what is a problem solving presentation

Salesforce is closed for new business in your area.

Researched by Consultants from Top-Tier Management Companies

Powerpoint Templates

Icon Bundle

Kpi Dashboard

Professional

Business Plans

Swot Analysis

Gantt Chart

Business Proposal

Marketing Plan

Project Management

Business Case

Business Model

Cyber Security

Business PPT

Digital Marketing

Digital Transformation

Human Resources

Product Management

Artificial Intelligence

Company Profile

Acknowledgement PPT

PPT Presentation

Reports Brochures

One Page Pitch

Interview PPT

All Categories

Top 10 Problem Solving Templates with Samples and Examples

In today's competitive business world, excelling at problem solving is crucial for achieving success. A recent study by McKinsey has shown that companies that are skilled at problem solving tend to outperform their peers in terms of revenue growth and shareholder returns. In fact, the top quartile of problem-solving organizations achieved 50% higher revenue growth and 33% higher total returns to shareholders compared to the bottom quartile. Therefore, it's clear that mastering problem solving is essential for any business to thrive.

Finding effective solutions to business challenges, however, can be daunting. That's where SlideTeam's Problem-solving Templates come in to provide a step-by-step approach enabling you to break down complex issues into manageable parts and develop effective solutions. We offer a range of templates, including SWOT analysis, Fishbone diagrams, and Root Cause Analysis, that will equip you with the tools you need to tackle any business problem.

Problem-Solving Templates

If you're tired of struggling to find solutions to the challenges your business faces, explore these Problem-Solving Templates. Don't let obstacles hold your business back – try our templates today and take your business to the next level.

Let’s begin.

Template 1: Organizational Problem-Solving Tool PowerPoint Presentation

For an organization, problem-solving is required in all its operational aspects-right, from planning, controlling, marketing, and manufacturing to managing financial aspects, products as well as customers. This PPT template presents slides that enable an organization to analyze information across all its operations and departments and identify problems and then solve these problems. This editable PPT Template enables an organization to plan its progress path by allocating the right people and resources to solve problems.

Download Now!

Template 2: Problem Solving Approach Business Organizational Analysis Assessment Systems

This editable PPT Template with its attractive graphics and design, enables any business to adopt the right approach to problem-solving. The template enables any organization to analyze different approaches like three-phase approach, collaborative approach, strategy-based approach, etc.

Template 3: Sample A3 Problem Solving Report Collection of Quality Control Templates PPT Diagrams

This easy-to-use PPT template helps organizations solve problems related to quality control. Using this template, an organization can identify the root cause of the problem and the background of the problem and formulate a plan of action to solve the problem. It includes sections for the current situation, checking, acting, and rectifying the errors.

Template 4: Sample A3 Problem Solving Report

This customizable and readily downloadable PPT template enables an organization to solve problems that are reflected in quality assurance reports. Any business can identify a quality-related problem, its background, its cause, as well as other aspects of the problem and then find the best solution to the problem using this template.

Template 5: Optimizing Transformation Strawman Proposal

For any organization, it is important to achieve operational efficiency. However, several issues are often faced when it comes to the operational aspects of a business, and identifying these is mandatory for an organization. Using this PPT Template, an organization can analyze its operational problems and discuss in detail how technology can be used to solve the problem and bring about a transformation that can help to enhance operational efficiency.

Template 6: Collaborative Problem Solving and Assessment Approach

This PPT template, available for instant download, helps an organization to use a collaborative problem-solving and assessment approach to analyze problems related to new products, technologies, ideas, etc., and adopt the best practices to solve the problem.

Template 7: Situation Complication Resolution Framework for Problem Solving

This attractive PPT Template, with its colorful graphics, enables an organization to adopt the framework model to solve a problem. This model enables any business to analyze the current situation, identify the complications associated with the situation, and then find the solution or the best way to resolve the problem.

Template 8: Five-circle Arrow Process for Problem Solving

This adaptable PPT template, with its attractive design, provides a five-circle arrow process for solving problems related to any aspect of the organization. Using this PPT template, an organization can define a problem, generate new ideas to solve the problem, evaluate and select solutions and implement and evaluate the solutions to ensure that the problem gets solved in the most optimal manner.

Template 9: 3-Step Process of Problem-solving Analysis

The process of problem-solving is not always easy because, most of the time, a business fails to identify the problem. Using this customizable PPT Template, a business can adopt a 3-step approach to problem-solving. With the help of this template, an organization can implement the stages of problem identification, problem analysis, and solution development to solve the problem in the most effective manner.

Template 10: 6 segments of problem-solving model

This PPT template presents 6 steps to solve a problem that an organization may face in any of its operational aspects. This PPT template is easy to edit and enables any business to adopt the stages of defining a problem, determining the root cause of the problem, evaluating the outcome, selecting a solution, implementing the solution, and developing alternative solutions. This model, when adopted by an organization, enables it to find the most optimal solution to the problem.

The Final Word

Every problem is a gift - without problems, we would not grow." - Tony Robbins. This quote highlights the importance of embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and development. When businesses approach problem-solving with a positive mindset and a willingness to learn, they can turn even the most challenging situations into valuable learning experiences.

Now that you know how using problem-solving templates can assist you in streamlining the entire process, it’s time to download these templates and get started.

FAQs on Problem-Solving

What are the 7 steps to problem-solving.

A business, during its operations, may face several problems that need to be solved so that the problem does not impact the organization in an adverse manner. However, to solve a problem in the most efficient manner, a business must adopt a seven-step approach to problem-solving. These steps include:

• Identifying the problem.
• Analyzing the problem.
• Describing the problem and all its parameters.
• Identifying the root cause of the problem.
• Developing solutions to solve the problem.
• Implementing the solution that seems to be the most effective.
• Measuring the results.

Why is problem-solving important?

Problem-solving enables an organization to handle unexpected situations or face challenges that it may face during its operations. For every organization, problem-solving is important as it enables the organization to:

• Identify activities, processes, and people that are not working in an efficient manner.
• Identify risks and address these risks.
• Implement changes when required.
• Enhance performance and productivity.
• Innovate and execute new ideas.
• Make effective decisions.

What are the five problem-solving skills?

Problem-solving is not an easy task, and any consultant in the organization who works to solve problems needs to exhibit some specific skills. These skills include but are not limited to:

• Creativity that enables the consultant to assess and analyze the problem from various perspectives to come up with the best idea.
• Communication to ensure that the problem and its solutions are easily communicated with others in the organization.
• Teamwork so that everyone in the team can work to solve the problem.
• Critical analysis to think analytically about a problem and solve it in the best manner possible.
• Information processing to process and analyze all information that is associated with the problem.

What are the 4 steps of problem-solving?

Problem-solving needs to be carried out using a series of steps that include:

• Identifying and analyzing the problem so that its cause is known.
• Planning and determining how to solve the problem by finding various solutions.
• Implementing the chosen solution to solve the problem.
• Evaluating solutions to know whether the problem has been resolved or not. 

