key to successful problem solving

How to improve your problem solving skills and build effective problem solving strategies

Design your next session with SessionLab

Join the 150,000+ facilitators 
using SessionLab.

Recommended Articles

A step-by-step guide to planning a workshop, how to create an unforgettable training session in 8 simple steps, 47 useful online tools for workshop planning and meeting facilitation.

Effective problem solving is all about using the right process and following a plan tailored to the issue at hand. Recognizing your team or organization has an issue isn’t enough to come up with effective problem solving strategies. 

To truly understand a problem and develop appropriate solutions, you will want to follow a solid process, follow the necessary problem solving steps, and bring all of your problem solving skills to the table.  

We’ll first guide you through the seven step problem solving process you and your team can use to effectively solve complex business challenges. We’ll also look at what problem solving strategies you can employ with your team when looking for a way to approach the process. We’ll then discuss the problem solving skills you need to be more effective at solving problems, complete with an activity from the SessionLab library you can use to develop that skill in your team.

Let’s get to it! 

What is a problem solving process?

• What are the problem solving steps I need to follow?

Problem solving strategies

What skills do i need to be an effective problem solver, how can i improve my problem solving skills.

Solving problems is like baking a cake. You can go straight into the kitchen without a recipe or the right ingredients and do your best, but the end result is unlikely to be very tasty!

Using a process to bake a cake allows you to use the best ingredients without waste, collect the right tools, account for allergies, decide whether it is a birthday or wedding cake, and then bake efficiently and on time. The result is a better cake that is fit for purpose, tastes better and has created less mess in the kitchen. Also, it should have chocolate sprinkles. Having a step by step process to solve organizational problems allows you to go through each stage methodically and ensure you are trying to solve the right problems and select the most appropriate, effective solutions.

What are the problem solving steps I need to follow? 

All problem solving processes go through a number of steps in order to move from identifying a problem to resolving it.

Depending on your problem solving model and who you ask, there can be anything between four and nine problem solving steps you should follow in order to find the right solution. Whatever framework you and your group use, there are some key items that should be addressed in order to have an effective process.

We’ve looked at problem solving processes from sources such as the American Society for Quality and their four step approach , and Mediate ‘s six step process. By reflecting on those and our own problem solving processes, we’ve come up with a sequence of seven problem solving steps we feel best covers everything you need in order to effectively solve problems.

1. Problem identification 

The first stage of any problem solving process is to identify the problem or problems you might want to solve. Effective problem solving strategies always begin by allowing a group scope to articulate what they believe the problem to be and then coming to some consensus over which problem they approach first. Problem solving activities used at this stage often have a focus on creating frank, open discussion so that potential problems can be brought to the surface.

2. Problem analysis 

Though this step is not a million miles from problem identification, problem analysis deserves to be considered separately. It can often be an overlooked part of the process and is instrumental when it comes to developing effective solutions.

The process of problem analysis means ensuring that the problem you are seeking to solve is the right problem . As part of this stage, you may look deeper and try to find the root cause of a specific problem at a team or organizational level.

Remember that problem solving strategies should not only be focused on putting out fires in the short term but developing long term solutions that deal with the root cause of organizational challenges. 

Whatever your approach, analyzing a problem is crucial in being able to select an appropriate solution and the problem solving skills deployed in this stage are beneficial for the rest of the process and ensuring the solutions you create are fit for purpose.

3. Solution generation

Once your group has nailed down the particulars of the problem you wish to solve, you want to encourage a free flow of ideas connecting to solving that problem. This can take the form of problem solving games that encourage creative thinking or problem solving activities designed to produce working prototypes of possible solutions. 

The key to ensuring the success of this stage of the problem solving process is to encourage quick, creative thinking and create an open space where all ideas are considered. The best solutions can come from unlikely places and by using problem solving techniques that celebrate invention, you might come up with solution gold. 

4. Solution development

No solution is likely to be perfect right out of the gate. It’s important to discuss and develop the solutions your group has come up with over the course of following the previous problem solving steps in order to arrive at the best possible solution. Problem solving games used in this stage involve lots of critical thinking, measuring potential effort and impact, and looking at possible solutions analytically. 

During this stage, you will often ask your team to iterate and improve upon your frontrunning solutions and develop them further. Remember that problem solving strategies always benefit from a multitude of voices and opinions, and not to let ego get involved when it comes to choosing which solutions to develop and take further.

Finding the best solution is the goal of all problem solving workshops and here is the place to ensure that your solution is well thought out, sufficiently robust and fit for purpose. 

5. Decision making 

Nearly there! Once your group has reached consensus and selected a solution that applies to the problem at hand you have some decisions to make. You will want to work on allocating ownership of the project, figure out who will do what, how the success of the solution will be measured and decide the next course of action.

The decision making stage is a part of the problem solving process that can get missed or taken as for granted. Fail to properly allocate roles and plan out how a solution will actually be implemented and it less likely to be successful in solving the problem.

Have clear accountabilities, actions, timeframes, and follow-ups. Make these decisions and set clear next-steps in the problem solving workshop so that everyone is aligned and you can move forward effectively as a group. 

Ensuring that you plan for the roll-out of a solution is one of the most important problem solving steps. Without adequate planning or oversight, it can prove impossible to measure success or iterate further if the problem was not solved. 

6. Solution implementation 

This is what we were waiting for! All problem solving strategies have the end goal of implementing a solution and solving a problem in mind. 

Remember that in order for any solution to be successful, you need to help your group through all of the previous problem solving steps thoughtfully. Only then can you ensure that you are solving the right problem but also that you have developed the correct solution and can then successfully implement and measure the impact of that solution.

Project management and communication skills are key here – your solution may need to adjust when out in the wild or you might discover new challenges along the way.

7. Solution evaluation 

So you and your team developed a great solution to a problem and have a gut feeling its been solved. Work done, right? Wrong. All problem solving strategies benefit from evaluation, consideration, and feedback. You might find that the solution does not work for everyone, might create new problems, or is potentially so successful that you will want to roll it out to larger teams or as part of other initiatives. 

None of that is possible without taking the time to evaluate the success of the solution you developed in your problem solving model and adjust if necessary.

Remember that the problem solving process is often iterative and it can be common to not solve complex issues on the first try. Even when this is the case, you and your team will have generated learning that will be important for future problem solving workshops or in other parts of the organization. 

It’s worth underlining how important record keeping is throughout the problem solving process. If a solution didn’t work, you need to have the data and records to see why that was the case. If you go back to the drawing board, notes from the previous workshop can help save time. Data and insight is invaluable at every stage of the problem solving process and this one is no different.

Problem solving workshops made easy

Problem solving strategies are methods of approaching and facilitating the process of problem-solving with a set of techniques , actions, and processes. Different strategies are more effective if you are trying to solve broad problems such as achieving higher growth versus more focused problems like, how do we improve our customer onboarding process?

Broadly, the problem solving steps outlined above should be included in any problem solving strategy though choosing where to focus your time and what approaches should be taken is where they begin to differ. You might find that some strategies ask for the problem identification to be done prior to the session or that everything happens in the course of a one day workshop.

The key similarity is that all good problem solving strategies are structured and designed. Four hours of open discussion is never going to be as productive as a four-hour workshop designed to lead a group through a problem solving process.

Good problem solving strategies are tailored to the team, organization and problem you will be attempting to solve. Here are some example problem solving strategies you can learn from or use to get started.

Use a workshop to lead a team through a group process

Often, the first step to solving problems or organizational challenges is bringing a group together effectively. Most teams have the tools, knowledge, and expertise necessary to solve their challenges – they just need some guidance in how to use leverage those skills and a structure and format that allows people to focus their energies.

Facilitated workshops are one of the most effective ways of solving problems of any scale. By designing and planning your workshop carefully, you can tailor the approach and scope to best fit the needs of your team and organization. 

Problem solving workshop

• Creating a bespoke, tailored process
• Tackling problems of any size
• Building in-house workshop ability and encouraging their use

Workshops are an effective strategy for solving problems. By using tried and test facilitation techniques and methods, you can design and deliver a workshop that is perfectly suited to the unique variables of your organization. You may only have the capacity for a half-day workshop and so need a problem solving process to match. 

By using our session planner tool and importing methods from our library of 700+ facilitation techniques, you can create the right problem solving workshop for your team. It might be that you want to encourage creative thinking or look at things from a new angle to unblock your groups approach to problem solving. By tailoring your workshop design to the purpose, you can help ensure great results.

One of the main benefits of a workshop is the structured approach to problem solving. Not only does this mean that the workshop itself will be successful, but many of the methods and techniques will help your team improve their working processes outside of the workshop. 

We believe that workshops are one of the best tools you can use to improve the way your team works together. Start with a problem solving workshop and then see what team building, culture or design workshops can do for your organization!

Run a design sprint

Great for: 

• aligning large, multi-discipline teams
• quickly designing and testing solutions
• tackling large, complex organizational challenges and breaking them down into smaller tasks

By using design thinking principles and methods, a design sprint is a great way of identifying, prioritizing and prototyping solutions to long term challenges that can help solve major organizational problems with quick action and measurable results.

Some familiarity with design thinking is useful, though not integral, and this strategy can really help a team align if there is some discussion around which problems should be approached first. 

The stage-based structure of the design sprint is also very useful for teams new to design thinking.  The inspiration phase, where you look to competitors that have solved your problem, and the rapid prototyping and testing phases are great for introducing new concepts that will benefit a team in all their future work. 

It can be common for teams to look inward for solutions and so looking to the market for solutions you can iterate on can be very productive. Instilling an agile prototyping and testing mindset can also be great when helping teams move forwards – generating and testing solutions quickly can help save time in the long run and is also pretty exciting!

Break problems down into smaller issues

Organizational challenges and problems are often complicated and large scale in nature. Sometimes, trying to resolve such an issue in one swoop is simply unachievable or overwhelming. Try breaking down such problems into smaller issues that you can work on step by step. You may not be able to solve the problem of churning customers off the bat, but you can work with your team to identify smaller effort but high impact elements and work on those first.

This problem solving strategy can help a team generate momentum, prioritize and get some easy wins. It’s also a great strategy to employ with teams who are just beginning to learn how to approach the problem solving process. If you want some insight into a way to employ this strategy, we recommend looking at our design sprint template below!

Use guiding frameworks or try new methodologies

Some problems are best solved by introducing a major shift in perspective or by using new methodologies that encourage your team to think differently.

Props and tools such as Methodkit , which uses a card-based toolkit for facilitation, or Lego Serious Play can be great ways to engage your team and find an inclusive, democratic problem solving strategy. Remember that play and creativity are great tools for achieving change and whatever the challenge, engaging your participants can be very effective where other strategies may have failed.

LEGO Serious Play

• Improving core problem solving skills
• Thinking outside of the box
• Encouraging creative solutions

LEGO Serious Play is a problem solving methodology designed to get participants thinking differently by using 3D models and kinesthetic learning styles. By physically building LEGO models based on questions and exercises, participants are encouraged to think outside of the box and create their own responses. 

Collaborate LEGO Serious Play exercises are also used to encourage communication and build problem solving skills in a group. By using this problem solving process, you can often help different kinds of learners and personality types contribute and unblock organizational problems with creative thinking. 

Problem solving strategies like LEGO Serious Play are super effective at helping a team solve more skills-based problems such as communication between teams or a lack of creative thinking. Some problems are not suited to LEGO Serious Play and require a different problem solving strategy.

Card Decks and Method Kits

• New facilitators or non-facilitators 
• Approaching difficult subjects with a simple, creative framework
• Engaging those with varied learning styles

Card decks and method kids are great tools for those new to facilitation or for whom facilitation is not the primary role. Card decks such as the emotional culture deck can be used for complete workshops and in many cases, can be used right out of the box. Methodkit has a variety of kits designed for scenarios ranging from personal development through to personas and global challenges so you can find the right deck for your particular needs.

Having an easy to use framework that encourages creativity or a new approach can take some of the friction or planning difficulties out of the workshop process and energize a team in any setting. Simplicity is the key with these methods. By ensuring everyone on your team can get involved and engage with the process as quickly as possible can really contribute to the success of your problem solving strategy.

Source external advice

Looking to peers, experts and external facilitators can be a great way of approaching the problem solving process. Your team may not have the necessary expertise, insights of experience to tackle some issues, or you might simply benefit from a fresh perspective. Some problems may require bringing together an entire team, and coaching managers or team members individually might be the right approach. Remember that not all problems are best resolved in the same manner.

If you’re a solo entrepreneur, peer groups, coaches and mentors can also be invaluable at not only solving specific business problems, but in providing a support network for resolving future challenges. One great approach is to join a Mastermind Group and link up with like-minded individuals and all grow together. Remember that however you approach the sourcing of external advice, do so thoughtfully, respectfully and honestly. Reciprocate where you can and prepare to be surprised by just how kind and helpful your peers can be!

Mastermind Group

• Solo entrepreneurs or small teams with low capacity
• Peer learning and gaining outside expertise
• Getting multiple external points of view quickly

Problem solving in large organizations with lots of skilled team members is one thing, but how about if you work for yourself or in a very small team without the capacity to get the most from a design sprint or LEGO Serious Play session? 

A mastermind group – sometimes known as a peer advisory board – is where a group of people come together to support one another in their own goals, challenges, and businesses. Each participant comes to the group with their own purpose and the other members of the group will help them create solutions, brainstorm ideas, and support one another. 

Mastermind groups are very effective in creating an energized, supportive atmosphere that can deliver meaningful results. Learning from peers from outside of your organization or industry can really help unlock new ways of thinking and drive growth. Access to the experience and skills of your peers can be invaluable in helping fill the gaps in your own ability, particularly in young companies.

A mastermind group is a great solution for solo entrepreneurs, small teams, or for organizations that feel that external expertise or fresh perspectives will be beneficial for them. It is worth noting that Mastermind groups are often only as good as the participants and what they can bring to the group. Participants need to be committed, engaged and understand how to work in this context. 

Coaching and mentoring

• Focused learning and development
• Filling skills gaps
• Working on a range of challenges over time

Receiving advice from a business coach or building a mentor/mentee relationship can be an effective way of resolving certain challenges. The one-to-one format of most coaching and mentor relationships can really help solve the challenges those individuals are having and benefit the organization as a result.

A great mentor can be invaluable when it comes to spotting potential problems before they arise and coming to understand a mentee very well has a host of other business benefits. You might run an internal mentorship program to help develop your team’s problem solving skills and strategies or as part of a large learning and development program. External coaches can also be an important part of your problem solving strategy, filling skills gaps for your management team or helping with specific business issues. 

Now we’ve explored the problem solving process and the steps you will want to go through in order to have an effective session, let’s look at the skills you and your team need to be more effective problem solvers.

Problem solving skills are highly sought after, whatever industry or team you work in. Organizations are keen to employ people who are able to approach problems thoughtfully and find strong, realistic solutions. Whether you are a facilitator , a team leader or a developer, being an effective problem solver is a skill you’ll want to develop.

Problem solving skills form a whole suite of techniques and approaches that an individual uses to not only identify problems but to discuss them productively before then developing appropriate solutions.

Here are some of the most important problem solving skills everyone from executives to junior staff members should learn. We’ve also included an activity or exercise from the SessionLab library that can help you and your team develop that skill. 

If you’re running a workshop or training session to try and improve problem solving skills in your team, try using these methods to supercharge your process!

Active listening

Active listening is one of the most important skills anyone who works with people can possess. In short, active listening is a technique used to not only better understand what is being said by an individual, but also to be more aware of the underlying message the speaker is trying to convey. When it comes to problem solving, active listening is integral for understanding the position of every participant and to clarify the challenges, ideas and solutions they bring to the table.

Some active listening skills include:

• Paying complete attention to the speaker.
• Removing distractions.
• Avoid interruption.
• Taking the time to fully understand before preparing a rebuttal.
• Responding respectfully and appropriately.
• Demonstrate attentiveness and positivity with an open posture, making eye contact with the speaker, smiling and nodding if appropriate. Show that you are listening and encourage them to continue.
• Be aware of and respectful of feelings. Judge the situation and respond appropriately. You can disagree without being disrespectful.   
• Observe body language. 
• Paraphrase what was said in your own words, either mentally or verbally.
• Remain neutral. 
• Reflect and take a moment before responding.
• Ask deeper questions based on what is said and clarify points where necessary.   

Active Listening   #hyperisland   #skills   #active listening   #remote-friendly   This activity supports participants to reflect on a question and generate their own solutions using simple principles of active listening and peer coaching. It’s an excellent introduction to active listening but can also be used with groups that are already familiar with it. Participants work in groups of three and take turns being: “the subject”, the listener, and the observer.

Analytical skills

All problem solving models require strong analytical skills, particularly during the beginning of the process and when it comes to analyzing how solutions have performed.

Analytical skills are primarily focused on performing an effective analysis by collecting, studying and parsing data related to a problem or opportunity. 

It often involves spotting patterns, being able to see things from different perspectives and using observable facts and data to make suggestions or produce insight. 

Analytical skills are also important at every stage of the problem solving process and by having these skills, you can ensure that any ideas or solutions you create or backed up analytically and have been sufficiently thought out.

Nine Whys   #innovation   #issue analysis   #liberating structures   With breathtaking simplicity, you can rapidly clarify for individuals and a group what is essentially important in their work. You can quickly reveal when a compelling purpose is missing in a gathering and avoid moving forward without clarity. When a group discovers an unambiguous shared purpose, more freedom and more responsibility are unleashed. You have laid the foundation for spreading and scaling innovations with fidelity.

Collaboration

Trying to solve problems on your own is difficult. Being able to collaborate effectively, with a free exchange of ideas, to delegate and be a productive member of a team is hugely important to all problem solving strategies.

Remember that whatever your role, collaboration is integral, and in a problem solving process, you are all working together to find the best solution for everyone. 

Marshmallow challenge with debriefing   #teamwork   #team   #leadership   #collaboration   In eighteen minutes, teams must build the tallest free-standing structure out of 20 sticks of spaghetti, one yard of tape, one yard of string, and one marshmallow. The marshmallow needs to be on top. The Marshmallow Challenge was developed by Tom Wujec, who has done the activity with hundreds of groups around the world. Visit the Marshmallow Challenge website for more information. This version has an extra debriefing question added with sample questions focusing on roles within the team.

