Generate alternatives
Nothing is more dangerous than an idea when it's the only one you have" Emile Chartier
Once the problem has been clearly identified and the root cause verified, then and only then should you move on to generating alternatives.
Concentrate only on generating multiple possible solutions at this stage and prevent from evaluating the proposed alternatives. Considering a wide array of alternative solutions will greatly enhance the quality of your final solution. Keep an open mind and don't be afraid to challenge the way things were done in the past.
A good way to come up with new solutions is to try and generalise the relationship between the cause and the problem. That way you can base your alternatives on observations of how the problem was fixed in similar relationships. "Solutions of new problems may often be transfers of familiar solutions" (Ray, 1958)
Once you and your team members have agreed on a goal, you can start to build a plan to achieve your desired outcome. Brainstorming techniques are proven to be helpful at this stage.
A common mistake is to evaluate alternatives as you produce them. You should refrain from doing that as it will more likely guide you to adopt the first acceptable solution rather than the best one. Focus too much on the result and you will miss the opportunity to learn for real improvement.
Concentrate only on generating multiple possible solutions at this stage and prevent from evaluating the proposed alternatives. Considering a wide array of alternative solutions will greatly enhance the quality of your final solution. Keep an open mind and don't be afraid to challenge the way things were done in the past.
A good way to come up with new solutions is to try and generalise the relationship between the cause and the problem. That way you can base your alternatives on observations of how the problem was fixed in similar relationships. "Solutions of new problems may often be transfers of familiar solutions" (Ray, 1958)
Once you and your team members have agreed on a goal, you can start to build a plan to achieve your desired outcome. Brainstorming techniques are proven to be helpful at this stage.
A common mistake is to evaluate alternatives as you produce them. You should refrain from doing that as it will more likely guide you to adopt the first acceptable solution rather than the best one. Focus too much on the result and you will miss the opportunity to learn for real improvement.