Related posts:

• How to Design the Perfect Service Launch Presentation [Custom Launch Deck Included]
• Quarterly Business Review Presentation: All the Essential Slides You Need in Your Deck
• [Updated 2023] How to Design The Perfect Product Launch Presentation [Best Templates Included]
• 99% of the Pitches Fail! Find Out What Makes Any Startup a Success

Liked this blog? Please recommend us

Top 5 Data Flow Chart Templates With Samples and Examples

Must-Have Data Analyst Resume Sample Templates for Job Seekers

This form is protected by reCAPTCHA - the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Digital revolution powerpoint presentation slides

Sales funnel results presentation layouts

3d men joinning circular jigsaw puzzles ppt graphics icons

Business Strategic Planning Template For Organizations Powerpoint Presentation Slides

Future plan powerpoint template slide

Project Management Team Powerpoint Presentation Slides

Brand marketing powerpoint presentation slides

Launching a new service powerpoint presentation with slides go to market

Agenda powerpoint slide show

Four key metrics donut chart with percentage

Engineering and technology ppt inspiration example introduction continuous process improvement

Meet our team representing in circular format

How it works

For Business

Join Mind Tools

Article • 7 min read

What Is Problem Solving?

Find a solution to any problem you face.

By the Mind Tools Content Team

We all spend a lot of our time solving problems, both at work and in our personal lives.

Some problems are small, and we can quickly sort them out ourselves. But others are complex challenges that take collaboration, creativity, and a considerable amount of effort to solve.

At work, the types of problems we face depend largely on the organizations we're in and the jobs we do. A manager in a cleaning company, for example, might spend their day untangling staffing issues, resolving client complaints, and sorting out problems with equipment and supplies. An aircraft designer, on the other hand, might be grappling with a problem about aerodynamics, or trying to work out why a new safety feature isn't working. Meanwhile, a politician might be exploring solutions to racial injustice or climate change.

But whatever issues we face, there are some common ways to tackle them effectively. And we can all boost our confidence and ability to succeed by building a strong set of problem-solving skills.

Mind Tools offers a large collection of resources to help you do just that!

How Well Do You Solve Problems?

Start by taking an honest look at your existing skills. What's your current approach to solving problems, and how well is it working? Our quiz, How Good Is Your Problem Solving? lets you analyze your abilities, and signposts ways to address any areas of weakness.

Define Every Problem

The first step in solving a problem is understanding what that problem actually is. You need to be sure that you're dealing with the real problem – not its symptoms. For example, if performance in your department is substandard, you might think that the problem lies with the individuals submitting work. However, if you look a bit deeper, the real issue might be a general lack of training, or an unreasonable workload across the team.

Tools like 5 Whys , Appreciation and Root Cause Analysis get you asking the right questions, and help you to work through the layers of a problem to uncover what's really going on.

However, defining a problem doesn't mean deciding how to solve it straightaway. It's important to look at the issue from a variety of perspectives. If you commit yourself too early, you can end up with a short-sighted solution. The CATWOE checklist provides a powerful reminder to look at many elements that may contribute to the problem, keeping you open to a variety of possible solutions.

Understanding Complexity

As you define your problem, you'll often discover just how complicated it is. There are likely several interrelated issues involved. That's why it's important to have ways to visualize, simplify and make sense of this tangled mess!

Affinity Diagrams are great for organizing many different pieces of information into common themes, and for understanding the relationships between them.

Another popular tool is the Cause-and-Effect Diagram . To generate viable solutions, you need a solid understanding of what's causing the problem.

When your problem occurs within a business process, creating a Flow Chart , Swim Lane Diagram or a Systems Diagram will help you to see how various activities and inputs fit together. This may well highlight a missing element or bottleneck that's causing your problem.

Quite often, what seems to be a single problem turns out to be a whole series of problems. The Drill Down technique prompts you to split your problem into smaller, more manageable parts.

General Problem-Solving Tools

When you understand the problem in front of you, you’re ready to start solving it. With your definition to guide you, you can generate several possible solutions, choose the best one, then put it into action. That's the four-step approach at the heart of good problem solving.

There are various problem-solving styles to use. For example:

• Constructive Controversy is a way of widening perspectives and energizing discussions.
• Inductive Reasoning makes the most of people’s experiences and know-how, and can speed up solution finding.
• Means-End Analysis can bring extra clarity to your thinking, and kick-start the process of implementing solutions.

Specific Problem-Solving Systems

Some particularly complicated or important problems call for a more comprehensive process. Again, Mind Tools has a range of approaches to try, including:

• Simplex , which involves an eight-stage process: problem finding, fact finding, defining the problem, idea finding, selecting and evaluating, planning, selling the idea, and acting. These steps build upon the basic, four-step process described above, and they create a cycle of problem finding and solving that will continually improve your organization.
• Appreciative Inquiry , which is a uniquely positive way of solving problems by examining what's working well in the areas surrounding them.
• Soft Systems Methodology , which takes you through four stages to uncover more details about what's creating your problem, and then define actions that will improve the situation.

Further Problem-Solving Strategies

Good problem solving requires a number of other skills – all of which are covered by Mind Tools.

For example, we have a large section of resources to improve your Creativity , so that you come up with a range of possible solutions.

By strengthening your Decision Making , you'll be better at evaluating the options, selecting the best ones, then choosing how to implement them.

And our Project Management collection has valuable advice for strengthening the whole problem-solving process. The resources there will help you to make effective changes – and then keep them working long term.

Problems are an inescapable part of life, both in and out of work. So we can all benefit from having strong problem-solving skills.

It's important to understand your current approach to problem solving, and to know where and how to improve.

Define every problem you encounter – and understand its complexity, rather than trying to solve it too soon.

There's a range of general problem-solving approaches, helping you to generate possible answers, choose the best ones, and then implement your solution.

Some complicated or serious problems require more specific problem-solving systems, especially when they relate to business processes.

By boosting your creativity, decision-making and project-management skills, you’ll become even better at solving all the problems you face.

You've accessed 1 of your 2 free resources.

Get unlimited access

Discover more content

Action learning sets.

Solving Problems by Doing and Discussing

Cause and Effect Analysis

Identifying the Likely Causes of Problems

Add comment

Comments (0)

Be the first to comment!

Get 30% off your first year of Mind Tools

Great teams begin with empowered leaders. Our tools and resources offer the support to let you flourish into leadership. Join today!

Sign-up to our newsletter

Subscribing to the Mind Tools newsletter will keep you up-to-date with our latest updates and newest resources.

Subscribe now

Business Skills

Personal Development

Leadership and Management

Member Extras

Most Popular

Latest Updates

The Presentation Planning Checklist

Mind Tools Store

About Mind Tools Content

Discover something new today

Managing your boss.

Developing an Effective Working Relationship

Negotiating With Confrontational Customers

Advice on how to reach a successful outcome when faced with a confrontational customer.

How Emotionally Intelligent Are You?

Boosting Your People Skills

Self-Assessment

What's Your Leadership Style?

Learn About the Strengths and Weaknesses of the Way You Like to Lead

Recommended for you

Risk impact/probability charts.

Learning to Prioritize Risks

Business Operations and Process Management

Strategy Tools

Customer Service

Business Ethics and Values

Handling Information and Data

Project Management

Knowledge Management

Self-Development and Goal Setting

Time Management

Presentation Skills

Learning Skills

Career Skills

Communication Skills

Negotiation, Persuasion and Influence

Working With Others

Difficult Conversations

Creativity Tools

Self-Management

Work-Life Balance

Stress Management and Wellbeing

Coaching and Mentoring

Change Management

Team Management

Managing Conflict

Delegation and Empowerment

Performance Management

Leadership Skills

Developing Your Team

Talent Management

Problem Solving

Decision Making

Member Podcast

Presentation Design and PowerPoint Formatting Services

Consultants need overnight PowerPoint formatting -- We do it! Companies need presentation design inline with corporate style guide - We do that too!

