promote continual improvement of the organization. Make problem solving a standard part of employee training, so your staff will be skilled in spotting potential problems, and already know to address any issues that arise. And you may want to periodically apply problem solving methods to even successful areas of your business, just to see if there are opportunities for improvement.

Effective problem solving, or the lack thereof, is one issue many organizations face. Individuals who lack training in problem-solving skills may resolve issues using a quick-fix approach while the underlying causes continue to exist and fester within the organization, resulting in continued inefficiency, loss of profits or declining employee morale. Training staff in various problem-solving techniques such as critical thinking, root cause analysis and brainstorming can benefit the organization as a whole.

Action Steps
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Critical thinking

Critical thinking involves the ability to gather information, determine its validity and relevancy to the issue at hand, develop a conclusion and solution(s) for the issue, and implement a strategy to bring resolution to the issue. Situations in which critical-thinking skills are crucial include problem-solving, decision-making and improving efficiency in operations.

I recommend: Visit the Foundation for Critical Thinking for research and information related to critical thinking.

Analytical troubleshooting

Analytical troubleshooting is a problem-solving method beneficial for manufacturing and processing organizations because it allows improvement in operations and efficiency. Elements of analytical troubleshooting include identifying and prioritizing problems, determining if the fix to the problem is feasible (or warranted, depending on the situation) and taking measures to ensure the problem does not reoccur.

I recommend: Refer to the University of Colorado Conflict Research Consortium for further information regarding analytical problem-solving.

Root-cause analysis

Root-cause analysis involves identifying the problem, identifying the cause(s) of the situation at hand and taking action to eliminate those causal factors in an effort to prevent the situation from happening again.

I recommend: Refer to Systems Thinking for Gene Bellinger’s examination of root-case analysis.

Creative problem-solving

Creative problem-solving uses creativity to resolve a problem. Ways to foster creativity include holding problem-solving discussions when individuals are in a relaxed state of mind, rephrasing the issue at hand so individuals can look at it from another point of view and brainstorming.

I recommend: Learn different techniques for creative problem-solving through Project Renaissance.

Brainstorming

Brainstorming is a form of creative problem-solving where individuals meet to offer their suggestions on how to resolve a situation. In order to have an effective brainstorming session, some preparation must take place before the meeting, such as giving individuals who will be attending the meeting an overview of the problem.

I recommend: Hold effective brainstorming sessions by following the Step By Step Guide to Brainstorming.

SWOT analysis

SWOT, which stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, is a basic problem-solving technique that allows an organization to identify its strengths and weaknesses and take steps to reduce and/or eliminate those weaknesses.

I recommend: Find information on performing a SWOT analysis at Mind Tools.