The 6 challenges to successfully deploying problem solving capabilities and how to mitigate them

A key challenge to problem solving is the transparency required in order to identify problems. Not every culture finds this comfortable. The key here is to ensure that senior leaders are supportive of the new problem-solving mentality and approach and that managers promote the right behaviours.

“For problem-solving to be successful, we must measure the right things, make them visual and act quickly. Senior Managers must promote the right behaviours to make this happen.”

It is now common to have teams split across various locations with little face-to-face interaction. This adds a layer of complexity when it comes to learning the problem solving process both from a training and coaching perspective.
E-Learning is a great solution which can be accessed whenever required by an individual to learn the problem solving methodology and the tools required from wherever they are. Following this initial learning course, a problem solving workshop could be accessed remotely by multiple problem solving team members across the organisation using a video conferencing platform.

Organisations often struggle with creating the head space and time required to invest in problem solving. It is rare that we plan dedicated improvement time for employees which means we need to take from our productive time. This means that there is a constant conflict between time to complete our core work, vs. time to solve existing problems and improve performance.

“If every employee had 1 hour per week dedicated to improvement, imagine the benefits that could be achieved.”

There are multiple methodologies available for problem solving. In order for an organisation to promote problem solving effectively it is necessary to standardise the approach, the tools and techniques, the templates and the learning materials. This way everyone is able to speak the same language and collaborate efficiently.

Problem solving is one of the only improvement methodologies which is relevant to any department and any level of the organisation. We do however need to tailor training materials for the learners to be able to relate the approach to their workplace.

“When learning the problem solving methodology and tools, learners should be exposed to relevant case studies that will match their working environment.”

Delivering learning needs to be synched with the need for solving a business challenge so that the individual is enabled to practically use the new learning and develop competence. There are ways in which we can expose employees to the problem solving process quickly and effectively as well as bring a group of employees together to solve problems.

E-learning for example is a great solution for just-in-time learning on problem solving methodology and tool set. It can be accessed remotely as and when required. Video conferencing platforms can also be used for hosting problem solving workshops to bring together a group of colleagues in a short time frame.