LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
MASTERCLASS
21st Century Leadership:
Mastering Analytical Thinking,
Technical Communication and
Adaptive Leadership
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MODULE 2
PROBLEM-
SOLVING BASICS
CONTENTS
I. I n t r o d u c ti on to P r o b l e m - S o lv in g
II. D ef in in g an d R ef in in g P ro b l e ms
III. Tech n iq u es f o r I s s u e Id en t if i c a t io n
a. R o o t C au se A n a l y s i s
b. SW O T A n a l y s i s
c. Fi s h b o n e D i a g r am
d. P ar et o A n a l y s i s
IV. I de n t i fy i ng D r iv in g F o r c e s an d Tr e n d s
V. Ov er co m in g Me n t a l B lo c k s
VI. Te c h n i q u e s for S t im u l a t in g B r e a k thr ough T h in k i n g an d
G e n er at in g U nc on v e n t i o n a l S ol u t i o n s to C o m p l e x P ro b l e ms
Definition of Problem-Solving
The process or act of finding a solution to
a problem.
It involves identifying and analysing the
problem, developing strategies to
address it, and implementing the best
possible solution
Significance of Problem-Solving
Resolving Improving
Obstacles 2 Decision-Making
1
Continuous 3 Enhancing
Improvement 6 Efficiency
Collaboration
5 4 Promoting
and Collective
Innovation
Problem Solving
Defining & Refining Problems
Problem Identification
Involves recognising and defining the
nature of a problem.
It is the initial step in problem-solving
and requires a clear understanding of
the issue at hand.
Individuals or teams analyse the
situation, gather relevant information,
and identify the underlying causes or
factors contributing to the problem.
Defining & Refining Problems
Problem Scoping
To define the scope or boundaries of a
problem.
It involves determining the extent and
focus of the problem-solving effort.
Scoping helps in clarifying what aspects
of the problem need to be addressed and
what can be excluded.
It helps in setting realistic goals and
objectives for problem-solving activities
Techniques for Issue Identification
1 2 3 4
Root Cause SWOTAnalysis Fishbone Diagram Pareto Analysis
Analysis Also known as the
SWOT analysis helps Also known as an 80/20 rule or the law
Use techniques like in identifying potential Ishikawa diagram or of the vital few, is a
the "But why?" issues and defining cause-and-effect technique used for
method to identify the the boundaries of the diagram. This tool decision-making and
underlying reasons or problem by helps identify the problem-solving. This
root causes of the considering its potential causes or analysis helps identify
problem strengths, factors contributing to and prioritize the most
weaknesses, a problem or effect important factors that
opportunities, and have the greatest
threats impact
SWOT Analysis
Identify Identify Identify Identify
Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats
1 2 3 4
5 6 7
Analyze and Develop Implement
Prioritize Strategies and Monitor
Fishbone Diagram
3. Visual
Enhancement
2. Usability and
Accessibility
1. Clarity and
Conciseness
4. Problem-Solving
5. Adaptability
Approach
Pareto Analysis
Identify the Problem
1
or Outcome
2 Collect Data
Categorize the Data 3
Calculate the
4
Frequency or Impact
Order the Factors 5
6 Create a Pareto Chart
Analyze and Prioritize 7
8 Develop Strategies
Identifying Driving Forces and Trends
Environmental
Scenario Planning
Scanning
Expert Interviews
SWOT Analysis
Identifying and Surveys
Driving
Forces and
Pareto Analysis Trends Data Analysis
Industry Analysis Technology Monitoring
Overcoming Mental Blocks
1 2 3 4 5
Confirmation Functional Emotional
Mental Set Overthinking
Bias Fixedness Blocks
6 7 8 9 10
Limited Lack of Cognitive Lack of
Perfectionism
Perspective Creativity Biases Confidence
Unblocking the mind: Techniques for fostering creativity and analysis
Engage in
1 Embrace
Curiosity
2 Practice
Mindfulness 3 Divergent
Thinking
Step Outside Create a
6 Your Comfort 5 Collaborate with
Others
4 Conducive
Zone Environment
7 9
Embrace Failure Challenge
and Learn from 8 Seek Inspiration Assumptions and
Mistakes Biases
Techniques for stimulating breakthrough thinking and generating
unconventional solutions to complex problems
Divergent Thinking Lateral Thinking Design Thinking
Create a Stimulating Embrace Fear and Draw Inspiration from Other
Environment Self-Doubt Industries
Mind Mapping and
Think in Reverse Focus on Audience Needs
Brainstorming
Divergent Thinking
Divergent thinking contras ts with convergent thinking, which involves focus ing on finding
a s ingle, correct s olution
generating a
think beyond
variety of
conventional
possible solutions
boundaries
or ideas.
explore produce a
multiple diverse range
perspectives of ideas
Lateral Thinking
by Edward de Bono,
a creative and considering
non-linear unconventional
approach ideas
looking at a
exploring
problem from
creative
different
alternatives
angles
Lateral Thinking
by Edward de Bono,
Key characteris tics of lateral thinking include:
Alternative Challenging
Provocation Flexibility
Scenarios Assumptions
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Analogy and Conceptual
Random Entry
Metaphor Creativity
Design Thinking
s trong emphas is on unders tanding the needs and pers pectives of end-us ers
Empathize / understand
Iterate Define
Test Ideate
Prototype
