What are the tools and techniques you use as an approach to problem solving?

i usually set down,relax,look at the big picture,look for the root cause of the problem,i never look at the problem itself.only cause and root.

i will right every cause i can think of and apply to the needed solution? doesn't work do it again.

listen to people involved or might have caused the problem,a problem is a cause and a result,. the result or product of the cause is the problem.

problems might be opportunities,think and listen before you act,align the solution with company goals and acceptable procesures .

The simplest tool is the5 WHY: the answer of each why will provide another why and so on. When solving the problem go back word till the real cause of the problem becomes apparent.

More advance problem solving  methods such as Root Cause Analysis   or Cause and Effect Analysis   

As a Project/Program management, I have used to the aproach of problem solving through of the creativity, applying Noller´s symbolic formula C= fa(K,I,E). Where Creativity is a function of Knowledge, Imagination, and Evaluation, reflecting an interpersonal attitude toward the beneficial and positive use of creativity.

My favorite problem solving steps as follows

1.      Defining the problem.

2.      Analyzing the problem.

3.      Generating potential solutions.

4.      Selecting the best solution.

5.      Evaluating the results.

6.      Develop prevention procedures to avoid raising this problem in future.

I propose the following tools and techniques

There are many tools and techniques available to support the problem-solving process. Depending on the nature of the problem, we may find one of the following popular techniques helpful:

1.      Six Thinking Hats. Edward de Bono’s technique encourages a group to approach a problem from all possible angles. Every group member is required to think about the same issues at the same time, by putting on six different metaphorical hats. Each hat has a different color, and represents a particular type of thought process.

2.      Fishbone Analysis. This is a useful tool which is designed to help the user to systematically analyze the root causes of a problem or issue and to think logically through the different ways in which the problem can be tackled.

3.      Argument Mapping. This technique is similar to mind mapping, and involves creating a visual representation of your thought process in relation to a specific problem. Typically, argument maps consist of box and arrow diagrams, and often look like flow diagrams.

there are many tools and techniques , but I'm using "(PDCA) -Plan, Do, Check, Act"  &  "Root cause Analysis"  more often than others.

Define the problem 

define the causes of the problem 

brainstorm the solutions alone 

discuss the barnstorming and re- brainstorm with ur team/partner 

see what is the best solution that can fit in such situation 

always predicate the bad before the good 

good luck :) 

High performance work teams typically use four problem-solving tools:1. Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA)2.5-Why Analysis3. Ishakawa (Fishbone) Diagram4. Simplified Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (SFMEA)

I usually use the "5 whys", simple, efficient, quick...one of the most effective tool to trace problem to its origins. 

Defining a problem: Rightly identified problem solves half the problem!

Analyiss: Many ways starting from simplest QC Tools to complex tools. Why-Why analysis has proved one of the effective tools in majority of the problems, when it is done with an intent to find the root cause. In few complex situations higher level tools like PFMEA, Tree diagram, Mind mapping and DOE helps to identify the root cause of a problem.

Solution: When we have a right cause, solution generation become quite easy. DOE is a best technique to test the selected solutions.

I believe in the statement "If you can produce a defect using the root cause, similar to the one we found in the beginning, you solved it"

Root Cause Analysis.

Me myself do not prefer to use acadmic ways, just following my sense and my previous experience .

First i'd like to say i really liked what  amer jayyousi said.

So, here's my way:

1-Listining carfully to all people involved into the problem.

2-Ask and invistgate (direct and indirect ways).

3-looking for problem roots.

4-putting in my considration (action and reaction)DO NOT EVER BLAME REACTION, BLAME ONLY ACTION.

5- Check for a similar case and look for its history.

6-Following THE SPIRIT OF COMPANY BOOK OF REGULATION.

That's all friends