Page 383 - The Toyota Way Fieldbook

Chapter 16

Consider Alternative

Solutions While

Building Consensus

J UST AS THERE ARE many potential causes and root causes for any problem, there
is always more than one way to solve any problem! The creativity of the problem
solver is an important aspect of the Toyota Way of thinking, so there are few
absolutes regarding the best approach; however, there are some key concepts to
guide the evaluation process. The typical process would include:
1. Broadly consider all possibilities.
2. Narrow the list by eliminating impractical solutions or combining similar
items.
3. Evaluate based on simplicity, cost, area of control, and the ability to
implement quickly.
4. Develop consensus on the proposed solution.
5. Test ideas for effectiveness.
6. Select the best solution.

Broadly Consider All Possibilities
Many a young engineer at Toyota has worked very hard to detail a solution
with great pride. He or she shows the solution to his boss or mentor with great
enthusiasm and a bit of trepidation, since the mentor is an expert in the field
and will find some weakness in the proposal. The mentor barely bothers to go
through the solution and supporting documentation but instead asks if that is

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