Communication  

Being an effective communicator means being empathetic, clear and succinct, asking the right questions, and demonstrating active listening skills throughout any discussion or meeting. 

In a problem solving setting, you need to communicate well in order to progress through each stage of the process effectively. As a team leader, it may also fall to you to facilitate communication between parties who may not see eye to eye. Effective communication also means helping others to express themselves and be heard in a group.

Bus Trip   #feedback   #communication   #appreciation   #closing   #thiagi   #team   This is one of my favourite feedback games. I use Bus Trip at the end of a training session or a meeting, and I use it all the time. The game creates a massive amount of energy with lots of smiles, laughs, and sometimes even a teardrop or two.

Creative problem solving skills can be some of the best tools in your arsenal. Thinking creatively, being able to generate lots of ideas and come up with out of the box solutions is useful at every step of the process. 

The kinds of problems you will likely discuss in a problem solving workshop are often difficult to solve, and by approaching things in a fresh, creative manner, you can often create more innovative solutions.

Having practical creative skills is also a boon when it comes to problem solving. If you can help create quality design sketches and prototypes in record time, it can help bring a team to alignment more quickly or provide a base for further iteration.

The paper clip method   #sharing   #creativity   #warm up   #idea generation   #brainstorming   The power of brainstorming. A training for project leaders, creativity training, and to catalyse getting new solutions.

Critical thinking

Critical thinking is one of the fundamental problem solving skills you’ll want to develop when working on developing solutions. Critical thinking is the ability to analyze, rationalize and evaluate while being aware of personal bias, outlying factors and remaining open-minded.

Defining and analyzing problems without deploying critical thinking skills can mean you and your team go down the wrong path. Developing solutions to complex issues requires critical thinking too – ensuring your team considers all possibilities and rationally evaluating them. 

Agreement-Certainty Matrix   #issue analysis   #liberating structures   #problem solving   You can help individuals or groups avoid the frequent mistake of trying to solve a problem with methods that are not adapted to the nature of their challenge. The combination of two questions makes it possible to easily sort challenges into four categories: simple, complicated, complex , and chaotic .  A problem is simple when it can be solved reliably with practices that are easy to duplicate.  It is complicated when experts are required to devise a sophisticated solution that will yield the desired results predictably.  A problem is complex when there are several valid ways to proceed but outcomes are not predictable in detail.  Chaotic is when the context is too turbulent to identify a path forward.  A loose analogy may be used to describe these differences: simple is like following a recipe, complicated like sending a rocket to the moon, complex like raising a child, and chaotic is like the game “Pin the Tail on the Donkey.”  The Liberating Structures Matching Matrix in Chapter 5 can be used as the first step to clarify the nature of a challenge and avoid the mismatches between problems and solutions that are frequently at the root of chronic, recurring problems.

Data analysis 

Though it shares lots of space with general analytical skills, data analysis skills are something you want to cultivate in their own right in order to be an effective problem solver.

Being good at data analysis doesn’t just mean being able to find insights from data, but also selecting the appropriate data for a given issue, interpreting it effectively and knowing how to model and present that data. Depending on the problem at hand, it might also include a working knowledge of specific data analysis tools and procedures. 

Having a solid grasp of data analysis techniques is useful if you’re leading a problem solving workshop but if you’re not an expert, don’t worry. Bring people into the group who has this skill set and help your team be more effective as a result.

Decision making

All problems need a solution and all solutions require that someone make the decision to implement them. Without strong decision making skills, teams can become bogged down in discussion and less effective as a result. 

Making decisions is a key part of the problem solving process. It’s important to remember that decision making is not restricted to the leadership team. Every staff member makes decisions every day and developing these skills ensures that your team is able to solve problems at any scale. Remember that making decisions does not mean leaping to the first solution but weighing up the options and coming to an informed, well thought out solution to any given problem that works for the whole team.

Lightning Decision Jam (LDJ)   #action   #decision making   #problem solving   #issue analysis   #innovation   #design   #remote-friendly   The problem with anything that requires creative thinking is that it’s easy to get lost—lose focus and fall into the trap of having useless, open-ended, unstructured discussions. Here’s the most effective solution I’ve found: Replace all open, unstructured discussion with a clear process. What to use this exercise for: Anything which requires a group of people to make decisions, solve problems or discuss challenges. It’s always good to frame an LDJ session with a broad topic, here are some examples: The conversion flow of our checkout Our internal design process How we organise events Keeping up with our competition Improving sales flow

Dependability

Most complex organizational problems require multiple people to be involved in delivering the solution. Ensuring that the team and organization can depend on you to take the necessary actions and communicate where necessary is key to ensuring problems are solved effectively.

Being dependable also means working to deadlines and to brief. It is often a matter of creating trust in a team so that everyone can depend on one another to complete the agreed actions in the agreed time frame so that the team can move forward together. Being undependable can create problems of friction and can limit the effectiveness of your solutions so be sure to bear this in mind throughout a project. 

Team Purpose & Culture   #team   #hyperisland   #culture   #remote-friendly   This is an essential process designed to help teams define their purpose (why they exist) and their culture (how they work together to achieve that purpose). Defining these two things will help any team to be more focused and aligned. With support of tangible examples from other companies, the team members work as individuals and a group to codify the way they work together. The goal is a visual manifestation of both the purpose and culture that can be put up in the team’s work space.

Emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is an important skill for any successful team member, whether communicating internally or with clients or users. In the problem solving process, emotional intelligence means being attuned to how people are feeling and thinking, communicating effectively and being self-aware of what you bring to a room. 

There are often differences of opinion when working through problem solving processes, and it can be easy to let things become impassioned or combative. Developing your emotional intelligence means being empathetic to your colleagues and managing your own emotions throughout the problem and solution process. Be kind, be thoughtful and put your points across care and attention. 

Being emotionally intelligent is a skill for life and by deploying it at work, you can not only work efficiently but empathetically. Check out the emotional culture workshop template for more!

Facilitation

As we’ve clarified in our facilitation skills post, facilitation is the art of leading people through processes towards agreed-upon objectives in a manner that encourages participation, ownership, and creativity by all those involved. While facilitation is a set of interrelated skills in itself, the broad definition of facilitation can be invaluable when it comes to problem solving. Leading a team through a problem solving process is made more effective if you improve and utilize facilitation skills – whether you’re a manager, team leader or external stakeholder.

The Six Thinking Hats   #creative thinking   #meeting facilitation   #problem solving   #issue resolution   #idea generation   #conflict resolution   The Six Thinking Hats are used by individuals and groups to separate out conflicting styles of thinking. They enable and encourage a group of people to think constructively together in exploring and implementing change, rather than using argument to fight over who is right and who is wrong.

Flexibility 

Being flexible is a vital skill when it comes to problem solving. This does not mean immediately bowing to pressure or changing your opinion quickly: instead, being flexible is all about seeing things from new perspectives, receiving new information and factoring it into your thought process.

Flexibility is also important when it comes to rolling out solutions. It might be that other organizational projects have greater priority or require the same resources as your chosen solution. Being flexible means understanding needs and challenges across the team and being open to shifting or arranging your own schedule as necessary. Again, this does not mean immediately making way for other projects. It’s about articulating your own needs, understanding the needs of others and being able to come to a meaningful compromise.

The Creativity Dice   #creativity   #problem solving   #thiagi   #issue analysis   Too much linear thinking is hazardous to creative problem solving. To be creative, you should approach the problem (or the opportunity) from different points of view. You should leave a thought hanging in mid-air and move to another. This skipping around prevents premature closure and lets your brain incubate one line of thought while you consciously pursue another.

Working in any group can lead to unconscious elements of groupthink or situations in which you may not wish to be entirely honest. Disagreeing with the opinions of the executive team or wishing to save the feelings of a coworker can be tricky to navigate, but being honest is absolutely vital when to comes to developing effective solutions and ensuring your voice is heard. 

Remember that being honest does not mean being brutally candid. You can deliver your honest feedback and opinions thoughtfully and without creating friction by using other skills such as emotional intelligence. 

Explore your Values   #hyperisland   #skills   #values   #remote-friendly   Your Values is an exercise for participants to explore what their most important values are. It’s done in an intuitive and rapid way to encourage participants to follow their intuitive feeling rather than over-thinking and finding the “correct” values. It is a good exercise to use to initiate reflection and dialogue around personal values.

Initiative 

The problem solving process is multi-faceted and requires different approaches at certain points of the process. Taking initiative to bring problems to the attention of the team, collect data or lead the solution creating process is always valuable. You might even roadtest your own small scale solutions or brainstorm before a session. Taking initiative is particularly effective if you have good deal of knowledge in that area or have ownership of a particular project and want to get things kickstarted.

That said, be sure to remember to honor the process and work in service of the team. If you are asked to own one part of the problem solving process and you don’t complete that task because your initiative leads you to work on something else, that’s not an effective method of solving business challenges.

15% Solutions   #action   #liberating structures   #remote-friendly   You can reveal the actions, however small, that everyone can do immediately. At a minimum, these will create momentum, and that may make a BIG difference.  15% Solutions show that there is no reason to wait around, feel powerless, or fearful. They help people pick it up a level. They get individuals and the group to focus on what is within their discretion instead of what they cannot change.  With a very simple question, you can flip the conversation to what can be done and find solutions to big problems that are often distributed widely in places not known in advance. Shifting a few grains of sand may trigger a landslide and change the whole landscape.

Impartiality

A particularly useful problem solving skill for product owners or managers is the ability to remain impartial throughout much of the process. In practice, this means treating all points of view and ideas brought forward in a meeting equally and ensuring that your own areas of interest or ownership are not favored over others. 

There may be a stage in the process where a decision maker has to weigh the cost and ROI of possible solutions against the company roadmap though even then, ensuring that the decision made is based on merit and not personal opinion. 

Empathy map   #frame insights   #create   #design   #issue analysis   An empathy map is a tool to help a design team to empathize with the people they are designing for. You can make an empathy map for a group of people or for a persona. To be used after doing personas when more insights are needed.

Being a good leader means getting a team aligned, energized and focused around a common goal. In the problem solving process, strong leadership helps ensure that the process is efficient, that any conflicts are resolved and that a team is managed in the direction of success.

It’s common for managers or executives to assume this role in a problem solving workshop, though it’s important that the leader maintains impartiality and does not bulldoze the group in a particular direction. Remember that good leadership means working in service of the purpose and team and ensuring the workshop is a safe space for employees of any level to contribute. Take a look at our leadership games and activities post for more exercises and methods to help improve leadership in your organization.

Leadership Pizza   #leadership   #team   #remote-friendly   This leadership development activity offers a self-assessment framework for people to first identify what skills, attributes and attitudes they find important for effective leadership, and then assess their own development and initiate goal setting.

In the context of problem solving, mediation is important in keeping a team engaged, happy and free of conflict. When leading or facilitating a problem solving workshop, you are likely to run into differences of opinion. Depending on the nature of the problem, certain issues may be brought up that are emotive in nature. 

Being an effective mediator means helping those people on either side of such a divide are heard, listen to one another and encouraged to find common ground and a resolution. Mediating skills are useful for leaders and managers in many situations and the problem solving process is no different.

Conflict Responses   #hyperisland   #team   #issue resolution   A workshop for a team to reflect on past conflicts, and use them to generate guidelines for effective conflict handling. The workshop uses the Thomas-Killman model of conflict responses to frame a reflective discussion. Use it to open up a discussion around conflict with a team.

Planning 

Solving organizational problems is much more effective when following a process or problem solving model. Planning skills are vital in order to structure, deliver and follow-through on a problem solving workshop and ensure your solutions are intelligently deployed.

Planning skills include the ability to organize tasks and a team, plan and design the process and take into account any potential challenges. Taking the time to plan carefully can save time and frustration later in the process and is valuable for ensuring a team is positioned for success.

3 Action Steps   #hyperisland   #action   #remote-friendly   This is a small-scale strategic planning session that helps groups and individuals to take action toward a desired change. It is often used at the end of a workshop or programme. The group discusses and agrees on a vision, then creates some action steps that will lead them towards that vision. The scope of the challenge is also defined, through discussion of the helpful and harmful factors influencing the group.

Prioritization

As organisations grow, the scale and variation of problems they face multiplies. Your team or is likely to face numerous challenges in different areas and so having the skills to analyze and prioritize becomes very important, particularly for those in leadership roles.

A thorough problem solving process is likely to deliver multiple solutions and you may have several different problems you wish to solve simultaneously. Prioritization is the ability to measure the importance, value, and effectiveness of those possible solutions and choose which to enact and in what order. The process of prioritization is integral in ensuring the biggest challenges are addressed with the most impactful solutions.

Impact and Effort Matrix   #gamestorming   #decision making   #action   #remote-friendly   In this decision-making exercise, possible actions are mapped based on two factors: effort required to implement and potential impact. Categorizing ideas along these lines is a useful technique in decision making, as it obliges contributors to balance and evaluate suggested actions before committing to them.

Project management

Some problem solving skills are utilized in a workshop or ideation phases, while others come in useful when it comes to decision making. Overseeing an entire problem solving process and ensuring its success requires strong project management skills. 

While project management incorporates many of the other skills listed here, it is important to note the distinction of considering all of the factors of a project and managing them successfully. Being able to negotiate with stakeholders, manage tasks, time and people, consider costs and ROI, and tie everything together is massively helpful when going through the problem solving process. 

Record keeping

Working out meaningful solutions to organizational challenges is only one part of the process.  Thoughtfully documenting and keeping records of each problem solving step for future consultation is important in ensuring efficiency and meaningful change. 

For example, some problems may be lower priority than others but can be revisited in the future. If the team has ideated on solutions and found some are not up to the task, record those so you can rule them out and avoiding repeating work. Keeping records of the process also helps you improve and refine your problem solving model next time around!

Personal Kanban   #gamestorming   #action   #agile   #project planning   Personal Kanban is a tool for organizing your work to be more efficient and productive. It is based on agile methods and principles.

Research skills

Conducting research to support both the identification of problems and the development of appropriate solutions is important for an effective process. Knowing where to go to collect research, how to conduct research efficiently, and identifying pieces of research are relevant are all things a good researcher can do well. 

In larger groups, not everyone has to demonstrate this ability in order for a problem solving workshop to be effective. That said, having people with research skills involved in the process, particularly if they have existing area knowledge, can help ensure the solutions that are developed with data that supports their intention. Remember that being able to deliver the results of research efficiently and in a way the team can easily understand is also important. The best data in the world is only as effective as how it is delivered and interpreted.

Customer experience map   #ideation   #concepts   #research   #design   #issue analysis   #remote-friendly   Customer experience mapping is a method of documenting and visualizing the experience a customer has as they use the product or service. It also maps out their responses to their experiences. To be used when there is a solution (even in a conceptual stage) that can be analyzed.

Risk management

Managing risk is an often overlooked part of the problem solving process. Solutions are often developed with the intention of reducing exposure to risk or solving issues that create risk but sometimes, great solutions are more experimental in nature and as such, deploying them needs to be carefully considered. 

Managing risk means acknowledging that there may be risks associated with more out of the box solutions or trying new things, but that this must be measured against the possible benefits and other organizational factors. 

Be informed, get the right data and stakeholders in the room and you can appropriately factor risk into your decision making process. 

Decisions, Decisions…   #communication   #decision making   #thiagi   #action   #issue analysis   When it comes to decision-making, why are some of us more prone to take risks while others are risk-averse? One explanation might be the way the decision and options were presented.  This exercise, based on Kahneman and Tversky’s classic study , illustrates how the framing effect influences our judgement and our ability to make decisions . The participants are divided into two groups. Both groups are presented with the same problem and two alternative programs for solving them. The two programs both have the same consequences but are presented differently. The debriefing discussion examines how the framing of the program impacted the participant’s decision.

Team-building 

No single person is as good at problem solving as a team. Building an effective team and helping them come together around a common purpose is one of the most important problem solving skills, doubly so for leaders. By bringing a team together and helping them work efficiently, you pave the way for team ownership of a problem and the development of effective solutions. 

In a problem solving workshop, it can be tempting to jump right into the deep end, though taking the time to break the ice, energize the team and align them with a game or exercise will pay off over the course of the day.

Remember that you will likely go through the problem solving process multiple times over an organization’s lifespan and building a strong team culture will make future problem solving more effective. It’s also great to work with people you know, trust and have fun with. Working on team building in and out of the problem solving process is a hallmark of successful teams that can work together to solve business problems.

9 Dimensions Team Building Activity   #ice breaker   #teambuilding   #team   #remote-friendly   9 Dimensions is a powerful activity designed to build relationships and trust among team members. There are 2 variations of this icebreaker. The first version is for teams who want to get to know each other better. The second version is for teams who want to explore how they are working together as a team.

Time management 

The problem solving process is designed to lead a team from identifying a problem through to delivering a solution and evaluating its effectiveness. Without effective time management skills or timeboxing of tasks, it can be easy for a team to get bogged down or be inefficient.

By using a problem solving model and carefully designing your workshop, you can allocate time efficiently and trust that the process will deliver the results you need in a good timeframe.

Time management also comes into play when it comes to rolling out solutions, particularly those that are experimental in nature. Having a clear timeframe for implementing and evaluating solutions is vital for ensuring their success and being able to pivot if necessary.

Improving your skills at problem solving is often a career-long pursuit though there are methods you can use to make the learning process more efficient and to supercharge your problem solving skillset.

Remember that the skills you need to be a great problem solver have a large overlap with those skills you need to be effective in any role. Investing time and effort to develop your active listening or critical thinking skills is valuable in any context. Here are 7 ways to improve your problem solving skills.

Share best practices

Remember that your team is an excellent source of skills, wisdom, and techniques and that you should all take advantage of one another where possible. Best practices that one team has for solving problems, conducting research or making decisions should be shared across the organization. If you have in-house staff that have done active listening training or are data analysis pros, have them lead a training session. 

Your team is one of your best resources. Create space and internal processes for the sharing of skills so that you can all grow together. 

Ask for help and attend training

Once you’ve figured out you have a skills gap, the next step is to take action to fill that skills gap. That might be by asking your superior for training or coaching, or liaising with team members with that skill set. You might even attend specialized training for certain skills – active listening or critical thinking, for example, are business-critical skills that are regularly offered as part of a training scheme.

Whatever method you choose, remember that taking action of some description is necessary for growth. Whether that means practicing, getting help, attending training or doing some background reading, taking active steps to improve your skills is the way to go.

