“How do we fix this issue?” It’s a common worry, especially in the construction industry. How often do things actually go to plan? Not very often! Even with the assistance of modern technology we still find ourselves running blind, on the fly and under the cosh.
There are few working arenas like construction that provide such a unique mixture of puzzle-solving, 3D thinking and urgency. But that’s okay, because you are the Ultimate Innovator and you have amazing problem solving skills.
Perhaps you’re not aware of these skills or at least, never bothered to take a closer look, but there is good reason to.
Problem solving and making important decisions are a regular part of the construction industry day, but were you formally trained in problem solving? Probably not. This is a grown and personally honed set of skills that you have developed over time.
There’s another point about problem-solving that isn’t in conscious awareness, and that is that they are also opportunities to improve areas of the construction industry and the way it operates.
Problem solving abilities are a valuable set of personal skills that help improve the construction industry.
Although we’re born problem-solvers and Ultimate Innovators, we naturally shy away from problems and this makes a problem seem much worse than it actually is. The first goal of problem solving should be to approach the issue with a ‘problem-friendly’ attitude. In the words of Albert Einstein,
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”
By breaking down any internal resistance you’re feeling you can view the problem fairly.
Here are seven proven steps to problem solving and they can easily be applied to most common problems in the construction industry.
7 Steps to Solving Construction Industry Problems
- Get clear on the issues that created the problem. What really needs correcting here?
- Get clear on everyone’s interests. This will help prioritise the resolution.
- List all possible solutions. Get creative and brainstorm every conceivable outcome.
- Evaluate the possible solutions. Sometimes a simple mark out of ten helps.
- Select the best option.
- Write down the best solution with all the details and implications.
- Make contingency plans. Any change will probably produce a knock-on effect elsewhere. Be sure to have it considered, if not covered!
Problem solving doesn’t always follow a step by step process so be prepared to jump around the points.
This process can be very helpful during a site meeting. Take the seven steps with you and get other’s input.
In a Nutshell: Approach a problem with your Ultimate Innovator hat on. You CAN solve this. Go through the seven steps, with others if possible, and make a note of your solutions.
Additional Take-Away: There’s an important trend developing in some construction companies; they are recording problems and how they get solved so there’s a searchable system in place for the next time that problem arises. There’s no reason to reinvent the wheel each time there’s a problem, so why not start your own in-house system?
Written by
Vicki James
Sales & Marketing Coordinator
Vicki is a vital part of the marketing team; from reporting to copywriting, she ensures we complete projects on time.
