Tentang Problem Solving

I’ve been introduced about problem solving around 2 years ago. That’s when I participated Minaut (Mining & Automotive) Problem Solving training in Astra. I’m quite amazed with the importance of problem solving, that’s because the trainer (who is my beloved boss) has a capability to make the participants adore him J.

But that’s only for a short while since I didn’t use the problem solving tools in my daily job or daily life. I got deeper understanding about problem solving when I was given a responsibility to be the program manager for problem solving training for cadre supervisor. The first thing I got about problem solving is about identifying whether a problem is ready to be solved or not.

A problem can be divided into two types, a complex problem and a single problem. A complex problem consists of some single problems. A complex problem is not ready to be solved; it should be broken down into single problems first. For example: creating a successful marriage. What kind of problem is it? Yes, it is a complex problem; it is not ready to be solved directly. Firstly, we have to set the KPI of a successful marriage, e.g.: “balik modal”, enough food, no complain from the parents (both side), etc. Then, we break the problem down to its single problems according to the KPI. The single problem can be: the invitation, the program, the meal, the decoration, etc. After that, the single problems are ready to be solved one by one or by different person that’s in charge for each problem.

Then the second one is about various kind of problem solving. Practical problem solving, analytical problem solving, and creative problem solving.
1. Practical problem solving is usually done by asking why, and why, and why.. until you find the root cause of the problem. Then, since it is a practical problem or a simple problem, it can be solved directly.
2. The analytical problem solving is for a problem that has many root causes that they have to be analyzed and solved one by one. There are some analytical problem solving method, such as DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve, control) and 8 steps problem solving. The 1st one I think is an old problem solving method, but surprisingly still used until today. AIG has just created a new division called PMO (Project Management Office). It’s a division that coordinates and manages the improvement projects in AIG. It uses DMAIC method and 6-sigma. So, I think those methods are “everlasting methods” just like the SWOT method for strategic management. The tools for analytical problem solving are just like strategic management tools such as fish bone diagram, cause effect diagram, pareto diagram, etc.
3. The third type of problem solving is creative problem solving. In my opinion, this is the most useful problem solving method. Especially when trying to find a solution for a problem, we have to use our creative thinking. Experience of course helps much, but it can only produce solution that is “biasa-biasa saja”. To produce an unusual solution or a “blue” solution (adopting from blue ocean strategy), we have to use lateral thinking and not linear thinking. We have to think out of the box. And I bet this method will not only solve the problem but has the effect to produce incredible result on the long term.

To be more creative is one of my resolutions in 2008, because I’ve been thinking that our education method and my surrounding have so many impacts to lower my creativity. This is a reactive thinking, but I respond it with a proactive approachJ. I think creativity can be built over time. One of the activities I do for this purpose is this blog. It can make me more creative ‘cause I have to continuously look for interesting topics to be written on this blog.

The conclusion is: applying problem solving method is very useful to get an appropriate solution for the problem, and one most useful skill for this method is creativity, because it can help us to produce more than just a solution, it can help us to reap a better tomorrow. (Isn’t it like a word of wisdom? Hihihi…)