Solving the Right Problems

Solving the Right Problems

Summary of the Article

Problem-solving is an essential process in every organization that requires a unique technique or skill to tackle. Basically, according to the report, “Are You Solving the Right Problems” by Thomas Wedell-Wedellsborg, it has clearly illustrated that currently, individuals and organizations should not struggle in finding the right way to solve a problem since there is a well-illustrated seven effective process that should be put in to practice while reframing a question. In relation to the topic, the article has also provided a further reference from other reputable philosophers like Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Jacob Getzels, Albert Einstein and Peter Drucker. Just like in the article, these philosophes have also empirically demonstrated the importance of problem framing in creativity and the benefit an individual or organization has in case of accurately diagnosing a problem. This is because most people tend to Ove engineer the diagnostic process, thereby making it more complicated.

Some of the frameworks or problems solving tools that are involved include TRIZ, six sigma, and Scrum. Some of these problem-solving skills are quite comprehensive though when applied, they can turn out to be very powerful. In most cases, the complexity of these problem-solving tools enables them to consume a lot of time, thereby making it difficult to fit into a regular workday schedule effectively. Organizations and concern individuals should, therefore, adopt the kind of tool which is less complex but efficient to ensure less time is spent in the training program. In some instances, a creative solution can also come from an alternative definition of the individual’s problem.

Due to the complex nature of some of these tools, people or organizations sometimes find it difficult to arrive at another problem diagnosis stage and through that, they engage in digging deep into the current noted problems. Some of the prominent applicable straightforward problem-diagnosis frameworks include the root cause analysis and the other 5 Whys.

The seven practices are essential in ensuring a practical problem-solving tool though it all depends on the rate in which the concerned individual has control over the issue. The seven methods involve establishing legitimacy, involving or bringing outsiders into the discussion. This will assist in gaining new ideas. Getting people’s definition in writing is also another practice that helps in clarifying the process, other methods involve asking what is missing, considering multiple categories, analyze definite exceptions and lastly, question the main objective

In conclusion, though reframing a problem-solving skill may be involved in nature since it takes time and constant practise getting at it, any individual or organization must work it out. Since reframing a problem is always tricky though useful, it is, therefore, advisable to ensure the whole team to trust the entire process and to expect the challenges that it comes along with, of which some are messy and confusing at the same time. It is also advisable to avoid any idea of creating a diagnostic checklist while reframing discussions. The concern individual or individuals should not make a list evident to the group they are engaging with. Concerning the article, the act of actual thinking is not advisable since it tends to minimize the primary purpose of engaging in reframing.

According to Neil Gaiman in the article, The Sandman, he states that the problem-solving tools can sometimes be subtlest of traps; therefore, it is vital to combine reframing with real-world testing. According to Steve Blank of Stanford, it is wrong for a person to think that he or she can figure out an effective process all by himself. He states that the best means to adopt when faced with a problem is first to observe your customers and prototype your ideas and involve both critical thinking and testing.

Seven Practices for Effective Reframing Of the Problems

Seven basic effective practices can assist in reframing a problem depending on how an individual has control over the situation. Below are the stated methods for useful reframing.

1. Establish legitimacy.

This method can only become active in use only when everyone within the room or group understands the technique since it might become difficult to apply mostly when people are determined to get answers rather than questions. (Wedell-Wedellsborg, 2017).

2. Engaging outsiders into the discussion.

This method is considered to be the most effective reframing practice. It can majorly be made effective by focussing on improving the employee’s engagement by giving them more autonomy and also changing the working condition through specific actions like introducing flexible working hours with the organization and even switching to a more participatory decision-making style.

3. Getting people’s definitions of writing.

Getting people’s definitions in writing is essential since the multiple meanings gathered from people will sensitize the person to the perspectives of other stakeholders. The individual description of the problem should be collected in advance before the discussion.

4. Ask what’s missing.

When describing a problem, it is significant to determine what is missing. In most cases, people do pay more attention to what has been stated, thereby not taking note of what the description might be leaving out.

5. Consider multiple categories.

Considering multiple categories is one of the effective practices with the ability to transform an individual perspective of a problem. In establishing this kind of paradigm, people should be invited to assist in identifying the category of a problem the group might be facing

6. Analyze positive exceptions.

It is essential to analyze a definite exception since it an assist in uncovering some of the hidden factors the whole influence the group or concern parties might ignore or may not realize.

7. Question the objective.

Questioning the objective is an essential practice in reframing a problem since it involves paying explicit attention to the purposes of the parties involved through first of all clarifying them then challenging them.

Personal Opinion on the Article Concerning Identification of Problems for Decision Making

According to a personal opinion concerning the article ‘Are you solving the right problem?’ by Thomas Wedell-Wedellsborg, (2017), it has effectively illustrated thought various references effective ways of identifying problems for effective decision making. Every organization must adopt an effective problem-solving system that will enable them to get to the roots of such issues. Just as illustrated in the article ‘Steps to Effective Problem-Solving in group homes’ by Ailey (2018), there is a need to identify a problem to make the right decision on how to tackle it. Concerning the article, the seven practices for a useful reframing of the problem is very much essential and valuable since it can enhance a functional problem-solving tool if an adopted. Just as stated, to effectively reframe a question, there is a need to establish legitimacy and also bringing outsiders into the discussion, which will enhance better-thinking ability and creation of new ideas.

Additionally, the concern parties should involve people and get their definition in writing apart from enabling them to determine what is missing. Lastly, just as stated in the article, to effectively reframe a problem, the concern parties should question the objective and also analyze the definite exceptions (Ailey et al., 2018). Both the articles also state that some of the problem-solving skills may appear to be quite comprehensive when applied. Still, indeed they are very powerful or effective in ensuring a solution. Identification of problem for decision making is one of the most effective methods within the problem-solving steps, and others include searching and weighing the alternative, making and implementing a choice and finally evaluating the result.