Problem Solving :Key to Continuous Improvement Six Steps Problem Solving Process 1.Identify concerns 2.Analyze the problem (facts) 3.Evaluate Alternatives 4.Propose and Implement Solution 5.Analyze the Outcome 6.Improve the Process The Six Step Problem Solving Process Six Steps Problem Solving Process Step 1.  Identify Concerns (How urgent or important is this?) Identifying the gap Smoke out the issues to the team or organization Use analysis reports such as check sheets, Pareto charts Use questions to probe for understanding of real issues which require further investigation List areas of concern and the consequences of not taking action eg. Defects, tardiness, attitude Proceed to identify concerns Keep asking to surface the real issues Team to get agreement on area of mutual concern Step 1.  Identify Concerns (How urgent or important is this?) Identifying the gap Something is wrong and needs to be corrected Something is threatening and needs to be prevented Something is missing and needs to be provided Smoke out the issues to the team or organization Use analysis reports such as check sheets, Pareto charts Use questions to probe for understanding of real issues which require further investigation How your team proceeds List Areas of Concern eg. STT, Defects, UMH Questions to ask: Why is a solution necessary? Consequences if nothing is done? What is (or is not) the problem? Keep asking to surface the real issues What is/should be happening? Determine the appropriate gap Proceed to identify concerns Use formats to help get team agreement on area of mutual concern Step 2.          Analyze the Problem Investigate in Detail (gather and evaluate the facts) Write a statement that identifies the root problem Use appropriate tools and techniques Checksheets, reports, observations Brainstorming (Alex F. Osborne, Applied Imagination, 1957) Force Field Analysis (Kurt Lewin, Field Theory in Social Research, 1955) Cause and Effect Diagram or Fish Bone Diagram Ensure active participation Build consensus Proceed to analyze the problem Team agreement that area of mutual concern has been sufficiently analyzed Allow for constructive criticism and concerns to be shared Step 2.          Analyze the Problem Investigate in Detail (evaluate the facts) Obtain valid information about “what is” Write a statement that identifies the root problem Use appropriate tools and techniques Checksheets, reports, observations Brainstorming (Alex F. Osborne, Applied Imagination, 1957) Force Field Analysis (Kurt Lewin, Field Theory in Social Research, 1955) Cause and Effect Diagram or Fish Bone Diagram How your team proceeds Everyone participates actively Build consensus Proceed to analyze the problem Use formats to help get team agreement that area of mutual concern has been sufficiently analyzed Cause and Effect Diagram ......