What is the Six-Step problem-solving model

One of the ways you can approach a problem using structured thinking is with the Six-Step problem-solving model by taking a problem and working with your team to break it down into understandable and manageable steps.

First, you’ll want to identify and clarify what the problem is. Ask yourself the following questions:

• What is the problem?
• When does the problem occur?
• Who is involved?
• What do we know about the problem?

Next, you’ll want to understand the root causes of the problem you’re facing. During this stage, it can be helpful to collectively brainstorm potential causes of the problem, conduct relevant research or interviews with those close to the situation, and use tools like a Fishbone diagram to distill your understanding of the issue. This is also when you can solidify your problem statement as you develop a clearer understanding of the problem.

What are the Eight Disciplines of problem-solving?

The Eight Disciplines (8D) problem-solving methodology was developed by the Ford Motor Company as a structured approach for resolving issues, primarily used in quality engineering. It is widely used across industries to improve processes and products by eliminating recurring problems. It involves nine steps:

1. Plan - This is prework done to prepare the greater team to solve the problem.
2. Establish a team - Using what you’ve learned in your pre-work, gather a team with knowledge of the processes or products you will be dealing with.
3. Define the problem - Work with your team to define the following facts surrounding the issue: the who, what, where, when, why, how, and how many or how often.
4. Implement interim containment actions - Work to isolate the problem to prevent it from spreading or impacting other parts of your business as you work to solve its root cause.
5. Identify root causes - Define all possible causes as to why the problem occurred. Then look to identify what prevented the problem from surfacing until this moment. This is another great opportunity to use the Five Whys or a Fishbone diagrams to visualize your problem-solving.
6. Verify permanent corrective actions - Be sure to test and ensure your final solution will solve the problem for your business or customers.
7. Implement corrective actions - Get your solution out the door and update any of those that were affected by the problem about the solution.
8. Prevent recurrence - Implement any new policies or procedures deemed necessary to prevent the same or similar problems from occurring in the future.
9. Congratulate the team - Thanks and recognition are part of a healthy culture. Be sure to support your team and congratulate them on a job well done.

What is the Drill-Down Technique?

The Drill-Down Technique is an approach to problem-solving that aims to quickly determine the root cause of a problem. The approach is based on the Pareto Principle, or 80/20 rule, which states that 80% of problems are caused by just 20% of the causes. The process begins by identifying the main issue and then systematically breaking it down into sub-problems, each of which can be analyzed and addressed individually. This hierarchical approach helps to pinpoint the root causes of the problem and ensures that no aspect is overlooked. By dealing with each sub-problem separately, solutions can be developed more effectively, leading to a comprehensive resolution of the overall issue. This technique is also useful in project management, general troubleshooting, and strategic planning of any kind.

What is the MECE framework?

The MECE framework, which stands for Mutually Exclusive and Collectively Exhaustive, is a problem-solving technique used to organize information comprehensively and logically. "Mutually Exclusive" ensures that each category is distinct with no overlap, while "Collectively Exhaustive" ensures all possible options are considered, leaving no gaps.
To apply the MECE framework, break down a problem into discrete, non-overlapping components. For example, when analyzing a business issue, categorize factors like market segments, product lines, or customer types without repetition. Then, make sure all relevant elements are included and that they cover the entire scope of the problem. This structured approach promotes clarity, reduces complexity, and aids in identifying root causes and potential solutions. Using MECE, teams can address all aspects of an issue systematically, improving decision-making and strategic planning.

What are the 5 Whys?

The 5 Whys is a simple yet powerful problem-solving technique used to identify the root cause of a problem by repeatedly asking the question "Why?"—typically five times. This iterative interrogative process helps peel away the layers of symptoms to uncover the fundamental issue. Here’s how it works:

• Identify the Problem: Clearly define and outline the problem you or your team are facing.
• Ask Why: Ask why the problem occurred and record the answer.
• Repeat: Use the answer to form the next "Why" question.
• Continue: Continue asking "Why" until the root cause is identified. Generally, this is determined after about five iterations.

