Creating a Problem-Solving Google Slides Presentation

At its core, running a business is a problem-solving practice. To conquer challenges, you’ll need team buy-in. It helps to create presentations that highlight problem solution slides.

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to utilize a 7-step problem-solving technique in your presentations. Presenting the problem effectively is critical to ensuring that your audience understands the context and urgency of the situation.

You’ll see examples of presenting problems to drive productive discussions. Then, you’ll discover how to create slides that effectively communicate the solutions to the problems at hand. Let’s jump in!

Problem-Solving Presentations and Basic Slides to Include

Problems are an inevitable part of life and business, but they can also be seen as opportunities for improvement. When a problem is framed correctly, it allows you to present various options and move forward with growth.

In this tutorial, we’ll focus on creating problem solution slides. This approach not only shows how to frame problems but also helps gain support from your team.

To save time and create attractive designs, we will utilize a template from Envato Elements. The 7S Problem Solving Google Slide Template offers a variety of pre-built slides that we can easily customize with our specific content.

This template includes many great designs that align with the 7-Step Problem-Solving framework, which is a blend of several common management approaches. Here are the key steps to follow:

1. Define the Problem: Start by clearly framing the problem. Use a slide to explain the issue and its possible causes. It’s essential to rely on data analysis to understand the “why” behind the problem and explore solutions. Set clear goals to test potential solutions and ensure they align with those objectives.

2. Generate Potential Solutions: Brainstorming is a vital step. You need a variety of options to choose from, so approach this phase with an open mind.

3. Select the Solution: After evaluating the possible options, narrow them down to one definitive path forward.

4. Implement the Solution: Once you’ve selected a solution, develop an action plan to put it into practice. Use a slide to outline your implementation strategy.

5. Evaluate the Results: It’s important to acknowledge that you might not choose the perfect solution initially. Monitor the results with an open mind, allowing for adjustments as necessary.

Now, let’s explore seven slides that correspond with the 7-step problem-solving framework. These slides can facilitate group discussions and help align your team on the next steps.

1. The Problem Statement Slide

An effective problem statement slide is crucial for defining the issue at hand. If the team doesn’t agree on the problem, developing a solution becomes difficult. Use this slide to set the stage for discussion and explore the underlying “why” factors.

In my experience, presenting a problem statement slide encourages open dialogue. Start with just the slide title and the Problem Statement, and then collaboratively fill out the Why? points with your team. This process is vital for building consensus.

2. The Problem Analysis Slide

To frame the problem effectively, it’s essential to bring data into the discussion. Connecting your analysis back to the problem makes it easier to understand the solution.

Slide 14 features a Pareto chart, ideal for illustrating the various components of the problem. Often, this chart reveals two to three key drivers that contribute to the majority of the issue.

In the Pareto chart, list the key statistical factors contributing to your problem. The leftmost bars should represent the largest drivers, with an overlaid line chart illustrating progress toward 100%. This visual helps identify the most significant root causes, guiding you toward effective solutions.

If you find yourself lacking data, reconsider how you’re framing the problem. Without data, arriving at a solution may be challenging. Take a step back to gather the necessary information to support change.

3. The Objective-Setting Slide

Setting a clear goal is vital for determining whether you’ve effectively solved the problem. Create a slide that establishes the objectives for addressing the issue presented.

I recommend starting with Slide 3, which resembles a timeline. However, feel free to customize it to showcase the key pillars of your objectives.

At this stage, avoid committing to a specific solution. Instead, use the objective-setting slide to portray a high-level vision.

In my example, I customized the slide by removing icons and simplifying the timeline to focus on four key pillars, enhancing clarity.

Remember that each slide in your presentation is completely customizable. They serve as starting points, allowing you to tailor the content to fit your specific scenario.

4. The Solution Exploration Slide

As you analyze the problem, you’ll likely notice emerging trends. By now, you should have a range of potential solutions to consider.

Gather these solutions and create a slide to present them. While any slide can serve this purpose, I prefer a layout that displays all options for group discussion. Slide 6 in our template works particularly well for this.

Effective slides can stimulate conversation. By sharing your ideas, you encourage collaboration and further brainstorming.

5. The Solution Selection Slide

Now it’s time to present the chosen solution. I utilize Slide 11 for this purpose.

In these situations, I implement a strategy called “something for everyone.” It’s crucial to create buy-in from all stakeholders, showing them that their perspectives were valued in the decision-making process.

Think of each block on this slide as an opportunity to convey your rationale. Assign one block to each group or team affected by the decision and share your thought process.

6. The Solution Implementation Slide

Having identified the solution, you’re ready to outline a detailed plan. This involves sequencing individual action steps, for which I recommend using a Gantt chart on Slide 12.

The Gantt chart is a well-known project planning tool that illustrates multiple parallel actions. By employing a Gantt chart, you can clearly demonstrate each step and designate responsibility.

7. The Results Review Slide

Change management is an ongoing task that involves regularly revisiting results to ensure the solution effectively addresses the problem.

I recommend using Slide 13 to keep your team informed about the outcomes of your implemented solution. Each point on the slide can track metrics to measure the project’s success.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully created a presentation deck that incorporates all the essential problem-solution slides. With this framework, you can foster meaningful discussions and formulate actionable plans. Get started on your own presentation to articulate the problem and its solution effectively.