Problem-solving Skills

Problem-solving Skills - What is a Problem?

When confronted with problem, according to Robert Harris (“Introduction to Problem
Solving”), people are likely to adopt either of the two approaches – spot it or mop it -
when confronted with a problem.

1. Stop It
A stop-it approach seeks to solve a problem, so that the problem no longer exists. Its
three forms are prevention, elimination, and reduction.

• Prevent It. Preventing a problem from occurring or recurring is the most ideal
solution. The prevention approach is often a difficult one to apply because it
requires predictive foresight (“this might be a problem someday if we don’t act
now”). For example, by preventing a cold, or an automobile accident, one can
avoid the need to deal any further with a problem or its effects.
• Eliminate It. Eliminating a problem once and for all is also an ideal way of
attacking a problem. If a tank were leaking, an elimination solution would be to
plug/seal or otherwise repair the leak, the cause of the problem. To solve by
eliminating should be considered in nearly every problem situation.
• Reduce It. The magnitude of any problem can be lessened by reducing its
size. Suppose the tank is leaking and a repair (an elimination-solution) is not
possible until a day or two later. The problem could be reduced by turning off
the incoming water. Without line pressure on the tank, the leak would slow down;
that would be better than a full force leak.

2. Mop It
A mop-it approach focuses on the effects of a problem. Instead of treating the leak
itself, the water on the floor is mopped up - the effects of the problem.
• Treat It. Here the damage caused by the problem is repaired or treated. The
water on the floor is mopped up and the damaged floor is fixed. But, it should
be noted that: (1) by itself a treat-it solution is not going to be nearly as effective
as some form of stop-it solution and (2) treat-it solutions are often needed in
addition to an elimination or reduction form of solution.
• Tolerate It. In this form of mop-it approach, the effects of the problem are put
up with. In the leaky water example, one might install a drain in the floor, or
waterproof the floor. The effects are taken for granted and measures are taken
to endure them.
• Redirect It. Here the problem is deflected. Sometimes the problem will simply
be redefined as not a problem. It is hard to think of a legitimate redirection for
the leaking water problem, but suppose that the leak is small and the floor is not
being damaged. One might say, “Well, I need the humidity; the leak is actually a
good thing.” It should be remembered that a problem is a problem only when
someone defines it as such.

we must take cognizance of the fact that problem solving is an ongoing activity.
Prof. Jeff Malpas (“Problem solving for Managers”) says: “No problem is ever totally
solved. Every problem has a solution, but every solution with it brings a new problem.
Some well-known management techniques emphasize the idea of continuous
improvement and successful problem-solving is seen as part of such continuous
improvement.”
we should know that problem-solving is less a matter of continuous improvement
as of continuous adjustment. Every solution will have unintended consequences. Every
effective system gives rise to friction and failure. Good management and effective
problem-solving depend upon a willingness to adapt to the situation and recognize the
ongoing and partial character of all attempts to manage or to solve.