A Template for Problem-Solving
To be an effective problem solver:
1/. figure out, and regularly re-articulate, your goals, purposes, and needs. recognize problems as obstacles to reaching, your goals, achieving your purposes, or satisfying your needs.
2/. Wherever possible take problems one by one. state each problem as clearly and precisely as you can.
3/. Study the problem to determine the "kind" of problem you are dealing with. For example, what do you have to do to solve it?
4/. Distinguish problems over which you have some control from problems over which you have no control. Concentrate your efforts on problems you can potentially solve.
5/. Figure out the information you need to solve the problem. Actively seek that information.
6/. Carefully analyze and interpret the information you collect, drawing reasonable inferences.
7/. Determine your options for action. What can you do in the short term? In the long term? Recognize your limitations in terms of money, time, and power.
8/. Evaluate your options, determining their advantages and disadvantages.
9/. Adopt a strategy. Follow through on it. This may involve direct action or a carefully thought-through wait-and-see approach.
10/. When you act, monitor the implications of your action. Be prepared to change your analysis or statement of the problem, as more information about the problem becomes available.
