4. Problem Solving

During tightening economic times, it is imperative that business leaders are doing everything they can to optimise business efficiency and profitability. Here, you will find a continually updated library of recordings, tools tips and tricks to make your turf business more resilient.

Problem Solving Tools

Here, find a few practical tools to make problem-solving simpler. They’ll help you spot what’s really causing the issue, organise your next steps, and focus your energy where it will make the biggest difference.

  • Section 1
    Self Assessment

    Before you look at where you’re going, look at where you’re standing.

    In this section, you’ll find:

    • The Moshie Where Are We Now? Survey

    • The Systems Self-Assessment, and an

    • Improvement Action Plan

    Use the resources in this section to:

    • See how your business is performing

    • Discover how smoothly your processes are running and

    • Plan practical steps to fix issues or improve your business

    If you’re not sure where to start, or want some guidance turning these insights into action, Chris at Moshie can help get you moving.

Stakeholder Analysis

Stakeholder Analysis

Before solving any business problem, it's important to know who’s involved - and who’s affected. This tool helps you map out your key stakeholders: staff, clients, suppliers, or regulators. You’ll get a clear picture of their interests, priorities, and how they might influence or be impacted by the decisions you make.

Use this to avoid surprises, build support for your ideas, and keep everyone pulling in the same direction.

Action Plan & Tracker

Action Plan & Tracker

Solving a problem is one thing - making sure the solution gets implemented is another.

This tool helps you break your plan down into clear, trackable steps, with names, dates, and follow-ups built in.

It keeps things moving, makes people accountable, and helps you turn a good idea into a result that sticks.

Implementation Impact Matrix

Implementation Impact Matrix
 Implementation / Impact Matrix – What It Is

This one-page tool helps you sort your improvement ideas by weighing how much impact they’ll make against how easy they are to put in place. It’s a simple way to decide where your effort will pay off most, which ideas to start with, and which might not be worth your time right now.

  1. List Improvement Ideas
    Jot down possible changes or fixes—anything from updating your watering schedule to investing in new gear.

  2. Rate Each Idea
    For each one, ask:

    • How much impact will this bring to my business—like saving time, boosting quality, or increasing sales?

    • How easy is it to put in place—does it take a little effort or a big project to get going?

  3. Place Them in the Matrix

    • If it’s easy and impactful, it’s a Quick Win—start here.

    • If it’s impactful but hard, it’s a Large Project—plan carefully.

    • If it’s easy but not very rewarding, it’s a Fill-In—do if you have time.

    • If it’s both hard and of little benefit, it’s a Money Pit—probably skip for now.

  4. Choose Your Next Steps
    Start with the Quick Wins to build momentum. Then schedule or seek help for Large Projects. Fill-Ins can fill gaps, and Money Pits usually aren’t worth the effort.

  • Focus your time and energy where it matters most.

  • Avoid wasting effort on changes that don’t deliver results.

  • See a clear path forward—quick wins give immediate returns, while larger ideas get planned properly.

  • Makes decision-making easier and more strategic.

5 Whys - Root Cause Analysis

5 Whys - Root Cause Analysis
The 5 Whys Analysis helps turf growers get to the root cause of problems in their business. Instead of just fixing surface-level issues, this method encourages you to ask "Why?" multiple times - usually five - to dig deeper and uncover the real reason behind challenges like equipment failures, crop issues, or inefficiencies in daily operations.

By using the 5 Whys, turf businesses can solve problems at their source, reducing costly mistakes, improving efficiency, and preventing the same issues from happening again.

Whether it's inconsistent turf quality, delays in supply chains, or staff productivity concerns, this tool helps you make smarter, long-term decisions that strengthen your business and improve profitability.

SEE ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS EXAMPLE

Cause & Effect - Fishbone Diagram

Cause & Effect - Fishbone Diagram
When something goes wrong, it’s easy to jump to conclusions. The Fishbone Diagram helps you get to the root of a problem by breaking it down into different possible causes—like equipment, staff, or processes—so you can fix it properly.

Next:

Plan and carry out business improvements

Help is on the way!

To further discuss using Moshie’s resources to improve your business, fill out the contact form, or for personalised support, contact:

Chris Mason
Business Coach
chris@moshie.biz
0400 080 991

Bruce Yelland
Founder
bruce@moshie.biz
0412 241 801

For more information about the Turf NSW Grow & Thrive Program contact:

Jenny Zadro
Executive Officer
Turf Growers Association of NSW (Turf NSW)
info@turfnsw.com.au