ChatGpt says this about how you approach a problem:
When faced with a problem, it’s important to approach it in a methodical and systematic way. Taking a step back and evaluating the problem objectively can help you gain a better understanding of the situation and identify potential solutions. Here are some steps to follow when approaching a problem:
- Define the Problem: The first step in solving any problem is to clearly define it. Identify the issue and its scope, and determine what factors are contributing to the problem.
- Gather Information: In order to fully understand the problem, you need to gather as much information as possible. This can include talking to stakeholders, conducting research, and analyzing data.
- Analyze the Information: Once you have collected all the necessary information, it’s time to analyze it. Look for patterns and trends, and try to identify the root cause of the problem.
- Generate Solutions: Based on your analysis, come up with potential solutions to the problem. Brainstorm different options and evaluate their feasibility and potential effectiveness.
- Evaluate the Solutions: After generating possible solutions, evaluate each one based on their pros and cons. Consider the potential impact of each solution and the resources required to implement it.
- Implement the Solution: Once you have selected the best solution, it’s time to put it into action. Develop a plan and timeline for implementation, and monitor progress to ensure success.
By following these steps, you can approach problems in a structured and objective way. This approach allows you to gain a better understanding of the problem and develop effective solutions. Remember, the key to successful problem-solving is to remain open-minded and willing to adapt as you go.
I agree with the general approach but do feel the need to expand on a couple of things. First of all the foundation of this whole process is a firm understanding of the problem that you are trying to solve. This to me means that along with monitoring your solution you also need to ensure that you are monitoring the problem. Problems can shift and grow over time and you need to make sure that your solution is actually keeping up with the realities of that problem as it stands today.
Similar point but with the solution, you need to monitor your solution in a way that allows you to see that not only is it solving the problem as you had defined it but that it is not causing any issues for anyone. Note you should always evaluate any solutions for impacts to other stakeholders or local communities, more detail on that in my post about solutions.
These points do mainly apply to larger problems but can be very handy to make sure that you are not overlooking any key details with smaller problems and can save you from having to do more work down the road. Let me know if you have any strategies that you use when dealing with a problem and don’t forget to follow my blog to get notified when new posts are released!