Learn a process 

Problem solving can be complicated, particularly when attempting to solve large problems for the first time. Using a problem solving process helps give structure to your problem solving efforts and focus on creating outcomes, rather than worrying about the format. 

Tools such as the seven-step problem solving process above are effective because not only do they feature steps that will help a team solve problems, they also develop skills along the way. Each step asks for people to engage with the process using different skills and in doing so, helps the team learn and grow together. Group processes of varying complexity and purpose can also be found in the SessionLab library of facilitation techniques . Using a tried and tested process and really help ease the learning curve for both those leading such a process, as well as those undergoing the purpose.

Effective teams make decisions about where they should and shouldn’t expend additional effort. By using a problem solving process, you can focus on the things that matter, rather than stumbling towards a solution haphazardly. 

Create a feedback loop

Some skills gaps are more obvious than others. It’s possible that your perception of your active listening skills differs from those of your colleagues. 

It’s valuable to create a system where team members can provide feedback in an ordered and friendly manner so they can all learn from one another. Only by identifying areas of improvement can you then work to improve them. 

Remember that feedback systems require oversight and consideration so that they don’t turn into a place to complain about colleagues. Design the system intelligently so that you encourage the creation of learning opportunities, rather than encouraging people to list their pet peeves.

While practice might not make perfect, it does make the problem solving process easier. If you are having trouble with critical thinking, don’t shy away from doing it. Get involved where you can and stretch those muscles as regularly as possible. 

Problem solving skills come more naturally to some than to others and that’s okay. Take opportunities to get involved and see where you can practice your skills in situations outside of a workshop context. Try collaborating in other circumstances at work or conduct data analysis on your own projects. You can often develop those skills you need for problem solving simply by doing them. Get involved!

Use expert exercises and methods

Learn from the best. Our library of 700+ facilitation techniques is full of activities and methods that help develop the skills you need to be an effective problem solver. Check out our templates to see how to approach problem solving and other organizational challenges in a structured and intelligent manner.

There is no single approach to improving problem solving skills, but by using the techniques employed by others you can learn from their example and develop processes that have seen proven results. 

Try new ways of thinking and change your mindset

Using tried and tested exercises that you know well can help deliver results, but you do run the risk of missing out on the learning opportunities offered by new approaches. As with the problem solving process, changing your mindset can remove blockages and be used to develop your problem solving skills.

Most teams have members with mixed skill sets and specialties. Mix people from different teams and share skills and different points of view. Teach your customer support team how to use design thinking methods or help your developers with conflict resolution techniques. Try switching perspectives with facilitation techniques like Flip It! or by using new problem solving methodologies or models. Give design thinking, liberating structures or lego serious play a try if you want to try a new approach. You will find that framing problems in new ways and using existing skills in new contexts can be hugely useful for personal development and improving your skillset. It’s also a lot of fun to try new things. Give it a go!

Encountering business challenges and needing to find appropriate solutions is not unique to your organization. Lots of very smart people have developed methods, theories and approaches to help develop problem solving skills and create effective solutions. Learn from them!

Books like The Art of Thinking Clearly , Think Smarter, or Thinking Fast, Thinking Slow are great places to start, though it’s also worth looking at blogs related to organizations facing similar problems to yours, or browsing for success stories. Seeing how Dropbox massively increased growth and working backward can help you see the skills or approach you might be lacking to solve that same problem. Learning from others by reading their stories or approaches can be time-consuming but ultimately rewarding.

A tired, distracted mind is not in the best position to learn new skills. It can be tempted to burn the candle at both ends and develop problem solving skills outside of work. Absolutely use your time effectively and take opportunities for self-improvement, though remember that rest is hugely important and that without letting your brain rest, you cannot be at your most effective. 

Creating distance between yourself and the problem you might be facing can also be useful. By letting an idea sit, you can find that a better one presents itself or you can develop it further. Take regular breaks when working and create a space for downtime. Remember that working smarter is preferable to working harder and that self-care is important for any effective learning or improvement process.

Want to design better group processes?

Over to you

Now we’ve explored some of the key problem solving skills and the problem solving steps necessary for an effective process, you’re ready to begin developing more effective solutions and leading problem solving workshops.

Need more inspiration? Check out our post on problem solving activities you can use when guiding a group towards a great solution in your next workshop or meeting. Have questions? Did you have a great problem solving technique you use with your team? Get in touch in the comments below. We’d love to chat!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Going from a mere idea to a workshop that delivers results for your clients can feel like a daunting task. In this piece, we will shine a light on all the work behind the scenes and help you learn how to plan a workshop from start to finish. On a good day, facilitation can feel like effortless magic, but that is mostly the result of backstage work, foresight, and a lot of careful planning. Read on to learn a step-by-step approach to breaking the process of planning a workshop into small, manageable chunks.  The flow starts with the first meeting with a client to define the purposes of a workshop.…

How does learning work? A clever 9-year-old once told me: “I know I am learning something new when I am surprised.” The science of adult learning tells us that, in order to learn new skills (which, unsurprisingly, is harder for adults to do than kids) grown-ups need to first get into a specific headspace.  In a business, this approach is often employed in a training session where employees learn new skills or work on professional development. But how do you ensure your training is effective? In this guide, we'll explore how to create an effective training session plan and run engaging training sessions. As team leader, project manager, or consultant,…

Effective online tools are a necessity for smooth and engaging virtual workshops and meetings. But how do you choose the right ones? Do you sometimes feel that the good old pen and paper or MS Office toolkit and email leaves you struggling to stay on top of managing and delivering your workshop? Fortunately, there are plenty of online tools to make your life easier when you need to facilitate a meeting and lead workshops. In this post, we’ll share our favorite online tools you can use to make your job as a facilitator easier. In fact, there are plenty of free online workshop tools and meeting facilitation software you can…

Design your next workshop with SessionLab

Join the 150,000 facilitators using SessionLab

Sign up for free

• The Art of Effective Problem Solving: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Learn Lean Sigma
• Problem Solving

Whether we realise it or not, problem solving skills are an important part of our daily lives. From resolving a minor annoyance at home to tackling complex business challenges at work, our ability to solve problems has a significant impact on our success and happiness. However, not everyone is naturally gifted at problem-solving, and even those who are can always improve their skills. In this blog post, we will go over the art of effective problem-solving step by step.

You will learn how to define a problem, gather information, assess alternatives, and implement a solution, all while honing your critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills. Whether you’re a seasoned problem solver or just getting started, this guide will arm you with the knowledge and tools you need to face any challenge with confidence. So let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Problem solving methodologies.

Individuals and organisations can use a variety of problem-solving methodologies to address complex challenges. 8D and A3 problem solving techniques are two popular methodologies in the Lean Six Sigma framework.

Methodology of 8D (Eight Discipline) Problem Solving:

The 8D problem solving methodology is a systematic, team-based approach to problem solving. It is a method that guides a team through eight distinct steps to solve a problem in a systematic and comprehensive manner.

The 8D process consists of the following steps:

• Form a team: Assemble a group of people who have the necessary expertise to work on the problem.
• Define the issue: Clearly identify and define the problem, including the root cause and the customer impact.
• Create a temporary containment plan: Put in place a plan to lessen the impact of the problem until a permanent solution can be found.
• Identify the root cause: To identify the underlying causes of the problem, use root cause analysis techniques such as Fishbone diagrams and Pareto charts.
• Create and test long-term corrective actions: Create and test a long-term solution to eliminate the root cause of the problem.
• Implement and validate the permanent solution: Implement and validate the permanent solution’s effectiveness.
• Prevent recurrence: Put in place measures to keep the problem from recurring.
• Recognize and reward the team: Recognize and reward the team for its efforts.

Download the 8D Problem Solving Template

A3 Problem Solving Method:

The A3 problem solving technique is a visual, team-based problem-solving approach that is frequently used in Lean Six Sigma projects. The A3 report is a one-page document that clearly and concisely outlines the problem, root cause analysis, and proposed solution.

The A3 problem-solving procedure consists of the following steps:

• Determine the issue: Define the issue clearly, including its impact on the customer.
• Perform root cause analysis: Identify the underlying causes of the problem using root cause analysis techniques.
• Create and implement a solution: Create and implement a solution that addresses the problem’s root cause.
• Monitor and improve the solution: Keep an eye on the solution’s effectiveness and make any necessary changes.

Subsequently, in the Lean Six Sigma framework, the 8D and A3 problem solving methodologies are two popular approaches to problem solving. Both methodologies provide a structured, team-based problem-solving approach that guides individuals through a comprehensive and systematic process of identifying, analysing, and resolving problems in an effective and efficient manner.

Step 1 – Define the Problem

The definition of the problem is the first step in effective problem solving. This may appear to be a simple task, but it is actually quite difficult. This is because problems are frequently complex and multi-layered, making it easy to confuse symptoms with the underlying cause. To avoid this pitfall, it is critical to thoroughly understand the problem.

To begin, ask yourself some clarifying questions:

• What exactly is the issue?
• What are the problem’s symptoms or consequences?
• Who or what is impacted by the issue?
• When and where does the issue arise?

Answering these questions will assist you in determining the scope of the problem. However, simply describing the problem is not always sufficient; you must also identify the root cause. The root cause is the underlying cause of the problem and is usually the key to resolving it permanently.

Try asking “why” questions to find the root cause:

• What causes the problem?
• Why does it continue?
• Why does it have the effects that it does?

By repeatedly asking “ why ,” you’ll eventually get to the bottom of the problem. This is an important step in the problem-solving process because it ensures that you’re dealing with the root cause rather than just the symptoms.

Once you have a firm grasp on the issue, it is time to divide it into smaller, more manageable chunks. This makes tackling the problem easier and reduces the risk of becoming overwhelmed. For example, if you’re attempting to solve a complex business problem, you might divide it into smaller components like market research, product development, and sales strategies.

To summarise step 1, defining the problem is an important first step in effective problem-solving. You will be able to identify the root cause and break it down into manageable parts if you take the time to thoroughly understand the problem. This will prepare you for the next step in the problem-solving process, which is gathering information and brainstorming ideas.

Step 2 – Gather Information and Brainstorm Ideas

Gathering information and brainstorming ideas is the next step in effective problem solving. This entails researching the problem and relevant information, collaborating with others, and coming up with a variety of potential solutions. This increases your chances of finding the best solution to the problem.

Begin by researching the problem and relevant information. This could include reading articles, conducting surveys, or consulting with experts. The goal is to collect as much information as possible in order to better understand the problem and possible solutions.

Next, work with others to gather a variety of perspectives. Brainstorming with others can be an excellent way to come up with new and creative ideas. Encourage everyone to share their thoughts and ideas when working in a group, and make an effort to actively listen to what others have to say. Be open to new and unconventional ideas and resist the urge to dismiss them too quickly.

Finally, use brainstorming to generate a wide range of potential solutions. This is the place where you can let your imagination run wild. At this stage, don’t worry about the feasibility or practicality of the solutions; instead, focus on generating as many ideas as possible. Write down everything that comes to mind, no matter how ridiculous or unusual it may appear. This can be done individually or in groups.

Once you’ve compiled a list of potential solutions, it’s time to assess them and select the best one. This is the next step in the problem-solving process, which we’ll go over in greater detail in the following section.

Step 3 – Evaluate Options and Choose the Best Solution

Once you’ve compiled a list of potential solutions, it’s time to assess them and select the best one. This is the third step in effective problem solving, and it entails weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each solution, considering their feasibility and practicability, and selecting the solution that is most likely to solve the problem effectively.

To begin, weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each solution. This will assist you in determining the potential outcomes of each solution and deciding which is the best option. For example, a quick and easy solution may not be the most effective in the long run, whereas a more complex and time-consuming solution may be more effective in solving the problem in the long run.

Consider each solution’s feasibility and practicability. Consider the following:

• Can the solution be implemented within the available resources, time, and budget?
• What are the possible barriers to implementing the solution?
• Is the solution feasible in today’s political, economic, and social environment?

You’ll be able to tell which solutions are likely to succeed and which aren’t by assessing their feasibility and practicability.

Finally, choose the solution that is most likely to effectively solve the problem. This solution should be based on the criteria you’ve established, such as the advantages and disadvantages of each solution, their feasibility and practicability, and your overall goals.

It is critical to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to problems. What is effective for one person or situation may not be effective for another. This is why it is critical to consider a wide range of solutions and evaluate each one based on its ability to effectively solve the problem.

Step 4 – Implement and Monitor the Solution

When you’ve decided on the best solution, it’s time to put it into action. The fourth and final step in effective problem solving is to put the solution into action, monitor its progress, and make any necessary adjustments.

To begin, implement the solution. This may entail delegating tasks, developing a strategy, and allocating resources. Ascertain that everyone involved understands their role and responsibilities in the solution’s implementation.

Next, keep an eye on the solution’s progress. This may entail scheduling regular check-ins, tracking metrics, and soliciting feedback from others. You will be able to identify any potential roadblocks and make any necessary adjustments in a timely manner if you monitor the progress of the solution.

Finally, make any necessary modifications to the solution. This could entail changing the solution, altering the plan of action, or delegating different tasks. Be willing to make changes if they will improve the solution or help it solve the problem more effectively.

It’s important to remember that problem solving is an iterative process, and there may be times when you need to start from scratch. This is especially true if the initial solution does not effectively solve the problem. In these situations, it’s critical to be adaptable and flexible and to keep trying new solutions until you find the one that works best.

To summarise, effective problem solving is a critical skill that can assist individuals and organisations in overcoming challenges and achieving their objectives. Effective problem solving consists of four key steps: defining the problem, generating potential solutions, evaluating alternatives and selecting the best solution, and implementing the solution.

You can increase your chances of success in problem solving by following these steps and considering factors such as the pros and cons of each solution, their feasibility and practicability, and making any necessary adjustments. Furthermore, keep in mind that problem solving is an iterative process, and there may be times when you need to go back to the beginning and restart. Maintain your adaptability and try new solutions until you find the one that works best for you.

• Novick, L.R. and Bassok, M., 2005.  Problem Solving . Cambridge University Press.

Daniel Croft

Daniel Croft is a seasoned continuous improvement manager with a Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma. With over 10 years of real-world application experience across diverse sectors, Daniel has a passion for optimizing processes and fostering a culture of efficiency. He's not just a practitioner but also an avid learner, constantly seeking to expand his knowledge. Outside of his professional life, Daniel has a keen Investing, statistics and knowledge-sharing, which led him to create the website learnleansigma.com, a platform dedicated to Lean Six Sigma and process improvement insights.

Free Lean Six Sigma Templates

Improve your Lean Six Sigma projects with our free templates. They're designed to make implementation and management easier, helping you achieve better results.

5S Floor Marking Best Practices

In lean manufacturing, the 5S System is a foundational tool, involving the steps: Sort, Set…

How to Measure the ROI of Continuous Improvement Initiatives

When it comes to business, knowing the value you’re getting for your money is crucial,…

8D Problem-Solving: Common Mistakes to Avoid

In today’s competitive business landscape, effective problem-solving is the cornerstone of organizational success. The 8D…

The Evolution of 8D Problem-Solving: From Basics to Excellence

In a world where efficiency and effectiveness are more than just buzzwords, the need for…

8D: Tools and Techniques

Are you grappling with recurring problems in your organization and searching for a structured way…

How to Select the Right Lean Six Sigma Projects: A Comprehensive Guide

Going on a Lean Six Sigma journey is an invigorating experience filled with opportunities for…

• Business Management
• Career development
• Communication & Skills
• Finance & Accounting
• Marketing & Sales
• Self introduction
• Strategy & Innovation
• Business Tools

Problem-Solving Skills: Your Key to Career Advancement

Disclaimer : We sometimes use affiliate links in our content. For more information, visit our Disclaimer Page . 

Problem-solving skills go beyond simply finding solutions to challenges; they are valuable assets that can help you stand out in the workplace, contribute to organizational growth, and enhance your leadership abilities. You can confidently navigate career roadblocks by honing your problem-solving skills, adapting to change, and collaborating effectively with teams.

In this article, we will explore the significance of problem-solving skills in the context of career advancement, understand the value of problem-solving in the workplace, and discuss how you can integrate problem-solving into organizational goals. We will also explore techniques for identifying and analyzing career roadblocks, enhancing leadership through problem-solving skills , and implementing solutions. Furthermore, we will emphasize the role of flexibility, creativity, and team collaboration in problem-solving. Lastly, we will address the importance of emotional intelligence as a critical component of problem-solving.

Key Takeaways:

• Developing strong problem-solving skills is essential for career advancement .
• Problem-solving skills contribute to individual and organizational success.
• Integrating problem-solving into business strategies improves efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Identifying and analyzing career roadblocks helps in finding effective solutions.
• Leadership abilities can be enhanced through problem-solving skills.

Understanding the Value of Problem-Solving in the Workplace

In today’s fast-paced and innovation-driven economy, problem-solving skills have become more valuable than ever in the workplace. Identifying, analyzing, and effectively addressing challenges and obstacles is essential for individuals and organizations to thrive. This section will explore the demand for problem-solving in an innovation-driven economy, its benefits beyond individual roles, and the attributes contributing to effective problem-solving.

The Demand for Problem-Solving in an Innovation-Driven Economy

Organizations seek employees who can navigate complex problems and find innovative solutions in an economy characterized by constant change and technological advancements. Whether it’s developing new products, improving processes, or overcoming market challenges, problem-solving skills are highly sought after. Employers recognize that individuals with strong problem-solving abilities can drive innovation , adapt to change, and help organizations stay competitive in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Benefits of Problem-Solving Beyond Individual Roles

Problem-solving goes beyond individual job roles and responsibilities. It has a positive impact on organizations as a whole. Employees with problem-solving skills can collaborate more effectively, engage in critical thinking, and make informed decisions. This leads to improved teamwork , increased productivity, and enhanced problem-solving capabilities across the entire organization. Furthermore, problem-solving fosters a culture of creativity and innovation, unlocking new opportunities for growth and success.

