Problem Solving

What happens to a problem deferred?
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore—
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over—
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?

The impact of an individual deferring problems, regardless of their role, can be devastating for an organisation. In the article, "Thinking through problem solving" (pdf), Valerie A Washington outlines the 6 stages of the 'Ladder of Problem Solving'model:

• Detection
• Inclination
• Capability
• Inquiry
• Skilled response
• Directed results

which she believes will "help to develop personal accountability, collaborative problem solving, and growth.