Process – Rapid Problem Solving
What are the Key aspects to Rapid Problem Solving
Process Teach Point Video
Key Learning Points
Key Learning Points from Video
1. “Go and See” at the workplace – grasp the real situation.
2. Use a Structured Scientific Method – not guessing. In Rapid Problem Solving it is 4 Steps.
3. Follow Plan – Do – Check – Act an approach of rapid trials and tests to prove out theories and learn.
4. Take a step towards where we ultimately want to be (One problem at a time.)
4 Steps of Rapid Problem Solving
1. Concern – This is where you define the Gap you want to close and clarify the Problem to Pursue.
2. Contain – Can we stop the problem now! A temporary fix to stop the bleeding like a band aid.
3. Cause – Find the Direct Causes and hence the Root Causes using 5 Why Analysis.
4. Countermeasure & Confirm – Implement Countermeasures to confirm that the Gap is closed.
The Fundamental thinking for Problem Solving is Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA)
Problem Solving Framework
Types of Problems
Not one size or problem solving approach fits all as there are different Types of Problems.
Art Smalley’s Book describes Four Main Types of Problems as:
Type 1 = Troubleshooting
Type 2 = Gap from Standard
Type 3 = Target Condition
Type 4 = Open Ended
If we understand the types of problems, we stand a better chance of applying an appropriate process to “solving” them. Thus we avoid the issues in the famous quote from Abraham Maslow, “I suppose it is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail.”
Most business problems fall into four main categories (see the diagram below), each requiring different thought processes, improvement methods, and management cadences:
Before using a method to solve a problem you need to understand what type of problem you are trying to solve.
Need to consider the Type of Problems, their Properties, the Analysis required and Level in the organisation.
Otherwise you waste time and resource.
Problem Solving Methods
Reacting to an unexpected event – For Type 1 Troubleshooting
Typically lots of them in the day, easy to fix quickly and you don’t need to analyse them so much.
Like changing a flat tyre or putting out a fire, you just fix it now! Everyone can do this. Like reacting to Andon cord pulls on a moving assembly line.
A 4 Step approach based upon the fundamentals of: Concern, Contain, Cause, Countermeasure & Confirm to tackle one off or step change type gaps in the workplace (Type 2 & 3).
Generally taught by functional and team leaders to natural work teams
Problem solving thinking captured on a quadrant chart. Uses the 7 Problem Solving tools to support fast but structured approach to problem solving, designed for first line leaders – not experts or after extensive training. Simple visual tools are used to capture the thinking.
An 8 step problem solving approach taking the Rapid method further. For current and longer term business issues requiring more analysis to get to the root causes.
For Type 2 & 3 mainly although thinking way helps considerably with Type 4 problems.
Some problems need a little more time and deeper thinking in order to solve them. The root causes and countermeasures are not that straight forward or immediately obvious as in Rapid for example. Uses the 7 Problem Solving tools to support logical thinking.
Performed by Leaders and functional Specialists typically. A3’s are used to summarise the thinking, capture the story and share the learning.
React, Rapid and Practical can be used to tackle most problems encountered within the organisation ~ >90%.
Used for innovative problem solving to seek out new solutions. Achieves radical improvement, often a new product, process, system or value for the customer well beyond current levels.
Many different methods can be used but usually technical or specialist knowledge is required. These are infrequent, hard problems to solve typically.
For use on problems often with multiple drivers in play. Experimentation may be needed to learn and understand what is happening and what is needed.
Can take some time and deep analysis but the results can be a step change in performance.
“Organisations and individuals at all levels fall into this trap of having one primary or standard way of solving every problem,” said Smalley, who learned problem solving at Toyota’s historic Kamigo engine plant from Harada-san.
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Four Types of Problems£42.00
Why Start with Rapid Problem Solving?
- Rapid Problem Solving is a proven method based on Toyota’s approach for developing people to solve problems.
- Rapid Problem Solving enables Team leaders and members to tackle most of their current and near term performance and improvement challenges in their areas.
- Once you have mastered Rapid Problem Solving, it will prepare you well to eventually progress and tackle more complex, medium, longer term business issues using the A3 8 Step Practical Problem Solving approach.
In the “Skill Level 2” course you will gain a deep Understanding of the 4 Step Rapid Problem Solving Method and learn how to visualise your problem solving story onto an A4 Quadrant Chart.
Now move onto the next Topic.