5 Steps to Effective Problem Solving in the Workplace

Problems are a part of life, and even in the workplace, issues arise daily. Practical problem-solving in the workplace enforces unity, structure, and productivity amongst co-workers and managers. Follow these five steps to solve any problem with your job.

Recognize the Problem

Anybody, whether upper management or employees, can recognize a problem when it occurs. If you see one, ask yourself these questions.

• What is the specific issue that is disrupting operations at work?
• Why and how is this problem occurring?
• Who or what is causing this issue?
• Are there more issues than just one?

Identifying the issue at hand is the first major step to solving it. Make sure identification is thorough to be able to get to the root of the problem more quickly.

Review the Problem with Employees to Propose Solutions

Once the problem(s) have been identified, hold a staff meeting (one each for day and night crew depending on your hours of operation) to detail the problem for everyone, whether they know about it or not.

Explain upper management's proposed solutions to solve the problem. Ask for input from supervisors and employees, so everyone has a say in how the issue can be solved.

Brainstorm Details for Each Solution

As the proposals come rolling in, create lists, flow charts, and/or do mind mapping on a whiteboard during the meeting to organize the information. Encourage upper management to take notes from the whiteboard so that this information can be placed into the meeting notes for everyone's future reference.

Essentially, everyone becomes a part of the planning team for problem resolution in your workplace. According to Forbes, it's effective to ask the planning team what can be done to solve the problem. Do not focus on what is out of anyone's control, so the focus is solely on true solutions.

If One Solution Fails, Try a Back-Up

Once the top 3-5 solutions have been selected, choose the best one as agreed upon by the team; if this top solution does not work, test each solution as needed and record the results. As the team undergoes this trial and error, the best solution will come to light.

Follow-Up with Your Employees

Follow up with your employees to see if the current solution improves their morale and work environment. Analyze data to be sure that the solution is working operationally for the company.

Back to the Drawing Board!

Workplace problems always involve returning to the drawing board. Little or large issues arise daily as the workplace changes. Be prepared for the best and the worst, so your team can stand up to the challenges for increased company success.