Problem solving is one of the most critical skills in business. The first and most important step to solving the problem is to accurately define the problem. Be objective and do not have preconceived notions. Bringing biases and preconcieved notions into this process means you are defining the problem before you have defined the problem. Be objective and get the facts. Apply some critical thinking and get this first step right. Often a problem shows up as a symptom or effect. Look for the cause. A solution addresses the cause and that gets rid of the symptom.
For example, if product sales are dropping off, find the cause. It might not be that the sales people aren't doing their job. The sales people report that customers just aren't buying as much as they used to. The problem actually is a new competitor. The solution is to analyze the competition and adjust how you promote your product.
Get the facts you need to know what your solution is based on.
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