Visualizing Problem-solving in your PowerPoint Presentations

Business processes need to be constantly improved and refined to keep up with the dynamic market scenarios.

We are always on the lookout for faster and better ways to work and solve problems in our daily work.

There are many tools used by business and consultancy for looking into their process and figuring out the best way to problem-solving.

Some common tools used by most consultants are Root Cause Analytics, Porter’s 5 Forces, the BCG Growth-Share Matrix, The GE McKinsey Nine-Box Matrix, Porter 5 force analysis, SWOT Analysis and so on.

When you are presenting a solution to your clients, you also want to convince them of the output and how you got there.

The presenting part is easy, but what about the convincing part?

Here is where the visualizing problem-solving in your PowerPoint presentations comes to play.

Only facts and no visualizing can be mind-numbing. Especially when you are trying to convince a client to purchase your solution.

How do you layout problem-solving visually?

There is no one-way to visualizing problem-solving through your slides.

Here at Chillibreeze, we work through the 3-levels of formatting to help our customers visualize something .

Depending on the stage of the problem-solving, we pick the right visuals/approach to use.

Sometimes it is a collaborative effort when we sit with our customers to get the best visualization solution for a slide.

Are you Formatting Your Presentation to the Right Level

Here is an important fact.

The attention rate is highest at the first and last 5 minutes of your presentation.

The opening and the closing. Make the best use of that time.

And here’s a little PowerPoint design tip: If you apply the 3 levels of formatting to your slides, apply level 3 to a few slides at the beginning and end of your presentation.

Here is a clean and perfect way you can visually communicate using DMAIC.

Adding animation along with each process enhances the effectiveness of your message.

The layout depends on the depth of your content and the project type you’re handling.

When you have a detailed structure of the whole DMAIC process having a navigation path is the best option. This way you can link the slides back and forth.

If you are using a navigation path, replace the abbreviations with icons. Color coding the icons and the content that comes along with the process helps keep the flow.

You can place the icons representing the 5 stages on the top corner of each slide or on the left-hand side and highlight them when the slides are talking about one or the other process.

Now going a little deeper into each process.

A process defining project goals, problems, the opportunity for improvements and requirements.

This can be visualized in the form of a workflow diagram or a process map.

M - Measure

As the saying goes, “you get what you measure.”

In this case…

“What you see is what you get”

The best way to visualize the measure is through charts because they are mostly data based.

Visualizing data can be challenging.

Use line or bar charts to visualize data more effectively.

A - Analyze

There are many ways you can visualize the analysis of your project. Like the RACI chart, maturity models, business cases, Pareto chart, scatter diagram, and so on.

The common tool used for analysis is the fishbone diagram which identifies the causes and effect or problem.

I - Improve

Counter Measure Matrix an evaluation tool, is a plain-looking table that can bore you to death.

Those ordinary looking excel sheets crunched with data and figures.

But why stick to that if you can make it more appealing to the eye.

C - Control

A workflow or a flow chart is used to visualize Control.

Every industry works in different ways and uses various metrics, charts, and diagrams to present data.

Some charts or diagrams might not work for certain types of data.

Reference: 15 ways to visualizing corporate PowerPoint slides for presentations

Choosing the right format contributes to getting the data across. In addition, improving visualization helps us to think and talk creative.

What tools, diagrams or charts do you use to visualize your data as a consultant?

Leave a comment below.

Related posts:

• 4 Impactful Ideas to Use 3D Pyramid Shapes in Presentations
• Quick Guide to Using New Chart Types in Office 2016
• 10 Simple Steps to Transform Your PowerPoint Presentations
• Motion Graphic Video: Solving a Marketer’s Challenge

Chillibreeze Presentation Design Experts To Your Rescue

Our customers have deadline​s and need our help. Our PowerPoint design experts take their rough content - format it - apply style guidelines and deliver a polished PowerPoint deck. They appreciate the way we learn their needs, keep their information safe and rapidly deliver on-time.​​

Get Rescued

April 6, 2020 at 9:36 pm

Thanks for this worthy information.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

How We Work Getting Started Examples Pricing FAQs Happy Customers Contact Us Onboarding Process Creative Services

Chillibreeze wall Timeline History Chillibreeze Stories Privacy Policy Customer Experience Holiday List Presentation Challenges and Solutions

Leadership Team Chillibreeze wall Timeline History Chillibreeze Stories Privacy Policy Production Stories Holiday List

Purpose Values and Behaviours Opportunity in Northeast India Rethink Social Responsibility The Big Picture Chillibreeze CSR Initiative

Work in Chillibreeze FAQs Career Advice

We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. You can disable them from your browser. Read more about our privacy policy.

Copyright © 2004 - 2024 Chillibreeze Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Master the 7-Step Problem-Solving Process for Better Decision-Making

Discover the powerful 7-Step Problem-Solving Process to make better decisions and achieve better outcomes. Master the art of problem-solving in this comprehensive guide. Download the Free PowerPoint and PDF Template.

StrategyPunk

Introduction.

Mastering the art of problem-solving is crucial for making better decisions. Whether you're a student, a business owner, or an employee, problem-solving skills can help you tackle complex issues and find practical solutions. The 7-Step Problem-Solving Process is a proven method that can help you approach problems systematically and efficiently.

The 7-Step Problem-Solving Process involves steps that guide you through the problem-solving process. The first step is to define the problem, followed by disaggregating the problem into smaller, more manageable parts. Next, you prioritize the features and create a work plan to address each. Then, you analyze each piece, synthesize the information, and communicate your findings to others.

By following this process, you can avoid jumping to conclusions, overlooking important details, or making hasty decisions. Instead, you can approach problems with a clear and structured mindset, which can help you make better decisions and achieve better outcomes.

In this article, we'll explore each step of the 7-Step Problem-Solving Process in detail so you can start mastering this valuable skill. At the end of the blog post, you can download the process's free PowerPoint and PDF templates .

Step 1: Define the Problem

The first step in the problem-solving process is to define the problem. This step is crucial because finding a solution is only accessible if the problem is clearly defined. The problem must be specific, measurable, and achievable.

One way to define the problem is to ask the right questions. Questions like "What is the problem?" and "What are the causes of the problem?" can help. Gathering data and information about the issue to assist in the definition process is also essential.

Another critical aspect of defining the problem is identifying the stakeholders. Who is affected by it? Who has a stake in finding a solution? Identifying the stakeholders can help ensure that the problem is defined in a way that considers the needs and concerns of all those affected.

Once the problem is defined, it is essential to communicate the definition to all stakeholders. This helps to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that there is a shared understanding of the problem.

Step 2: Disaggregate

After defining the problem, the next step in the 7-step problem-solving process is to disaggregate the problem into smaller, more manageable parts. Disaggregation helps break down the problem into smaller pieces that can be analyzed individually. This step is crucial in understanding the root cause of the problem and identifying the most effective solutions.

Disaggregation can be achieved by breaking down the problem into sub-problems, identifying the contributing factors, and analyzing the relationships between these factors. This step helps identify the most critical factors that must be addressed to solve the problem.

