
Define the problem, conduct root cause analysis, generate solutions, and implement a plan through a case study, critical thinking, and team workshops, with downloadable templates.
Name the problem and uncover its root cause before solving, avoiding one-step problem solving that mismatches causes with solutions.
Identify your problem by writing a neutral, verifiable statement that describes what's happening, avoiding feelings or interpretations and focusing on facts.
Use a fishbone diagram for root cause analysis to explore factors causing missing lunches in the office fridge, including material, measurement, machine, method, environment, and people, for team-driven problem solving.
Apply the five whys root cause analysis to fatigue, tracing it from hunger and dehydration to forgetting dinner, then propose solutions with an ease and impact matrix.
Propose diverse solutions to the root cause by brainstorming boldly, whether solo or with a team, using wild ideas to spark solid, creative solutions.
Use an ease and impact matrix to plot ideas and processing activities, judge them by impact and ease, and select top-right solutions to implement with a concrete plan.
Explore a real-world problem solving case study using a fishbone diagram and root cause analysis to tackle unanswered emails, generate actionable solutions, and plan Gmail labeling and accountability.
Lead teams through problem solving by defining the problem with stakeholders, using a fishbone diagram for root cause analysis, and generating and implementing solutions with a documented plan.
This course is based on Corporate Training Workshops that I have been teaching for years on Four Step Problem Solving. Students learn how to accurately name what is going wrong and map out the causes that have led to that issue, by asking the right questions. We use plenty of examples in this course, including a case study with a subject, so you can see how to interview another person about problems in their life.
Thinking critically is at the foundation of knowledge work. Learning the process to conduct a thorough root cause analysis will help you ask the right questions when something goes awry. In this course, we start by clearly defining your problem before we jump into a root cause analysis, then we’ll start creatively generating solutions, and landing on a plan to implement. I also share my best practices on how to lead a problem solving workshop with teams. I’ve been leading Problem Solving sessions for so long that you’ll see me do this work with several different hair colors.
The primary models we use in this course are an Ishikawa Diagram (sometimes called Fishbone Diagram) and an Ease and Impact Matrix. Make sure to download the attached worksheets and use the templates to follow along with your own problems!