Problem Analysis

Definition

The ability to examine and understand the breadth and depth of any given problem

What is it?

Problem analysis is the ability to thoroughly understand any given situation or problem including its history, the root causes, and the reasons why the problem hasn’t been solved already.

Why is it important?

Much of the work that companies do is solving problems. How can we increase sales? How can we decrease expenses? How can we improve employee engagement? Why aren’t the design engineers creating new, innovative products for us? These questions must be thoroughly understood before a plausible solution can be found. In this way, the success of any organization is actually dependent upon its ability to solve problems.

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Suggestions for Improvement

Withhold Judgment

First of all, we must resist the urge to make premature decisions before we fully understand the breadth and depth of a problem. If anyone were to offer a solution in a way that suggests “all we need to do is this,” the suggestion might be naïve and short-sighted. While simplicity is to be admired, most solutions are just not that easy and don’t address the underlying causes of the problem and, therefore, only treat symptoms. Wait until you thoroughly understand an issue before you draw conclusions.
Seek Multiple Perspectives

Second, the best way to analyze a problem is to collect data. Go beyond opinions and find hard data to illuminate the issues that created and now sustain the problem. If there is no data available, create your own. Conduct a survey or interview people who have first-hand knowledge about the problem. Look at the issues from all perspectives. Ask others what they think about the issue. Do your homework. Since most companies deal with the same issues, find out what others are doing to address the same or similar problems.
Formal Analysis

There are a wealth of problem analysis tools available such as fishbone diagrams, 5 whys, root cause analysis, process flow charts and problem trees that can guide your analysis. These tools help you to thoroughly understand the problem from many angles. They force you to be disciplined and help you make a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the problem. Learn two or three of them well enough to employ them whenever they are needed.

Books to Read

The McKinsey Mind: Understanding and Implementing the Problem-Solving Tools and Management Techniques of the World’s Top Strategic Consulting Firm

McKinsey & Company is the most respected and most secretive consulting firm in the world. This book explains, step-by-step, how to use McKinsey tools, techniques and strategies to solve an array of core business problems and to make any business venture more successful.

Thinking, Fast and Slow

Renowned psychologist Daniel Kahneman offers practical and enlightening insights into how choices are made in both our business and our personal lives―and how we can use different techniques to guard against the mental glitches that often get us into trouble.

Problem Solved: A Powerful System for Making Complex Decisions with Confidence and Conviction

Problem Solved will show you how to use the powerful AREA Method to make complex personal and professional decisions with confidence and conviction.

Bulletproof Problem Solving: The One Skill That Changes Everything

Complex problem solving is at the very top of the list of essential skills for career progression in the modern world. In this book you’ll learn the seven-step systematic approach to creative problem solving developed in top consulting firms that will work in any field or industry, turning you into a highly sought-after bulletproof problem solver who can tackle challenges that others balk at.

Cracked it!: How to solve big problems and sell solutions like top strategy consultants

Building on tried-and-tested (but rarely revealed) methods of top strategy consultants, research in cognitive psychology, and the latest advances in design thinking, the authors provide a step-by-step process and toolkit that will help readers tackle any challenging business problem.

Websites to Visit

Focus on Solving the Next Big Problem, Not Finding the Next Big Thing

This article explains how and why entrepreneurs are problem solvers, and how others can become problem solvers, too.

4 Ways to Brush Up Your Problem Solving Skills

This article explains why you should adjust your attitude when approaching problems, and reveals four techniques to help with that adjustment.

4 Problem Solving Tactics of Great Leaders

This article lists 4 techniques that can help deter and/or resolve problems.

Tools for Better Thinking

This site offers dozens of excellent tools for problem solving and decision making.