Philippe Clermont's interview

Please describe your professional background (your education, courses, motivation, current activity) Holder of an engineering degree from ENI (National Engineering School) of Tarbes and a doctorate of the University of Bordeaux I, I am at present Assistant Professor at ENI of Tarbes. Since 2003, I teach the problem solving methods. Over the years, I had the opportunity to dispense these formations in several institutions of higher education in France (ENIT, ESC Pau, CESI, University of Strasbourg) and abroad (ENSA of Agadir Morocco, ETS Montreal Canada, University Sabana Colombie, St Jérôme Cameroun university), but also in several companies (SEB, The Post office, Turbomeca, Airbus). Furthermore, I widely exploited and experienced these problem solving methods to manage the end of studies training courses of our students in numerous companies. Finally, on the research aspects, I work in the field of experience feedback, the basis of which is the problem solving. Why are you interested in the domain of problem solving? Problem solving is a universal domain of study. Indeed, it is applicable to any industry, whatever its size or the considered sector and concerns every types of problems, technical, human, organizational. It is a domain rich in various skills : scientific (statistics, measures, working approach), organizational (planning, resource allocation) and managerial (conflict management, animation…). It is necessary to combine rigor (to respect the principles of the approach) and creativity (to exceed the expected performances). It is also a domain of predilection to gain experience feedback which is my research domain of interest. Finally, it is a domain where there is still numerous scientific works, engineering and training to be led in companies. Which were the main difficulties and obstacles encountered while solving a problem. Every phase of the problem solving methods presents its own difficulties and challenges which are necessary to learn to overcome to arrive in Promised Land. The first difficulty is very often the definition of the problem and its scope. Establishing the foundations of the resolution, it is necessary to take time to identify and to characterize the real problem. Another recurring difficulty is the understanding of the logic of the approach, with the common confusion of the notions of problem, cause, objectives and solutions. To know how to put things in perspective and respect the logic are mandatory. The definition of the objectives to reach is another difficulty. Beyond the quantitative aspects, objectives have to constitute a challenge in the eyes of the participants, and be able to be used as visual tools of management, two fundamental levers to motivate and involve the teams. The last often underestimated difficulty is the design of optimal solutions. First of all, a problem is mainly solutions! Curative solutions to correct the effects and corrective solutions to eradicate the problem. Then, in order to make these solutions successful, it is necessary to practice the empathy and to integrate expectations and needs of the various involved stakeholders in these solutions. Independently of the expected performances, to be operational, every solution must be accepted by everyone! Which advice would you give on Problem Solving? Each phase of problem solving methods is important and necessary. It is thus fundamental to move forward gradually, to take the necessary backward movement to understand the stakes and the context, both human and technical and to keep in sights the objectives to reach. The purpose is not to solve the problem but to implement curative and corrective solutions to eradicate it! What was your motivation to participate in this community? Problem solving is a complex approach with numerous ramifications in various domains. The sharing of experiences and practices is an opportunity to be able to confront one's points of view and thus to grow up! Please tell us about an important or remarkable situation of your professional life I had the opportunity to teach and to experiment these problem solving methods in various countries (Morocco, Colombia, Canada, Vietnam, Cameroon). Beyond the method and the basic support tools, the integration of the culture and the beliefs is a key success factor. Back to Blog