A tree or fishbone diagram is one effective way to disaggregate a problem. These diagrams help identify the different factors contributing to the problem and how they are related. Another way is to use a table to list the other factors contributing to the situation and their corresponding impact on the issue.

Disaggregation helps in breaking down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts. It helps understand the relationships between different factors contributing to the problem and identify the most critical factors that must be addressed. By disaggregating the problem, decision-makers can focus on the most vital areas, leading to more effective solutions.

Step 3: Prioritize

After defining the problem and disaggregating it into smaller parts, the next step in the 7-step problem-solving process is prioritizing the issues that need addressing. Prioritizing helps to focus on the most pressing issues and allocate resources more effectively.

There are several ways to prioritize issues, including:

• Urgency: Prioritize issues based on their urgency. Problems that require immediate attention should be addressed first.
• Impact: Prioritize issues based on their impact on the organization or stakeholders. Problems with a high impact should be given priority.
• Resources: Prioritize issues based on the resources required to address them. Problems that require fewer resources should be dealt with first.

It is important to involve stakeholders in the prioritization process, considering their concerns and needs. This can be done through surveys, focus groups, or other forms of engagement.

Once the issues have been prioritized, developing a plan of action to address them is essential. This involves identifying the resources required, setting timelines, and assigning responsibilities.

Prioritizing issues is a critical step in problem-solving. By focusing on the most pressing problems, organizations can allocate resources more effectively and make better decisions.

Step 4: Workplan

After defining the problem, disaggregating, and prioritizing the issues, the next step in the 7-step problem-solving process is to develop a work plan. This step involves creating a roadmap that outlines the steps needed to solve the problem.

The work plan should include a list of tasks, deadlines, and responsibilities for each team member involved in the problem-solving process. Assigning tasks based on each team member's strengths and expertise ensures the work is completed efficiently and effectively.

Creating a work plan can help keep the team on track and ensure everyone is working towards the same goal. It can also help to identify potential roadblocks or challenges that may arise during the problem-solving process and develop contingency plans to address them.

Several tools and techniques can be used to develop a work plan, including Gantt charts, flowcharts, and mind maps. These tools can help to visualize the steps needed to solve the problem and identify dependencies between tasks.

Developing a work plan is a critical step in the problem-solving process. It provides a clear roadmap for solving the problem and ensures everyone involved is aligned and working towards the same goal.

Step 5: Analysis

Once the problem has been defined and disaggregated, the next step is to analyze the information gathered. This step involves examining the data, identifying patterns, and determining the root cause of the problem.

Several methods can be used during the analysis phase, including:

• Root cause analysis
• Pareto analysis
• SWOT analysis

Root cause analysis is a popular method used to identify the underlying cause of a problem. This method involves asking a series of "why" questions to get to the root cause of the issue.

Pareto analysis is another method that can be used during the analysis phase. This method involves identifying the 20% of causes responsible for 80% of the problems. By focusing on these critical causes, organizations can make significant improvements.

Finally, SWOT analysis is a valuable tool for analyzing the internal and external factors that may impact the problem. This method involves identifying the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to the issue.

Overall, the analysis phase is critical for identifying the root cause of the problem and developing practical solutions. By using a combination of methods, organizations can gain a deeper understanding of the issue and make informed decisions.

Step 6: Synthesize

Once the analysis phase is complete, it is time to synthesize the information gathered to arrive at a solution. During this step, the focus is on identifying the most viable solution that addresses the problem. This involves examining and combining the analysis results for a clear and concise conclusion.

One way to synthesize the information is to use a decision matrix. This involves creating a table that lists the potential solutions and the essential criteria for making a decision. Each answer is then rated against each standard, and the scores are tallied to arrive at a final decision.

Another approach to synthesizing the information is to use a mind map. This involves creating a visual representation of the problem and the potential solutions. The mind map can identify the relationships between the different pieces of information and help prioritize the solutions.

During the synthesis phase, it is vital to remain open-minded and consider all potential solutions. Involving all stakeholders in the decision-making process is essential to ensure everyone's perspectives are considered.

Step 7: Communicate

After synthesizing the information, the next step is communicating the findings to the relevant stakeholders. This is a crucial step because it helps to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the decision-making process is transparent.

One effective way to communicate the findings is through a well-organized report. The report should include the problem statement, the analysis, the synthesis, and the recommended solution. It should be clear, concise, and easy to understand.

In addition to the report, a presentation explaining the findings is essential. The presentation should be tailored to the audience and highlight the report's key points. Visual aids such as tables, graphs, and charts can make the presentation more engaging.

During the presentation, it is essential to be open to feedback and questions from the audience. This helps ensure everyone agrees with the recommended solution and addresses concerns or objections.

Effective communication is vital to ensuring the decision-making process is successful. Stakeholders can make informed decisions and work towards a common goal by communicating the findings clearly and concisely.

The 7-step problem-solving process is a powerful tool for helping individuals and organizations make better decisions. By following these steps, individuals can identify the root cause of a problem, prioritize potential solutions, and develop a clear plan of action. This process can be applied to various scenarios, from personal challenges to complex business problems.

Through disaggregation, individuals can break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts. By prioritizing potential solutions, individuals can focus their efforts on the most impactful actions. The work step allows individuals to develop a clear action plan, while the analysis step provides a framework for evaluating possible solutions.

The synthesis step combines all the information gathered to develop a comprehensive solution. Finally, the communication step allows individuals to share their answers with others and gather feedback.

By mastering the 7-step problem-solving process, individuals can become more effective decision-makers and problem-solvers. This process can help individuals and organizations save time and resources while improving outcomes. With practice, individuals can develop the skills to apply this process to a wide range of scenarios and make better decisions in all areas of life.

7-Step Problem-Solving Process PPT Template

Free powerpoint and pdf template, executive summary: the 7-step problem-solving process.

The 7-Step Problem-Solving Process is a robust and systematic method to help individuals and organizations make better decisions by tackling complex issues and finding practical solutions. This process comprises defining the problem, disaggregating it into smaller parts, prioritizing the issues, creating a work plan, analyzing the data, synthesizing the information, and communicating the findings.

By following these steps, individuals can identify the root cause of a problem, break it down into manageable components, and prioritize the most impactful actions. The work plan, analysis, and synthesis steps provide a framework for developing comprehensive solutions, while the communication step ensures transparency and stakeholder engagement.

Mastering this process can improve decision-making and problem-solving capabilities, save time and resources, and improve outcomes in personal and professional contexts.

Please buy me a coffee.

I'd appreciate your support if my templates have saved you time or helped you start a project. Buy Me a Coffee is a simple way to show your appreciation and help me continue creating high-quality templates that meet your needs.

7-Step Problem-Solving Process PDF Template

7-step problem-solving process powerpoint template, global bites: pestle insights into nestlé (free ppt).

Download our free PPT template for in-depth PESTLE insights into Nestlé's global strategy. Learn more today!

PESTLE Analysis: Decoding Reddit's Landscape (Free PPT)

Decode Reddit's global influence with our free PowerPoint PESTLE Analysis. Explore the hub of vibrant discussions and ideas.

Navigating the Terrain: A PESTLE Analysis of Lululemon (Free PowerPoint)

Explore Lululemon's business terrain with our free PESTLE analysis PowerPoint. Instant access!

