In any business environment, it’s crucial to employ effective problem-solving techniques. Regardless of the size of the business, there will always be obstacles that have to be addressed in order to foster growth. It may not always be evident how these problems should be solved, and they could affect a single team or the entirety of the organisation itself.
Successful entrepreneurs such as Jordan Diment know that in order to tackle them effectively, it’s important to follow reliable processes designed to promote evaluation, implement solutions and monitor success.

Approaching the Problem
Problem solving involves a number of steps, allowing people to learn how to approach problems and resolve them. First and foremost, it’s essential to develop an accurate understanding of the problem, the issues contributing to it and any potential restrictions that could impact its resolution. Once this has been developed, critical thinkers can identify what they hope to achieve.
After a clear understanding of the problem has been established, it is then possible to develop a range of potential solutions. When doing this, it’s crucial to think creatively and evaluate each one without judgment and on its own merits. Each possible method should be evaluated for its individual advantages and disadvantages, as well as the risks and potential consequences for other processes. Having a wide variety of possible solutions allows business owners and employees to find the most suitable resolution.
Useful Strategies to Encourage Problem-Solving
There are a number of tools that can help people to identify and implement solutions to difficult problems. Organisations can look at activities that promote team-based problem-solving, but there are also techniques that can promote effective brainstorming.
The Six Hats technique utilises six metaphorical hats, encouraging individuals or teams to look at a problem from a different angle each time; for example, the white hat should be used to focus on facts, while the red hat is designed to express emotions.
Utilising a technique called the 5 Whys is extremely useful for identifying the root cause of a problem. Asking the question ‘why’ multiple times allows individuals to hone in on the underlying issues.
There are also ways to foster critical thinking and analyse the competitive market on a regular basis, allowing teams to develop an awareness of possible challenges before they occur. Businesses can use Porter’s Five Forces to examine how performance is impacted by external factors. These include the bargaining power of suppliers and buyers, the threats posed by new competitors and alternative products or services, and the competition between established businesses.