THE SIX-STAGE PROBLEM-SOLVING PROCESS

The Six-Stage Problem-Solving Process is a process that starts out with an unorganized mess and ends with a implementing a solution.  This problem can be and has been used to find the solutions for just about any problem.  We will explore the six-stages using divergent and convergent thinking.  While the divergent thinking phase is most important and starts early in the process, convergent is most important later on, and each thinking phase has a part in each stage.

Stage 1:   Exploring the Mess:  In the 1^st stage we allow our self to look into the mess of issues challenges, problems, and opportunities to find an area on which we can focus by using the divergent and convergent phase of thinking.

During this stage we can ask ourselves questions such as:

·         What is keeping us from being successful?

·         What must we change for being successful?

·         What is in the way?

·         Where do we start?

·         Where is our showstopper?

·         How can we prioritize?

Stage 2:   Searching for Information:  In the 2^nd stage we explore known, unknown, issues, challenges, missing or needed information to expand understanding of the mess.  We collect data in order to find out more information in order to clarify more of the problem.

During this stage we can ask ourselves questions such as:

·         What is it we know or don’t know?

·         Where are the relationships?

·         What is in the way?

·         Where do we start?

Stage 3:  Identifying a Problem:   In the 3^rd stage we formulate a problem statement and the main part of the condition.

During this stage we can ask ourselves questions such as:

·         What are new ways to view and express challenges?

·         What is the most important problem?

Stage 4:  Searching for Solutions: During the 4^th stage we search for diverse ideas relating to the problem in order to address the problem statement.

During this stage we can ask ourselves questions such as:

·         What are the success factors?

·         How do we measure it?

·         What are ways to strengthen their potential?

Stage 5:  Evaluating Solutions: During the 5^th stage it can be considered the culmination of the process and is the stage in which the preferred solution starts.

During this stage we can ask ourselves questions such as:

·         What factors of the problem can be controlled

·         How and what does the solution impact?

Stage 6:  Implementing a Solution: During the 6^th stage we generate action steps to implement the solution.  The solution means nothing at all unless it can implemented.

During this stage we can ask ourselves questions such as:

·         What are the ingredients for action?

·         Who is doing what?

·         What resources are needed?