The Art of Strategic Leadership: 5 Keys to Success by Willie Peterson

Explore Willie Peterson's 5 crucial strategies for strategic leadership. Master learning, customer focus, and effective storytelling.

Problem-Solving Frameworks

Download and customize this and 500+ other business templates

Start here ⬇️

Voila! You can now download this Presentation

What is problem-solving? It is the steps, processes, and techniques used to overcome obstacles to complete a task. Sometimes this task is a question to be answered; other times it's a physical objective to achieve. Through the art of problem-solving, you deconstruct problems and break them down into a series of smaller steps. But what are problem-solving skills?

5 questions and answers

How does the Problem-Solving Frameworks template align with a company's digital transformation initiatives?

The Problem-Solving Frameworks template can align with a company's digital transformation initiatives in several ways. Firstly, digital transformation often involves complex problems that need to be broken down into manageable parts, which is exactly what the Problem-Solving Frameworks template is designed to do. Secondly, the template can help identify potential causes of problems within the digital transformation process, allowing for more effective solutions to be developed. Lastly, the template can be used to develop problem-solving skills within the team, which are crucial for navigating the challenges of digital transformation.

Can you compare the Problem-Solving Frameworks template with other business problem-solving frameworks?

The Problem-Solving Frameworks template is a tool that helps to deconstruct complex problems into smaller, logical steps. It includes tools that survey and identify a problem, explore potential causes, and propose solutions. This approach is similar to other business problem-solving frameworks such as the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) or DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) from Six Sigma. However, the specific tools and techniques used may vary. For example, the Problem-Solving Frameworks template might focus more on identifying and exploring problems, while PDCA and DMAIC might put more emphasis on continuous improvement and control.

How do the key topics covered in the Problem-Solving Frameworks template enhance a company's business strategy?

The key topics covered in the Problem-Solving Frameworks template can enhance a company's business strategy in several ways. Firstly, they provide a structured approach to problem-solving, which can lead to more efficient and effective solutions. This can help a company to overcome obstacles and achieve its objectives more quickly and with less wasted effort. Secondly, they encourage a deep understanding of the problem at hand, which can lead to more innovative and creative solutions. This can give a company a competitive edge in the marketplace. Finally, they promote the development of problem-solving skills within the organization, which can lead to a more adaptable and resilient workforce.

To learn and use the top skills to break down a problem, you can download our Problem-Solving Frameworks presentation template to gain new tools that survey and identify a problem, explore potential causes, brainstorm potential countermeasures, implement proposals for change, and then evaluate the outcome. These tools include slides on A3 Problem-Solving, Work Planning, Root Cause Analysis, Fishbone, FMEA Matrix, Problem Analysis Canvas, Critical Decision Plan, Affinity Diagram for Brainstorming, Outcome Evaluation, Countermeasure Implementation, and many more. If you read to the end, we'll explain how a company Netflix could use these tools to solve its recent subscriber-loss problem.

How could a company like Netflix use the Problem-Solving Frameworks to solve its recent subscriber-loss problem?

Netflix could use the Problem-Solving Frameworks to address its recent subscriber-loss problem by first identifying the problem, which in this case is the loss of subscribers. Next, they could explore potential causes for this issue, such as increased competition, pricing issues, or lack of appealing content. They could then brainstorm potential countermeasures, such as introducing new, exclusive content, adjusting pricing, or improving user experience. After implementing these proposals for change, they would evaluate the outcome to see if the changes have led to an increase in subscribers. Tools like A3 Problem-Solving, Root Cause Analysis, Fishbone, FMEA Matrix, Problem Analysis Canvas, Critical Decision Plan, Affinity Diagram for Brainstorming, Outcome Evaluation, and Countermeasure Implementation could be particularly useful in this process.

How can the Affinity Diagram for Brainstorming, Outcome Evaluation, Countermeasure Implementation tools be used to evaluate the outcome of a problem-solving process?

The Affinity Diagram for Brainstorming, Outcome Evaluation, and Countermeasure Implementation tools can be used to evaluate the outcome of a problem-solving process in several ways. The Affinity Diagram for Brainstorming is used to generate, organize, and consolidate information related to a problem. It helps in identifying key issues and patterns that might not be visible otherwise. The Outcome Evaluation tool is used to assess the results of the problem-solving process. It helps in determining whether the problem was effectively resolved or not. The Countermeasure Implementation tool is used to apply corrective actions to prevent the problem from recurring. It ensures that the solutions are effectively implemented and the problem is completely resolved.

How can the FMEA Matrix, Problem Analysis Canvas, Critical Decision Plan tools be utilized in brainstorming potential countermeasures and implementing proposals for change?

The FMEA Matrix, Problem Analysis Canvas, and Critical Decision Plan are all tools that can be used in the problem-solving process. The FMEA Matrix is used to identify potential failures in a system or process and assess the impact of those failures. This can help in brainstorming potential countermeasures as it allows you to understand where problems may arise. The Problem Analysis Canvas is a tool that helps you break down a problem into its constituent parts, making it easier to understand and address. This can be useful in implementing proposals for change as it allows you to see exactly what needs to be changed. The Critical Decision Plan is a tool that helps you make decisions about how to address a problem. It can be used to evaluate different potential solutions and decide on the best course of action.

Tool highlights

A3 problem-solving.

To solve any problem, you need to follow these four steps: 1. Define the problem. 2. generate alternate solutions. 3. evaluate and select a solution. 4. implement and follow-up. This four-step framework is essentially the famous process and development improvement "Plan-Do-Check-Act" cycle or PDCA.

The most comprehensive problem-solving tool in this toolkit is the A3 Problem-Solving sheet. Created by Toyota, the A3 system got its name from the small size of the A3 card paper that forces collaborators and team members to focus on the most important aspects of the "full picture." A visualized action plan, A3 corresponds to the PDCA framework.

How can companies implement the A3 Problem-Solving system in their operations?

Companies can implement the A3 Problem-Solving system in their operations by following a series of steps. First, they need to identify the problem and its root cause. This can be done by using various tools such as brainstorming, fishbone diagrams, or 5 Whys analysis. Once the problem and its cause are identified, the next step is to develop a countermeasure or solution to the problem. This should be a detailed plan that outlines the steps to be taken, who is responsible for each step, and when each step should be completed. The plan should then be implemented and monitored to ensure it is effective. If the problem persists, the process should be repeated until the problem is resolved. The A3 Problem-Solving system encourages continuous improvement and is a powerful tool for problem-solving and decision-making.

How do the key topics covered in the Problem-Solving Frameworks template enhance business strategy?

The key topics covered in the Problem-Solving Frameworks template enhance business strategy by providing a structured approach to problem-solving. This allows businesses to deconstruct complex problems into smaller, manageable steps, making it easier to identify and address the root causes. The A3 Problem-Solving sheet, for instance, encourages focus on the most important aspects of the problem, promoting efficiency and effectiveness in problem resolution. This systematic approach to problem-solving can lead to better decision-making, improved processes, and ultimately, a more robust business strategy.

How does the A3 Problem-Solving framework align with digital transformation initiatives in businesses?

