Problem Solving Tools: 4 Guarantteed Tools Used by the Pro

 

At various times in our lives, each of us will need to make fast and sometimes slow decisions - in life, family, career, jobs and businesses. The decision we made will obviously determine the quality of result that we got.

Every decision we’re going to make in life can be conveniently grouped into two broad effects – the Long-term and short term effect.  An housewife will have to make quick decision and most importantly such decisions is based on gut. There may no need for any decision making tools to arrive at a best conclusion.

Except in rare case. Otherwise, a manufacturing company, big or small, will have to take a more deliberate and careful process of decision making as a measure to achieve their most wanted result and to ensure growth of the company.

Perhaps the most obvious common element our decision will have is purpose or goal. Both long and short term effect has it. The goal also varies. For a manufacturing company, a more complex decision requires set of tools to actually tackle problem rather than the symptom. the decision on production chain, demand and supply, low production  and poor performing employee requires expertise and tools to get effective result. And most importantly, they are often mid to long terms.

The first on my list is Fishbone Cause and effect. Also known as Ishakawa diagram. Others include: Failure mode and effects analysis, PDCA, and Five Whys

Recommendation:Problem Solving Books

Bulletproof problem solving: The One skill That Changes Everything by Charles Conn and Robert Mclean. Charles Conn is a coauthor of the book Bulletproof Problem Solving. He was name the Entrepreneur of the year in 1997. Conn has verse experience in administrative position and was one time made the CEO of City-search. If you’re keen about solving problems that relates to ROI, future scenario and other data related analysis, the book will be a good way to go. And if you don’t have the whole day learning how to solve problems in your life, then the book is very concise and helpful.

Problem Solving 101:

A Simple Book for Smart People by Ken Watanabe. It’s a book that help you recognize day to day challenges and the common elements in the decisions we face every day. Most importantly, it provides careful guide how to think effectively as to arrive at a most effective solution. Full of tricks and tips for all age. It’s a book everyone in this country need to read. If only everyone can master decision making like Watanabe, the world would probably be a better place today. It’s highly effective in mobilizing your mind towards result oriented and professional approach to problem solving.

[2 more book recommendations…]