The first step in being able to solve a problem is to identify the real problem.

A surprising number of problem-solving efforts fail, because we want to skip right to the solution part of the process, without first identifying fully the problem.

Think about a problem you are now facing. Now list all your concerns about the problem. The key here is not to think of any one particular concern as the most important.

For example:

PROBLEM:

My printer is out of toner

CONCERNS:

1) I can’t print out anything today 2) My aging printer may be using toner more quicker 3) I may need a new printer, since my printer is an older model. 4) I may need to spend more money to keep my printer operational 5) I don’t have enough money to replace the toner 6) I don’t have enough money, at the moment, to buy a new printer.

Even though I didn’t specify for you to write down your concerns in any order of importance, is the first one you wrote down your biggest concern about the problem you’re thinking about?

On second thought, is it the most important concern, or just the more immediate? We need to realize our emotions, and experiences do affect the way we think about things, and the way we handle the problems we face.

Did you make any discoveries about your problem by writing down your list of concerns?

For example: I now realize not having enough money to replace my printer is a greater concern for me, than not being able to print out my documents today.

Next, list what you want your solution to do for you. Remember, we are clarifying our problem, before we come up with a solution.

For example: 1) I want to be able to print out my documents today 2) In the future, I want to have enough money to replace my toner in my printer, before it completely runs out.

In order to come up with the best solution, we must first fully identify the problem.

For example, I now realize my problem is not having enough money in the budget, rather than my immediate problem or concern, with my printer’s toner.

Do you now have a better understanding of your problem that you were thinking about when you started reading this article?

There are three different strategies, I’ve learned, for solving problems: 1) reflective problem solving, 2) conflict-based problem solving, and 3) creative problem solving.

If you need to carry out a detailed study of a topic to identify needs, and have more than one solution available, then reflective problem solving is probably the better choice for you.

If you want to critically evaluate two or more solutions, then conflict-based problem solving methods, can help you. conflict-based problem solving examines any assumptions, or biases, affecting your thinking about the problem, and solution. We are going to look at two conflict-based problem-solving techniques: dialectical inquiry, and devil's advocacy. Conflict-based problem solving strategies stress critical evaluation, over personal comfort.

creative problem solving emphasizes the need to be creative in generating ideas, or more than one solution, and may be used as a precursor to both the reflective, and conflict-based strategies, and is personally my favorite.

The following Hubs have instructions, on how to use each of these strategies:

Reflective Problem Solving

Conflict-based Problem Solving

Creative Problem Solving