How do you rank problems to solve?
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How do you rank problems to solve? This is a crucial question for anyone who wants to improve their problem solving skills and manage their projects effectively. In this article, you will learn how to use a simple framework to prioritize your problems and decide which ones to tackle first.
Why ranking problems matters
Problem solving is not only about finding solutions, but also about choosing which problems to focus on. If you try to solve everything at once, you might end up wasting time, resources, and energy on irrelevant or minor issues. On the other hand, if you ignore or postpone important problems, you might miss opportunities, create more complications, or jeopardize your goals. Ranking problems helps you to allocate your attention and effort wisely, and to achieve better results in less time.
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Partamos de que cada decisión que tomemos en la empresa y la vida influye en el entorno interno y externo de la misma, con lo que cada decisión conlleva una renuncia intrínsecamente, la clave en mi opinión es el tener clara la misión y visión de la empresa, a partir de ahí identificar lo importante que a veces no coincide con lo urgente es prioritario en ese ranking de actuación sobre cada problema, igual hay que decidir sobre varios problemas de forma simultánea, estas son las cosas que tienen las empresas, hoy va todo genial y mañana se ha liado todo.
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Yes, It's very important to prioritise the problems. At the same time, it's also considered as opportunities to perform. The bigger the issue is the bigger the chance to learn and create Visibility for you and your team.
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How to rank problems using the ICE method
The ICE method is a popular and practical way to rank problems, standing for Impact, Confidence, and Ease. To use this method, you need to assign a numerical value (usually from 1 to 10) to each criterion for each problem, and then multiply them to get the ICE score. The higher the score, the higher the priority. Impact is measured by how much value will be created for you or your stakeholders by solving the problem. Confidence is determined by how sure you are that you can solve the problem successfully. And Ease is determined by how simple or complex it is to solve and how much time, money, or resources it will require.
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El método ICE esta bien pero… La técnica que yo utilizo es el método MOSCOW, que se basa en categorizar los problemas como Must Have (debe tener), Should Have (debería tener), Could Have (podría tener) y Won't Have (no tendrá). Cada uno de estos niveles me ayuda a establecer la prioridad y la importancia relativa de los problemas a resolver en un proyecto o tarea. Estas técnicas me proporcionan estructura y enfoque en la toma de decisiones para abordar problemas de manera efectiva.
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The ICE method streamlines problem-solving by quantifying challenges across three dimensions. First, we gauge Impact, asking how transformative solving a specific problem would be for stakeholders. Next, we assess Confidence, reflecting our certainty in achieving a successful resolution. Lastly, Ease evaluates the simplicity of the solution and the resources it requires. By multiplying the values assigned to these criteria, we generate an ICE score. A higher score translates to a higher priority, ensuring we tackle problems in a strategic manner, optimizing time and resources.
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How to apply the ICE method in practice
To illustrate how the ICE method works, let's take a look at an example. Imagine you are a project manager dealing with four problems: A, where your client has requested changes in the scope of the project; B, where your team is experiencing communication issues; C, where your budget is running low; and D, where your deadline is approaching. You can use the ICE method to rank these problems according to their Impact, Confidence, and Ease. For example, Problem B has an Impact of 7, Confidence of 7, and Ease of 5, giving it an ICE score of 245. Problem A has an Impact of 8, Confidence of 6, and Ease of 4, giving it an ICE score of 192. Problem C has an Impact of 9, Confidence of 5, and Ease of 3, giving it an ICE score of 135. Lastly, Problem D has an Impact of 10, Confidence of 4, and Ease of 2, giving it an ICE score of 80. According to the ICE method, the order of priority for these problems is: B, A, C, D.
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In my experience, quantifying concepts is a challenging process for human’s mind. Your mind can easily get tricked and biased. Always consider clarifying each number on each category of the ICE, by a simple explanation or even examples if possible. Another issue is who can give correct answers and complete the prioritization matrix. Using expert choice and let several experts decide – together or separately – is the answer. Never trust or rely only on your own skills in this matter.
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(Impact, Confidence, Ease) evaluating PROBLEM . First, assess the Impact – consider the potential outcomes or benefits of the problems . Next, evaluate Confidence – your level of certainty in achieving the desired impact. Finally, analyze Ease – how straightforward or complex the PROBLEM is to execute. Assign each criterion a score, from 1 to 10, and then calculate the total score for each task. This method helps prioritize PROBLMS SOLVING ACCORDING TO THE SCORES
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How to adapt the ICE method to your context
The ICE method is a flexible and adaptable tool that can be modified depending on the context and preferences. For instance, you can use different scales or weights for the criteria, or even different criteria altogether. Qualitative or descriptive labels can also be used instead of numerical values. Ultimately, the key is to use the ICE method as a guide and to adjust it to your needs and goals, rather than as an absolute formula.
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In the ever-evolving ERP Administration domain, the ICE method's flexibility proves crucial. Here's how you can tailor it: Custom Criteria: Introduce ERP-specific criteria like 'User Impact' or 'System Criticality' for better alignment. Scale Variations: Consider using a severity matrix (Low, Medium, High) for more intuitive issue ranking. Weight Adjustments: For critical tasks like system updates, prioritize 'Confidence' over 'Ease' to ensure solution effectiveness. Iterate Dynamically: With changing user demands and system updates, recalibrate your ICE criteria regularly. In ERP, ICE isn't a rigid structure; it's a flexible tool to be adapted to your unique challenges.
How to review and update your problem ranking
Ranking problems is not a one-time activity, but a continuous process that requires regular review and update. As you solve some problems, new ones might emerge, or the existing ones might change in terms of impact, confidence, or ease. Therefore, you need to monitor your progress, evaluate your results, and revise your ranking accordingly. This will help you to stay on track, adapt to changing circumstances, and optimize your problem solving performance.
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In the fluid landscape of problem-solving, consistency in reevaluation is paramount. As initial issues are addressed, new challenges often surface or existing ones evolve, shifting their ICE parameters. It's vital to continually measure progress, analyze outcomes, and recalibrate rankings. By periodically revisiting and adjusting our problem ranking, we ensure that our focus remains aligned with evolving priorities, allowing us to swiftly respond to changes and enhance our efficiency in addressing pressing concerns.
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I rank problems using an urgency and impact matrix: 1. Define criteria: Urgency and Impact. 2. Assess urgency based on time sensitivity, consequences, and commitments. 3. Assess impact based on financial, customer, and strategic factors. 4. Create a matrix with four quadrants. 5. Plot problems according to their urgency and impact scores. 6. Prioritize based on placement, with top-left quadrant being high priority. 7. Develop action plans accordingly. 8. Regularly review and adjust priorities as needed.
Here’s what else to consider
This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?
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One thing I have found useful is the utility of 80/20 rule of problem solving while prioritizing among multiple issues at hand. It focuses on finding the 20% of issues that are causing 80% of the problems, and then solve them. It's especially useful in resource constrained environments where efficiency and effectiveness are key.
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My go-to tool? The Eisenhower Matrix, customised to your organisation for top-notch results. It sorts tasks by urgency and importance into 4 strategies. Interested? DM me!
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