Attributes of Effective Problem-Solving

Effective problem-solving requires a combination of skills, mindset, and approach. Here are some key attributes that contribute to effective problem-solving:

Integrating Problem-Solving into Organizational Goals

Problem-solving skills are valuable individually and hold immense potential when integrated into an organization’s goals and strategies. By aligning problem-solving practices with business objectives, companies can improve efficiency, enhance customer satisfaction, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

How Problem-Solving Aligns with Business Strategies

Problem-solving integration within organizational goals helps companies address challenges and pursue opportunities strategically . By incorporating problem-solving as a core competency, businesses can effectively navigate complex problems and make informed decisions. Problem-solving becomes integral to the organization’s DNA, guiding actions and shaping long-term strategies.

Improving Efficiency and Customer Satisfaction Through Problem-Solving

Incorporating problem-solving into organizational goals can significantly improve efficiency and customer satisfaction. Organizations foster a culture of problem-solving and continuous improvement by empowering employees at all levels to approach challenges proactively. As a result, processes become streamlined, bottlenecks are identified and resolved promptly, and unnecessary delays are minimized. This, in turn, enhances operational efficiency and customer experience, directly contributing to improved business outcomes.

Adopting Continuous Improvement Practices

Continuous improvement plays a crucial role in problem-solving integration. Organizations can drive innovation and efficiency by implementing processes to gather timely feedback, analyze data, and identify improvement areas. Adopting practices such as Kaizen or Lean Six Sigma enables businesses to continuously refine their problem-solving approaches, ensuring employees are equipped with the right tools and methodologies for sustainable success.

Examples of Benefits of Integrating Problem-Solving

Identifying and Analyzing Career Roadblocks

This section focuses on the crucial process of identifying and analyzing career roadblocks that can hinder professional growth and advancement. By implementing effective strategies and leveraging essential tools, individuals can gain valuable insights into their areas of improvement and make better decisions to overcome these obstacles.

Techniques for Identifying Areas of Improvement

To identify areas of improvement, individuals can employ various techniques that shed light on their strengths and weaknesses. These techniques include:

• Self-reflection : Taking the time to introspect and assess personal skills and abilities is a valuable starting point for identifying areas of improvement.
• Soliciting feedback : Seeking feedback from colleagues, mentors, or supervisors can provide valuable perspectives and constructive criticism that can help identify areas for growth.
• 360-degree assessments : Utilizing comprehensive assessments that gather feedback from multiple sources can provide a well-rounded view of an individual’s performance and highlight areas needing development.

Conducting Root Cause Analysis to Pinpoint Issues

Root cause analysis is a systematic approach that helps identify the underlying causes of career roadblocks. By understanding the root causes, individuals can take targeted actions to address the issues effectively. The process of conducting root cause analysis involves:

• Defining the problem : Clearly articulating the problem or challenge is essential for focusing the analysis.
• Gathering data : Collecting relevant data and information related to the problem can provide insights into its root causes.
• Identifying possible causes : Exploring all potential causes of the problem allows for a comprehensive analysis.
• Analyzing causes : Evaluating each potential cause to determine its contribution to the problem helps pinpoint the root causes.
• Developing solutions : Individuals can develop appropriate solutions once the root causes are identified.

Leveraging Data Interpretation and Analysis for Better Decision-Making

Data interpretation and analysis are vital in career roadblock identification and decision-making. Individuals can gain valuable insights and make informed decisions by leveraging data effectively. The key steps for leveraging data in this context include:

• Collecting relevant data : Identifying and acquiring relevant data sources is the initial step in the data interpretation and analysis.
• Organizing and cleaning data : Ensuring the accuracy and completeness of data by organizing and cleaning it is essential for reliable analysis.
• Analyzing data : Applying appropriate analytical techniques allows individuals to extract meaningful insights from the data collected.
• Interpreting results: Understanding and interpreting the data analysis results helps identify patterns, trends, and potential areas for improvement.
• Making data-driven decisions : Utilizing the insights gained from data analysis enables individuals to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions to mitigate career roadblocks.

This section has highlighted various techniques for identifying areas of improvement and conducting root cause analysis to pinpoint issues. It has also emphasized the importance of leveraging data interpretation and analysis for making better decisions. By applying these strategies, individuals can overcome career roadblocks and pave the way for professional growth and advancement.

Enhancing Leadership Through Problem-Solving Skills

Effective leadership drives organizational success in today’s dynamic and fast-paced business environment. Leaders with strong problem-solving skills have a distinct advantage when guiding their teams toward achieving goals and overcoming challenges. By incorporating problem-solving into their leadership practices, leaders can enhance their decision-making abilities, improve communication, and foster a culture of collaboration.

Leaders with strong problem-solving skills are better equipped to make informed decisions that lead to positive outcomes. Leaders can navigate complex challenges confidently and competently by analyzing situations, identifying root causes, and evaluating potential solutions. This instills trust and confidence in their team members and inspires them to approach problem-solving similarly.

Furthermore, leaders who excel at problem-solving are more effective communicators . They can clearly articulate goals, expectations, and strategies, ensuring their team members understand the tasks. This clarity in communication fosters a sense of direction and purpose, enabling team members to align their efforts toward solving problems and achieving objectives.

Collaboration is another essential aspect of leadership that is enhanced through problem-solving skills. Effective problem-solving encourages leaders to seek diverse perspectives and involve team members in decision-making, creating a sense of ownership in finding solutions. By promoting teamwork and collaboration, leaders create an environment where innovative ideas can flourish, and individuals feel empowered to contribute their unique skills and insights.

Problem-solving skills play a crucial role in enhancing leadership abilities. Leaders who possess strong problem-solving skills are better equipped to make informed decisions, communicate effectively , and foster collaboration within their teams. Leaders can confidently navigate challenges, inspire their teams, and drive organizational success by continuously developing and honing their problem-solving skills.

Implementing Solutions: Action Plans and Assigning Responsibilities

Implementing solutions requires a systematic approach to ensure successful problem-solving. This section discusses the importance of action plans and assigning responsibilities in the implementation process. Furthermore, it highlights the significance of developing clear benchmarks and tracking progress to measure the effectiveness of the solutions. Additionally, this section emphasizes the need to establish feedback mechanisms for adjusting strategies and improving problem-solving outcomes.

Developing Clear Benchmarks and Tracking Progress

Developing clear benchmarks is essential to setting measurable goals and tracking progress while implementing solutions. By establishing specific and achievable benchmarks, individuals and teams can monitor their performance, evaluate the effectiveness of their actions, and make necessary adjustments. Clear benchmarks also provide a basis for assessing the success of the problem-solving process, ensuring that it aligns with the desired outcomes.

Establishing Feedback Mechanisms for Adjusting Strategies

Feedback mechanisms play a crucial role in problem-solving by providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of implemented solutions. By collecting feedback from stakeholders, individuals and teams can identify strengths and areas for improvement, enabling them to adjust their strategies accordingly. Feedback also facilitates communication and collaboration, allowing for continuous learning and refinement of problem-solving approaches.

The table above outlines the action items and the individuals or roles responsible for implementing solutions. It highlights the importance of assigning specific responsibilities to ensure accountability and effective execution. Collaborating across teams and involving key stakeholders is crucial for successful problem-solving implementation.

Adapting to Change: Flexibility and Creativity in Problem-Solving

Adaptability, flexibility, and creativity are key ingredients for success in the dynamic world of problem-solving. To effectively solve complex challenges and navigate ever-changing circumstances, individuals must be willing to embrace change and think outside the box. This section explores the importance of adaptability, flexibility, and creativity in problem-solving and highlights the benefits of incorporating these qualities into problem-solving approaches.

Collaborating with Teams to Achieve Problem-Solving Success

In today’s dynamic and complex work environment, problem-solving success relies heavily on effective team collaboration . By bringing together diverse perspectives, fostering effective communication, and embracing teamwork, organizations can unlock the full potential of their collective problem-solving abilities.

The advantages of team collaboration in problem-solving are manifold. When individuals with different backgrounds and expertise come together, they bring unique insights and ideas. This diversity of thought allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the problem and opens up a range of potential solutions.

Effective communication plays a crucial role in team collaboration. When team members can openly share their thoughts, concerns, and suggestions, it creates an environment where ideas can be refined and potential barriers can be identified and addressed. Clear and transparent communication also ensures alignment and shared understanding among team members, essential for successful problem-solving.

Teamwork is another vital component in achieving problem-solving success. Collaborative and supportive team dynamics foster trust, accountability, and mutual respect, enabling team members to work together towards a common goal. Through teamwork, individuals can leverage each other’s strengths, fill in knowledge gaps, and collectively overcome obstacles.

Fostering a collaborative environment requires effective leadership that encourages and facilitates teamwork. Leaders must prioritize the development of positive team dynamics, promote open communication, and encourage collaboration through team-building activities and shared goals.

By nurturing team collaboration, organizations can harness the power of collective intelligence and maximize problem-solving success. When teams work together, leveraging their diverse perspectives, communicating effectively, and embracing teamwork, they are better equipped to find optimal solutions and drive innovation.

Problem-Solving Skills for Career Advancement

This section will focus on the role of problem-solving skills in career advancement . It will explore how effective problem-solving can help individuals set and achieve career milestones. The detailed notes will address the importance of navigating complex situations with confidence and competence through problem-solving.

Setting and Achieving Career Milestones Through Effective Problem-Solving

Problem-solving skills play a crucial role in setting and achieving career milestones. By utilizing these skills, individuals can identify obstacles, evaluate potential solutions, and take proactive steps toward their professional goals. Whether it’s overcoming challenges, seizing opportunities, or driving innovation, problem-solving ability enables individuals to navigate their career path with purpose and achieve significant milestones.

Navigating Complex Situations with Confidence and Competence

In today’s fast-paced and dynamic work environment, professionals often encounter complex situations that require a strategic and analytical approach. Problem-solving skills allow individuals to assess challenges, break them down into manageable components, and develop effective strategies to address them. By confidently navigating through complex situations, individuals can demonstrate competence, gain the trust of their peers and superiors, and position themselves for career advancement opportunities.

Building Emotional Intelligence: A Critical Component of Problem-Solving

In problem-solving, emotional intelligence plays a pivotal role in achieving effective outcomes. It encompasses a range of skills and abilities that contribute to enhanced problem-solving capabilities. The development of emotional intelligence enables individuals to navigate complex situations, collaborate effectively, and make sound decisions.

Emotional intelligence comprises several components that are crucial in problem-solving. Firstly, self-awareness allows individuals to understand their emotions and how they impact their problem-solving process. Individuals can approach problem-solving with clarity and objectivity by recognizing their strengths, weaknesses, and triggers.

Self-management is another vital component of emotional intelligence in problem-solving. It involves controlling emotions and impulses and harnessing them to create productive solutions. Through self-management, individuals can maintain composure, adapt to changing circumstances, and focus on finding effective resolutions.

Social awareness is also essential in problem-solving, as it enables individuals to understand the emotions and perspectives of others. This understanding fosters empathy and effective communication, facilitating collaboration and the exchange of ideas. Individuals can arrive at more comprehensive and innovative solutions by considering diverse viewpoints and incorporating them into problem-solving strategies.

Lastly, relationship management strengthens problem-solving abilities by nurturing positive interactions and building rapport with others. Effective problem-solving often requires teamwork, and strong relationships can foster trust, cooperation, and open communication. By managing relationships effectively, individuals can create an environment conducive to problem-solving success.

Developing emotional intelligence is critical for individuals seeking to enhance their problem-solving skills. It provides the foundation for self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management, all integral components of effective problem-solving. Individuals can navigate challenges with heightened insight by cultivating emotional intelligence, collaborating more effectively, and achieving optimal outcomes.

In today’s competitive job market, problem-solving skills are essential for career advancement. Throughout this article, we have seen the value that effective problem-solving brings to individuals and organizations alike. By honing these skills, professionals can unlock their potential and pave the way for professional growth and success.

Problem-solving skills go beyond individual roles. The demand for individuals who can identify and solve complex problems is rising in an innovation-driven economy. Organizations recognize the benefits of problem-solving in improving efficiency and customer satisfaction. Companies can stay ahead of the competition by integrating problem-solving into business strategies and adopting continuous improvement practices.

Why are problem-solving skills important in the workplace?

Why is problem-solving important for career success, how can problem-solving skills help you in the future, how do you advance problem-solving skills, what skill is problem-solving, related posts:.

• Is Consumer Services a Good Career Path? Unveiling the Possibilities
• Strategies for Effective Career Growth and Development

Skill Enhancement Strategies for Career Growth

• What to Say When Declining Job Offers: A Guide to Tactful Replies

Emotional Intelligence for Career Growth: Paths & Benefits

Related posts.

Explained: What Is An Advantage of Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory of Intelligence?

Career Break at 30: Smart Move or Risk?

Exploring the Truth: Do All Jobs Suck?

© 2021 interObservers

Navigate Site

• Privacy and Policy
• Terms and Conditions

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Remember Me

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Problem-solving in Leadership: How to Master the 5 Key Skills

The role of problem-solving in enhancing team morale, the right approach to problem-solving in leadership, developing problem-solving skills in leadership, leadership problem-solving examples.

Other Related Blogs

What’s the Role of Problem-solving in Leadership?

• Getting to the root of the issue:  First, Sarah starts by looking at the numbers for the past few months. She identifies the products for which sales are falling. She then attempts to correlate it with the seasonal nature of consumption or if there is any other cause hiding behind the numbers. 
• Identifying the sources of the problem:  In the next step, Sarah attempts to understand why sales are falling. Is it the entry of a new competitor in the next neighborhood, or have consumption preferences changed over time? She asks some of her present and past customers for feedback to get more ideas. 
• Putting facts on the table:  Next up, Sarah talks to her sales team to understand their issues. They could be lacking training or facing heavy workloads, impacting their productivity. Together, they come up with a few ideas to improve sales. 
• Selection and application:  Finally, Sarah and her team pick up a few ideas to work on after analyzing their costs and benefits. They ensure adequate resources, and Sarah provides support by guiding them wherever needed during the planning and execution stage. 
• Identifying the root cause of the problem.
• Brainstorming possible solutions.
• Evaluating those solutions to select the best one.
• Implementing it.

• Analytical thinking:   Analytical thinking skills refer to a leader’s abilities that help them analyze, study, and understand complex problems. It allows them to dive deeper into the issues impacting their teams and ensures that they can identify the causes accurately. 
• Critical Thinking:  Critical thinking skills ensure leaders can think beyond the obvious. They enable leaders to question assumptions, break free from biases, and analyze situations and facts for accuracy. 
• Creativity:  Problems are often not solved straightaway. Leaders need to think out of the box and traverse unconventional routes. Creativity lies at the center of this idea of thinking outside the box and creating pathways where none are apparent. 
• Decision-making:  Cool, you have three ways to go. But where to head? That’s where decision-making comes into play – fine-tuning analysis and making the choices after weighing the pros and cons well. 
• Effective Communication:  Last but not at the end lies effective communication that brings together multiple stakeholders to solve a problem. It is an essential skill to collaborate with all the parties in any issue. Leaders need communication skills to share their ideas and gain support for them.

How do Leaders Solve Problems?

Business turnaround, crisis management, team building.

Process improvement

Ace performance reviews with strong feedback skills..

Master the art of constructive feedback by reviewing your skills with a free assessment now.

Why is problem solving important?

What is problem-solving skills in management, how do you develop problem-solving skills.

Top 15 Tips for Effective Conflict Mediation at Work

Top 10 games for negotiation skills to make you a better leader, manager effectiveness: a complete guide for managers in 2024, 5 proven ways managers can build collaboration in a team.

• Bipolar Disorder
• Therapy Center
• When To See a Therapist
• Types of Therapy
• Best Online Therapy
• Best Couples Therapy
• Best Family Therapy
• Managing Stress
• Sleep and Dreaming
• Understanding Emotions
• Self-Improvement
• Healthy Relationships
• Student Resources
• Personality Types
• Guided Meditations
• Verywell Mind Insights
• 2023 Verywell Mind 25
• Mental Health in the Classroom
• Editorial Process
• Meet Our Review Board
• Crisis Support

Overview of the Problem-Solving Mental Process

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Rachel Goldman, PhD FTOS, is a licensed psychologist, clinical assistant professor, speaker, wellness expert specializing in eating behaviors, stress management, and health behavior change.

• Identify the Problem
• Define the Problem
• Form a Strategy
• Organize Information
• Allocate Resources
• Monitor Progress
• Evaluate the Results

Frequently Asked Questions

Problem-solving is a mental process that involves discovering, analyzing, and solving problems. The ultimate goal of problem-solving is to overcome obstacles and find a solution that best resolves the issue.

The best strategy for solving a problem depends largely on the unique situation. In some cases, people are better off learning everything they can about the issue and then using factual knowledge to come up with a solution. In other instances, creativity and insight are the best options.

It is not necessary to follow problem-solving steps sequentially, It is common to skip steps or even go back through steps multiple times until the desired solution is reached.

In order to correctly solve a problem, it is often important to follow a series of steps. Researchers sometimes refer to this as the problem-solving cycle. While this cycle is portrayed sequentially, people rarely follow a rigid series of steps to find a solution.

The following steps include developing strategies and organizing knowledge.

1. Identifying the Problem

While it may seem like an obvious step, identifying the problem is not always as simple as it sounds. In some cases, people might mistakenly identify the wrong source of a problem, which will make attempts to solve it inefficient or even useless.

Some strategies that you might use to figure out the source of a problem include :

• Asking questions about the problem
• Breaking the problem down into smaller pieces
• Looking at the problem from different perspectives
• Conducting research to figure out what relationships exist between different variables

2. Defining the Problem

After the problem has been identified, it is important to fully define the problem so that it can be solved. You can define a problem by operationally defining each aspect of the problem and setting goals for what aspects of the problem you will address

At this point, you should focus on figuring out which aspects of the problems are facts and which are opinions. State the problem clearly and identify the scope of the solution.

3. Forming a Strategy

After the problem has been identified, it is time to start brainstorming potential solutions. This step usually involves generating as many ideas as possible without judging their quality. Once several possibilities have been generated, they can be evaluated and narrowed down.

The next step is to develop a strategy to solve the problem. The approach used will vary depending upon the situation and the individual's unique preferences. Common problem-solving strategies include heuristics and algorithms.

• Heuristics are mental shortcuts that are often based on solutions that have worked in the past. They can work well if the problem is similar to something you have encountered before and are often the best choice if you need a fast solution.
• Algorithms are step-by-step strategies that are guaranteed to produce a correct result. While this approach is great for accuracy, it can also consume time and resources.

