When you look at what you do every day, problem solving would have to be a big part of the job. Some problems are big, and you see right away that they are problems. Others are smaller, more frequent and so quickly solved that you may not view them as problems.

Of course, you'd feel more confident about decisions if you had more time, as well as complete and accurate information on which to base your decisions. But considering like most managers you're typically required to focus on something different every 8 minutes, that often isn't possible.

How can you ensure that you come up with the best solutions to problems given the limitations of time and information?

Here's a five-stage process:

1.  Define the problem

Start by making sure you're looking at the problem, not a symptom of the problem.

2. Set solution objectives

What will be the result of finding the right solution? What benefits or gains should an effective solution provide?

3. Generate alternative solutions

What are all the ways you (and your team) can discover to solve the problem?

4. Evaluate solutions and choose one

Systematically examine each of your alternative solutions and identify the one that best meets your solution objectives.

5. Implement, monitor, and adjust your solution

Apply your chosen solution and measure the extent to which it meets the solution objectives. Fine-tune or correct, as needed, to meet all of your objectives as completely as possible.