Problem Solving Exercises

You don’t often hear of problem solving exercises that start with finding the right problems to solve. Many would argue that they have enough problems to solve already without looking for more!

If problem solving is to be more than just an exercise, of going through the motions, then looking for the right problems is essential.

That’s because, identifying problems that are critical to your business success is certainly something worth being pro-active about. Finding the real cause of problems, and finding them early, is time well spent. But in doing so, it’s important to look for opportunities.

For example, finding and solving problems that affect your customers can transform a business. Poor service can be a problem but attention to service recovery is also an opportunity. Impress customers with your responsiveness, promptness and attention to their needs, and there is an opportunity to turn dissatisfied customers into loyal ambassadors.

Free problem solving exercises

Feel free to download these and use them as you wish. And keep reminding yourself that:

Most people spend more time and energy going around problems than in trying to solve them. Henry Ford.

More problem solving exercises

To help you think differently we’ve developed an e-guide packed with problem solving exercises. “What’s the problem” is designed to help you find the right problems then take steps to address them.

There are exercises to help you to:

• Think about how you respond to problems.
• Ask some key questions to help define the problem.
• Focus on important problems.
• Build creativity in to your options for solving the problem.
• Apply structured question techniques.
• Progress through a seven step problem solving process.
• Avoid solving the symptoms and find the root causes.
• Use the potential and power of teams to solve problems.

What’s the Problem is a comprehensive guide to problem solving, complete with these 9 essential tools:

• Tool 1: When you don’t know what to do
• Tool 2: Defining questions for problem solving
• Tool 3: Finding the right problems to solve
• Tool 4: Problem solving check-list
• Tool 4a: Using the question check-list with your team
• Tool 5: Problem analysis in 4 steps
• Tool 5a: Using 4 Step problem analysis with your team
• Tool 6: Questions that create possibilities
• Tool 6a: Using the 5 questions with your team
• Tool 6b: Putting creativity to work – 5 alternate questions
• Tool 6c: Workshop outline
• Tool 7: Evaluating alternatives
• Tool 8: Creative thinking techniques A-Z
• Tool 9: The 5 Whys technique

Further Reading

Problem solving activity
Problem solving questions
5 Whys

>> Return to the Problem Solving Knowledge Hub