The ability to solve problems effectively or to make good decisions is vital for success. Over the years, I’ve been intentional about my decision making and have read extensively on problem-solving and decision making. With elements from sources I’ve come across, I’ve put together a simple approach that I use to solve my problems. I call it the ABCDE Decision-making model or ABCDE Problem Solving Model. Use it if you find it useful.
Step1: Prepare to solve the problem.
- Create a conducive environment
- Gather the right team (key stakeholders) to solve the problem.
- Avoid groupthink by creating an atmosphere where people can contribute freely without fear that they or their ideas will be judged negatively or rejected by the other participants.
Step 2: Apply the ABCDE framework.
ABCDE stands for Analyze, Brainstorm, Choose, Do it, and Evaluate the results.
- Analyze the problem. To analyze means to examine methodically by separating into parts and studying their interrelations. Break the issue down and study it. Analyze, assess, and research the situation to ascertain the problem. After doing so, come up with a problem summary that clearly defines the real problem. To assess and analyze the problem, you may use root cause analysis to get to identify the root cause. At this stage, you get to the bottom of things and define the root cause, the real problem. You ascertain the problem. After knowing the real problem, you move to the next stage. Tools at this stage include a) Root Cause Analysis, and b) The 5 Whys. Part of analyzing a problem includes acquiring more information to understand it.
- Brainstorm to generate options/solutions. Brainstorm multiple ideas with multiple stakeholders using Charette Procedure. If needed, affinity grouping and multi-voting can be used to categorize and choose options from the ideas generated during brainstorming.
- Choose. Consider (evaluate) each option carefully and choose one. Choose the best solution (or a few options) to focus on. Decide and act. I apply my WISE PATH filters to each option to help me narrow done to one or a few to focus on.
- Do it. Implement the decision.
- Evaluate the results. After implementation, evaluate the implemented solution and learn from it.
- Follow up and Fix any kinks.
**Note that throughout the entire process, you should collect and process information as needed for each step.
Other resources on the subject
- How to create a differential diagnosis. (Problem-Solving in Medicine)
- Mindtools.com article titled, How to make decisions.
- Vroom-Yetton decision model.
- The Kepner-Tregoe Method.
- Rapid Problem Analysis.
- https://www.lucidchart.com/blog/decision-making-process-steps
- https://www.designorate.com/brainstorming-using-charette-procedure/
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