Problem-Solving Success Tip: Use Your Project Management Skills

Solving a big problem is a project: you're far more likely to solve it successfully if you treat it like one. That means you'll need to identify tasks, make and adjust assignments, and keep track of what is due when.

Get on the right track immediately by starting a task list as soon as you start working on the problem. Every time you think of something that needs to be done, put it on your task list along with the owner, due date and completion criteria (how you're going to know the task is successfully completed). That way, you won't have to worry about forgetting important details, or waste time constantly reconstructing the list in your mind.

Once the problem is defined, you can lay out a project schedule and estimate the resources you'll need. At the very least, you'll need access to key people who have knowledge of the problem. Some of them may need to be released from other responsibilities to work on your problem-solving team. You may also need money for travel, special equipment, exclusive use of a conference room, etc. Figuring this out in advance and making sure it is allocated will help you run your project smoothly.

In addition to the tasks to analyze and solve the problem itself, you'll also need a communication plan and a contingency plan. The communication plan will identify who needs what information about your problem solving effort, when they need it and how you are going to provide it. The contingency plan identifies the things that could stop you from solving the problem and specifies what you are going to do about it. Add the appropriate tasks to implement your communication and contingency plans to your task list.

HINT: Orient tasks to deliverables. Each task should result in something tangible, which will help you make sure the tasks actually accomplish something.

copyright 2005. Jeanne Sawyer. All Rights Reserved.

Jeanne Sawyer is an author, consultant, trainer and coach who helps her clients solve expensive, chronic problems, such as those that cause operational disruptions and cause customers to take their business elsewhere. These tips are excerpted from her book, When Stuff Happens: A Practical Guide to Solving Problems Permanently. Find out about it, and get more free information on problem solving at her web site: http://www.sawyerpartnership.com/.

---

5 Surefire Ways to Bring Your Business Objectives Full Circle with Technology

All small to mid-sized company owners want to know where... Read More

Organizational Techniques - Tickler and Chron File

One of the biggest problems we encounter in our consulting... Read More

Motivating Employees - Ten Ways to Start You Off

Yet there is a place for those external 'raft-build's', 'away... Read More

Getting Software Developed for Your Business

At some point, your business is going to need to... Read More

Executive Humor at Meetings

I don't encourage managers to wear funny hats, appear in... Read More

Be a Leader - The Importance of Going Home Early!

How you run your business is, of course your business.... Read More

Communicate To The Four Main Personality Types

You probably know this already, but there are generally held... Read More

10 Resolutions For The New Year!!

Each year many people create a list of resolutions designed... Read More

Managing People - No One Shows You What To Do

Imagine the following scenario - you pay a visit to... Read More

Learning To Let Go

If you have the entrepreneurial spirit (which clearly you have!),... Read More

Business Innovation ? the Value of Structure

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Do the People in Your Organisation Dress For Success?

What really amazes me, with all the personal and professional... Read More

How To Rebuild Trust

Here are some quick thoughts on ways to turn things... Read More

Conflict at 36,000 ft

This was supposed to be one of those sleepy flights... Read More

Parenting Your Employees to Better Performance

Have you ever worked for someone who was such a... Read More

Knowledge Mapping

This module focuses on the basics of Knowledge Mapping, its... Read More

Managing Creativity - An Oxymoron! Not

Interrogated on a beach in Barbados by friends insistent that... Read More

Management Training: Are You Satisfied With The Results?

If you're not satfied with the results of your management... Read More

Innovation Management: The Time Factor

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Innovation Management: What Problem Is Being Solved?

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Knowledge Management - Lessons Learned and How To Identify Them

Many organisations use the term "lessons learned" to describe the... Read More

Managing Change in the Workplace

Change is exhilarating. Change is terrifying. Change is badly needed... Read More

Selecting a Business Broker or Intermediary to Help You Sell Your Business

As crazy as it seems, some people spend more time... Read More

Avoid Outsourcing Pitfalls in the Injection Molds and Stamping Dies Markets

When looking to outsource overseas for Plastic Injection Molds or... Read More

Computer Consulting 101 Hiring Tips (Part 1 of 2)

Does your business need the services of a computer consulting... Read More

Service Level Agreement (SLA) Boot Camp

Service Level Agreements, or "SLA's" are tricky but useful mechanisms... Read More

Character: Is It Necessary In Leadership? (Part One)

We know character when we see it, but what exactly... Read More

Tales from the Corporate Frontlines: Improving Workplace Safety

This article relates to the Safety and Working Environment competency... Read More

The Walmart Cult

The CultBecoming a part of the Cult, consists of being... Read More

Increase Productivity: Five Powerful Actions

How can you make the best use of your energy... Read More

How to Set Up a Conference Call

The methods in which you set up a conference call... Read More

Innovation Management ? Time to Market or Time to Success?

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Manage or Lead ? Why the Difference Matters and What to Do About That Difference

Many books have been written about managing people, and an... Read More