Heuristics are often best used when time is of the essence, while algorithms are a better choice when a decision needs to be as accurate as possible.

4. Organizing Information

Before coming up with a solution, you need to first organize the available information. What do you know about the problem? What do you not know? The more information that is available the better prepared you will be to come up with an accurate solution.

When approaching a problem, it is important to make sure that you have all the data you need. Making a decision without adequate information can lead to biased or inaccurate results.

5. Allocating Resources

Of course, we don't always have unlimited money, time, and other resources to solve a problem. Before you begin to solve a problem, you need to determine how high priority it is.

If it is an important problem, it is probably worth allocating more resources to solving it. If, however, it is a fairly unimportant problem, then you do not want to spend too much of your available resources on coming up with a solution.

At this stage, it is important to consider all of the factors that might affect the problem at hand. This includes looking at the available resources, deadlines that need to be met, and any possible risks involved in each solution. After careful evaluation, a decision can be made about which solution to pursue.

6. Monitoring Progress

After selecting a problem-solving strategy, it is time to put the plan into action and see if it works. This step might involve trying out different solutions to see which one is the most effective.

It is also important to monitor the situation after implementing a solution to ensure that the problem has been solved and that no new problems have arisen as a result of the proposed solution.

Effective problem-solvers tend to monitor their progress as they work towards a solution. If they are not making good progress toward reaching their goal, they will reevaluate their approach or look for new strategies .

7. Evaluating the Results

After a solution has been reached, it is important to evaluate the results to determine if it is the best possible solution to the problem. This evaluation might be immediate, such as checking the results of a math problem to ensure the answer is correct, or it can be delayed, such as evaluating the success of a therapy program after several months of treatment.

Once a problem has been solved, it is important to take some time to reflect on the process that was used and evaluate the results. This will help you to improve your problem-solving skills and become more efficient at solving future problems.

A Word From Verywell​

It is important to remember that there are many different problem-solving processes with different steps, and this is just one example. Problem-solving in real-world situations requires a great deal of resourcefulness, flexibility, resilience, and continuous interaction with the environment.

Get Advice From The Verywell Mind Podcast

Hosted by therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast shares how you can stop dwelling in a negative mindset.

Follow Now : Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts

You can become a better problem solving by:

• Practicing brainstorming and coming up with multiple potential solutions to problems
• Being open-minded and considering all possible options before making a decision
• Breaking down problems into smaller, more manageable pieces
• Asking for help when needed
• Researching different problem-solving techniques and trying out new ones
• Learning from mistakes and using them as opportunities to grow

It's important to communicate openly and honestly with your partner about what's going on. Try to see things from their perspective as well as your own. Work together to find a resolution that works for both of you. Be willing to compromise and accept that there may not be a perfect solution.

Take breaks if things are getting too heated, and come back to the problem when you feel calm and collected. Don't try to fix every problem on your own—consider asking a therapist or counselor for help and insight.

If you've tried everything and there doesn't seem to be a way to fix the problem, you may have to learn to accept it. This can be difficult, but try to focus on the positive aspects of your life and remember that every situation is temporary. Don't dwell on what's going wrong—instead, think about what's going right. Find support by talking to friends or family. Seek professional help if you're having trouble coping.

Davidson JE, Sternberg RJ, editors.  The Psychology of Problem Solving .  Cambridge University Press; 2003. doi:10.1017/CBO9780511615771

Sarathy V. Real world problem-solving .  Front Hum Neurosci . 2018;12:261. Published 2018 Jun 26. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2018.00261

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

• Onsite training

3,000,000+ delegates

15,000+ clients

1,000+ locations

• KnowledgePass
• Log a ticket

01344203999 Available 24/7

What is Problem Solving? A Complete Guide

Explore the essence of What is Problem Solving as we dissect this fundamental concept. From defining the very nature of problem-solving to understanding the intricate process it entails, this blog covers it all. Uncover the key skills essential for effective problem-solving and strategies to enhance your abilities in this critical skill.

Exclusive 40% OFF

Training Outcomes Within Your Budget!

We ensure quality, budget-alignment, and timely delivery by our expert instructors.

Share this Resource

• Introduction to Management
• Personal & Organisational Development
• Workforce Resource Planning Training
• Supervisor Training
• Introduction to Managing Budgets

According to Statista , more than 50 per cent of IT Managers preferred candidates with effective Problem Solving skills. In this blog, you will learn what is Problem Solving, its process, key skills and strategies, along with tools and techniques to do so. 

Table of contents  

1) What is Problem Solving definition?  

2) The process of Problem Solving  

3) Key skills for effective Problem Solving  

4) Strategies for enhancing Problem Solving abilities  

5) Problem Solving tools and techniques  

6) Conclusion       

What is Problem Solving definition?  

The process of Problem Solving  

Understanding the problem   

The first step in Problem Solving is gaining a clear understanding of the issue at hand. Take the time to thoroughly analyse the problem and gather relevant information. Ask yourself questions like:  

1) What is the nature of the problem?  

2) What are the factors contributing to the problem?  

3) What are the desired outcomes?  

4) Are there any constraints or limitations to consider?  

By gaining a comprehensive understanding of the problem, you lay a solid foundation for finding an effective solution.  

Generating possible solutions   

Once you have a clear grasp of the problem, it's time to brainstorm potential solutions. Encourage creativity and think outside the box. Consider all possible options without judgment or criticism. The goal at this stage is to generate a variety of ideas and alternatives.  

Evaluating and selecting the best solution   

After generating a list of possible solutions, it's important to evaluate each option based on its feasibility, effectiveness, and alignment with the desired outcome. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each and every solution. Assess its practicality and the resources required for implementation.  

Additionally, take into account the potential risks and benefits associated with each solution. Consider any potential consequences or impacts on other aspects. Based on this evaluation, select the solution that appears most viable and promising.  

Implementing the solution   

Once you have chosen the best solution, it's time to put it into action. Develop a detailed plan outlining the necessary steps and allocate the required resources. Determine responsibilities and deadlines to ensure a smooth implementation process.  

During implementation, monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments or adaptations. Stay proactive and address any challenges or obstacles that may arise along the way. Effective communication and collaboration with others involved in the process can greatly contribute to successful implementation.  

Assessing the results   

After implementing the solution, it's essential to assess the results. Evaluate whether the problem has been properly resolved or if further adjustments are required. Analyse the outcomes and compare them against the desired goals and expectations.  

Consider whether the chosen solution has brought about the intended benefits and if any unexpected consequences have emerged. Reflect on the overall effectiveness of the Problem Solving process and identify any lessons learned for future reference.  

Remember, Problem Solving is an iterative process, and it's not uncommon to revisit and refine solutions based on ongoing evaluation and feedback. Embrace a continuous improvement mindset and be open to seeking alternative approaches if necessary.  

By following this Problem Solving process, you can approach challenges systematically and increase your chances of finding effective solutions. Remember that practice and experience play a vital role in honing your skills. 

Master the art of solving problems and become a catalyst for innovation and success with our Problem Solving Training – Sign up now!  

Key skills for effective Problem Solving   

In order to become an effective problem solver, it is crucial to develop a set of key skills that enhance your Problem Solving abilities. These skills enable you to approach challenges with a strategic mindset and find innovative solutions. Let's look at some of these skills:  

Critical thinking   

Critical thinking involves analysing information objectively, considering different perspectives, and making logical judgments. It helps in evaluating problems accurately and identifying appropriate solutions.  

Creativity   

Creativity enables the generation of innovative and unconventional solutions. It involves thinking outside the box, exploring new possibilities, and approaching problems from different angles.  

Analytical skills   

Analytical skills are crucial for breaking down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts. This ability aids in identifying patterns, relationships, and underlying causes. 

Decision-making   

Sound decision-making skills involve evaluating the pros and cons of each solution and selecting the best course of action. It requires considering the potential risks and benefits of different options.  

By honing these key skills, individuals can become more effective Problem Solvers and tackle challenges with confidence. 

Strategies for enhancing Problem Solving abilities  

Practice critical thinking   

Engage in activities that promote critical thinking, such as solving puzzles, engaging in thought-provoking discussions, and challenging assumptions. This helps sharpen your analytical skills and enhances your ability to think critically when faced with problems.  

Seek feedback and learn from experience   

Seek feedback from mentors, peers, or experts when solving problems. Reflect on past experiences to identify areas for improvement and learn from your successes and failures. Embrace every Problem Solving opportunity as a chance to grow and develop your skills.  

Embrace challenges   

Instead of avoiding challenges, embrace them as opportunities for growth. Approach difficult problems with a positive mindset, viewing them as chances to develop new strategies and expand your expertise in dealing with problems. Embracing challenges fosters resilience and strengthens your Problem Solving abilities.  

Collaborate with others   

Collaboration can enhance Problem Solving outcomes by bringing diverse perspectives and ideas to the table. Engage in group activities to discuss issues, seek input from others, and actively listen to different viewpoints. Collaborating with others broadens your knowledge of dealing with problems and promotes innovative thinking.  

Continuously learn and update knowledge   

Stay updated with the latest information and developments in areas relevant to your tasks. Read books, attend workshops or seminars, and leverage online resources to expand your knowledge base. Continuously learning equips you with a wider range of Problem Solving strategies and enhances your abilities.  

Think outside the box   

Encourage creative thinking by exploring unconventional ideas and solutions. Challenge assumptions and consider alternative approaches. This mindset shift can lead to innovative Problem Solving strategies and help you discover unique solutions to complex problems.  

Implementing these strategies can significantly enhance your Problem Solving abilities. Remember, practice, feedback, collaboration, continuous learning, and creativity are key to becoming a proficient problem solver. 

Problem Solving tools and techniques  

When faced with complex problems, utilising specific tools and techniques can help facilitate the solving process and lead to more effective solutions. Here are some commonly used Problem Solving tools and techniques:  

Root cause analysis   

Root cause analysis is a methodology used to detect the underlying causes of a problem. It involves investigating the problem's symptoms and tracing them back to their fundamental causes. By addressing the root causes, Problem Solvers can prevent the issue from recurring.  

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) analysis   

SWOT analysis is a planning tool that strategically helps measure the weaknesses and internal strengths of a situation. Moreover, it can find external opportunities and threats. By assessing these factors, Problem Solvers can gain insights into the current state and make informed decisions about potential solutions.  

Fishbone diagrams   

Fishbone diagrams, also known as cause-and-effect diagrams or Ishikawa diagrams, visually represent the possible causes contributing to a problem. By organising causes into categories (such as people, process, equipment, and environment), Problem Solvers can systematically analyse the problem's potential sources.  

Decision matrices   

Decision matrices are used to evaluate and compare different options based on multiple criteria. This tool helps Problem Solvers weigh the importance of various factors and objectively assess each alternative, leading to an informed decision.  

Six Thinking Hats   

Six Thinking Hats is a technique initially developed by Edward de Bono that encourages parallel thinking by exploring different perspectives. Each "hat" represents a different thinking approach (e.g., logical, creative, emotional), allowing Problem Solvers to consider diverse viewpoints and generate innovative solutions.  

These are just a few examples of Problem Solving tools and techniques. Depending on the nature of the problem, other methods, such as brainstorming, mind mapping, flowcharts, or Pareto analysis, can also be applied. Choosing the appropriate tool or technique depends on the specific problem and the desired outcome. 

Navigate conflicts with finesse and foster collaboration with our transformative Conflict Management Training – Sign up today!  

Conclusion  

We hope you read and understand everything about What is Problem Solving. Developing effective skills is crucial for overcoming challenges, making informed decisions, and achieving success. By embracing problems as opportunities and applying strategic approaches, individuals can become proficient Problem Solvers in various domains of life. 

Unlock your management potential and elevate your skills to new heights with our cutting-edge Management Training Courses – Sign up now!  

Frequently Asked Questions

Upcoming business skills resources batches & dates.

Fri 14th Jun 2024

Fri 23rd Aug 2024

Fri 11th Oct 2024

Fri 13th Dec 2024

Get A Quote

WHO WILL BE FUNDING THE COURSE?

My employer

By submitting your details you agree to be contacted in order to respond to your enquiry

• Business Analysis
• Lean Six Sigma Certification

Share this course

Our biggest spring sale.

We cannot process your enquiry without contacting you, please tick to confirm your consent to us for contacting you about your enquiry.

By submitting your details you agree to be contacted in order to respond to your enquiry.

We may not have the course you’re looking for. If you enquire or give us a call on 01344203999 and speak to our training experts, we may still be able to help with your training requirements.

Or select from our popular topics

• ITIL® Certification
• Scrum Certification
• Change Management Certification
• Business Analysis Courses
• Microsoft Azure Certification
• Microsoft Excel & Certification Course
• Microsoft Project
• Explore more courses

Press esc to close

Fill out your  contact details  below and our training experts will be in touch.

Fill out your   contact details   below

Thank you for your enquiry!

One of our training experts will be in touch shortly to go over your training requirements.

Back to Course Information

Fill out your contact details below so we can get in touch with you regarding your training requirements.

* WHO WILL BE FUNDING THE COURSE?

Preferred Contact Method

No preference

Back to course information

Fill out your  training details  below

Fill out your training details below so we have a better idea of what your training requirements are.

HOW MANY DELEGATES NEED TRAINING?

HOW DO YOU WANT THE COURSE DELIVERED?

Online Instructor-led

Online Self-paced

WHEN WOULD YOU LIKE TO TAKE THIS COURSE?

Next 2 - 4 months

WHAT IS YOUR REASON FOR ENQUIRING?

Looking for some information

Looking for a discount

I want to book but have questions

One of our training experts will be in touch shortly to go overy your training requirements.

Your privacy & cookies!

Like many websites we use cookies. We care about your data and experience, so to give you the best possible experience using our site, we store a very limited amount of your data. Continuing to use this site or clicking “Accept & close” means that you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more about our privacy policy and cookie policy cookie policy .

We use cookies that are essential for our site to work. Please visit our cookie policy for more information. To accept all cookies click 'Accept & close'.

Career Counselling and Guidance

Problem Solving: Essential Skills for Success

Veejay Ssudhan

Problem-solving is a critical skillset that plays a vital role in both personal and professional success. Regardless of the industry or field, individuals who excel in problem-solving possess a valuable asset that enables them to navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and drive positive outcomes. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of problem-solving skills and highlight key strategies for effective problem-solving approach to life. We discuss how developing these skills can contribute to overall success.

The Significance of Problem-Solving Skills

Problem-solving skills are essential in various aspects of life. Whether it’s resolving conflicts, overcoming obstacles, or making strategic decisions, individuals who possess strong problem-solving abilities can tackle complex situations with confidence and efficiency.

Here are a few reasons why these skills are crucial for success:

Decision Making : Effective problem solving involves evaluating available options, analyzing consequences, and making informed decisions. The ability to weigh pros and cons, identify potential risks, and select the most viable solutions enables individuals to make sound choices in both personal and professional settings.

Critical Thinking: Problem-solving is closely intertwined with critical thinking. By honing critical thinking skills, individuals can approach problems from multiple perspectives, evaluate evidence, and draw logical conclusions. This helps in developing well-reasoned arguments, identifying root causes, and finding innovative solutions.

Adaptability: Problem-solving skills allow individuals to adapt to changing circumstances and environments. The capacity to think on one’s feet, generate creative solutions, and adjust strategies as needed is particularly valuable in today’s fast-paced and dynamic world.

Effective Communication: Strong problem-solving skills are often accompanied by effective communication. Being able to articulate problems, discuss potential solutions, and collaborate with others fosters productive teamwork, enhances relationships, and paves the way for successful outcomes.

Strategies for Effective Problem Solving

Developing effective problem-solving skills requires a combination of mindset, techniques, and practice. Let’s explore some key strategies that can help individuals enhance their problem-solving abilities:

• Define the Problem: Begin by clearly defining the problem or challenge at hand. Identify the specific issue, its scope, and any constraints or limitations. A well-defined problem provides a solid foundation for subsequent problem-solving steps.
• Gather Information: Collect relevant information and data related to the problem. This may involve research, conducting interviews, consulting experts, or analyzing existing resources. A comprehensive understanding of the problem facilitates more accurate analysis and solution development.
• Analyze the Situation: Break down the problem into its components and analyze each aspect. This may involve identifying underlying causes, recognizing patterns, or conducting a thorough examination of available information. Analyzing the situation helps in identifying potential solutions and assessing their viability.
• Generate Potential Solutions : Brainstorm a range of potential solutions without evaluating them initially. Encourage creativity and explore diverse perspectives. The goal is to generate a broad pool of ideas before narrowing down to the most feasible options.

Approach to finding Options and Solutions

• Evaluate Options: Assess the strengths and weaknesses of each potential solution. Consider the potential risks, benefits, and resources required for implementation. This evaluation process helps in selecting the most appropriate solution based on feasibility and desired outcomes.
• Implement the Solution: Develop a plan of action to implement the chosen solution. Assign responsibilities, set timelines, and allocate resources as needed. Effective implementation requires clear communication, collaboration, and a well-defined strategy.
• Monitor and Adjust: Continuously monitor the progress of the implemented solution and assess its effectiveness. If necessary, make adjustments and modifications based on feedback and ongoing evaluation. Flexibility and adaptability are key to ensuring the desired outcomes are achieved.
• Learn from Experience: Reflection is a vital part of problem solving. After a problem has been resolved, take the time to evaluate the process and outcomes. Identify lessons learned, areas for improvement, and strategies that were particularly effective. This reflection enables continuous learning and growth as a problem solver.

The Benefits of Developing Skills

Developing strong problem-solving skills brings numerous benefits that contribute to overall success in personal and professional realms. Let’s delve into some of these benefits:

• Enhanced Efficiency: Effective problem solving leads to streamlined processes and efficient use of resources. By addressing problems promptly and developing sound solutions, individuals can save time, minimize wastage, and optimize productivity.
• Increased Innovation: These skills often go hand in hand with innovation. The ability to think creatively, generate unique ideas, and approach challenges from different angles fosters innovation and drives progress.
• Improved Leadership: Strong skills are a hallmark of effective leaders. Leaders who can identify and address problems proactively, make data-driven decisions, and inspire others to solve challenges create a positive and productive work environment.
• Better Collaboration: Problem solving often requires collaboration and teamwork. Individuals with strong skills can effectively communicate ideas, work collaboratively, and resolve conflicts, fostering a harmonious and cooperative work environment.
• Heightened Confidence: Successfully solving problems boosts confidence and self-assurance. Individuals who have overcome challenges through effective problem-solving feel empowered, capable, and more resilient in the face of future obstacles.
• Career Advancement: Employers highly value problem-solving skills, and individuals who excel in this area often experience greater career advancement opportunities. Problem-solving abilities demonstrate a candidate’s potential to handle complex tasks, make strategic decisions, and contribute to organizational success.

