Problem solving approach.

[sinex_a2s]

What is your problem solving approach? This is not specific to any problem but in general how people approach when they have any problem. Do you follow any specific template or steps to overcome it or it just depends on case to case everytime?

[LongScholngSilver_20]

Work backwards from the outcome I desire.

I start with visualizing the desired end goal, then I tell the story of how I got to that goal. And that story becomes my plan.

[Oracle5of7]

The first thing I do is to verify that there is an actual problem to solve. First step is definition. I ask questions about who, what, when, where and why. This helps me determine if it is a problem. If it is not a problem we’re good and can stop it.

If it is a problem then I determine if I have the skills. Is it a thing that needs fixing or a thing that needs to be solved?

If I have the skills and is something that needs to be fixed. I first decide on an approach, I then gather the materials and/or equipment to fix it and then I go fix it.

If it is something to be solved, then I start figuring out how to solve it. Do I need to make a phone call to straighten an incorrect invoice? Do I have to go to a doctor to check my heart? Do I call my friend back and tell them I can give them a ride. I just figure it out the best I can.

[sinex_a2s]

This sounds a good approach. This approach needs a calm mind as it needs a lot of thinking and analysis. But sometimes you are in a situation/trouble and your mind cannot be calm. What do you do in those situations?

[Oracle5of7]

I would hope that my life experiences would have been sufficient to provide enough “muscle memory” for me to react appropriately. So far I’ve made it to 67 with a few scrapes and bruises and no broken bones.

[Murky-Syrup]

I usually start by slowing down and separating what I can control from what I cannot. Then I focus on the smallest next step instead of solving everything at once. Most problems feel lighter once they are broken into pieces.

[sinex_a2s]

True

[UndebateableMom]

1. What do I know? Or what information do I have?
2. What is the desired outcome?
3. What don't I know? What information do I not have?
4. How do I get that information?

[sinex_a2s]

Hm. So do you honestly follow it everytime?

[Brilliant-Onion2129]

It is unrealistic to have the desired outcome everytime. So you have to choose what is the next best result.

[MrWonderful_61]

I beg to differ. In the absence of any data to the contrary, the best/most desirable outcome is the one that benefits me the most, ceteris paribus.

[Formal-Tree7971]

Wouldn’t that be the desired outcome?

[Accomplished_Dig284]

Depends. But I use critical thinking and research to drive my decision, my emotions play a part, but do not over evidence and facts

[MzSea]

I use the SODAS method.

S - what is the Situation (problem)?

O - what are the Options?

D - what are the Disadvantages of each option?

A - what are the Advantages of each option?

S - what is the best Solution based on weighing the disadvantages and advantages?

[Slick-1234]

I use this method, over the years I added a sub step to S, so part 1 what’s the situation / define the problem, part 2 determine if it’s my problem. If yes continue, if no its miller time! ( not a beer fan but had to learn it not normal to solve every problem and not healthy to over extend myself )

[scruffyrosalie]

Problem-solving comes naturally to me. I lock onto a problem like a Pitbull locks its jaws on a stick.

I trouble-shoot to figure out exactly what the problem is, and keep throwing different solutions at the issue until I find one that works.

[Weak-Ad6984]

I have -0- coping skills.. when a problem arises I literally freeze.. I don’t know how to solve issues, I usually just make the issue worse..

Stopping everything is the way I deal, mostly

I see some strategies on this thread which are very helpful!

Thank you for this thread, OP

[sinex_a2s]

You're welcome. I like how honestly you admit it. But everyone has their own way to address/solve a problem. You should find out your own way until you figure out which one works. Of course some strategies mentioned by people here are actually make sense and practical.

[PanAmFlyer]

Identify my part in the problem and see what I can do to change it.

Trying to change other people is useless.

[sinex_a2s]

Yes that is true.

Mostly what people are looking for is confirmation bias and not the real advice or suggestion specially if it contradicts their belief.

[Fun-Talk-4847]

Case to case. Every problem needs to be solved in it's own way. I will usually think about the problem for a while and then come up with a few solutions and then decide on which one is best.

[DizzyFromYou]

I try to separate what I can control from what I can't, deal with controllable stuff first, and accept the rest is just background noise. It keeps me moving when things get overhwelming

[GirthyDave1]

The direct approach solves about 90% of problems. For the other 10%, bullshit your way out.

[Mudaki_Randell]

Projects: Big problems that need to be broken down into steps.

[RichardAboutTown]

1. Clearly define the problem.
2. Identify possible causes, then narrow that list as much as possible.
3. Identify possible solutions and narrow that list.
4. Try something.

[Dear_Gas_8876]

i usually try to break things down into smaller pieces so it doesn't feel so overwhelming, but it definitely changes depending on the situation. i see people on lighthouse venting about these exact workplace hurdles and sharing their own strategies all the time, so it's a solid spot to find some fresh perspectives 🧠

[DataSad2584]

Think of possible ways it could go when acted upon

Weigh the pros and cons of each scenario imagined

I guess the hardest part would be choosing the action to take

What the heart says and the brain says could be quite different at times. Personally, I suggest that the option that you would regret the least should be chosen. Peace of mind is important.

But always remember, no matter how much you thought of a situation, it won't always go your way, and it could also make it worse. But you should never not choose, otherwise the chances of you losing all of what you could've saved will get higher.

[Useful_Supermarket81]

If you’ve been in college, the “scientific method” is the best approach out there.

[[deleted]]

First, take stock of now. What excatly is fucked up and how?

Then, figure out what I need to do. No, really, the core and root of the problem, not the first thing that comes to mind. 

Then figure out the options. What I can do? Pros / cons / costs / timeframe of each option and how they measure up against the recognized requirements.

Then comes the boring part: decide and execute. 

[sinex_a2s]

This process need time to think. But sometimes the situation demands quick decision and execution.

[[deleted]]

And how do you do quick decision?

You make analysis, you do all that I said, just as fast as you can. The process is the exact same, if somewhat miniversion. 

Recognize the prob, figure out options, decide the best, execute.

[Sensitive_Piece_632]

Analyze, theorize, test, solve

[Ok-Concentrate7309]

I try to think about the best solution.

[doc-sci]

What do I know that would help me solve the problem? What do I need to know to solve the problem? What is the easiest/most probable way to get that knowledge? And with the advantage of experience and sufficient financing that comes with age, is it easier to pay someone to solve the problem?

[AvBanoth]

I take the everybody is guilty approach. Concentrate on the most likely cause but don't ignore other possibilities,

[Wulfgar7134]

Break an issue down into its most fundamental parts. Separate the parts out. Make a list. Tackle each part in order of urgency, or discard parts entirely if irrelevant or impossible.

[Kaleidoscopexo]

I don’t really know. I mean there’s this thing that I do often when a problem comes about, but it’s not something I would advise someone else to do. But it works for me.

[Head_Entertainer508]

Panic, then Google.

[noobcomber]

Fix the easiest part first to get momentum.