Lead Smarter With Top Problem-Solving Techniques

Strong problem-solving skills are essential for business leaders. The ability to look at a challenge, find possible solutions, and choose the best one sets top performers apart. While some people have a natural talent for this, most successful leaders rely on proven problem-solving techniques to see results.

Whether you’re improving a process, launching a new product, or entering a new market, these six methods will help you make smarter decisions with more confidence.

6 Problem-Solving Methods

There’s no one-size-fits-all strategy for problem-solving. That’s why it’s helpful to have a few approaches you can rely on. These six time-tested models can help you tackle challenges from different angles and find the right path forward.

1. Six Thinking Hats

Edward de Bono developed Six Thinking Hats to examine a problem from multiple viewpoints. Here’s how it works:

• White hat: This team member requests and shares all the information the team needs. This hat represents a fact-driven perspective. 
• Yellow hat: The team member wearing this hat explores the positive aspects of a problem and solution. Their job is to encourage brightness and optimism.
• Black hat: This is the group's risk manager. The wearer analyzes where the solution might go wrong.
• Red hat: The red hat member explores feelings and hunches, sharing likes, dislikes, and concerns about ideas.
• Green hat: This team member focuses on creative, innovative alternatives. 
• Blue hat: This employee ensures the team follows the rules for the problem-solving method.

In smaller teams, people can take on more than one hat. For larger groups, divide the team into six sub-groups and assign each one a hat.

The method works by creating a safe space for discussion, balancing strong opinions, and helping the team look at the situation from all sides. 

2. The Fishbone Diagram

The fishbone diagram, or Ishikawa diagram, helps teams solve big problems by breaking them down into smaller root causes. It’s called a fishbone diagram because the layout looks like the skeleton of a fish.

This method starts with a brainstorming session. The team creates a clear problem statement — this becomes the "head" of the fish. A line extending from it acts as the spine. From there, the team adds major causes of the problem as “ribs,” then explores the smaller factors behind each one.

For example, if the problem is lost revenue, the team might identify three key causes: Rising costs, falling sales, and supply chain issues. Each one becomes a rib on the diagram. Then, the team breaks those down further to find what’s driving each problem.

3. Mindmapping

Mindmapping is a visual brainstorming tool that helps teams explore all sides of a problem. Like the fishbone diagram, it starts with defining the main issue. The team then lists related problems or themes around the core, connecting each with lines. Sub-problems branch out from those.

Teams start by tackling issues on the outer edges of the map, then moving their way into the center toward the leading solution.

4. The 5 Whys

The 5 Whys is a problem-solving technique that requires the team to ask questions until they arrive at the root cause of a complex issue. For example, consider a team that has to determine why sick time usage has recently increased:

• Why has sick time increased? Worker morale is low. 
• Why is worker morale low? The company has increased mandatory overtime.
• Why did the rise in mandatory overtime occur? Quarterly orders were higher than forecast.
• Why didn’t the forecast accurately predict the increase in orders? The model didn’t account for a competitor’s bankruptcy.
• Why don’t we have the flexibility to account for unpredictable variables? The system is inefficient and needs an adjustment.

After answering these five questions, the team realizes that the actual problem is that their production system is too rigid. Addressing the root cause, an inefficient workflow, will fix all the issues stemming from it.

5. Cost-Benefit Analysis

Cost-benefit analysis is a method that compares the costs of a decision or project against the expected benefits to see if it’s worthwhile. It’s often based on dollar value, although you can also compare the cost of non-monetary factors, like time and social impact. Leaders can set a target return on investment (ROI) and decide if the project meets that goal.

For example, a management team might consider buying a new customer relationship management system for $25,000 a year. They expect it will boost sales by $60,000 and cut labor costs by $15,000. That adds up to a $50,000 net benefit — a 200% ROI.

6. SWOT Analysis

SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This method uses a chart divided into four sections, each for one of these categories. During a brainstorming session, the team lists internal and external factors that affect the problem they’re working on. For example:

• Strengths: Superior product, brand loyalty, and name recognition.
• Weaknesses: Limited production capacity.
• Opportunities: Increased demand and an expanding market.
• Threats: Competition boosting capacity to meet the greater demand.

Based on this information, the team might decide to outsource part of its production to stay competitive.

5 Key Problem-Solving Skills

The problem-solving strategies and examples above show why having different tools for different challenges is important. But using these methods effectively depends as much on your skills as on the techniques themselves. That’s why effective managers and team members should focus on building these five key problem-solving skills.

1. Analytical Skills

Leaders need to analyze complex problems and break them down into manageable parts. When applying problem-solving techniques, this means:

• Interpreting information: Understanding all sides of an issue, especially the root cause.
• Identifying trends: Finding out whether this problem has occurred before and if it’s likely to happen again.
• Developing solutions: Working with colleagues to find remedies.

Analytical skills go beyond simply solving the problem at hand. Testing possible solutions and monitoring the results are also part of the process.

2. Creativity

Creativity helps teams overcome problem-solving roadblocks by finding unique solutions. Creative leaders ask questions, look at challenges from different angles, and encourage their teams to move beyond the obvious. Brainstorming together can spark ideas you might not come up with on your own — and lead to more innovative, effective outcomes.

3. Adaptability

Adaptability helps you and your team adjust to new situations, unexpected challenges, and shifting priorities. Adaptable leaders:

• Know how to delegate.
• Develop contingency plans — even if they don’t think they’ll need them.
• Apply creative solutions to work around unexpected events. 
• Develop relationships with internal and external parties. 

Every team needs problem-solvers who can read the situation and adjust their approach as things change.

4. Decision-Making Under Pressure

Leaders often have to make tough decisions with limited time and information. That’s why it’s essential to quickly break down a problem and act confidently. Staying calm under pressure takes discipline and helps you avoid making choices based on panic or emotion.

5. Collaboration

Collaboration brings together different perspectives to create stronger solutions. Skilled problem-solvers know when to bring others in, guide the conversation, and keep the team focused on shared goals. This means listening actively and encouraging input from everyone involved. When done well, collaboration leads to results that are better than any one person could achieve alone.

How Can Effective Delegation Help in Problem-Solving?

High-performing leaders don't solve every problem themselves. They may help define the problem and identify the proper problem-solving technique, but they also allow the team to work on solutions when appropriate.

A well-done team approach to problem-solving can:

• Improve efficiency and productivity.
• Free up mental space so you can focus on high-impact work.
• Speed up decisions by giving ownership to the people closest to the problem.
• Build trust and capability across the team.

Athena Assistants are ideal for this exact type of delegation. They're trained to anticipate needs, manage inputs, and create clarity. With the right assistant, you can devote more time and energy to your problem-solving process.

Get Started With an Athena Assistant

Athena Assistants help leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs focus on what matters most. Using personality assessments and smart matching, we pair you with an executive assistant (EA) who fits your needs exactly.

Your EA supports you through every problem-solving stage, from analyzing issues to brainstorming solutions. Need help choosing the right approach or staying organized while you work through a challenge? Your EA is there as a strategic partner to make your day run smoother.

Become the problem-solving leader your team needs. Contact Athena today.

‍