1. Problem Solving Skills
by Farhan Khan
Linkedin: SocialTechnocrat
Twitter: LeadershipView

2. Definition of Problem Solving
Problem solving refers to a state of desire
for reaching a definite 'goal' from a present
condition
"Problems are only opportunities in work clothes."
– Henry Kaiser
(American industrialist)

3. Four Basic Step
There are four basic steps in problem solving:
Defining the problem - The key to a good problem
definition is ensuring that you deal with the real
problem – not its symptoms. Use 5W2H Method
Creativity (Generating alternatives)
Decision Making (Evaluating & Selecting
alternatives)
Project Management (Implementing solutions)

4. Help DEFINING PROBLEM
using 5W2H Methodology
Who
What
Why
Where
When
How Much
How Often

5. Help your CREATIVITY with
6 Thinking Hats of Edward Debono
The Blue Hat
'Wearing' the red hat, stands for
you look at problems process control The yellow hat
using intuition helps you to
the Green Hat think positively
Using black hat stands for
thinking, look at creativity
all the bad points
of the decision
With this thinking hat
you focus on the data
available.

6. Help your DECISION MAKING with
PEST & SWOT Analysis
PEST Analysis helps you understand the
Political, Economic, Social, and
Technological changes that will shape
your business environment
SWOT Analysis help you understand the
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities &
Threats for your business decision.

7. Problem Solving Methodologies
Eight Disciplines (8D)
GROW Model

8. Eight Disciplines (8D)
– 0: Plan: Plan for solving the problem and determine the prerequisites.
– D1: Use a Team: Establish a team of people with product/process knowledge.
– D2: Define and describe the Problem: Specify the problem by identifying in quantifiable
terms the who, what, where, when, why, how, and how many (5W2H) for the problem.
– D3: Develop Interim Containment Plan; Implement and verify Interim Actions : Define
and implement containment actions to isolate the problem from any customer.
– D4: Determine, Identify, and Verify Root Causes and Escape Points : Identify all
applicable causes that could explain why the problem has occurred. Also identify why the
problem has not been noticed at the time it occurred. All causes shall be verified or proved,
not determined by fuzzy brainstorming. One can use five whys or Ishikawa diagramsto map
causes against the effect or problem identified.
– D5: Choose and Verify Permanent Corrections (PCs) for Problem/Non Conformity:
Through pre-production programs quantitatively confirm that the selected correction will
resolve the problem for the customer. (Verify the correction will actually solve the problem)
– D6: Implement and Validate Corrective Actions: Define and Implement the best
corrective actions.
– D7: Take Preventive Measures: Modify the management systems, operation systems,
practices, and procedures to prevent recurrence of this and all similar problems.
– D8: Congratulate Your Team: Recognize the collective efforts of the team. The team
needs to be formally thanked by the organization.

9. GROW Model
G: Goal: This is the end point, where you wants to be. The goal has
to be defined in such a way that it is very clear to you when they
have achieved it.
R: Reality: The Current Reality is where you is now. What are the
issues, the challenges, how far are they away from their goal?
O: Obstacles: There will be Obstacles stopping you getting from
where they are now to where they want to go. If there were no
Obstacles you would already have reached their goal.
O: Options: Once Obstacles have been identified, you needs to find
ways of dealing with them if they are to make progress. These are
the Options.
W: Way Forward: The Options then need to be converted into action
steps which will take you to their goal. These are the Way Forward.

10. Thank you 