Practical Problem Solving (7) Step 5 and 6 = Develop and Implement Countermeasures

This is the part where you are really to get to solve the problem, so without preconceived ideas develop as many potential countermeasures as possible. Utilize your network of team members for ideas to get diverse opinions from inside and outside the company. This is an opportunity to seek bold and creative ideas.



Narrow down the ideas that are the most practical and effective. A helpful tool called a criteria matrix may be useful to look at items such as effectiveness, cost, risk, feasibility, etc.

Select the countermeasure to implement based on the overall evaluation of the proposed countermeasures.

Build consensus with others (Nemawashi) to achieve an increased level of speed and smoothness. Explain purpose, Target and overall problem solving process of Countermeasure.

Implement the Countermeasures

Create a clear and detailed action plan. When creating the action-plan, be sure to clearly identify the four W’s and two H’s of the countermeasures.

Who, What, Where, When, How & How much?

A helpful Tool called a Ghant chart should be used here to monitor overall effectiveness of your planned activities using the PDCA.

Helpful Hints: Identify an effective countermeasure that directly addresses the root cause. .

Ask yourself :

will this countermeasure truly fix this root cause?

Ask yourself

could this countermeasure create a new problem ?

Don't rely on past experiences. Involve all stakeholders

Make sure to follow up on the countermeasures to see them through. In order to accomplish this, check progress regularly and thoroughly communicate by reporting, informing and consulting with all your stakeholders.

Do not forget to also share negative news quickly since the news may influence what they are doing and they may need extra time to resolve issues.

Avoid potential risks and prepare contingency plans for unforeseen changes.

Never give up. If you cannot achieve the expected results, try other measures. No matter what difficulties we may encounter, through ‘trial and error’ we must always make the best attempt and strive to take the next step forward.

Next Step: Monitor both results and processes