--- title: TOP 10 PROBLEM SOLVING TOOLS description: Using the right tools will help you solve the right problem. --- [Skip to the main content.](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/top-10-problem-solving-tools#main-content) [![CoreState\_Primary\_Colour\_RGB](https://corestate.consulting/hubfs/CoreState_Primary_Colour_RGB.svg "CoreState_Primary_Colour_RGB")](https://corestate.consulting/) [![CoreState\_Primary\_Colour\_RGB](https://corestate.consulting/hubfs/CoreState_Primary_Colour_RGB.svg "CoreState_Primary_Colour_RGB")](https://corestate.consulting/) - Solutions - [The What](https://corestate.consulting/solutions/the-what) - [The How](https://corestate.consulting/solutions/the-how) - [The Proof](https://corestate.consulting/solutions/the-proof) - Knowledge Core - [Mastery](https://corestate.consulting/mastery) - [Industry Intelligence](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence) - [Open Source Resources](https://corestate.consulting/open-source-resources) - [Lexicon](https://corestate.consulting/lexicon) - [About](https://corestate.consulting/about-us) - [Contact](https://corestate.consulting/contact) Toggle Menu Toggle Menu - Solutions - [The What](https://corestate.consulting/solutions/the-what) - [The How](https://corestate.consulting/solutions/the-how) - [The Proof](https://corestate.consulting/solutions/the-proof) - Knowledge Core - [Mastery](https://corestate.consulting/mastery) - [Industry Intelligence](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence) - [Open Source Resources](https://corestate.consulting/open-source-resources) - [Lexicon](https://corestate.consulting/lexicon) - [About](https://corestate.consulting/about-us) - [Contact](https://corestate.consulting/contact) 2 min read # TOP 10 PROBLEM SOLVING TOOLS [![Picture of Core State Consulting](https://corestate.consulting/hubfs/CoreState_Icon_Colour_RGB.svg) Core State Consulting](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/author/core-state-consulting) : Published August 12, 2024 Updated September 29, 2025 [Collaboration](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/tag/collaboration) [Optimisation](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/tag/optimisation) [Leadership](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/tag/leadership) [Problem-Solving](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/tag/problem-solving) [Critical Thinking](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/tag/critical-thinking) What tools can you use for Problem Solving? There are heaps! The best approach is to think of the solution or outcome you need and then pick the right tool to create that outcome, or, in other words, Start with the End in Mind. Here are our top 10 Problem-Solving Tools (Number 10 is the absolute best!!!): ![complexity-structured-approach-collaborative-resolution](https://corestate.consulting/hs-fs/hubfs/complexity-structured-approach-collaborative-resolution-1.png?width=1232&height=928&name=complexity-structured-approach-collaborative-resolution-1.png) 1\. SWOT Analysis (In-Person or Digital) *Solution/Outcome:* Helps identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to a project or business decision. This framework aids in strategic planning and risk management by providing a comprehensive view of internal and external factors. By following the structured thinking in the SWOT Analysis you can stay on track and have the discipline to do the right thinking at the right time, this allows you to solve the right problem.   2\. Root Cause Analysis (RCA) (In-Person or Digital) *Solution/Outcome:* Identifies the underlying causes of a problem rather than just addressing symptoms. This approach leads to more effective long-term solutions by ensuring the core issue is resolved.   3\. 5 Whys (In-Person) *Solution/Outcome:* A simple problem-solving technique that involves asking "Why?" five times to drill down to the root cause of an issue. It helps teams move beyond surface-level explanations to uncover deeper causes.   4\. Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa Diagram) (In-Person or Digital) *Solution/Outcome:* Visual tool used to identify, explore, and display the possible causes of a specific problem. It’s useful for teams to brainstorm and organise potential factors contributing to a problem. Another structured thinking tool that allows you to examine key elements of the problem or situation.   5\. Design Thinking (In-Person or Digital) Solution/Outcome: A human-centred approach to innovation and problem-solving that focuses on understanding the user, challenging assumptions, and redefining problems to identify alternative strategies and solutions. It’s often used for developing creative solutions in product and service design. Check out the [Google Design Sprint](https://designsprintkit.withgoogle.com/)process to look at how you can rapidly innovate and create amazing new solutions!   