Steps to Tackling and Fixing a Problem

• Problem Appears or is Recognised to Exist
• Try to see Problem in Overall Context or Importance: If important enough to deal with and fix, continue. (If problem is repititious and vigorous, consider finding place away from problem to observe problem impartially or value of fixing problem since this would require larger resources.)
• Consider what caused Problem in most general sense.
• Identify Problem Area Overall and Origins and Background.
• Consider Reducing Problem to Minimum Number of Problem Areas.
• Try to Determine which parts of Problem are most important or key Problem Areas.
• If possible, consider replicating the problem to determine if it is repeatable or can be simulated in some way that makes its behaviour easier to understand.
• Establish set of expected outcomes to test and view progress as interaction with problem proceeds.
• If possible, reduce Problem to smallest size possible (without excluding or propagating Problem Areas that might be contributing factors).
• Determine if the Problem is more of a Problem in some areas than in others. (This can help show where the most intense root causes or weaknesses in the problem environment lie.)
• Work on the smallest version of the Problem as possible so that time, attention and effort is not spent wading through excess materials and activities that are unrelated to problem or hinder access to Problem Areas.
• Take plenty breaks away from the problem when progress is repeatedly hampered or at a dead end. The best progress can occur when a problem is encountered on a fresh rested basis such as after a night's sleep.
• If problem corrected, make notes of important details of correction, especially that might apply to other similar problems so knowledge or prevention can be in store for future problems and fixes.
• Be fully grateful and appreciative of any victory over a problem.