How to Solve any Problem

Posted on February 8th, 2008

My Problem solving Approach

I consider every problem as a constrained optimization problem. We have to minimize or maximize
something satisfying all the constraints and come up with the best solution.

• First define the problem and constraints –the verify the definition with somebody
• Write down what you know – don’t know about the problem.
• Ask yourself – where can you get additional information – Try to be more specific.
• Has someone tried similar problem – what worked what did not.
• Do cause – effect analysis
• Do cost – benefit analysis
• Find approaches to solve problem. Do SWOT (Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats) analysis for the best solution.
• Solution generation – alternative ways, Is it going to happen in future? Workarounds
• If you can’t solve problem within the defined time – discuss with someone and ask for help
• Verify – Did it work?

Filed under General |

Comments are closed.