5Step ProblemSolving Method

1
5-Step Problem-Solving Method
2
Step 1 What Is the Problem?

• What Do I Know About the Situation?
• What Results Am I Aiming For?
• How Can I Define the Problem?
• View the problem from different perspectives
• Identify component problems
• State the problem clearly

3
Step 2 What Are the Alternatives?

• Discuss the problem with other people
• Has the problem been solved before?
• Use analogies if circumstances are parallel
• Use blockbusting
• Brainstorm
• Cluster

4
Step 3 What Are the Advantages and
Disadvantages for Each Alternative?
5
Pick the Best Option

• Create a plan of action
• Anticipate roadblocks

6
Step 5 Evaluate the solution

• May not be the best alternative
• Is it a good long-term solution?
• Has the problem really been solved?
• Does this solution create more problems?