47Tools

Problem Solving

Solving Complex Business Problems

From planning last-minute meetings, to addressing unexpected customer queries, there is no end to the problem solving you do day in, day out. And you want to be confident in the decisions you make. To help you get started, why not take our interactive quiz and find out how good your problem-solving skills are.

Then dive into the different approaches to problem solving; which ones do you use already, and which ones could be helpful in the future?

Finally, we can help you identify the causes of problems, and use problem-solving techniques to improve business processes.

Browse Tools by Category

Start Here (3)

What Is Problem Solving?

14
7 MIN READ
How Good Is Your Problem Solving?

14
20 MIN READ
Logical Fallacies

Spot a Dishonest Argument and Avoid Misleading Others

14
14 MIN READ

General Problem-Solving Tools (6)

Problem-Solving Approaches (13)

Concept Sprints

Delivering and Testing Prototypes in Five Days

14
9 MIN READ
The Problem-Definition Process

Developing the Right Solution

14
10 MIN READ
Soft Systems Methodology (SSM)

Understanding Very Complex Issues

14
9 MIN READ
8D Problem Solving Process

Finding Permanent Solutions

14
8 MIN READ
The Cynefin Framework

Using the Most Appropriate Problem-Solving Process

14
10 MIN READ
Appreciative Inquiry

Solving Problems by Looking at What's Going Right

14
8 MIN READ
The Simplex Process

A Robust Creative Problem-Solving Tool

14
10 MIN READ
The Four-Step Innovation Process

Generating Innovative Solutions to Complex Problems

14
11 MIN READ
The Straw Man Concept

Build It Up, Knock It Down, and Create a Solid Final Solution

14
6 MIN READ
Hurson's Productive Thinking Model

Solving Problems Creatively

14
9 MIN READ
Action Learning Sets

Solving Problems by Doing and Discussing

14
9 MIN READ
The FOCUS Model

A Simple, Efficient Problem-Solving Approach

14
8 MIN READ
Creative Problem Solving

Finding Innovative Solutions to Challenges

14
10 MIN READ

Finding the Cause of a Problem (9)

What Is Causal Factor Charting?

Avoid Repeating Mistakes

14
9 MIN READ
Root Cause Analysis

Tracing a Problem to Its Origins

14
8 MIN READ
The CATWOE Checklist

Developing a Robust Problem Definition

14
7 MIN READ
5 Whys

Getting to the Root of a Problem Quickly

14
11 MIN READ
The Drill Down Technique

Breaking Problems Down Into Manageable Parts

14
2 MIN READ
Cause and Effect Analysis

Identifying the Likely Causes of Problems

14
7 MIN READ
Appreciation

Extracting the Greatest Amount of Information

14
4 MIN READ
The Four Frame Approach

Finding Other Ways Forward

14
10 MIN READ
Interrelationship Diagrams

Identifying Cause and Effect Relationships

14
7 MIN READ

Improving Business Processes (11)

Process Decision Program Charts

Managing Risk Methodically

14
6 MIN READ
Writing a Procedure

Ensuring That Things Get Done Without Mistakes or Omissions

14
10 MIN READ
Flow Charts

Identify and Communicate Your Optimal Process

14
9 MIN READ
Using Aide-Mémoire

Creating Memory Aids and Checklists

14
6 MIN READ
Swim Lane/Rummler-Brache Diagrams

Mapping and Improving Processes in Your Organization

14
8 MIN READ
Storyboarding

Planning and Checking a Process as a Team

14
7 MIN READ
Unblocking Bottlenecks

Fixing Unbalanced Processes

14
8 MIN READ
Queuing Models

Optimizing Service and Resources

14
13 MIN READ
Data Security in Your Team

Protecting Your Electronic and Online Assets

14
12 MIN READ
Data and Information Management

Protecting an Important Organizational Asset

14
10 MIN READ
Improving Business Processes

Streamlining Tasks to Improve Efficiency

14
8 MIN READ

Diagram-Based Tools (3)

Affinity Diagrams

Organizing Information and Ideas Into Common Themes

14
4 MIN READ
Systems Diagrams / Causal Loop Diagrams

Understanding How Factors Affect One Another

14
12 MIN READ
Tree Diagrams

Simplifying Complexity

14
9 MIN READ

Further Resources

Bite–Sized Training (1)

Problem Solving: How to Search for Solutions

14
60 MIN READ

Learning Streams (1)

Solve and Decide Learning Stream

14
3 MIN READ

Book Insights (9)

Expert Interviews (2)

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