6\. Kanban Boards (Digital - e.g. Trello, Jira; In-Person - physical boards) *Solution/Outcome:* Visual workflow management tool that helps teams manage work in progress, identify bottlenecks, and improve task management. It promotes transparency and efficiency in project execution. Any tool that helps you visualise work allows you to SEE the problem! This is one of the most effective tools to use!   7\. [Action Learning](https://wial.org/) (In-Person) *Solution/Outcome:* A process where a group works on a real problem, takes action, and learns as individuals and a team. It’s effective for solving complex issues and fostering leadership development simultaneously. Do something...learn from it!   8\. Scenario Planning *Solution/Outcome:* A strategic planning tool that helps teams anticipate possible future scenarios and develop strategies to address them. It’s useful for long-term planning and risk management.   9\. PDCA Cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act) (In-Person or Digital) *Solution/Outcome:* A continuous improvement tool that involves planning a change, implementing it, checking the results, and acting on what has been learned. It fosters iterative problem-solving and process improvement.   10\. Collaboration (In-Person) *Solution/Outcome:* Commitment to each other allows you to focus on learning and growing together. This is the best problem-solving tool you will ever use! Be open to listening and learning from different perspectives. These tools and frameworks provide structured approaches to problem-solving, helping leaders and teams proactively address challenges and improve organisational outcomes.   [![Judgment is Your New Superpower](https://corestate.consulting/hubfs/LeadershipInAI.png)](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/judgment-is-your-new-superpower) #### [Judgment is Your New Superpower](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/judgment-is-your-new-superpower) [![Picture of Core State Consulting](https://corestate.consulting/hubfs/CoreState_Icon_Colour_RGB.svg) Core State Consulting](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/author/core-state-consulting) : Jun 15, 2026, 2:34:16 PM The Death of Creation. Judgment is Your New Superpower. Higher Order Thinking Skills are the way forward. [Optimisation](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/tag/optimisation) [Leadership](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/tag/leadership) [Problem-Solving](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/tag/problem-solving) [Critical Thinking](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/tag/critical-thinking) [Decision-Making](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/tag/decision-making) [AI](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/tag/ai) [Read More](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/judgment-is-your-new-superpower) #### [THE ART OF THE PIVOT](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/the-art-of-the-pivot) [![Picture of Core State Consulting](https://corestate.consulting/hubfs/CoreState_Icon_Colour_RGB.svg) Core State Consulting](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/author/core-state-consulting) : Apr 11, 2025, 12:11:00 AM Discover why pivoting is a strategic strength. Learn how successful leaders and organisations adapt to change for resilience and growth. [Optimisation](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/tag/optimisation) [Leadership](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/tag/leadership) [Problem-Solving](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/tag/problem-solving) [Critical Thinking](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/tag/critical-thinking) [Business Resiliency](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/tag/business-resiliency) [Improvement](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/tag/improvement) [Crisis Preparation](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/tag/crisis-preparation) [Read More](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/the-art-of-the-pivot) [![The Rise of the Decision Economy](https://corestate.consulting/hubfs/ValueClarity.png)](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/the-rise-of-the-decision-economy) #### [The Rise of the Decision Economy](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/the-rise-of-the-decision-economy) [![Picture of Core State Consulting](https://corestate.consulting/hubfs/CoreState_Icon_Colour_RGB.svg) Core State Consulting](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/author/core-state-consulting) : Jun 22, 2026, 2:45:00 AM The knowledge economy is officially dead. We are seeing the Rise of the Decision Economy: Navigating AI Slop to find value is a core skill. [Leadership](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/tag/leadership) [Problem-Solving](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/tag/problem-solving) [Critical Thinking](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/tag/critical-thinking) [Decision-Making](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/tag/decision-making) [AI](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/tag/ai) [Read More](https://corestate.consulting/industry-intelligence/the-rise-of-the-decision-economy) CORE STATE CONSULTING CORE STATE CONSULTING - +61 1300 060 638 - [solutions@corestate.consulting](mailto:solutions@corestate.consulting) - Based in Queensland, Australia, operating worldwide. 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