In mathematics, a differential equation is an equation that relates one or more functions and their derivatives. In applications, the functions generally represent physical quantities, the derivatives represent their rates of change, and the differential equation defines a relationship between the two. Wikipedia
Differential equations provide the uniqueness and importance of potential solutions. Not often do they provide clear cut analytical solutions. Combined with people, they provide innovation, and people offer a reasonable sound basis for some good old American ingenuity.
The Scenario: The staffing model in our organization has changed. As we adapt to the Covid-19 pandemic, we need to be vigilant, smart, and safe. There are uncertainty and change. We find more staff working remotely. Production disruptions due to supply chain issues affecting deliverables, further compounding internal and external customer expectations, all types of forecasts -best/worst/most-likely, leadership saying “scrub” it again, financial models askew relating to deliverables of both products and related services. We may have limited visibility or a way of easily sharing information about our work; this will make it hard for the rest of the team to cover the work deliverables during these unprecedented times. Confident, effective communication is vital. Staff absence may be a direct result of our customer’s, scaling back, closing, or governmental order.
What is a Problem Statement? It’s a simple one or two sentences to explain the problem your process improvement team will address.
In a time when we all could use more positivity, a problem statement will outline painful points of a current situation, explain why this matters, and will serve as a useful communication tool. It is helpful to enable buy-in and support from others.
We can tell you from experience. Your number one goal is a clear and concise statement that defines the problem(s) to address. Steer the scope of the project as well as the focus and activities of the process improvement team.
You may refine as you start to uncover the systemic cause. The following criterion is sufficient:
- Focus on only one problem.
- One or two sentences long.
- No suggestion of a solution.
If you read the Responsible or Accountable blog there is a useful tool and process to help you navigate.
7 Simple Steps to Useful Problem Statements:
- Get each person involved in the process at all levels, to write his or her problem statement. They mustn’t discuss or share the statement.
- The team leaders then compare each of the statements/ looking for common themes and wording.
- Write an improved statement using the common issues.
- We are in the relationship business and must include the customer’s perspective
- The statement must focus on existing problems.
- Qualify the time frame over which the problem has been occurring.
- Get the 5′ W’s (Who, What, Where, When, and Why) to the problem statement and quantify the problem. Defer completion until you have all the data at your fingertips.
This process is very useful. Effective execution is challenging. We sometimes use a “blind” tool that enables cross-functional teams to be more open due to anonymity.
At work and home, people are working through change and processing many emotions. We all could use a little more patience, compassion, and understanding in these uncertain times. If you can use our help, need help, we are a phone call away. Yes, we can distance work with you too.