Enhancing Solution driven Skills

To enhance problem-solving skills, individuals can adopt the following strategies:

• Embrace a Growth Mindset: Cultivate a mindset that sees challenges as opportunities for growth and improvement. Embrace the belief that problem-solving skills can be developed and refined with practice and perseverance.
• Seek Learning Opportunities: Engage in activities that encourage critical thinking, such as puzzles, riddles, or strategy games. Additionally, seek out training programs, workshops, or online courses that focus on problem-solving techniques.
• Collaborate and Seek Feedback: Collaborate with others to solve problems collectively. Engaging in group problem-solving exercises allows for different perspectives and the exchange of ideas. Additionally, seek feedback from mentors or colleagues to gain insights and identify areas for improvement.
• Reflect and Learn: After solving a problem, take the time to reflect on the process. Consider what worked well, what could have been done differently, and what lessons can be applied to future situations. Regular reflection strengthens problem-solving skills over time.
• Transferable Skills: Industries such as Jewelry involve prototyping, creating and displaying the products for customers.  Teaching is one of the way you can address problem solving abilities.

How to List Problem Solving Skills on your resume?

When listing problem-solving skills on your resume, it’s important to effectively communicate your abilities to potential employers. Here are some tips on how to showcase your  skills in a clear and impactful manner:

• Use the right keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords related to problem-solving skills throughout your resume. Common keywords include “critical thinking,” “analytical skills,” “solution-oriented,” “troubleshooting,” “decision-making,” and “innovation .” These keywords will catch the attention of hiring managers and help them quickly identify your capabilities.
• Highlight specific examples: Rather than simply stating that you have these skills, provide concrete examples of situations where you utilized these skills effectively. Describe the problem or challenge you faced, the actions you took to address it, and the positive outcomes that resulted from your problem-solving approach. Be concise and specific in your descriptions.
• Showcase results: Emphasize the positive impact your  skills have had in previous roles . Quantify the results whenever possible. For example, mention how your abilities improved efficiency, reduced costs, increased productivity, or resolved customer issues. Demonstrating the tangible benefits of your problem-solving skills adds credibility to your resume.

Update your  Skills according to Jobs

• Tailor to the job description: Customize your resume to align with the specific job requirements . Review the job description carefully and identify the key problem-solving skills sought by the employer. Then, highlight relevant experiences and accomplishments that showcase your proficiency in those specific areas. Rather than randomly applying for any job, paying attention to job description will be helpful.
• Include a skills section: Create a dedicated skills section on your resume where you explicitly list your problem-solving skills. Use bullet points to make the skills easily scannable. Consider categorizing your skills into subheadings such as “Analytical Skills,” “Creativity and Innovation,” or “Decision Making.”
• Provide context: If you have undergone training or certification programs that have enhanced your problem-solving skills, mention them in the education or certification section of your resume. Include the name of the program, the duration, and any notable achievements or learnings.

Remember to present your problem-solving skills in a concise and compelling manner. Use action verbs to describe your problem-solving activities and results. By effectively showcasing your problem-solving skills on your resume, you can demonstrate to potential employers that you have the abilities necessary to tackle challenges and contribute to their organization’s success.

Jobs that Require Problem Solving Skills

Problem-solving skills are highly valued across a wide range of professions and industries. Here are some examples of jobs that typically require strong problem-solving abilities:

• Management Consultant: Management consultants work with clients to identify and solve complex business problems. They analyze data, develop strategies, and provide recommendations to improve organizational performance.
• Software Developer: Software developers encounter various challenges during the development process, including debugging code, optimizing performance, and resolving technical issues. Problem-solving skills are crucial for identifying and implementing effective solutions.
• Engineer: Engineers of all disciplines, such as civil, mechanical, electrical, or software engineering, encounter problems that require innovative solutions. They design, analyze, and improve systems, structures, and processes to address specific challenges.
• Project Manager: Project managers are responsible for planning, executing, and completing projects within defined constraints. They need strong problem-solving skills to overcome obstacles, manage risks, and ensure successful project delivery.
• Data Analyst: Data analysts use their problem-solving skills to extract insights from complex datasets. They identify trends, patterns, and correlations, and help organizations make data-driven decisions.

When you looking for volunteering to beef up your resume, these problem solving skills will be helpful . Gaining experience in different conditions and jobs can strengthen your candidature for job.

Other Jobs requiring Solving Skills

• Financial Analyst: Financial analysts analyze financial data, identify trends, and evaluate investment opportunities. They use problem-solving skills to assess risks, develop financial models, and provide recommendations.
• Healthcare Professional: Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals encounter complex medical situations that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, and make decisions to ensure the well-being of patients.
• Sales Manager: Sales managers encounter challenges related to market competition, customer objections, and achieving sales targets. They use problem-solving skills to identify opportunities, develop sales strategies, and overcome obstacles.
• Research Scientist: Research scientists conduct experiments, analyze data, and draw conclusions to solve scientific problems. They need strong problem-solving skills to design experiments, interpret results, and develop new scientific theories or technologies.
• Marketing Manager: Marketing managers face challenges related to market trends, consumer behavior, and brand positioning. They use problem-solving skills to develop marketing strategies, address market changes, and optimize campaigns.
• Customer Relationship Manager : Customer Relation Managers play a critical role in handling the customer complaints, focusing on the customer issues and solving them their needs and wants. They leverage problem solving skills to apply the solutions to address any issues they face.

It’s important to note that problem-solving skills are valuable in virtually any profession, as challenges and complexities arise in various aspects of work. Whether you’re in a technical role, a creative field, or a customer-facing position, the ability to effectively solve problems is highly sought after and can contribute to success in your chosen career.

Problem-solving skills are essential for success in all aspects of life. By honing these skills, individuals can approach challenges with confidence, make informed decisions, and drive positive outcomes. Developing effective skills requires a combination of mindset, techniques, and practice. You need to embrace a growth mindset, seeking learning opportunities and collaborating with others.

Taking time to reflect on experiences, individuals can continually improve their problem-solving abilities and reap the benefits of enhanced efficiency, innovation, and career advancement. Embrace problem-solving as a key competency and unlock your potential for success.

Are you looking for a job ?

• Human Resources
• Public Relations
• Project Management
• Pennsylvania

Problem Solving 101 – How to Make Better Decisions

This decision-making guide is designed to understand better what problem-solving and critical thinking entail. Not only will you learn about how to make better decisions in business, but these ideas can also make you a better problem solver at school or in your personal life when faced with challenges. Additionally, throughout this guide, we will provide you amazing online tools, videos, and resources to help you continue to learn how to make decisions better in your daily activities.

• Chapter 1 – The Importance of Problem Solving
• Chapter 2 – Critical Thinking in the Decision Making Process
• Chapter 3 – Are You Asking the right Questions?
• Chapter 4 – 6 Effective Methods for Problem Solving

The Importance of Creative Problem-Solving in Business and Life

Problem-solving is one of the leadership skills that successful business professionals and entrepreneurs are expected to have, yet many struggles with the simplest decisions. What makes solving daily problems so natural for one person and such a struggle for the next?

The truth is, even experienced decision-makers continually hone and perfect their creative problem-solving skills. And there are many compelling reasons to do so. Not only do those who make better decisions have more job opportunities, get promoted more often, and increase their work productivity, but they are generally happier. In a recent study from the University of Chicago School of Business, the research found that happiness depends more on opportunities to make decisions (i.e., freedom) rather than money or connections. This means that the ability to make decisions leads to more and better opportunities for success, which improves your quality of life. In other words, the better a decision-maker you are, the happier and more successful you’ll be.

This concept goes against what many business leaders believe – that it’s what and who you know that makes you successful. In fact, how you understand and solve problems that are the key to success.

Fortunately, problem-solving and decision making are skills that can be improved upon, studied, and mastered. By learning specific problem-solving and decision-making techniques, you can see problems sooner and make decisions faster. This allows you to make more confident decisions in your job and gives you more control over the happiness and productivity in every part of your life.

Critical Thinking in the Decision Making Process

Critical thinking is the practice of methodically gathering, analyzing, and evaluating information. It is one of the most vital parts of the problem-solving and decision-making process, as it is the act of clearly thinking through options that will lead to a final choice. While decision making is the process that leads to actionable conclusions, critical thinking is the element that defines whether the choice is sound. Think about it this way: If problem-solving is the car that gets your business to its goals, critical thinking skills are the gas.

Although humans have been thinking critically since the first Homo Habilis picked up a stone tool, critical thinking as a process has only become one of the most valuable business skills in the last century. John F. Dewey, the inventor of the Dewey library system and a noted educational philosopher, began touting the importance of teaching critical thinking skills in his 1938 paper, Logic: The Theory of Inquiry . This educational reform may have inspired the rising generation to explore the concepts more, as a resurgence of interest in the subject presented itself between 1950-1970. Many new decision-making strategies (relying heavily on critical thinking career skills) were created over this time period, including CATWOE, PEST, and the Cause and Effect Analysis model.

Since that time, critical thinking and decision making are synonymous with business skills expected of corporate leaders. Still, many people don’t truly understand exactly the underlying concepts that make critical thinking an effective process. There are four key structures that all critical thinking is based on:

Logic – An individual’s ability to see direct relationships between causes and effects. This is one of the most important decision-making skills, as logic provides accurate predictions about what kinds of effects a potential solution will have on individuals and systems.

Truth – The unbiased data of an event. Unbiased and unemotional facts are an important part of the problem-solving process. Good critical thinking culls out these biases and focuses on the historical and documented data that will support the conclusion.

Context – A list of extenuating pressures and factors that will or should be impacted by the final solution. Critical thinking must consider the historical efficacy of similar solutions, decision-makers’ physical and abstract stressors, and the assumptions or agendas of different shareholders. All of these outside elements must be considered to engage in a critical decision-making process truly.

Alternatives – Potential solutions not currently in use. Ineffective critical thinking, the individual can consider new ways of approaching problems that meet real-world goals and are based on accurate, unbiased data. This is the case, even if alternative solutions are not used or when outside determinants are unexpected.

When you understand each of these underlying factors, you will become more aware of personal biases and be more engaged in the critical thinking process. Also, improving your necessary thinking skills leads to faster, more confident, and more productive decision making. The essential fuel of thinking is the secret ingredient that will drive your business’s success.

Are You Asking the Right Questions?

Thought leader Clayton M. Christensen observed that business leaders often think so much about action that they fail to consider why they are acting in the first place. Unfortunately, good action isn’t possible without considering the right critical thinking questions. Critical questioning allows you to clearly distinguish facts from biases, stakeholders from observers, and solutions from potential solutions. If critical thinking is the lens by which you see solutions, questioning is the telescope that gives that lens shape, structure, and purpose.

Since questioning is how critical thinking and decision-making are accomplished, consider whether you truly understand what a good question looks like. A good question will result in an actionable answer, usually one that provides additional information to reach a final solution. But, how can you formulate questions that do this?

There are a few ways to know whether the question you’re asking is a good one. If you don’t have good question-asking instincts, interrogate your initial question with a few of these.

1. Is Your Purpose Clear?

A good question is carefully designed to meet a particular goal. For example, instead of asking, “When can I meet with you?” a clearer questioner would ask, “Would you prefer to meet on Monday morning or Wednesday morning?” The narrower range of options encourages a quicker, more decisive answer, which can, in turn, be acted upon. To get the most actionable information possible, you need to have a distinct idea of the kinds of information you are looking for. You can then make your questions more intentional and directed as you come closer to what you are looking to know. Specific purposes of questions may include:

• Definition: What does “work ethic” look like in our organization?
• Comparative: What parts of our marketing strategy are different from our competitor?
• Causal: If we invest in this new technology, what are some potential positive and negative outcomes?
• Evaluative: What about this product is working for our consumers? What isn’t?

Knowing which types of questions to ask in each situation, you’ll have a more targeted discussion that leads to actionable answers.

2. Is The Question Framed Correctly?

Even with a clearly defined purpose, the question’s framing can still help or hinder its overall effectiveness. For example, asking, “Why should we invest in a Halloween party when clown costumes are so expensive?” will not be as effective as “Why should we invest in a Halloween party when, historically, they have not improved business culture?” The first question suffers from its poor framing, as it assumes that a Halloween party must include the investment in a clown costume. Poorly framed questions can be identified through various smaller issues, including false comparisons, false dilemmas, and ambiguity. A good question deals with only one issue and avoids bundling disparate concerns into a single blanket assessment.

3. Is Your Question Closed or Open?

One of the questioning process’s biggest pitfalls is asking questions with a predefined or “closed” set of answers. These yes or no questions don’t require synthesis, analysis, or evaluation of facts. They are often asked by leaders who already know the answer and have no interest in additional information. While these can be useful when only a handful of acceptable answers exist, they don’t lead to creative thinking or better management decisions.

In contrast, an open question requires thought and evaluation to answer. These questions can open the door to outside ideas and collaboration and lead to more productive conversations than closed questions. These questions are designed to bring additional information to light and often lead to a more in-depth understanding of the problem and potential solutions.

4. Are You Following Up?

Initial questions offer a vital starting point for any critical thinking and decision-making discussion. Unfortunately, some people stop there, and that can be the death knell of effectiveness and efficiency. To get the best answers, you must engage in a series of follow-up questions to support your initial inquiry.

Consider this question: “What are some areas we can cut to meet our yearly budget?” On its own, it will get you some information but may miss the crucial further discussion. Questions like “Who will be affected if we cut that department?” or “What will the impact of that departmental cut be on our production processes?” will provide additional actionable information and lead to smarter, safer cuts. In fact, the highly effective Five Whys system of problem-solving is built solely upon the idea of targeted follow-up questioning.

By incorporating effective questioning into your critical thinking equation, you will get clear answers that will help you to create actionable solutions.

6 Methods and Techniques for Problem Solving and Decision Making

Even with good critical thinking and questioning skills in place, it can be difficult to maintain problem-solving consistency. Organizations aren’t individuals but employ various people with different personalities, skill sets, and strengths, making solving group problems virtually impossible without a clearly defined framework. For that reason, many top-level organizations choose to incorporate a standardized problem-solving methodology. Not only does this provide the consistency a business needs, but it often leads to more focused and productive discussions. This newfound productiveness, in turn, leads to more actionable plans and clearly defined goals for success.

Even though these processes have mainly been designed for large organizations, organizations of any size can adapt these concepts to suit their needs. Large businesses, small businesses, and individuals can all benefit from these simple problem-solving and decision-making methods. They have proven to be effective at maintaining a structured problem-solving process regardless of the structures in which they see use.

6 Step Problem Solving Method

Although many have made variations on the 6-Step Problem Solving Method, the only research-based version of this methodology was invented by Dr. Sidney J. Parnes and Alex Osborn in the 1950s. After working with and observing high-level advertising employees throughout the brainstorming and implementation process, Parnes and Osborn recognized that creative people go through a series of stages as they create, organize, and choose good solutions for problems. Their findings were published in 1979 under the title, Applied Imagination: Principles and Procedures of Creative Thinking. In their original work, the 6-Step model was termed, “The Creative Problem Solving (CPS) Method,” and included these key segments:

• Objective Finding
• Fact Finding
• Problem Finding
• Idea Finding
• Solution Finding
• Acceptance Finding

These six segments were further organized into three key phases of problem solving: Exploring the Challenge, Generating Ideas, and Preparing for Action.

After Parnes and Osborn released these creative problem solving techniques, many different groups and businesses adapted them to fit their needs and organizational culture, providing a consistent framework for making daily decisions. One of these popular adaptations was created by Yale University, and includes an evaluative segment that provides for continual optimization of the final decision. This model also incorporates some elements from the Soft Stage Management model (SSM), which provides a seven-stage approach to problem solving. The Yale adaptation has been adopted by businesses and organizations worldwide, and includes these six steps of action:

• Define the Problem
• Determine the Root Cause of the Problem
• Develop Alternative Solutions
• Select a Solution
• Implement the Solution
• Evaluate the Outcome

Comparative Decision Making – Another situation in which the 6-Step Model shows its strength comes when comparing the efficacy of your organization’s ideas against a competitor. The method’s group-think structure allows for a logical discussion of potential best-case and worst-case scenarios resulting from each potential course of action. Not only is this a good thing when formulating new ideas or action plans, but it works magnificently when determining strategies to take in a competitive marketplace. The method’s evaluative phase allows for research and comparison with outside ideas and models, such as those of major competitors, which eventually will lead to a better product or idea.

Long-Term Restructuring – This model deals particularly well with long-term changes or processes in need of consistent evaluation and restructuring. Since the evaluation process leads back into the initial phases of defining problems and developing solutions, the method develops a circular flow that allows the user to tackle even the most daunting decision-making projects. It also adapts to the size of the project or system in which it is used, so as a small project or system gets larger and more complex, the 6-Step model remains effective and can even be applied to individual components and subsystems as necessary.

PEST – Analysis Political Economic Social Technological

Noted as one of the most widely-used decision-making techniques, the PEST model derives from the concept that several influencing factors can affect an organization, namely Political, Economic, Social, and Technological factors. By carefully analyzing and evaluating these factors, organizations can make more informed decisions and better understate choices for long-term implications.

The PEST model of decision making was introduced by Francis J. Aguilar, a Harvard Business professor. In 1967, he published a book including the PEST model (originally the EPST model) entitled, Scanning the Business Environment. Arnold Brown reorganized the acronym STEP (Strategic Trend Evaluation Process) sometime after the book’s publication. It was adapted further by several authors in the 1980s into acronyms including PEST, PESTLE, and STEEPLE. It is still well-known by some of these alternative nomenclatures, and each retains the core elements of the system introduced by Aguilar.

