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Name of author Rick Baker, P.Eng.

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P=2S+O…and Brian Tracy’s 7 Steps to Effective Problem Solving

by Rick Baker
On Jan 4, 2011
We have a P=2S+O© philosophy…
 
For every Problem we should come up with at least 2 Solutions. And, we should keep our eyes and ears open for Opportunities.
 
We think:
  • We should work at Solutions before we take Problems to our bosses: when we have a need to receive help from our boss we should at least take 2 Solutions with each Problem. Our bosses will appreciate that. And, this approach will help us develop keen problem-solving skills.
  • Problems do not equal Opportunities in disguise. It makes little sense to seek out Opportunities each time a Problem visits us. This could very well turn out to be an exercise in frustration. On the other hand, Opportunities sometimes jump out at us when we think about Problems. From time to time Opportunities do ride on the wings of adversity. When that happens we must give our Opportunity-ideas our full attention.
Here is a link to our P=2S+O template.
 
I have been asked: How should we go about finding Solutions for Problems?
 
There are many different ways.
 
A few months ago, we described one creative framework for Solution generation, Edward de Bono’s “Six Thinking Hats”. Here’s a link to that Thought Post.
 
Here is another suggestion, Brian Tracy’s 7 Steps to Effective Problem Solving:
  • Define the problem clearly, in writing. Go slowly. You want to make sure you identify the components of the problem because one of those components must be solved first, before the others. What else is the problem? You need multiple definitions.
  • Identify the causes underlying the problem.  
  • Identify all the possible solutions. Do not assume there is only one solution. Define your boundary conditions for the solutions and the result you wish to achieve.
  • Make a decision: select the best of the solutions. Ask yourself why this is the best solution.
  • Establish a fall-back solution, an alternative solution...Plan B, which would be implemented if the solution fails. This forces you to expand your view and it may cause you to change the solution.
  • Ask yourself, what's the worst possible outcome if the solution fails and if Plan B fails?  Again, this may cause you to alter the solution.
  • Assign specific responsibility, who, what, and a deadline for when.
Footnote:

Tags:

Change: Creating Positive Change | Seeking Simple! | Solutions & Opportunities

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Sales Tweet #122

by Rick Baker
On Jan 4, 2011
Sales Tweet #122 R&D Prospecting: let Research & Discipline guide your prospecting activity.
 
The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet
Time spent researching Probable Clients can double or triple or quadruple the success rate of prospecting. And, information is readily available…Google search, LinkedIn contact search & questions, talking with the sales people employed by the Probable Client, etc. All it takes is the discipline to plan the prospecting work and work the prospecting plan.

Tags:

Sales | Thought Tweets

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