All individuals and organizations face problems that often become roadblocks to their future development. It is important that these individuals and organizational leaders learn the mystery of problem solving so that they can work through every problem and fulfill their God given potential.

 

1. What is the most significant problem you or your organization face at this moment? 

 

When you identify the most significant problem before you there is a place to start. You will find that by identifying the significant problem you will have energy to focus your efforts.

 

2. What would tomorrow look or feel like if this significant problem were solved?

 

As you begin to sense how the future might feel or look if this problem were solved you will gain hope that there is life beyond the problem.

 

3. As I face this problem am I asking or accusing?

 

The art of asking is critical in solving a problem. When we accuse we build relational barriers that often become greater hindrances than the original problem.

 

4. Who are the individuals that are involved or affected by this problem?

 

Identifying all the players in a given problem helps us to know who to involve in solving the problem.

 

5. What is the context of this significant problem?

 

That nothing is meaningful without a context. It is context that brings understanding and reveals solutions.

 

6. Why has this problem grown to its current size?

 

Answering the why of a problem is often difficult but identifying the why of its growth gives us understanding as to how to eliminate the problem.

 

7. When did I first realize that this problem existed?

 

Identifying how long this problem has been in your life or organization will begin to open your mind to the history of the problem.

 

8. Where was I and the others involved when this problem first surfaced?

 

It is important to understand our surroundings, growth patterns, vocational placement at the time the problem surfaced. This will give us understanding to what may have added to the problem and what distracted or blinded us to the problem

 

9. How did I first discover this significant problem?

 

As we understand how the problem first came to our attention other items of importance will begin to be revealed. (As you use the investigative questions of who, what, why, when, where and how at every level of investigation the full context will be revealed which provides a full understanding of the problem and gives you the real picture you must handle.)

 

10. What is the cause of this problem?

 

Many individuals when faced with a problem spend their time focusing on the symptoms. The problem will never be solved until we identify and deal with the central cause.

 

11. What will it take to change or correct the cause of this problem?

 

It is critical to understand what has to be done to change or correct the cause. The amount of effort and resource needed to do so will determine the time in solving this problem.

 

12. What person or persons do I know who have dealt with such causes of problems?

 

We do not always have to reinvent the wheel. Our greatest resource may be the person or persons who have already walked this path.

 

13. What are my options good and bad?

 

When one faces a problem that overwhelms they often think they have no options. It is vital not to make a decision from an option of one.

 

14. What option should I choose?

 

When you have listed all possible options you will find the right option jumps off the page.

 

15. What are the key decisions I must make to implement this option?

 

List the top three decisions to begin the action needed to solve the significant problem.

 

16. What are the top three action steps I must take to act upon these decisions?

 

The key to leadership and effective problem solving is to take action. Beginning is half done.

 

17. How detailed does my plan of action in solving this problem need to be?

 

The more time you spend in writing out your plan of action the higher the percentage that you will complete the problem solving process.

 

18. Should I share my plan with someone for accountability?

 

If you have a trusted friend with whom you can share your plan you will find a source of encouragement and often a wise ear.

 

19. Should I use this problem solving process with a group?

 

When you are dealing with problems within an organization it is often helpful to form a problem solving group to work through these questions. You will often gain a fuller understanding and come to a quicker solution.

 

20. When is the best time to work on problem solving? Remember the old adage that fatigue makes cowards of us all. You should work on problem solving when you are rested and have energy to handle truthfully the hard questions.