A managers guide to problem solving

As a manager you need to think on your toes a lot and you need to learn how to solve problems in a timely manner. This problem can be something simple like covering for a sick employee or it can be something much larger like finding a way to come up with thousands of dollars due to numbers that were not inserted correctly into your accounting software. So what are the basic skills a good manager needs to have when it comes to proper problem solving? Here are some of the ones you need to focus on:

Identify the problem
One of the easiest ways to focus on problem solving is by starting with identifying the problem. What is the problem and then how can you go about solving it? The issue could be something that isn't seen until it get big so you need to be aware and alert at all times in order to properly identify any of the problems that you can control and that you do see happening for your franchise. As you look for problems early on, you can put a stop to them right away, making it a lot easier for you to focus on the other tasks on your plate.

Analyze the problem
After you notice the problem or it has been brought to your attention you want to move onto the next step which is to analyze the problem. Now that you know what the problem is you need to look for the root cause of the problem. This can cause you to draw up a map and to find out this problem is coming from a completely different department or area within the company. Analyzing the problem will also help you get in touch with other managers and to think about solutions together.

Create Solutions
Upon coming up with a list of reasons why the problem is occurring, you want to come up with a strong list of solutions. This will allow you to take the information you gathered when you analyzed the problem and to find out how you can get rid of the problem once and for all. You can create a grid that will fix the problem all the way down to where it originated so that it won't cause future problems to occur. This is the best solution instead of seeking out a quick fix as you will be right back in this same place in the future.

Is this the right solution?
Once you have your list of solutions, it helps to have another person look over them and help you decide if these are the best solutions. They will be able to reanalyze them and to look at the cost to implement the solution and help you determine some other things that may benefit the business. Getting a second opinion is always advisable as it will be able to help you make the best decision possible when it comes to running an effective business.

Implementation
After you choose the best possible solution that you have come up with, it's time to implement it. The implementation process should be easy to do as long as you have taken the time to plan it out correctly. Will it require training of your employees? This is something you do need to consider because this can take up a lot of time and money. You also need to consider employee backlash to the solution if it will change their jobs. Employees don't like change so once they are set in their ways you will have a harder time getting them to change their ways.