Courtesy of Flickr User Tomasz Stasiuk

Step #1: Define each problem in detail before trying to solve it.
Take time to understand the problem, understand the criteria for a good decision and generate some good options.

Step #2: Offer one or two firmly suggested solutions.
Offering too many suggestions will only confuse your client and force them to become indecisive.

Step #3: Prioritize your client’s action steps to help avoid overwhelm.
If your client agrees to take action, ask them to relax and focus on moving forward.

Step #4: Implement a step-by-step plan of action.
When you approach problems systematically, you cover the essentials each time – and your decisions become more thought out, well planned and well executed.

Step #5: Look for more ways to improve upon the problem solving idea to avoid future problems.
Continue to perfect your problem-solving skills and use them for continuous improvement initiatives that serve your clients’ needs.