99 problem solving techniques

99 ways to solve a problem? When I wrote this a while ago I got to thinking about the different stuff I have read over the last few years and it hit me. BY GOD there are so many different ways to solve problems.  I sat down for about ten minutes and wrote down a list of problem solving techniques which I thought covered the basics.  You know what, there were many more.  Onward problem solvers.

Ok cheese aside, here is a list of 99 problem solving techniques:

1. resolving it
2. absolving (doing nothing)
3. dissolving it
4. solving another problem
5. shifting the boundary
6. changing your mind
7. mediation
8. mathematical modelling
9. using a decision support tool
10. flip a coin
11. use the ‘decision maker’
12. Ask a friend
13. Do the first thing you write down
14. Use a method
15. Use a methodology
16. Pin the tail on the donkey
17. Dartboard approach
18. Challenge assumptions
19. Work backwards from the answer
20. Use modelling tools like Visio or Freemind
21. Use mind mapping
22. Use cognitive mapping
23. Look at the problem sequentially
24. Look at the problem non-sequentially
25. Use comparison
26. Use metaphors
27. Build diagrams of the problem
28. Play the devil’s advocate
29. Ask someone who knows nothing about the problem
30. Ask an expert
31. Use your imagination to see what it would be like if the problem was solved
32. Visualise the problem
33. Visualise the answer
34. Use simulation
35. Use What if analysis
36. Use the ‘sherlock holmes’ approach
37. Conjecture first approach
38. Use an analogy
39. Reframe the problem
40. Try something, take notes, try again
41. Cost Benefit Analysis
42. Consider the opportunity cost
43. Apply a statistical model
44. Act it out
45. Use the dialectic
46. Use systems thinking
47. Make a concept of the problem
48. Use a known theory
49. Model the causes
50. Remodel the causes
51. Read a book that answers the problem
52. Find a lateral solution
53. Go back in time
54. Consider multiple levels of causality
55. Use forecasting
56. Change the way you engage the problem
57. Collaborate
58. Think of the problem as a opportunity
59. Use Irony
60. Create an epistemology map
61. Use dialogue mapping
62. Brainstorming
63. Appreciative inquiry
64. Idealised redesign
65. creative thinking
66. Critique
67. Speak out loud
68. Invoke the second loop of learning
69. Use the general problem solver
70. Combine different approaches
71. Use Idea networks
72. Satyagraha
73. Use contradictions
74. Use reflective thinking
75. Use Escapism
76. Argue
77. Be single minded
78. Be double minded
79. Be multiple minded
80. Use complexity science
81. Use problems structuring methods
82. Trial and error
83. Use a random object
84. Change the variables
85. Speculate
86. Make something up
87. Speculate ‘root’ causes
88. Map multiple narratives
89. Solve someone else’s problem
90. Think like a woman
91. Gamble
92. Bridge Building
93. Meditation
94. Negotiation
95. Create a revolution
96. Make multiple possible answers
97. Use faith
98. Read a blog post that solves the problem
99. Research

I could go on and on … given half the chance I will.  So whenever you are facing a problem remember there are many ways to solve it.   I have listed just 99 here… I am sure you can think of more.  Go ahead try it.

Powered by MightyAdsense