Although it was originally designed to understand the business arena’s unique layout, PEST quickly became a consistent way for leaders to understand both the internal and external pressures that affected their organizational processes and products. It can also be easily adapted for acquisitions and mergers, potential investments, and marketing campaigns. After decades of its use, the PEST model has proven to be especially effective in these specific situations:

Surveying Business Markets – Since this was its initial function, PEST functions best as a market surveying tool. The four key elements of the model can easily be adapted to any market, regardless of size or scope. The permutations of the model, like PESTLE, include additional pressures that help to understand further the potential marketplace, such as legal and environmental factors. This makes the PEST model perfect for political ventures, building projects, or even human resource concerns.

Evaluating Strategies or Markets – Another area in which the PEST model shines is evaluating current strategies for flaws and inconsistencies. Because the model structures itself around rigorous evaluation, it allows all decision-making team members to have a clear idea of the chosen course of action’s potential impaction. By adding a weighting system to each of these elements, those in the discussion can clearly see which strategies have the greatest potential for success and meet their goals. Such a system also figures in strongly when comparing markets or courses of action. It results in data points to illustrate the projected gains and losses for each potential solution.

Large-Scale Change Including Complex Elements – Finally, the model allows for a methodical consideration of various influences so that large-scale change can be managed in advanced and intricate detail. The PEST method highlights weaknesses in potential mergers or campaigns, allows for detailed speculation about future partnerships or markets, and gives insight in each action course the regulatory or political drawbars. Applying the PEST model makes it relatively easy to create a concise checklist of items to be addressed. This makes it one of the most actionable decision-making tools for corporate-level change.

SWOT Analysis – Strengths Weakness Opportunity Threats

The SWOT model of analysis sets out to help businesses analyze their company and better understand the arenas in which they operate. In this method, the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats of a company are outlined in a grid fashion, allowing the leadership to identify toxic processes and behaviors quickly.

Albert S. Humphrey usually receives the credit for creating the SWOT framework, as he presented it during his work with Stanford. In reality, the concept may have originated earlier than his 1960s presentation of the concept. Several researchers, including George Albert Smith, Jr., C. Roland Christiensen, and Kenneth Andrews of the Harvard Business School, reportedly worked with a concept prototype during the 1950s. Their model, published in 1965 as Business Policy, Text and Cases, had a slightly different set of values: Opportunities, Risks, Environment, and Competition. This research likely held some sway over the Stanford research model, which Humphrey initially referred to as SOFT Analysis (Satisfactory, Opportunity, Fault, and Threat). Researchers Urick and Orr changed this to SWOT by 1964, and the name stuck.

SWOT lets users evaluate potential business risks and rewards for business ventures based on environmental pressures. Like other models, SWOT also lends itself to discourse that leads to making better decisions. Though it doesn’t work very well as a standalone decision-making model, it makes an excellent supplement to another more action-based system. Some of the situations where SWOT really shines include:

Brainstorming and Strategy Building – SWOT lends itself to sharing and discussing potential benefits and drawbacks of a single idea or course of action. Its simple format also plays well for situations involving big picture ideas and concepts. At the planning stage, it makes large issues readily obvious and illustrates key benefits for each idea. When deciding on the strategy for a particular product, plan, or business, SWOT can make an organization’s position and the benefits of each situation acutely obvious. A plan that has a strong strengths-opportunities correlation will support an aggressive strategy, while a plan that has a strong weaknesses-threats connection should be approached defensively.

Business and Product Development – The SWOT matrix’s simplicity is perfect for quickly identifying a business or product’s strengths and weaknesses. This model helps encourage discussion about the competitive advantages or gaps in the capabilities of a specific idea. It also helps bring to light clear threats for a course of action, such as political, technological, or environmental pressures that must be overcome before progress can be made. And, because it is such an adaptable model, it can be used for large-scale and small-scale problems. This flexibility makes SWOT a good choice as a standardized decision-making tool.

Gathering and Organizing Data – SWOT can be a good choice at the brainstorming level of creative problem solving, but can also prove itself an excellent tool during the researching phase of a task. The simple matrix can help present and organize data in preparation for action. Also, it can easily show where research is lacking or where more information needs to be gathered.

FMEA Analysis

As one of the first systematic techniques for observing organizations’ weaknesses, the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) system often see used as a diagnostic tool for companies and other large groups. FMEA puts forth the idea that all of the elements of a structure have inevitable failure modes, which are points at which they will break down under stress or over time. Then, the goal of FMEA is to identify the probable failure mode for each component and project the impact that these failures will have on the overall success of the plan.

The US military and surrounding industries began using this method as early as 1949 to identify potential military equipment and weapons weaknesses. Adopted in the early 1960s by contractors working with the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), FMEA helped these organizations produce parts and processes that would guarantee a high success rate shuttle program. In 1967, the Society for Automotive Engineers (SAE) published a version of FMEA, which, with revisions, has remained the standard failure mode model for the public aviation industry. Versions of FMEA have been used by the Automotive Industry Action Group, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Henry Ford was the first leader to widely incorporate the FMEA model to identify process weaknesses within a business. He adapted the FMEA model into two main areas: Process FMEA (PFMEA) and Design FMEA (DFMEA). PFMEA helps leaders to identify potential breakdowns of production, supply, and market failure for an organization, while engineers and other technical personnel use DFMEA to assess the ramifications of potential weaknesses and safety issues in their designs. The areas in which these two types of FMEA are most effective include:

Manufacturing and Assembly Processes – The initial goal of the FMEA model was to identify problems and potential failures of elements within a manufacturing process. Because of this, the FMEA model is a good choice for businesses that are heavily involved in manufacturing and production. It guides the participant through each point of the production cycle and allows them to foresee potential risks associated with parts, labor, and processes. Often, this results in fewer risks and unnecessary redundancies, which leads to a safer work environment and a more cost-effective business.

Business Strategy – Another area in which FMEA is highly efficient in any major change preparation stages. This model focuses on potential risks at every point in the new process, motivating leaders to understand and overcome challenges long before they arise. If a clear goal or emphasis is not established before beginning the FMEA process, this can become overwhelming and even paralytic, encouraging stagnation within a company. By assigning a Risk Priority Number (RPN) to each failure mode element, those using this model can make it much more obvious which failure modes require immediate attention.

Customer Satisfaction and Safety – Both PFMEA and DFMEA can help bolstering customers’ satisfaction and well-being. As processes are analyzed and evaluated closely, organizations become quicker and more cost-effective, often without sacrificing the final product’s quality. Because process flaws are identified and eliminated before taking the product or process to the customer, dissatisfaction becomes much less common. The DFMEA portion of the process becomes more reliable and safer as the model has applied time and time again, leading to higher employee retention and more loyal customers.

Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) is a decision-making process designed to tackle real-world problems with no formal definition or scope. In this system, users must consider six areas in order to solve these kinds of soft system problems:

• Transformation
• Environmental Constraints

CATWOE systematically incorporates these elements into a discussion about potential actions, looking at how these actions will influence the major players in a transition or other major problem. Originally developed by Peter Checkland and Brian Wilson, this problem-solving system has been constantly assessed and improved through continuing action research over the last 30 years. Initially, it was designed in response to the systems engineering approach to management problems. In 1966, a team of researchers at Lancaster University led by Gwilym Jenkins found that the systems engineering approach only worked when a problem could be clearly and narrowly defined. In cases wherein no clear definition was available, they found that the system was not effective for solving real and complex management problems. With Checkland and Wilson taking the lead, the SSM model was established. CATWOE was the problem-solving format that arose from their research.

CATWOE, by definition, works most effectively when it is being used to manage complex, real-world management problems. This broad approach means it can assist in solving virtually any issue that is not easily defined. However, some organizational situations still lend themselves more to CATWOE than other commonly accepted models, despite this adaptability. Some common CATWOE-friendly issues include:

Implementing Solutions – The CATWOE method also presents some strong tools when preparing to take action steps. Because CATWOE focuses on considering the influencing factors, people, and environments that will be integral to a solution, this method ensures that all of those elements are in place before the implementation. CATWOE also assesses each team member’s roles in the change, breaking individuals down into broad categories such as client, actor, or owner. Since these roles are defined in the CATWOE structure itself, each person has a better idea of how they contribute to the project’s success and can be easily held accountable for their responsibilities.

Cause and Effect Analysis

In Cause and Effect Analysis, also called Fishbone Diagrams or Ishikawa Diagrams, thinkers assess a single effect in an attempt to find its potential causes. During this four-step model, participants identify a problem, work out the involved factors, identify potential causes, and analyze the final diagram in preparation for action.

This problem-solving model was created in 1968 by University of Tokyo engineering professor Kaoru Ishikawa, although the Cause and Effect Analysis framework dates back to the 1920s. It was first included as one of the Seven Basic Tools of Quality Control, which W. Edwards Deming presented to post-war Japanese engineers, including Ishikawa himself. Of these seven tools, Cause and Effect Analysis deals with critical thinking the most extensively and uses compartmentalization and categorization to define which influencers contribute to the effect in question and how.

Each industry often develops its own unique set of categories that can be used with the Ishikawa design. The manufacturing industry, for example, uses the six Ms (Manufacturing, Method, Material, Man Power, Measurement, and Mother Nature), while the service industry uses the five Ss (Surroundings, Suppliers, Systems, Skills, and Safety). These categories are often used in conjunction with the Five Whys methodology for questioning, making the root causes of any effect clearer.

The Cause and Effect Analysis model has held sway for a long time thanks to the instances in which it outperforms many newer models. The most effective implementations include:

Group Decision Making – The Cause and Effect Analysis model works best with a key group of invested stakeholders, preferably from each of the main categories that the diagram will incorporate. This allows for the most in-depth analysis of the root causes of a problem from most people’s perspectives with that aspect of the business. The Cause and Effect Analysis model also lends itself to a discussion and can uncover fine details that may be closely connected and make analysis better. This happens most often in a group setting, where multiple members can become aware of the correlations of seemingly disparate parts of the business process.

Clearly Defined Problems – In complete opposition to decision-making models like CATWOE, which deal with ill-defined, nebulous issues, this model works best with concrete, tangible problems. This decision-making method starts by defining the problem, and without defining a problem clearly, the Cause and Effect model begins to break down. If the effect is vague or misunderstood by team members, analyzing its potential causes can be difficult. Framing is essential to effective use of Cause and Effect Analysis, as problems like “68% Employee Turnover” can be much more efficiently dissected than “Employees Unhappy.”

Complex, Interrelated Effects – Where this method really shines is in arenas where effects may have multiple, interrelated causes. This makes the Cause and Effect Analysis model perfect for large institutional changes like mergers and acquisitions. Even on a small scale, this method does a stellar job of highlighting how seemingly unrelated processes or production elements affect one another. Much like the PEST model, the Cause and Effect Analysis model assesses each segment of business operations that could change the outcome. This gives each stakeholder insight into the small changes that can be made within their part and helps them understand what might make the process or product more efficient and productive.

Explore MBA Programs By State

• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• West Virginia

A Library of Essential Behavioural Training Courses

Explore Library

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed when faced with complex problems? Do you want to enhance your problem-solving skills and become a master at finding innovative solutions? Look no further courses on problem solving , ! In this blog post, we will delve into the key traits and strategies that can help you unlock your problem-solving potential. Whether it’s navigating through personal or professional challenges, these tried-and-true approaches will empower you to tackle any obstacle with confidence. Get ready to unleash your inner problem-solver and embark on a journey towards success like never before!

What are Problem-Solving Skills?: Defining problem-solving skills and why they are essential for personal and professional growth.

Problem-solving skills are a crucial set of abilities that allow individuals to approach and overcome challenges effectively. They involve the ability to identify, analyze, and solve problems in a logical and systematic manner. These skills are essential for personal and professional growth as they enable individuals to navigate through life’s complexities and achieve their goals.

Defining problem-solving skills can be challenging because it encompasses various cognitive processes such as critical thinking, creativity, decision-making, and reasoning. However, at its core, problem-solving is about finding solutions to issues or obstacles that require some form of action or decision.

These skills are vital in all aspects of life, whether in personal relationships, academics, or the workplace. In personal relationships, being able to resolve conflicts effectively requires problem-solving skills. In academia, students need these skills to excel in their studies by understanding complex concepts and applying them in assignments. In the workplace, employees with strong problem-solving abilities can tackle challenges independently and contribute positively to achieving organizational objectives.

One reason why problem-solving skills are essential for personal growth is that they promote self-reliance. When faced with an issue or obstacle, individuals with strong problem-solving abilities do not rely on others to provide solutions but instead take initiative and find ways to overcome it themselves. This independence leads to increased self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment when successful resolutions are achieved.

Key Traits of Effective Problem Solvers: Exploring the common characteristics shared by individuals who excel at problem-solving.

Effective problem solvers are highly sought after in today’s fast-paced and constantly changing world. Whether it’s in the workplace, academia, or personal life, individuals who possess strong problem solving course are able to navigate challenges and find solutions efficiently. But what makes someone an effective problem solver? What characteristics do they possess that set them apart from others? In this section, we will explore the key traits of effective problem solvers and how they contribute to their success.

Analytical thinking:

One of the key traits of effective problem solvers is their ability to think analytically. They have a natural inclination towards breaking down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts. This allows them to understand the root cause of a problem and identify potential solutions.

Creative mindset:

Effective problem solvers possess a creative mindset that enables them to approach problems with fresh perspectives. They are not limited by traditional or conventional methods; instead, they actively seek out new ideas and alternative solutions.

Persistence:

Problem-solving requires patience and persistence as not every solution will work on the first try. Effective problem solvers have a tenacious attitude towards finding solutions and are willing to put in the effort required for success.

Curiosity is another common trait among effective problem solvers. They have a natural desire to learn and understand things deeply, which allows them to ask insightful questions that lead them towards better solutions.

– Critical thinking

Critical thinking is an essential skill for mastering problem-solving. It involves using logical and analytical reasoning to evaluate information, identify patterns and connections, and make well-informed decisions. In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, the ability to think critically is becoming more valuable than ever before.

At its core, critical thinking requires us to question our assumptions and beliefs, challenge the status quo, and approach problems from different perspectives. It goes beyond simply accepting information at face value but rather encourages us to dig deeper, analyze evidence, and draw our own conclusions. By honing this skill, we can become better problem-solvers by making more informed choices that lead to effective solutions.

One of the key traits of critical thinking is open-mindedness. This means being receptive to new ideas, opinions, and viewpoints without judgment or bias. Being open-minded allows us to consider all possibilities before reaching a conclusion and helps us avoid falling into the trap of confirmation bias – where we only seek out information that confirms our existing beliefs.

– Creativity

Creativity is a key trait that is essential for mastering problem solving course online . It involves thinking outside of the box, coming up with innovative solutions, and approaching problems from different angles. In this section, we will discuss the importance of creativity in problem-solving and provide strategies for enhancing your creative thinking abilities.

Why Creativity Matters in Problem-Solving:

When faced with a complex problem, traditional methods may not always lead to successful solutions. This is where creativity comes into play. By thinking creatively, you are able to break away from conventional ways of solving problems and explore new possibilities. This can lead to more efficient and effective solutions that may have been overlooked otherwise.

Additionally, being creative allows you to approach problems with an open mind and a sense of curiosity rather than being restricted by preconceived notions or biases. This enables you to see the problem from different perspectives and consider all potential solutions before making a decision.

Strategies for Enhancing Creativity:

• Embrace Divergent Thinking: Divergent thinking refers to the ability to generate multiple ideas or solutions for a given problem. To enhance this skill, try brainstorming without any limitations or restrictions. Allow yourself to think freely and come up with as many ideas as possible without judgment.
• Practice Mind Mapping : A mind map is a visual representation of thoughts or ideas connected around a central concept or topic. Using this technique can help you organize your thoughts and make connections between different ideas, leading to more creative solutions.

– Adaptability

Adaptability is a crucial trait for mastering problem-solving skills. In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, the ability to adapt to new situations and challenges is essential for success. It involves being open-minded, flexible, and proactive in finding solutions to problems.

One of the main reasons why adaptability is so important for problem-solving is because it allows individuals to approach a problem from different perspectives. When faced with a challenge, adaptable individuals are able to step back and look at the situation objectively, without being limited by their own biases or habits. This enables them to see potential solutions that others may have overlooked. Furthermore, adaptability also involves continuously learning and growing from experiences. Instead of getting stuck in one way of thinking or doing things, adaptable individuals are open to trying new approaches and learning from their mistakes. This not only helps in finding solutions but also allows for personal growth and development.

In addition, being adaptable means being able to adjust quickly when plans change or unexpected obstacles arise. This requires a certain level of resilience and resourcefulness – the ability to think on your feet and come up with creative solutions under pressure. Adaptable individuals are not easily discouraged by setbacks or failures; instead, they use them as opportunities for growth and improvement.

– Persistence

Persistence is a crucial trait for mastering problem-solving skills. It is the ability to continue working towards a solution despite facing obstacles, setbacks, and challenges. In other words, it is the determination and resilience to keep going until you reach your desired outcome.

One of the main reasons why persistence is essential in problem-solving is that not all problems have easy solutions. Some can be complex and require time and effort to solve. Without persistence, one may easily give up when faced with difficulties, leaving the problem unsolved. However, individuals who possess this trait are more likely to find success in problem-solving as they are willing to put in the necessary work and effort.

Moreover, being persistent also means having a growth mindset rather than a fixed mindset. A growth mindset allows one to see setbacks or failures as opportunities for learning and improvement. This mindset enables individuals to view problems as challenges that can be overcome with effort and perseverance instead of insurmountable barriers.

In addition to having the right mindset, there are several strategies that can help cultivate persistence in problem-solving:

1) Break down the problem into smaller parts: Sometimes, problems may seem overwhelming at first glance. Breaking them down into smaller, more manageable chunks makes them less daunting and easier to tackle.

2) Set achievable goals: Setting realistic goals helps individuals stay motivated as they work towards solving a problem step by step. Celebrating each small victory along the way can also boost motivation and determination.

Why choose us?

In today’s fast-paced and constantly changing world, mastering problem-solving skills is crucial for success in any aspect of life. By cultivating key traits such as patience, creativity, and resilience, along with implementing effective strategies like breaking down the problem into smaller steps and seeking out different perspectives, anyone can become a skilled problem-solver. With determination and practice, you too can overcome any challenge that comes your way. So go forth confidently knowing that you have the tools to tackle any problem that may arise.