The A3 Problem-Solving framework aligns with digital transformation initiatives in businesses by providing a structured approach to problem-solving. This framework, created by Toyota, encourages teams to focus on the most important aspects of a problem, which is crucial in digital transformation initiatives where prioritization of tasks is key. The A3 framework corresponds to the PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act) framework, which is often used in digital transformation to manage change and monitor progress. Thus, the A3 framework can be an effective tool in managing the complexities and challenges that arise during digital transformation.

• Steps 1-4 of this A3 problem sheet cover the "Plan" of the PDCA. Step 1 requires a good grasp of the history of the problem to understand it.
• Step 2 describes the current condition.
• Step 3 requires a root cause analysis to find potential reasons behind the problem.
• After that, jot down the desired future state in Step 4.
• Step 5 corresponds to "Do" in PDCA, where countermeasures for experimentation are developed to address the problem.
• Step 6 is the implementation of all these ideas to solve the problem across a set timeline. Ideally, this covers the what, when, and who of the responsibilities as well.
• Step 7 corresponds to "Check", which evaluates the implementations that were made, collects the data, and compares the before and after of the implementation.
• Step 8 is the follow-up, where plans are made to sustain the improvement over the mid-term and long-term. This could be weekly, monthly, or quarterly check-ins, as well as an analysis of whether the problem is case closed or still needs improvement. (Slide 4)

1 questions and answers

Give me a presentation about problem-solving in soft skills

Problem-solving is a crucial soft skill that involves identifying, analyzing, and resolving problems. It's a multi-step process: 1. Identify the problem: This is the first step in problem-solving. It involves recognizing the existence of a problem and defining it clearly. 2. Analyze the problem: This involves understanding the problem's nature, its extent, and its impact. It may require gathering additional information or data. 3. Generate possible solutions: This step involves brainstorming potential solutions to the problem. It's important to consider a wide range of options at this stage. 4. Evaluate and select a solution: This involves assessing each potential solution to determine its feasibility and effectiveness. The best solution is then selected for implementation. 5. Implement the solution: This involves putting the chosen solution into action. It may involve delegating tasks, setting timelines, and allocating resources. 6. Review the solution: After the solution has been implemented, it's important to review its effectiveness. If the problem hasn't been resolved, the process may need to be repeated. Remember, problem-solving is a dynamic process and often requires flexibility, creativity, and resilience.

Work planning

Problem-solving doesn't happen in a vacuum. Work planning is actually a problem-solving tool in that it lays out the work plan and timelines and assigns roles and responsibilities to address issues. If you were paying attention above, this corresponds to Step 6 of A3 and the "Do" step of PDCA. In this work planning sheet, the first column in the table covers the issue and hypothesis, followed by the analysis that needs to be done to address the issue, the data sources used (like customer surveys or extensive market research), the role of the stakeholder or team responsible, and the due date. (Slide 10)

What is the significance of assigning roles and responsibilities in problem-solving?

Assigning roles and responsibilities in problem-solving is significant as it ensures that each aspect of the problem is addressed by a dedicated individual or team. This promotes efficiency and effectiveness in the problem-solving process. It helps in avoiding confusion and overlapping of tasks, ensuring that all tasks are completed within the stipulated time. It also fosters accountability, as each team member is aware of their specific tasks and responsibilities.

How can customer surveys and market research contribute to problem-solving?

Customer surveys and market research are crucial tools in problem-solving. They provide valuable insights into customer needs, preferences, and behaviors. This data can help identify the root cause of a problem, validate or invalidate hypotheses, and guide decision-making. For instance, if a business is facing a decline in sales, a customer survey can reveal if it's due to product quality, pricing, or customer service. Similarly, market research can provide information about market trends, competition, and potential opportunities. Thus, these tools contribute to problem-solving by providing evidence-based insights to inform strategies and actions.

What is the importance of the first column in the work planning sheet?

The first column in the work planning sheet is crucial as it covers the issue and hypothesis. This is where the problem or challenge that needs to be addressed is identified and a preliminary theory or assumption is made about it. This sets the direction for the subsequent analysis and actions.

Root cause analysis

It's often important to break down the root cause of a problem. This root cause analysis chart has three columns that cover the identity of the issue, likely root causes, and possible solutions. Subtopics are listed below, including a column for quantifiable metrics. For instance, for the identity of the issue, the quantifiable element to measure could be its "criticality." Ask yourself, "how severe of an issue are you dealing with?" The source could come from a client, HR, or other business areas.

What are some potential sources of issues in a business that can be addressed using the Problem-Solving Frameworks template?

Potential sources of issues in a business that can be addressed using the Problem-Solving Frameworks template could be varied. They could stem from client interactions, human resources, or other business areas. The template is designed to deconstruct problems into smaller, logical steps, making it easier to identify and address the root cause. It can be used to tackle issues of varying criticality, from minor operational hiccups to major strategic challenges. The key is to identify the issue, explore its likely root causes, and then devise possible solutions.

How can the severity of an issue be measured in problem-solving frameworks?

The severity of an issue in problem-solving frameworks can be measured by assessing its impact on the business or project. This could include the potential for financial loss, damage to reputation, or disruption to operations. It's also important to consider the frequency of the issue and the number of people or processes it affects. The severity can be quantified using a scale or rating system, which can help prioritize issues for resolution.

What are some examples of quantifiable metrics used in root cause analysis?

Quantifiable metrics in root cause analysis can vary depending on the nature of the problem and the industry. However, some common examples include: 1. Time metrics: This could be the time it takes to detect an issue, the time it takes to resolve it, or the downtime caused by the issue. 2. Cost metrics: This could be the cost of resolving the issue, the cost of lost productivity due to the issue, or the cost of preventive measures. 3. Quality metrics: This could be the number of defects, the severity of defects, or the impact of defects on customer satisfaction. 4. Process metrics: This could be the number of steps it takes to resolve an issue, the number of people involved, or the complexity of the process. 5. Customer metrics: This could be customer satisfaction scores, net promoter scores, or customer churn rates.

Under root cause, the "likelihood" of this root cause could be the quantifiable metric. The root cause column also highlights "information", which is meant to help define how the data is used to identify the root cause. Under possible solutions, the "risk level" of any action to solve the problem could be the quantifiable metric. You don't want your solution to wind up worse than the root problem, after all. The purpose here is that once you do find the root cause of a problem, it will be indicative of what the potential solution could be to solve it. (Slide 19)

Fishbone diagram

Another tool to identify cause and effect is a fishbone diagram, also known as an Ishikawa diagram. In this diagram, the team first agrees on what the problem statement is. The spine of the fish connects to all the major categories of possible causes. These categories are usually "materials", "measurements", "method", "machine", "people", and "environment." Since these are broad buckets, most contributing factors will fit under one of these six bones, so list the possible factors in each possible cause category. In order to see beyond the obvious for deeper analysis, use the 5 whys framework to ask the "why" behind any of these potential problems until the root of the issue is uncovered. (Slide 13)

Case study: Netflix

So how could a company like Netflix use these problem-solving frameworks? Let's say Netflix wanted to use the A3 problem-solving framework to solve its recent subscriber loss problem. First, Netflix would need to make a plan. In Step 1, they would identify their goal is to stop the loss of subscribers and continue to show growth to investors. The background is that when Netflix reported its recent Q1 earnings, it reported it lost 200,000 subscribers - the first time it lost subscribers in 10 years, and its share price dropped 30%, so this is an existential threat to Netflix's status as a growth tech stock.

