What is the most effective way to approach problem-solving in project management?

The key resource of problem solving is attention. Attention is the scarcest and most valuable asset of all. It is hard to manage and its availability is unreliable. The first step of problem solving is ensuring attention – our own and that of key stakeholders – and turning it into a resource. Some problems are best solved alone, for others, the attention of friends, colleagues, subordinates, management, or contract partners are needed The solution will then depend on who these people are. Their interests, abilities, preparedness to contribute to a solution, and more. Some problems allow time for in-depth analysis, others require immediate response. There is no panacea. The solution comes from hard, dedicated work by intelligent people

No matter what problem-solving techniques are used, the linchpin is always a structured approach. By dissecting a complex issue into manageable segments, one can uncover multiple underlying causes and develop various corresponding strategies to address them. This systematic breakdown not only clarifies the path forward but also facilitates stakeholder alignment and the effective coordination of initiatives, greatly enhancing the prospects for a successful resolution.

Every project I managed & worked on had problems to fix & its not quite uncommon as I see other projects too encounter problems at some point in project. The underlying purpose of projects (and products) is to "fix some problem" so problem solving is a key for product/project success. Most of the times, people are not aware about the problem despite it exists right there. So most important step in problem solving is being aware that "the problem is a problem". Knowing that it is a problem helps work towards either finding alternative or solution towards eliminating or reducing the impact of the problem. If unaware, initiating action towards resolution becomes challenging. Once aware, learn more by asking questions by using the 5 Ws & 1H.

It's good to consider short term and long term solutions. Short term to control the bleeding and implement quick wins to move the project forward, while long term ones can be deployed to prevent it from recurring and possibly applying it to future phases or projects.

Few points from my end. - When individuals from different areas of the organization are part of the solution-generation process, they are more likely to support and champion the chosen solutions because they had a hand in developing them. - Foster an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns - Virtual collaboration tools can help facilitate the involvement of remote team members and stakeholders in solution-generation discussions.

Let's continue with the healthcare example of reducing patient readmissions. During a brainstorming session, healthcare professionals, administrators, and other stakeholders can come together to generate a wide array of solutions. These could include implementing post-discharge follow-up calls, enhancing patient education, improving coordination between healthcare providers, leveraging technology for remote monitoring, or even exploring community partnerships for ongoing patient support. By allowing the free flow of ideas without criticism or analysis at this stage, organizations can uncover unique and diverse solutions. Brainstorming not only promotes innovative thinking but also fosters a collaborative environment

Additonally take following points into consideration -When evaluating solutions, it's important to identify potential risks associated with each option. These risks may involve technical challenges, resource constraints, market dynamics, regulatory changes, or other external factors. - PErform corect risk analysist as this analysis helps prioritize solutions that not only address the core problem but also minimize the project's exposure to significant risks. - Project managers should continue to monitor and reassess risks throughout the project's execution. New risks may emerge, and the effectiveness of risk mitigation strategies should be regularly reviewed.

Give everyone an opportunity to provide feedback on the alternatives. We want to take full advantage of the collective wisdom of the group. We want to know all the risks and worries from our team. We can't control all the risks and we'll probably make the decision with some unknowns remaining, but we can control how thorough we are in soliciting and reviewing the feedback from our team. Once everyone has been heard and UNDERSTOOD, then we can make the tough choice between the competing ideas. It is critical that everyone feel heard because we need everyone to buy-in to the solution, even if it wasn't their preferred option. Only through genuine listening and thoughtful explanation of our decision can we get their full support.

There's inevitably a great conversation that happens around a pain v's gain matrix when different are able to hare their perspective on just how challenging a solution is, or not, and the impact it could deliver.

In the automotive industry, implementing and monitoring solutions is essential to enhance product quality and customer satisfaction. Suppose a car manufacturer identifies a problem with frequent engine overheating in their vehicles, leading to customer complaints and decreased sales. After brainstorming, such as redesigning the cooling system and improving engine components. By implementing these changes across their production line, they closely monitor engine performance and customer feedback. Regular analysis of data, including reduced overheating incidents and positive customer reviews, allows to confirm the effectiveness of the solution.If any issues persist, they can make necessary adjustments promptly, ensuring continual improvement.

Key Metrics: Define and track specific key performance indicators (KPIs) related to the solution's success. Regular Updates: Schedule periodic check-ins to review progress and adjust as needed. Documentation: Keep records of all changes and actions taken in response to the problem. Feedback Loop: Encourage team members and stakeholders to provide feedback and insights on the solution's effectiveness.

Few additional poits from my end: - Stakeholders often have valuable insights, concerns, or suggestions that can improve the implementation process. Not doing them mght impact in long run - Develop a stakeholder engagement plan that outlines how and when stakeholders will be involved throughout the implementation process. Basically speanking, actively engaging and involving stakeholders throughout the implementation and monitoring of solutions, project managers can build stronger support for the project, improve the chances of successful outcomes, and minimize potential roadblocks or resistance.

One way I find useful is to have a blameless root cause analysis. Many a time, we focus on the solution and forgot about the retrospective. It is important to know what the underlying reasons are, document these learnings in a repository, revisit them from time to time, and refine them. This way, history shall not repeat itself.

One thing I've found useful is to use Design Thinking approach when facing problems. Design thinking is a unique method of problem-solving that focuses on user needs first. Those who use design thinking do not need to be designers. It emphasizes observing people and their environments with empathy and using those observations to develop innovative ideas with an iterative, build-and-test approach. The approach is smooth to implement and has great and innovative results.

Keep a record of the entire problem-solving process, including the problem statement, analysis, chosen solution, and results. This documentation can be valuable for future reference and learning. Once the problem is resolved, hold a post-implementation review to assess the success of the solution and identify any lessons learned for future projects. Use the knowledge gained from problem-solving experiences to improve project management processes and prevent similar issues in the future.