in search of solutions to solve a problem one must take action, must intervene, must change...

In search of Solutions

To Solve a problem one must take action, must intervene, must change something with

a purpose or outcome in mind.

Search for a Solution is ALWAYS search for a course of action regardless of the cause of

the problem.

Engage in Problem Solving

• Define

• Discover

• Dream

• Design

• Deliver


• Define– Engage to search for solution– Identify the problem– Break the problem into small manageable parts– Establish boundaries– Workout major factors involved e.g. system,

people etc.– Don’t get bog down in the cause of the problem


• Discover– Brainstorm– Get educated about

problem– Focus on positives;

build on unique strengths for real success

– Identify potential cause(s)

I IIAchive Avoid

Do we have it?III IV

Preserve Eliminate

Do we want it?

No

Yes

Yes No


• Dream– Define the Scope of Solution– For each manageable part define a goal– Capture the evolution and changes required over

time– Brainstorm for psychological and sociological

forces


• Dream• Define the Scope of Solution

– e.g. Traffic Problem could have been created by following nuisance

Broken Sewerage PipeEncroachmentsTraffic Law ViolationLack of Civic Sense


• Design– Drill down the types of systems, processes, and

strategies– Organize ideas into some common themes that

supports the vision

Random Ideas Streamlined Ideas

Theme1 Theme2 Theme3


• Deliver• Promote volunteerism• Promote idea of self reliance in the public• Promote sense of Pride (Ownership) and Patriotism• Being part of solution• Utilize available manpower to bridge the Private-

Public sector gap


• Recognize volunteers– Reasonable salaries– Educational programs (Regular /off hours),

Reduced Tuition fee etc.– Discount from area shops– Must be appreciated in the media and by the

government – Job placement in coordination with local

employers

Engage in Problem Solving• Media campaign (TV, Newspaper, Radio, Social

media, Documentaries, Dramas, Talk shows, Articles, Pamphlets)

• Bring all parties on TV to discuss the project plans. This will not only help in the coordination but also help garner ethical pressure as well

• Get Media icons to participate/discuss

• Periodic updates of the project on the media

• Talk to general public to help develop sense of participation


• Conclusion– Cannot solve Problems just by thinking about

them– Issues can only be resolved when we know what

to fix– Taking action is key to getting any sort of help– Avoidance and worry cannot get us anywhere in

the absence of action plan

References

• Solution Engineering , An Introduction• Ten Tips for “Beefing Up” Your Problem Solving Tool Box

by

Fred Nickolas

of

Distance Consulting LLC

http://www.nickols.us/

in search of solutions to solve a problem one must take action, must intervene, must change...

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