The ability to make decisions quickly and find effective solutions in the face of complex challenges is a skill no successful team manager or company leader can do without. How do successful CEOs solve complex problems? This article looks at their approach and outlines a general seven-step guide to resolving effectively even the most difficult problems.
Step 1: Clearly define the problem
According to Addicted2Success.com, the first step is a clear definition of the problem, both qualitative and quantitative, including especially the scope of the issue. Don't stay just on the surface or focus solely on the most obvious symptoms.
Step 2: Gather and analyse relevant data
Effective decision-making requires relevant data. Don't rely only on common sense or intuition; instead, gather real, reliable and relevant data that will provide you with a genuinely useful and objective understanding of the problem.
Step 3: Identify the root cause
From the problem description and gathered data, establish the source of the issue. Get to the heart of the problem and address its root cause.
Step 4: Brainstorm with the right people
Bring together individuals who can approach the topic from different perspectives and contribute various possible solutions. Limit the number of participants so as to avoid an unproductive group discussion. For simpler problems, this “group” may consist only of yourself.
Step 5: Propose multiple possible solutions and choose the best one
As a group, write down all potential solutions. Don't be afraid to include ones which at first glance may seem unrealistic or far-fetched. Once you have all the ideas listed, assess their pros and cons and choose the best solution based on your priorities.
Step 6: Implement the solution and evaluate results
Put the chosen solution into practice. Monitor how it performs and what outcomes it yields, both in the short and long term.
Step 7: If the outcome is unsatisfactory, return to Step 1
If the outcome is unsatisfactory, then you face a new problem, one that should be approached in the same way as the original issue. In that case, return to Step 1 above and repeat the entire process.
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