Problem

This is my favorite checkist.

Problem solving 101

1. Document the desired state (where you want to be).
If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there.
(L. Carroll)

Describe it in a SMART way: Specific, Achievable, Measurable, Relevant, Time framed

2. Document the present state (where you are today)
If you don't know where you are, a map won't serve.
(W. Humphrey)
In measurable terms comparable to #1

3. Understand the system through one or more of:
3.a. SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)
3.b. Ishikawa (or fishbone) root cause analysis
3.c. Process diagrams (process charts)
3.d. Activity flowcharts
3.e. Value stream maps
3.f. Ask 5 times "why?"
3.g. Expert analysis
... there are others, but this is good enough to start with.

4. Document the reasons why you are not where you want to be (aka root causes) and group them in: communication, training, process, product and tool.

5. Fix the process to improve communication, training, process, product and tool as needed.

6. Measure the results
(are you closer to your goal?)
... and go back to square one.

This is as easy as 123, but most of us don't do it.
We say it's boring. It does not let creativity flow. We think we are better than that.

And maybe, just maybe, some managers don't appreciate the quiet and systematic solution of problems. They want to see struggle long hours, working weekends, heroes and casualties. The whole nine yards.
After all, John Wayne, James Bond, Dirty Harry and Catwoman never used a checklist.

Fungus