HERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS IN SOLVING PROBLEM.

Here are seven-steps for an effective problem-solving process.

By: Tim Hicks

1. Identify the issues.

• Be clear about what the problem is.
• Remember that different people might have different views of what the issues are.
• Separate the listing of issues from the identification of interests (that's the next step!).

2. Understand everyone's interests.

• This is a critical step that is usually missing.
• Interests are the needs that you want satisfied by any given solution. We often ignore our true interests as we become attached to one particular solution.
• The best solution is the one that satisfies everyone's interests.
• This is the time for active listening. Put down your differences for awhile and listen to each other with the intention to understand.
• Separate the naming of interests from the listing of solutions.

3. List the possible solutions (options)

• This is the time to do some brainstorming. There may be lots of room for creativity.
• Separate the listing of options from the evaluation of the options.

4. Evaluate the options.

• What are the pluses and minuses? Honestly!
• Separate the evaluation of options from the selection of options.

5. Select an option or options.

• What's the best option, in the balance?
• Is there a way to "bundle" a number of options together for a more satisfactory solution?

6. Document the agreement(s).

• Don't rely on memory.
• Writing it down will help you think through all the details and implications.

7. Agree on contingencies, monitoring, and evaluation.

• Conditions may change. Make contingency agreements about foreseeable future circumstances (If-then!).
• How will you monitor compliance and follow-through?
• Create opportunities to evaluate the agreements and their implementation. ("Let's try it this way for three months and then look at it.")

Effective problem solving does take some time and attention more of the latter than the former. But less time and attention than is required by a problem not well solved. What it really takes is a willingness to slow down. A problem is like a curve in the road. Take it right and you'll find yourself in good shape for the straightaway that follows. Take it too fast and you may not be in as good shape.

Working through this process is not always a strictly linear exercise. You may have to cycle back to an earlier step. For example, if you're having trouble selecting an option, you may have to go back to thinking about the interests.

This process can be used in a large group, between two people, or by one person who is faced with a difficult decision. The more difficult and important the problem, the more helpful and necessary it is to use a disciplined process. If you're just trying to decide where to go out for lunch, you probably don't need to go through these seven steps!

Don't worry if it feels a bit unfamiliar and uncomfortable at first. You'll have lots of opportunities to practice!

Problem Solving from the Holy books

Problem Solving from the Holy Bible

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

James 1:5

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Philippians 4:6

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.

Matthew 18:17

"If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.

Romans 8:28

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Proverbs 3:6

In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

Matthew 7:7

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Romans 12:2

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Psalm 49:4

I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will express my riddle on the harp.

Matthew 6:34

"So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 4:26

BE ANGRY, AND yet DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger,

Daniel 5:12-16

"This was because an extraordinary spirit, knowledge and insight, interpretation of dreams, explanation of enigmas and solving of difficult problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Let Daniel now be summoned and he will declare the interpretation."

Problem Solving from the Holy Qur'an

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim,

The Prophet’s uncle, Al-Abbas, remained in Makkah on the Prophet’s order while the Prophet and most of the Muhajireen were in Madinah. There were others too who would give information to the Prophet about the enemies when they were planning against him.

One such occasion was when the Quraish and other Arab tribes, the Jewish tribe of Ghatfan and their allies all came together and gathered under one banner to march forward and attack Madinah.

When the news of this plan reached the Prophet – now try to imagine this, it was not any ordinary piece of news, the worst enemies of Islam had consolidated into a single army, and that army was coming to destroy the existence of Islam from the earth. Allah Azza wa Jalla describes this situation in the Quran (translation):

[Remember] when they came at you from above you and from below you, and when eyes shifted [in fear], and hearts reached the throats and you assumed about Allah [various] assumptions. There the believers were tested and shaken with a severe shaking. [33:10-11]

So when this news reached the Prophet, he didn’t panic, didn’t wallow in worry. What he did was follow a very logical way of problem-solving:

1. Call a meeting. As soon as the Prophet heard about the army, he called a meeting with the prominent members of the Ansar and Muhajireen.
2. Have a look at the problem logically and unemotionally and generate possible solutions.

No matter how weird the idea might seem, the Prophet had made his Companions feel comfortable enough to voice it to him. Al-Sallaabee writes: ‘The Prophet always trained his Companions to feel free to express their views, even when their views were contrary to his.

Through the process of mutual consultation, the Companions were being trained to think about and come up with solutions for the problems of the Muslim nation. The Prophet allowed them to speak freely, since there is no point in seeking consultation when people are not free to speak their minds.’

In fact, in the Quran, Allah Azza wa Jall tells the Prophet to consult his companions.

So by mercy from Allah , [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah . Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him]. [3:159]

That’s why, Salman al Farisi came up with this innovative idea of digging a trench around Madinah. It was a totally new war technique for the Arabs. Yet the Prophet realized that it was an effective technique in the given situation, and it was the most effective idea generated in the process of the shu’rah.

3. Choose the best possible solution and put it into action.

Once the Prophet decided to go with Salman’s idea, the Prophet and the Sahaba went out and chose the best location for digging the trench, and started digging.

Also, once a decision was made, the Prophet would not give the matter any second thoughts. He would be firm in his decision. This is seen before the Battle of Uhud, when the Muslims were arguing whether to stay in Madinah and let the Quraish come inside their territory, or whether to march out to them. Despite his disinclination towards it, the Prophet chose the view of the group who wanted to go out and fight. After the Prophet went to dress for battle, Hamza radiyallahu anhu made them realize that they had imposed their opinion on the Prophet despite his inclination otherwise. Hamzah came to the Prophet and said, ‘O Prophet of Allah, the people blame one another (for going contrary to your view in the matter), and they say to you, ‘We will follow the course of action you want to take.’ But the Prophet replied, ‘Verily, when a Prophet attires himself in his battle-gear, it is not fitting for him to remove it until he fights.’ (Al Sallaabee: 1102)

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So here is the problem-solving strategy we can follow:

1. Have a look at the problem logically, without getting emotional
2. Consult others
3. Generate possible solutions
4. Choose the best solution
5. Stick to it
6. Implement it as soon as possible

References:

Sallaabee, Dr. ‘Ali Muhammad al-, the Noble Life of the Prophet, vol.2. Darussalam.