by Gordon Hamilton

Created on: June 29, 2009

Finding solutions through analytical thinking is a process which has to be tackled in stages. It is vital also that those stages are tackled both in the correct order and in full if the problem solver is to know the greatest chances of success.

The first step to finding solutions through analytical thinking is to sit down and very specifically identify the problem or problems. At this stage, it is the symptoms of the problem which the focus should be upon. What difficulties is each problem causing to the business? How is it adversely affecting the day to day operation or profitability of the business? These factors should be carefully pondered and equally carefully noted down.

The next stage in the procedure is to quite literally analyse the causes or even potential causes of these problems. This should be seen as a brainstorming exercise and every possible factor must be taken in to very careful consideration. The very smallest possible contributory factor must not be dismissed at this stage but noted down along with all those factors which can be clearly seen to be contributing to the problem.

When this potentially lengthy list has been prepared, it is time to begin the process of finding solutions to the problems through analytical thinking. The root cause of each problem has to be pondered, deliberated upon and ways considered of addressing each one of these factors individually. This is not a process which will necessarily eliminate the problems in their entirety as though by the waving of a magic wand but it will allow the individual to see each problem specifically for what it is and determine the best way to tackle and resolve it.

The lists by this stage are very possibly going to be growing somewhat lengthy, which is precisely why all the information should be carefully noted down. When all these lists have been prepared, it is time to co-ordinate the actions which are required to be taken in order to resolve the problems and - very importantly - determine who is responsible for taking same and when. This is where effective delegation will be likely to play a very prominent part in the process if it is to be addressed to best effect, as the analytical thinking has been done, finding the potential solutions in the first instance has been achieved and it is now the time for action.

Finding solutions through analytical thinking is therefore a logical and disciplined process. There is no room for emotion or bias in any respect and if the process is to be achieved to best effect, the above steps, in the order which they are set out, are those which are absolutely required to be taken.

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