Problem Solving - Problem Framing + Different Perspectives

What are four common steps in an effective problem solving process?

> Define the problem, create a problem statement > Generate alternative solutions, come up with possible ways to solve a problem > Select an effective solution, pick a solution that will solve the problem effectively > Implement solution and monitor, apply the solution picked and watch to see if it solves the problem

Possible Problem Framing Example: If you asked enlisted members at any base how they would fix the enlisted promotion system, you would have several different perspectives. Some high-level perspectives that would be different could include:

> The different ranks, i.e. a SMSgt would have a different perspective than a SSgt > The different AFSCs, i.e. fuels personnel would have a different perspective than medical personnel

How can people with quite different ways of 'seeing' and thinking about a problem discover and negotiate any differences?

A key element of co-creation is joint problem definition. However, problem definition is likely to be a matter of perspective or a matter of how each person involved 'frames' the problem. Differing frames are inevitable when participants bring their differing expertise and experience to a problem.

Possible Problem Framing Example: If you asked enlisted members at any base how they would fix the enlisted promotion system, you would have several different perspectives. Some lower-level differing perspectives could include:

Members who have an issue with the lack of TIG and TIS points in the promotion's point system Members who have an issue with having to have a degree to be "competitive"

Can we possibly cover all problem solutions available?

No, if you learn new problem solving tools and techniques you feel are better suited for you, easier to understand, and are still effective, use them.

Real World Problem Framing Example: Several businesses rent space in an office building. The employees are complaining to the building owner about the elevator. It's old and slow, and they have to wait a lot. Some businesses are threatening to break their leases if the owner doesn't fix the problem. When asked, most people quickly identify some solutions: replace the lift, install a stronger motor, or perhaps upgrade the algorithm that runs the lift. These suggestions fall into a "solution space:" a cluster of solutions that share assumptions about what the problem is—in this case, the elevator is slow. However, when the problem is presented to building managers, they suggest a much more elegant solution: Put up mirrors next to the elevator. This simple measure has proved wonderfully effective in reducing complaints, because people tend to lose track of time when given something utterly fascinating to look at—namely, themselves.

Note the initial framing of the problem is not necessarily wrong. Installing a new lift would probably work. The point of reframing is not to find the "real" problem but, rather, to see if there is a different or better one to solve. In fact, the very idea that a single root problem exists may be misleading. Problems are typically multi-causal and can be addressed in many ways. The elevator issue, for example, could be reframed as a peak demand problem—too many people need the lift at the same time—leading to a solution that focuses on spreading out the demand, such as by staggering people's lunch breaks.

Problem Framing

is the process of describing and interpreting a stated problem to arrive at a problem statement—define the actual problem. It should be part of the "Define the problem" step.

What's your next step after creating a problem statement?

look for root causes and then generate solutions. Without knowing the true or root cause of the problem, you may solve a piece of the process or problem but not the actual problem.

Why is problem framing considered an important step in problem solving?

slight changes in ________ may lead to a vastly different problem solving process and resulting solutions. It leads you to look at the stated problem from different perspectives and could change how you define the problem.

Problem solving

the process or act of finding a solution to a problem.