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Results for: Problem solving

The power of a problem: Building a culture that values solving the right problem once

March 9, 2022

In our “Power of a Problem” series, we’ve talked about how to identify and define a problem, measure the problem, and break large and complex problems into manageable process improvement projects. At first glance, these steps may seem to require a lot of effort, but failing to solve the right problem can be costly for your government’s pocketbook and morale. If you are a leader in your organization, you have the ability to create a culture that emphasizes solving the right problems the first time and empower others to do the same.

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The power of a problem: Breaking big problems into manageable pieces

March 2, 2022

Last week’s entry in our Power of a Problem series focused on simple measurements to help you define the problem. But as we pointed out, the more you know, the more you might begin to see a bigger problem. This week, we’re going to share techniques that we, as Lean specialists, use to help local governments break big problems into manageable pieces.

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The power of a problem series: Using simple measurements to bring focus

February 23, 2022

Last week, we shared tips on how to define a problem with a host of open-ended, descriptive questions designed to gather the facts you need to make others aware of the problem in order to build momentum for solving it. In this post, we introduce another tool you can use to define a problem: simple measurements. These are measurements we, as Lean specialists, often suggest that local governments gather before we embark on a process improvement project.

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The power of a problem series: Defining the problem

February 16, 2022

Identifying the problem is only the first step, and quickly firing off ill-considered solutions can create even more problems. Now is the time to slow down, take stock, and lead with curiosity so you can fully define the problem and its effects. In this week’s post, we’re going to share the types of questions we, as Lean specialists, use to help local governments define a problem.

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The power of a problem series: Identifying the problem

February 10, 2022

Last week, we kicked off our power of a problem series by describing what can happen when we don’t take the time to properly identify the right problem from the start. This week, we’re going to share techniques that we, as Lean specialists, use to help local governments see how incidents that appear isolated may actually be connected and indicative of a systemic problem.

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