The 5 Whys is a quick and easy way to structure your thinking and quickly align your team on the problems at hand to uncover how deep the problem goes.

What is a mind map?

A mind map is a visual diagramming tool that helps organize information, thoughts, and ideas in a structured, visual manner. It begins with a central concept or idea, represented by a central node. From this central node, branches extend to related subtopics. Each branch can have further sub-branches, creating a detailed and interconnected representation of the information. The structure of a mind map mimics the way the human brain naturally processes and organizes information, which is why it remains a popular brainstorming tool across a variety of contexts.

Mind maps leverage colors, images, and keywords to enhance memory retention and understanding. Visually linking key themes, words, and topics to create a holistic view of the content, revealing relationships and patterns that might not have surfaced through traditional note-taking methods.

In practice, mind maps can be used in various settings like project planning and management, note-taking, decision-making, and creative thinking. Since they are extremely flexible, they can be adapted to fit any needs. Whether created by hand or by using digital whiteboard tools, mind maps provide a clear and organized way to capture and explore thoughts.

How to use a mind map:

1. Brainstorming and visualizing concepts:

Lead a group or solo brainstorm with the help of a mind map or concept map. Place the topic or idea into the center of the map and begin adding related ideas around it or branching off of it. Identify connected themes, and add other, less connected ideas farther from the center. Once you’ve exhausted your ideas, use colors or other identifying themes to group related ideas together and leave with a new, visual map of your topic.

2. Presenting and communicating ideas:

Communicating complex ideas is hard! Sometimes a visual approach can make it easier for everyone to understand your ideas and how they fit into the larger picture or your goals. As you iterate through your topic, your mind map will branch farther off from the central idea. Use colors and branches to keep things organized and show how you landed on certain ideas.

3. Running meetings more effectively:

If you find yourself hosting a brainstorming meeting or are trying to determine the most effective way to run a meeting, a mind map can help. For the former, outlining the main topic to be brainstormed around and then allowing meeting participants to have dedicated time to add ideas to the map can be an effective way to start the meeting. On the other hand, if you are struggling to determine the order or approach to running a meeting, you can utilize the mind map to flesh out all of the topics that need to be covered, visualize how they relate to each other, and determine the best course of action for your meeting agenda.

4. Outlining reports and documents:

When writing a report, it's important to have a clear and concise message and make sure you articulate all necessary points well. Beginning your outline by using a mind map can help ensure you remember to include each of the points you’d like to make and can help you understand where best to place them in your report based on how each idea connects and your central point or other points that you make elsewhere in the report.

5. Simplifying task and project management:

At its core, a mind map is designed to help you break down complicated ideas into manageable parts, making them great tools for the beginning stages of project planning and task delegation and development. Craft a mind map for the main project at hand, or create separate ones for each phase of the project so you can further break down what needs to be done, who will do what, and understand how your team can approach completing tasks.

6. Writing essays or blog posts:

A mind map is a great place to start when planning an essay or blog post. Use the central node to house the main point you are looking to make and expand out from there with ideas, arguments, or notes that are relevant. Once you’ve filled out the mind map, organizing and drafting your content will be much simpler and straightforward, helping you save time and stay on message.

Using mindmaps to guide and improve structured thinking

Using mind mapping in structured thinking practices can enhance various processes, serving as a bridge between sections or as a starting point for a structured thinking process. We recommend using a mind map during the planning phase of the Eight Disciplines process. However, if you have utilized the Drill-Down Technique, using a mind map after completing that process can help you identify the appropriate next steps for you or your team to take.

Whichever method you and your team are looking to use first, we’ve gathered resources and outlines to help you with each of these processes.

1. How to make a concept map
2. How to Use Online Whiteboards for Effective Problem-Solving