Find the answer using a thoughtful approach. Solving problems, especially immediate critical problems, are part of the job description for a small business owner/manager. Many times, the answer becomes a quick response without much thought or consideration about potential future consequences. Maybe the decision was the right one. Or, maybe it was the wrong one. That’s why it’s vital to find the answer using a thoughtful approach is the path to follow.
Elements of a Problem
It’s quite possible that simple problems require simple answers. On the other hand, many business problems are complicated. Therefore, many factors come into play in developing a long-lasting remedy. Each aspect of a problem must be studied carefully and evaluated using both logic and reasoning. Here are some of the questions a small business owner/manager should ask:
- What occurred?
• What triggered this problem?
• Could it have been avoided?
• What was the outcome of this issue?
In many instances, long before an inquiry ever begins, the small business owner/manager will be well aware of the problem. That’s considered to be old information. Meanwhile, new information is discovered after a detailed examination. Then, substantial decisions are decided after all of the key questions are answered when all of the information (both previous and current) has been gathered.
Advantages from Elements Approach Problem Solving
There are several advantages to using the elements approach to problem solving:
- The problem and possible solutions are both clear and precise.
• Impulsive, foolish, and expressive results are avoided.
• The chances for achievement can be understood more precisely.
Logical Thinking
Many people consider “logical thinking” and “decision making” to be synonymous with each other. However, they are not the same. Logical thinking interprets information. In fact, the process helps digest large amounts of numerical facts.
Logical thinking also tries to generate a reason and result correlation between an event and its consequence. This rational utilizes facts to support conclusions, rather than using opinions on which to base decisions. Therefore, logical thinking and problem solving go hand-in-hand.
Significance for a Business
No matter the business, whether it’s a sole proprietor or partnership, or where it is located, or how long it’s been around, problems are part of doing business. Hopefully, solving serious issues will be few and far between, while minor problems can be taken of swiftly.
Successful problem-solving small business owner/managers many times help businesses remain open and become long-term profitable businesses. Instead of that “knee jerk reaction” when a problem appears, the insightful small business owner/manager realizes the importance of gathering and understanding facts and figures before making a decision. The “knee jerk reaction” could result with a worse outcome instead of an encouraging result.
Victory or Defeat
The margin for long term success or victory for a business depends on how a small business owner/manager deals with various business issues. A winning business not only deals with a current problem or issue, but also takes various measures to ensure that the same or similar problem does not occur again in the future. Problem solving does not occur in a vacuum. Instead, in order to avoid defeat, every small business owner/manager must realize that problem solving is a never-ending business process. The problems might be different, but after “fixing” one problem, there will always be another one right around the corner. Therefore, problem solving never ends because:
- Operational challenges pop-up.
• Examination and study occur.
• Assumptions are determined.
• Finding solutions are chosen.
• Conclusions are determined.
• New problems appear.
• Course of action happens all over again.
The First Order of Business
It’s a fact of life. A small business owner/manager must accept the reality where several problems all occur at the same time. Therefore, management needs to understand that it can’t wave a magic wand and have ALL of its problems disappear immediately. It would be nice if magically every problem was solved all at once.
However, that’s not a realistic goal. The first order of business is to assess everything and prioritize those unsettling problems causing the biggest negative financial impact. Deal with the worst first and then move down the checklist. As is the case in addressing every business problem, there can be a happy ending. That’s because the small business owner/manager can find the answer using a thoughtful approach.
