Problem solving is a process that can be broken down into four steps: (1) understand the current situation; (2) identify the root cause of the problem; (3)develop an effective action plan; and (4) execute until the problem is solved, making modifications as necessary. These steps come as a package. Before you can solve anything, you first need to realize that there’s a problem. Once you do, identifying the root cause of the problem isn’t enough. You have to think through how you could fix the problem, and then actually take the actions required to fix it. Problem solving is a combination of thinking and acting. Just doing one or the other won’t get you anywhere. You might think this sounds really simple. The catch is that we often don’t do what seems simple and obvious. For example, consider a student whose math grades are going down. Like many people, he might just say, “I have to raise my grades,” and hope for the best without actually doing anything to improve them. Chances are that his math grades are going to stay right where they are, because he never bothers to figure out the root cause of his problem and what he can do about it.
Problem Solving 101 - Simple Book for Smart People
