You will have noticed this is Part 2 and as such is a continuation form “Viewing the Problem from the Customer's Shoes.” We have taken 16 unsuspecting participants and are about to launch them into the Polestar business simulation to help them to better understand the business they are in (Their Day Jobs). This is the first step in creating order from chaos.
When we interact with our clients in the problem management workshop, it is often difficult to get them to understand the situation from a different perspective. This is often the case when it comes to putting themselves “in the customer’s shoes,” to appreciate the negative or “knock-on” effects the customer is experiencing. I suppose we could sit them down in front of an irate customer and let the customer verbally abuse the unsuspecting staff member for a few minutes - I would view this method as being counter-productive!
Finding and resolving the root cause of any problem is a fundamental focus of problem solving and decision making. Quite a number of typical methodologies are available to do root cause analysis but regardless of the tool to be used, any process should include at least the following steps or sub processes:
Solving problems and creating optimum solutions is often not as simple as just following a linear facilitation process and getting to answers. Added complexity and involvement of several stakeholders requires an approach that can align different inputs towards sustainable solutions. However, from experience, we know that the more input from different sources the higher the risk of lengthy discussions and diverse non-focused results with extensive wasted time and cost.
All businesses seek continuous improvement, but it only happens through change. Change is accomplished when management sets clear, unwavering expectations for the organization to repeatedly apply the right “thinking” tools to build the experience required to affect/sustain change that delivers the desired results. Change is about influencing “hearts and minds,” it is systematic, and it is manageable.
Thinking Dimensions is a global network of expert resources using KandF critical thinking tools to ensure individual, teams and companies are a step ahead.