© 2023 Dynamic Pixel Multimedia Solutions

3 Steps to Successfully Solve Any Problem

At its core, problem-solving is simply the process of identifying and addressing a challenge or obstacle that stands in the way of achieving a goal. While many different strategies and techniques can be used to solve problems effectively, three key steps are essential for any successful problem-solving process: gathering information, developing possible solutions, and evaluating potential solutions.

Whether you are facing a workplace challenge, tackling a personal problem, or working to overcome a difficult obstacle, the key to success is assessing the situation thoroughly, gathering all of the necessary information, and carefully evaluate your options.

This may involve brainstorming potential solutions with colleagues or seeking input from experts, as well as carefully considering the possible outcomes of each option. Ultimately, the key is to be persistent and remain focused on finding a solution that works for you. With the right mindset and approach, any problem can be successfully solved.

Are you tired of wasting time on problems that you can't solve? This guide will systematically show you how to solve any problem in just three steps.

Whether you are facing a work challenge, tackling a personal problem, or struggling to overcome an obstacle, the key to success has the right mindset and approach to problem-solving. At its core, problem-solving involves:

Identifying the challenge or obstacle that stands in your way.

Gathering information to understand the situation entirely.

Considering all of your possible solutions before deciding on the best course of action.

To solve a problem, you need to be able to gather enough and the right kind of information.

To successfully solve a problem, you must have accurate information about that problem. This involves being able to gather the right kind of data, as well as having the knowledge and skills needed to interpret it effectively. One essential part of problem-solving is analyzing the problem, which requires you to break it down into smaller components to understand its root causes better.

Once you have gathered enough data and understand the problem, you can begin considering possible solutions and selecting the best ones based on your available resources. Ultimately, analyzing a problem and gathering relevant information is crucial for achieving effective problem-solving results.

Developing possible solutions is an essential step in the problem-solving process steps.

Once you clearly understand the problem, your next step is to start thinking creatively about possible solutions. This may involve brainstorming ideas with colleagues or seeking input from experts, as well as considering potential outcomes for each option and weighing the pros and cons of each solution before making a final decision.

In many cases, trying out different solutions to see what works best can also be helpful. Then, with persistence, focus, and creativity, you can develop practical solutions that will allow you to overcome any challenge or obstacle that stands in your way.

Evaluating potential solutions is key to ensuring that you choose the right approach to solve your problem.

Before making a final decision about the best course of action, it is essential to evaluate your potential solutions and consider the possible outcomes carefully. This may involve conducting research, consulting with subject matter experts, or running tests to determine which solution will most effectively address your challenge or obstacle. It is also essential to consider any risks associated with each option and how feasible it will be to implement the chosen solution based on your available resources.

With a clear understanding of the problem, the right mindset and approach for problem-solving, and a willingness to explore different options, you can successfully overcome any challenge or obstacle that stands in your way. In addition, adopting these essential problem-solving skills will enable you to achieve your goals and live a more fulfilling and successful life at work or in your personal life.

Don't let problems hold you back any longer. With this simple three-step process, you will be able to quickly and effectively solve any problem that comes your way. The first step is gathering enough information about the issue at hand. Once you have a good understanding of what the problem is, you can begin developing possible solutions.

After narrowing down your options, it's essential to evaluate each potential solution to ensure that you choose the best option for solving your problem. Join our course on problem-solving today and learn how to overcome any obstacle life throws your way.

What's your favorite problem-solving technique?

My favorite problem-solving technique is breaking down the problem into smaller parts and then attacking each piece individually. This involves understanding the problem, devising a plan of action, implementing the program, and checking to ensure the solution solves the problem.

This technique works well because it helps you focus on one task at a time and prevents you from getting overwhelmed by the size or complexity of the problem. It also allows you to test different solutions and see which works best. And finally, it helps you ensure that your solution solves the problem.

Do you prefer to work on problems alone or with others?

I prefer to work on problems with others. I think it's essential to have different perspectives when solving problems. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, so it's helpful to have as many different viewpoints as possible when trying to solve a problem. Plus, working with others can be a lot of fun!

Have you ever had a problem that you couldn't solve? If so, how did you go about finding a solution?

I have had a problem that I couldn't solve. If so, how did you go about it?

First, I would try to narrow the problem as much as possible. Then, I would research the problem and try to find any potential solutions. After that, I would test those potential solutions to see if they worked.

If none of the possible solutions worked, I would start from scratch and develop a new plan of action. Finally, I would execute that plan of action and hope for the best.

Is there a problem-solving method that you're particularly interested in but haven't had the opportunity to try yet?

I'm interested in the problem-solving process itself. The problem-solving process entails breaking a problem into smaller and smaller manageable parts. Then, once the smaller pieces are understood, the solution to the original problem can be found.

This approach is often called "Divide and Conquer." And it's a very effective way of solving problems. The key is to break the problem into manageable chunks and take one step at a time.

Of course, if you try to solve the entire problem simultaneously, you will likely become overwhelmed and frustrated. But taking it one step at a time can slowly but surely work toward a solution.

Do you think there's always a solution to every problem, or are some problems unsolvable?

There is never a simple solution to every problem. Many problems don't have a definitive answer. What is important is how we approach problem-solving.

The first step in any problem-solving process is to identify the problem. This cannot be easy because sometimes we are so close to a situation that we can't see it objectively. However, once the issue is identified, we can look for potential solutions.

Not all solutions are viable, and some may even worsen; therefore, it is a problem. It's essential to evaluate all potential solutions and choose the best one. Sometimes this means trying multiple solutions until one works.

Are there any tricks or tactics to help you solve problems more efficiently?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to solve problems will vary depending on the situation. However, a general process that can be useful for solving many types of issues is illustrated in the diagram below.

The first step is to identify and understand the problem. This may involve identifying the problem's root cause and understanding all the relevant facts and figures. Once you have a good understanding of the problem, you can then begin brainstorming possible solutions. After you have a few potential solutions, evaluating them carefully and selecting the best one is essential. 

What are the three main steps of problem-solving?

Solving Problems Step-by-Step The initial phase in problem-solving involves Identifying and Understanding the Problem. This crucial starting point requires to clearly defining the issue. This step necessitates a thorough analysis of what the actual problem is, its contextual elements, and its potential implications. Following the identification is the Developing Possible Solutions stage. You need to brainstorm various strategies to handle the identified problem in this second step. The emphasis here is on generating a wide array of potential solutions. These strategies must be carefully assessed and selected in order to come up with the most effective solution. After you have identified potential solutions, the final step is Implementing the Chosen Solution. This phase requires action. A decision needs to be made on which solution or combination of solutions will be executed. After that, you must follow through by initiating efforts that will lead to the resolution of the problem. In conclusion, the three main steps of problem-solving include Identifying and Understanding the Problem, Developing Possible Solutions, and Implementing the Chosen Solution. These steps equip individuals with the necessary methodologies to navigate through any issue in a systematic and logical manner.

How does future problem-solving differ from traditional problem-solving approaches?

Proactive Approach of Future Problem-Solving Traditional problem-solving methods mainly focus on resolving issues as they arise. This involves identifying a problem, determining its cause, examining potential strategies, implementing a solution, and assessing its effectiveness. They are more reactive in nature, tackling problems that have already occurred. On the contrary, future problem-solving is more about anticipation. Instead of waiting for problems to occur, it assumes probable issues to arise in the future. It then engages in creating strategies to prevent those problems or mitigate their impact. This proactive approach of preemptively addressing potential problems is a key characteristic of future problem-solving. Use of Foresight in Future Problem-Solving In addition to anticipating problems, future problem-solving often uses foresight techniques, such as forecasting or scenario planning. These methods enable a better understanding of potential future environments and how current decisions might impact them. Hence, future problem-solving is not only about solving problems but also about crafting the future. Systems Thinking in Future Problem-Solving Another aspect that sets future problem-solving apart is the use of systems thinking. Instead of looking at problems in isolation, it sees them as part of a larger system. This approach helps in grasping the big picture and understanding the complex interdependence between various elements. In conclusion, future problem-solving surpasses traditional problem-solving just from being reactive to proactive. It is not only about dealing with present realities but also preparing for prospective issues. It leverages foresight tools and systems thinking to understand and shape the future, making it a more comprehensive and strategic approach to problem-solving.

In the context of future problem-solving, how does one identify potential long-term consequences of a solution?

Identification of Potential Long-Term Consequences In foreseeing the long-term outcomes of a solution, certain strategies can be observed. First and foremost, one must understand the problem comprehensively. By doing so, they position themselves to anticipate the impacts of the solution better. Analyzing Current Trends Analyzing trends associated with the problem helps to predict potential challenges. It involves looking at current patterns within the system and using them to envisage probable impacts. Implementing Scenario Planning Scenario planning avails one with multiple hypothetical situations, giving an array of potential outcomes. It allows decision-makers to examine a diverse range of scenarios and anticipate possible effects. Modeling and Simulation Additionally, the use of modeling and simulation is essential. These tactics offer a visual representation of the likely consequences, making it easier to discern long-term effects. Integration of Diverse Perspectives Involving a diverse group of stakeholders is also helpful. They provide unique insights into potential outcomes, assisting one to perceive the long-term consequences from a more holistic approach. Use of Decision-Making Tools and Techniques Further, one can employ various decision-making tools and techniques. Techniques such as Risk Analysis, SWOT Analysis, and Decision Trees help in predicting long-term consequences, highlighting potential risks and benefits. Continuous Review and Evaluation Finally, a continuous review and evaluation process allows for early identification of the long-term implications. Regular assessments help in detecting unforeseen consequences, aiding in corrective measures. True tailoring of future problem-solving demands imaginative and strategic thinking. Taking steps to identify long-term consequences, as discussed above, is central in developing sustainable solutions. Utilizing these strategies promotes robust, adaptable problem-solving, instrumental in navigating the ever-evolving complexities of the future.

She describes himself as someone who loves to write about digital marketing, social media and public relations. His personal development special interest lies in self-improvement through reading books on the subject of human behavior; she also has an eye for how these topics apply outside just business or career settings too!

Definition of Problem-Solving With Examples

How To Become a Great Problem Solver?

Need a New Problem-Solving Strategy? Try These!

10 Things You Need to Know About Problem Solving

Problem Solving: Tips, Tricks, and Tactics

How To Improve Your Problem-Solving Skills

Which Common Problems Can Be Solved With NLP Techniques?

Problem Solving - Solve any problem in less than 3 minutes

Problem Solving Method Of Teaching

A Problem Solving Method: Brainstorming

What are Problem Solving Skills?

How To Develop Problem Solving Skills?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Solving problems the cognitive-behavioral way, problem solving is another part of behavioral therapy..

Posted February 2, 2022 | Reviewed by Ekua Hagan

• What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
• Find a therapist who practices CBT
• Problem-solving is one technique used on the behavioral side of cognitive-behavioral therapy.
• The problem-solving technique is an iterative, five-step process that requires one to identify the problem and test different solutions.
• The technique differs from ad-hoc problem-solving in its suspension of judgment and evaluation of each solution.

As I have mentioned in previous posts, cognitive behavioral therapy is more than challenging negative, automatic thoughts. There is a whole behavioral piece of this therapy that focuses on what people do and how to change their actions to support their mental health. In this post, I’ll talk about the problem-solving technique from cognitive behavioral therapy and what makes it unique.

The problem-solving technique

While there are many different variations of this technique, I am going to describe the version I typically use, and which includes the main components of the technique:

The first step is to clearly define the problem. Sometimes, this includes answering a series of questions to make sure the problem is described in detail. Sometimes, the client is able to define the problem pretty clearly on their own. Sometimes, a discussion is needed to clearly outline the problem.

The next step is generating solutions without judgment. The "without judgment" part is crucial: Often when people are solving problems on their own, they will reject each potential solution as soon as they or someone else suggests it. This can lead to feeling helpless and also discarding solutions that would work.

The third step is evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of each solution. This is the step where judgment comes back.

Fourth, the client picks the most feasible solution that is most likely to work and they try it out.

The fifth step is evaluating whether the chosen solution worked, and if not, going back to step two or three to find another option. For step five, enough time has to pass for the solution to have made a difference.

This process is iterative, meaning the client and therapist always go back to the beginning to make sure the problem is resolved and if not, identify what needs to change.

Advantages of the problem-solving technique

The problem-solving technique might differ from ad hoc problem-solving in several ways. The most obvious is the suspension of judgment when coming up with solutions. We sometimes need to withhold judgment and see the solution (or problem) from a different perspective. Deliberately deciding not to judge solutions until later can help trigger that mindset change.

Another difference is the explicit evaluation of whether the solution worked. When people usually try to solve problems, they don’t go back and check whether the solution worked. It’s only if something goes very wrong that they try again. The problem-solving technique specifically includes evaluating the solution.

Lastly, the problem-solving technique starts with a specific definition of the problem instead of just jumping to solutions. To figure out where you are going, you have to know where you are.

One benefit of the cognitive behavioral therapy approach is the behavioral side. The behavioral part of therapy is a wide umbrella that includes problem-solving techniques among other techniques. Accessing multiple techniques means one is more likely to address the client’s main concern.

Salene M. W. Jones, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist in Washington State.

• Find a Therapist
• Find a Treatment Center
• Find a Psychiatrist
• Find a Support Group
• Find Teletherapy
• United States
• Brooklyn, NY
• Chicago, IL
• Houston, TX
• Los Angeles, CA
• New York, NY
• Portland, OR
• San Diego, CA
• San Francisco, CA
• Seattle, WA
• Washington, DC
• Asperger's
• Bipolar Disorder
• Chronic Pain
• Eating Disorders
• Passive Aggression
• Personality
• Goal Setting
• Positive Psychology
• Stopping Smoking
• Low Sexual Desire
• Relationships
• Child Development
• Therapy Center NEW
• Diagnosis Dictionary
• Types of Therapy

Understanding what emotional intelligence looks like and the steps needed to improve it could light a path to a more emotionally adept world.

• Coronavirus Disease 2019
• Affective Forecasting
• Neuroscience

• SUGGESTED TOPICS
• The Magazine
• Newsletters
• Managing Yourself
• Managing Teams
• Work-life Balance
• The Big Idea
• Data & Visuals
• Reading Lists
• Case Selections
• HBR Learning
• Topic Feeds
• Account Settings
• Email Preferences

Transformations That Work

• Michael Mankins
• Patrick Litre

More than a third of large organizations have some type of transformation program underway at any given time, and many launch one major change initiative after another. Though they kick off with a lot of fanfare, most of these efforts fail to deliver. Only 12% produce lasting results, and that figure hasn’t budged in the past two decades, despite everything we’ve learned over the years about how to lead change.

Clearly, businesses need a new model for transformation. In this article the authors present one based on research with dozens of leading companies that have defied the odds, such as Ford, Dell, Amgen, T-Mobile, Adobe, and Virgin Australia. The successful programs, the authors found, employed six critical practices: treating transformation as a continuous process; building it into the company’s operating rhythm; explicitly managing organizational energy; using aspirations, not benchmarks, to set goals; driving change from the middle of the organization out; and tapping significant external capital to fund the effort from the start.

Lessons from companies that are defying the odds

Idea in Brief

The problem.

Although companies frequently engage in transformation initiatives, few are actually transformative. Research indicates that only 12% of major change programs produce lasting results.

Why It Happens

Leaders are increasingly content with incremental improvements. As a result, they experience fewer outright failures but equally fewer real transformations.

The Solution

To deliver, change programs must treat transformation as a continuous process, build it into the company’s operating rhythm, explicitly manage organizational energy, state aspirations rather than set targets, drive change from the middle out, and be funded by serious capital investments.

Nearly every major corporation has embarked on some sort of transformation in recent years. By our estimates, at any given time more than a third of large organizations have a transformation program underway. When asked, roughly 50% of CEOs we’ve interviewed report that their company has undertaken two or more major change efforts within the past five years, with nearly 20% reporting three or more.

• Michael Mankins is a leader in Bain’s Organization and Strategy practices and is a partner based in Austin, Texas. He is a coauthor of Time, Talent, Energy: Overcome Organizational Drag and Unleash Your Team’s Productive Power (Harvard Business Review Press, 2017).
• PL Patrick Litre leads Bain’s Global Transformation and Change practice and is a partner based in Atlanta.

Partner Center

Opinion | We are not disheartened by climate change…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)

Baltimore Sun eNewspaper

• Readers Respond

Opinion | We are not disheartened by climate change deniers | READER COMMENTARY

We enjoyed the recent editorial cartoon by Drew Sheneman on the topic of climate change ( “There’s 3 feet of climate change hoax in my basement,” April 9). It speaks to the urgent consequences of anthropogenic ecological destruction as well as society’s need to communicate to skeptical audiences.

As college students, we are struck by the proliferation of climate denial in general public spaces. Although we are frequently in contact with experts in the field, many people are not. As young people, we sometimes hear comments such as “you will fix it” from older persons while other people from older generations lament that it is “their” generation who caused it. Yale’s Center on Climate Communications states that only 9% of Americans are “dismissive” of or even hostile toward climate change, rejecting the concept that global warming is happening, human-caused or a threat.

Our perspective as young people is that many older people care deeply about climate change. Inhabiting both rural and urban communities, older Americans farm, hunt, fish, ski, garden, hike, care for animals and understand the natural world that we depend on. Thus, the 91% that are not actively adverse toward climate change discussion make us incredibly optimistic. This demographic includes people who actively support or are thinking about combating the local issues that will arise when climate change affects their communities. Others suffer in silence without engaging in the climate conversation at all. An enormous spectrum of Americans are not part of the 9% of the population, which is represented by the character in the political cartoon.

We recognize the humor and irony in the image, but at the same time we don’t need to be halted in our ambitions by the 9% who curse and complain. The other 91% of us can fix this without their help. Remember, if climate denial feels disheartening, stay steadfast. You are the majority.

— Mathieu Changeux and Helen Tiffin, Williamsburg, Virginia

The writers are students at The College of William & Mary.

Add your voice: Respond to this piece or other Sun content by  submitting your own letter .

More in Opinion

Commentary | David Trone: 90 days in solitary won’t solve America’s criminal justice problem | GUEST COMMENTARY

Commentary | Martin O’Malley is off to a bad start at Social Security | GUEST COMMENTARY

Opinion | What was immigration status of those who perished on Key Bridge? | READER COMMENTARY

Opinion | Mayor Scott deserves praise for bringing down homicides | READER COMMENTARY