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Solve problems like an Air Force pilot
Posted 10/4/2012
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by Staff Sgt. Shawn Rhodes
927th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
10/4/2012 - MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) -- The Air Force is known for their innovation in air, space and cyberspace. When an Air Force pilot has to make decisions, he relies on a specific decision-making process that helps win wars and save lives. If you want to problem-solve like an Air Force pilot, follow these steps:
1. Clarify and validate the problem
Flying demands attention, and pilots have to examine if they can influence the problem before using resources on it. Complaining about what's going wrong doesn't help in combat, or solve your problems. When you're faced with a problem, clearly define it and decide whether it is something you can affect. This is the first step toward overcoming it.
2. Measure the impact of the problem
If a pilot jumps to conclusions it could be hazardous. Air Force pilots are taught to gather data about the problem so they can clearly outline any problem's impact. Examine your situation and assess its immediate and future impact to prioritize it.
3. Set an improvement target
Instead of jumping to solve the problem, Air Force pilots first look at where they want to be after it's solved. They don't just aim for hitting the target - they strike the bull's eye. When dealing with your problem, imagine what the situation will look like when it's solved, and work backward from there to maximize your results.
4. Determine the Root Cause
An ancient saying in Asia is 'Fix the problem, not the blame.' Pilots apply this when they determine the origin of a problem to stop it from occurring again. They don't want to be working through the remaining steps of the process only to have the situation compound itself by happening again. Look to how and where your problem started so you can be sure you solve it where it began.
5. Develop Counter-Measures
This is where the rubber meets the runway. Pilots examine all the possibilities for counter measures so they can head the problem off at the pass before it affects their mission. They then create detailed action plans to swiftly move to remedy the situation. Lay out all of your options so you can examine the possibilities before deciding which one would be best to get you where you want to go.
6. See it Through
Air Force pilots make sure that they don't do anything half-way, especially when it involves the lives of their crew and passengers. When they've developed counter-measures, they implement the solution. Once you have a plan, see it through and don't give up until your problem dissolves like the wind.
7. Confirm Results and Process
It's not enough for an Air Force pilot to solve a problem - big or small - and move on. They confirm their results to make sure the problem won't repeat. Next, they examine what they've done to see if there are any needed changes. If your solutions didn't work, reassess and re-attack the problem.
8. Standardize Results
Finally, pilots spread the word so others can learn from their solution and avoid reinventing the wheel. Once your problem is in your past, spread the word about how you overcame it so that others can learn from your success.
"Most people just brainstorm their process, and shoot off the cuff without analyzing it," said Maj. James Kirkland, chief of process plans for the 927th Air Refueling Wing, a reserve unit based at MacDill Air Force Base. "This is more analytical, and actually identifies whether something is a problem or is just being perceived that way."
Kirkland said this process is similar to one used by Fortune 500 companies and is a problem-solving tool that brings results.
"If you're in the business of making and saving money, this system gives you a plan of attack," Kirkland added. "You can assign concrete actions based on this, or delegate to the people who can bring in results."
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