A Problem-solving Process That Really Works

by orlando javier in Advice, October 9, 2009

For as long as we breathe, there will be problems. We cannot wish for none. Change will cause it, our motivations will create it, people will disagree with us, we may not understand everything. The only way to deal with problems is to have a problem-solving process that is simple, easy to apply and effective.

One such morning, after a rain-drenched night, I went through my usual routine of making coffee before working on my computer. After taking two or three hot sips, I noticed that there were red ants afloat on my coffee. Of course, they were dead. Instinctively, I went back to the kitchen, poured out the coffee into the sink, washed the mug and made another coffee mix. I thought that maybe the mug was not washed properly that night. Back to my computer to work, as I sipped my coffee, I noticed the red ants were still there!

Now taking serious notice, I stared at the ants, as if looking for an answer to the question in my mind. Where could they have come from? Instantly, I concluded they must have invaded the brown sugar. I went back to the kitchen, poured out the coffee into the sink and got another mug. I took out the brown sugar bowl and without looking at its contents, emptied it into the waste can, and refilled it with brown sugar from a newly-opened pack. I then prepared another coffee mix. I was confident this time I could enjoy good hot coffee. To be sure, I turned on the main lights overhead. With the brightness filling the kitchen, I prepared to take my sip. Would you believe those ants were still there!

Read more in Advice

« The Guide to Staying Awake

Positive Thought Can Change Your Life »

I switched to my problem-solving mode. What I discovered soon after was that the ants were not in the mug, not in the teaspoon, not in the creamer, not in the coffee, not in the coffee pot, not in the water. The ants were stationed at the mouth of the stainless thermos bottle, sipping their own version of warm water traces at the water opening. As I analyzed further, the ants were “rained” the night before and sought warmth somewhere inside the house. I saw the ants’ navigation line from the ceiling to the wall to the cabinet to the thermos bottle. Quite a journey and what a prize!

I learned a number of lessons from the ants: 1. not to jump to conclusions 2. to stick to a rational process 3. discipline 4. persistence.

I hate to imagine that this little incident may have been simulated in situations that involve human lives or relationships or huge resources in business. If it did, I might not have been able to afford the lessons at all. My coffee was great, despite the ants and because of the lessons. But it was even greater because the incident made a lasting imprint in my memory.

My four-step problem-solving process is simple and very easy to remember and apply:

1. Define the problem and its causes

2. Generate alternative solutions

3. Choose the best solution

4. Implement and review

The steps flow naturally along basic mental patterns: you have a problem, find out why, find out how to solve, choose which one to use, implement and check off. Try it.