The current condition is that Netflix has increased competition from rival streamers, so it is currently in a red ocean market. It also has widespread account sharing that accounts for about 100 million viewers who don't pay. Netflix also has high market penetration in North America and Latin America, so it will need to focus on growth in Europe and Asia. While Netflix has over 200 million subscribers which generate roughly 27 billion in revenue, it needs to spend more on content and marketing to win these markets. This is a problem if its net revenues start going down with more subscriber loss.

Root case of subscriber loss

• Too much competition. With so many new rivals like Disney+, Paramount+, and HBO Max, Netflix has to pursue a broad strategy to capture as wide an audience as possible. This means it's no longer focused on the prestige level shows that got it started, and could have lost subscribers as it tried to win new ones.
• Too much content. There are now over 817,000 shows on US streaming services. Perhaps viewers can't find what they want on Netflix, so they turn it off and leave. The pandemic-driven boost to streaming might also be coming to an end now that more people are traveling again and going out more often.
• Price increases. Among so many subscription offers, Netflix blamed its subscriber loss in North America on its recent price hikes. Since it has to spend upwards of $18 billion on content this year, it can't just go lower its prices without some way to make that up.

Possible solutions

• A lower-cost ad-supported tier. Netflix could appeal to price-conscious consumers and potentially offset $4 billion in lost revenue with ad sponsors. To put it in perspective, Roku makes something like $40+ monthly revenue per user with ads compared to Netflix's $14 from subscriptions. If Netflix does this, it could be ready by 2023 or 2024.
• Sports rights. Two of the growth markets Netflix could win over are Europe and Asia. So Netflix could pursue the rights to a popular European sports league, like Formula 1 or FIFA. FIFA just launched its own streaming service FIFA+, so Netflix will probably pursue Formula 1 first, given the fact that its popular docuseries on the sport reignited the sport's popularity on social media and in the US. Let's say Netflix is able to regain its stock momentum, and in a year or two from now, FIFA+ ends up a failed experiment; Netflix could try to be first in line to buy it.
• Video games. The other growth market Netflix has is in Asia, so Netflix could double down on its mobile game strategy and turn itself into an app fortress that offers video games. The video game industry is the largest entertainment industry in the world and will grow to reach $268 billion by 2025. While Netflix has tried and largely failed to lure Indian viewers to its app with a low-cost tier, it could pivot to focus on Southeast Asia entertainment consumers. As of 2021, there are around 250 million mobile gamers across all of Southeast Asia.

Netflix's desired outcome is to reach a billion global users outside of China. So a strategy that involves a lower-cost ad-supported tier, a premier sports league like Formula 1 or FIFA, and a robust mobile gaming offering could help be countermeasures needed to offset its losses and get it closer to that desired outcome. Next, it has to implement these strategies, evaluate their success, and follow up on what's working.

• Business Essentials
• Leadership & Management
• Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business (CLIMB)
• Entrepreneurship & Innovation
• Digital Transformation
• Finance & Accounting
• Business in Society
• For Organizations
• Support Portal
• Media Coverage
• Founding Donors
• Leadership Team

• Harvard Business School →
• HBS Online →
• Business Insights →

Business Insights

Harvard Business School Online's Business Insights Blog provides the career insights you need to achieve your goals and gain confidence in your business skills.

• Career Development
• Communication
• Decision-Making
• Earning Your MBA
• Negotiation
• News & Events
• Productivity
• Staff Spotlight
• Student Profiles
• Work-Life Balance
• AI Essentials for Business
• Alternative Investments
• Business Analytics
• Business Strategy
• Business and Climate Change
• Design Thinking and Innovation
• Digital Marketing Strategy
• Disruptive Strategy
• Economics for Managers
• Entrepreneurship Essentials
• Financial Accounting
• Global Business
• Launching Tech Ventures
• Leadership Principles
• Leadership, Ethics, and Corporate Accountability
• Leading with Finance
• Management Essentials
• Negotiation Mastery
• Organizational Leadership
• Power and Influence for Positive Impact
• Strategy Execution
• Sustainable Business Strategy
• Sustainable Investing
• Winning with Digital Platforms

What Is Creative Problem-Solving & Why Is It Important?

• 01 Feb 2022

One of the biggest hindrances to innovation is complacency—it can be more comfortable to do what you know than venture into the unknown. Business leaders can overcome this barrier by mobilizing creative team members and providing space to innovate.

There are several tools you can use to encourage creativity in the workplace. Creative problem-solving is one of them, which facilitates the development of innovative solutions to difficult problems.

Here’s an overview of creative problem-solving and why it’s important in business.

Access your free e-book today.

What Is Creative Problem-Solving?

Research is necessary when solving a problem. But there are situations where a problem’s specific cause is difficult to pinpoint. This can occur when there’s not enough time to narrow down the problem’s source or there are differing opinions about its root cause.

In such cases, you can use creative problem-solving , which allows you to explore potential solutions regardless of whether a problem has been defined.

Creative problem-solving is less structured than other innovation processes and encourages exploring open-ended solutions. It also focuses on developing new perspectives and fostering creativity in the workplace . Its benefits include:

• Finding creative solutions to complex problems : User research can insufficiently illustrate a situation’s complexity. While other innovation processes rely on this information, creative problem-solving can yield solutions without it.
• Adapting to change : Business is constantly changing, and business leaders need to adapt. Creative problem-solving helps overcome unforeseen challenges and find solutions to unconventional problems.
• Fueling innovation and growth : In addition to solutions, creative problem-solving can spark innovative ideas that drive company growth. These ideas can lead to new product lines, services, or a modified operations structure that improves efficiency.

Creative problem-solving is traditionally based on the following key principles :

1. Balance Divergent and Convergent Thinking

Creative problem-solving uses two primary tools to find solutions: divergence and convergence. Divergence generates ideas in response to a problem, while convergence narrows them down to a shortlist. It balances these two practices and turns ideas into concrete solutions.

2. Reframe Problems as Questions

By framing problems as questions, you shift from focusing on obstacles to solutions. This provides the freedom to brainstorm potential ideas.

3. Defer Judgment of Ideas

When brainstorming, it can be natural to reject or accept ideas right away. Yet, immediate judgments interfere with the idea generation process. Even ideas that seem implausible can turn into outstanding innovations upon further exploration and development.

4. Focus on "Yes, And" Instead of "No, But"

Using negative words like "no" discourages creative thinking. Instead, use positive language to build and maintain an environment that fosters the development of creative and innovative ideas.

Creative Problem-Solving and Design Thinking

Whereas creative problem-solving facilitates developing innovative ideas through a less structured workflow, design thinking takes a far more organized approach.

Design thinking is a human-centered, solutions-based process that fosters the ideation and development of solutions. In the online course Design Thinking and Innovation , Harvard Business School Dean Srikant Datar leverages a four-phase framework to explain design thinking.

The four stages are:

• Clarify: The clarification stage allows you to empathize with the user and identify problems. Observations and insights are informed by thorough research. Findings are then reframed as problem statements or questions.
• Ideate: Ideation is the process of coming up with innovative ideas. The divergence of ideas involved with creative problem-solving is a major focus.
• Develop: In the development stage, ideas evolve into experiments and tests. Ideas converge and are explored through prototyping and open critique.
• Implement: Implementation involves continuing to test and experiment to refine the solution and encourage its adoption.

Creative problem-solving primarily operates in the ideate phase of design thinking but can be applied to others. This is because design thinking is an iterative process that moves between the stages as ideas are generated and pursued. This is normal and encouraged, as innovation requires exploring multiple ideas.

Creative Problem-Solving Tools

While there are many useful tools in the creative problem-solving process, here are three you should know:

Creating a Problem Story

One way to innovate is by creating a story about a problem to understand how it affects users and what solutions best fit their needs. Here are the steps you need to take to use this tool properly.

1. Identify a UDP

Create a problem story to identify the undesired phenomena (UDP). For example, consider a company that produces printers that overheat. In this case, the UDP is "our printers overheat."

2. Move Forward in Time

To move forward in time, ask: “Why is this a problem?” For example, minor damage could be one result of the machines overheating. In more extreme cases, printers may catch fire. Don't be afraid to create multiple problem stories if you think of more than one UDP.

3. Move Backward in Time

To move backward in time, ask: “What caused this UDP?” If you can't identify the root problem, think about what typically causes the UDP to occur. For the overheating printers, overuse could be a cause.

Following the three-step framework above helps illustrate a clear problem story:

• The printer is overused.
• The printer overheats.
• The printer breaks down.

You can extend the problem story in either direction if you think of additional cause-and-effect relationships.

4. Break the Chains

By this point, you’ll have multiple UDP storylines. Take two that are similar and focus on breaking the chains connecting them. This can be accomplished through inversion or neutralization.

• Inversion: Inversion changes the relationship between two UDPs so the cause is the same but the effect is the opposite. For example, if the UDP is "the more X happens, the more likely Y is to happen," inversion changes the equation to "the more X happens, the less likely Y is to happen." Using the printer example, inversion would consider: "What if the more a printer is used, the less likely it’s going to overheat?" Innovation requires an open mind. Just because a solution initially seems unlikely doesn't mean it can't be pursued further or spark additional ideas.
• Neutralization: Neutralization completely eliminates the cause-and-effect relationship between X and Y. This changes the above equation to "the more or less X happens has no effect on Y." In the case of the printers, neutralization would rephrase the relationship to "the more or less a printer is used has no effect on whether it overheats."

Even if creating a problem story doesn't provide a solution, it can offer useful context to users’ problems and additional ideas to be explored. Given that divergence is one of the fundamental practices of creative problem-solving, it’s a good idea to incorporate it into each tool you use.

Brainstorming

Brainstorming is a tool that can be highly effective when guided by the iterative qualities of the design thinking process. It involves openly discussing and debating ideas and topics in a group setting. This facilitates idea generation and exploration as different team members consider the same concept from multiple perspectives.

Hosting brainstorming sessions can result in problems, such as groupthink or social loafing. To combat this, leverage a three-step brainstorming method involving divergence and convergence :

• Have each group member come up with as many ideas as possible and write them down to ensure the brainstorming session is productive.
• Continue the divergence of ideas by collectively sharing and exploring each idea as a group. The goal is to create a setting where new ideas are inspired by open discussion.
• Begin the convergence of ideas by narrowing them down to a few explorable options. There’s no "right number of ideas." Don't be afraid to consider exploring all of them, as long as you have the resources to do so.

Alternate Worlds

The alternate worlds tool is an empathetic approach to creative problem-solving. It encourages you to consider how someone in another world would approach your situation.

For example, if you’re concerned that the printers you produce overheat and catch fire, consider how a different industry would approach the problem. How would an automotive expert solve it? How would a firefighter?

Be creative as you consider and research alternate worlds. The purpose is not to nail down a solution right away but to continue the ideation process through diverging and exploring ideas.

Continue Developing Your Skills

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, marketer, or business leader, learning the ropes of design thinking can be an effective way to build your skills and foster creativity and innovation in any setting.

If you're ready to develop your design thinking and creative problem-solving skills, explore Design Thinking and Innovation , one of our online entrepreneurship and innovation courses. If you aren't sure which course is the right fit, download our free course flowchart to determine which best aligns with your goals.

About the Author

Home PowerPoint Templates Diagrams 7 Step Problem Solving Process Diagram for PowerPoint

7 Step Problem Solving Process Diagram for PowerPoint

The 7 Step Problem Solving Process Diagram for PowerPoint is a semi-circular template design. It illustrates an iterative process cycle including chevron arrows. Each of these arrow shapes outlines a sequence of the problem-solving method in seven stages. The stages include problem definition, disaggregation, prioritizing, work plan, analysis, synthesis, and communication. These stages are also known as the 7 steps to bullet-proof problem-solving model. This process flow encapsulates all essential steps required to address an issue up to its resolution.

Finding and implementing a solution to any problem is a crucial skill required in all parts of life. It is considered one of the important job capabilities. The 7 steps process of problem-solving provides a foundation that is applicable for business as well as personal challenges. This process functions effectively with nearly all types of problem-solving tools and techniques.

The 7 Step Problem Solving Process Diagram for PowerPoint presents a semi-circle shape of connected chevron arrows. These arrows define the direction of the process sequence. The problem-solving diagram template can be used in educational/staff training and organizational problem-solving presentations. There are additional seven slides of the PowerPoint diagram template to carry detailed discussions about each stage. The users can customize colors and change the textual content of pre-design templates. The SlideModel diagram templates offer a 5 step version of problem solving process template. The users can choose from these templates based on the complexity of the problem and decision making strategies.

You must be logged in to download this file.

Favorite Add to Collection

Details (8 slides)

Supported Versions:

Subscribe today and get immediate access to download our PowerPoint templates.

Related PowerPoint Templates

6-Circle Venn Diagram Template for PowerPoint

6-Step Hexagon Process Flow PowerPoint Template

Corporate Process Map Template for PowerPoint

4-Dimension Circular Diagram PowerPoint Template

Got any suggestions?

We want to hear from you! Send us a message and help improve Slidesgo

Top searches

Trending searches

11 templates

28 templates

holy spirit

36 templates

islamic history

memorial day

12 templates

165 templates

Problem Solving and Mathematical Reasoning

Problem solving and mathematical reasoning presentation, free google slides theme, powerpoint template, and canva presentation template.

Let's make math learning more fun, especially at early levels of education. This new template has some cute illustrations and lots of elements related to math, including backgrounds that look like blackboards. This is a great choice for teachers who want to turn their classes into a more entertaining experience for their students. Customize the slides to add your own activities or explanations!

Features of this template

• 100% editable and easy to modify
• 36 different slides to impress your audience
• Contains easy-to-edit graphics such as graphs, maps, tables, timelines and mockups
• Includes 500+ icons and Flaticon’s extension for customizing your slides
• Designed to be used in Google Slides, Canva, and Microsoft PowerPoint
• 16:9 widescreen format suitable for all types of screens
• Includes information about fonts, colors, and credits of the free resources used

How can I use the template?

Am I free to use the templates?

How to attribute?

Combines with:

This template can be combined with this other one to create the perfect presentation:

Attribution required If you are a free user, you must attribute Slidesgo by keeping the slide where the credits appear. How to attribute?

Related posts on our blog.

How to Add, Duplicate, Move, Delete or Hide Slides in Google Slides

How to Change Layouts in PowerPoint

How to Change the Slide Size in Google Slides

Related presentations.

Premium template

Unlock this template and gain unlimited access