Problem Solving

What is problem-solving?

Problem-solving is both an ability and a process. As an ability, problem-solving can aid in

resolving issues faced in different environments like home, school, abroad, and social situations,
among others. As a process, problem-solving involves a series of steps for finding solutions to
questions or concerns that arise throughout life.

Stages and methods of problem solving:

1. Analyze Contributing Factors

To solve a problem, we must find out what caused it. This requires us to gather and evaluate
data, isolate possible contributing circumstances, and pinpoint what needs to be addressed for a
resolution.

To do this, we'll use skills like:

 Data gathering
 Data analysis
 Fact-finding
 Historical analysis

2. Generate Interventions

Once we’ve determined the cause, brainstorm possible solutions. Sometimes this involves
teamwork since two (or more) minds are often better than one. A single strategy is rarely the
obvious route to solving a complex problem; devising a set of alternatives helps us to cover our
bases and reduces your risk of exposure should the first strategy you implement fail.

This involves skills like:

 Brainstorming
 Creative thinking
 Prediction
 Forecasting
 Project design
 Project planning

3. Evaluate Solutions

Depending on the nature of the problem and our chain of command, evaluating best solutions
may be performed by assigned teams, team leads, or forwarded to corporate decision-makers.
Whoever makes the decision must evaluate potential costs, required resources, and possible
barriers to successful solution implementation.

This requires several skills, including:

 Analysis
 Discussion
 Corroboration
 Teamwork
 Test development
 Mediation
 Prioritizing

4. Implement a Plan

Once a course of action has been decided, it must be implemented along with benchmarks that
can quickly and accurately determine whether it’s working. Plan implementation also involves
letting personnel know about changes in standard operating procedures.

This requires skills like:

 Project management
 Project implementation
 Collaboration
 Time management
 Benchmark development

5. Assess the Solution's Effectiveness

Once a solution is implemented, the best problem-solvers have systems in place to evaluate if
and how quickly it's working. This way, they know as soon as possible whether the issue has
been resolved or whether they’ll have to change their response to the problem mid-stream.

This requires:

 Communication
 Data analysis
 Surveys
 Customer feedback
 Follow-through

Skills for problem solving

1. Analysis
We’ll solve each problem by assessing the situation first. Then, we’ll use analytical skills to
distinguish between ineffective and effective solutions.

2. Communication

Effective communication plays a significant role in problem-solving, particularly when others

are involved. Some skills that can help enhance communication at work include active listening,
speaking with an even tone and volume, and supporting verbal information with written
communication.

3. Emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize and manage emotions in any situation. People
with emotional intelligence usually solve problems calmly and systematically, which often yields
better results.

4. Resilience

. Resiliency is the ability to cope with and bounce back quickly from difficult situations. Those
who possess resilience are often capable of accurately interpreting people and situations, which
can be incredibly advantageous when difficulties arise.

5. Creativity

Problem-solving strategies can be enhanced with the application of creative techniques. You can
use creativity to:

6. Adaptability

Adaptability is the capacity to adjust to change. When a particular solution to an issue doesn't
work, an adaptable person can revisit the concern to think up another one without getting
frustrated.

7. Teamwork

Finding a solution to a problem regularly involves working in a team. Good teamwork requires
being comfortable working with others and collaborating with them, which can result in better
problem-solving overall.

Steps of the problem-solving process

1. Identify that there is a problem and root out its cause.

To solve a problem, you must first admit that one exists to then find its root cause.

2. Define the goals you hope to achieve.

Every problem is different. The goals you hope to achieve when problem-solving depend on the
scope of the problem. Some examples of goals you might set include:

Gather as much factual information as possible.

Brainstorm many different strategies to come up with the best one.

Be flexible when considering other viewpoints

3. Explore potential solutions.

Once you've defined the goals you hope to achieve when problem-solving, it's time to start the
process. This involves steps that often include fact-finding, brainstorming, prioritizing solutions,
and assessing the cost of top solutions in terms of time, labor, and money.

4. Choose a solution and act on it.

Evaluate the pros and cons of each potential solution, and choose the one most likely to solve the
problem within your given budget, abilities, and resources. Once you choose a solution, it's
important to make a commitment and see it through.

5. Look at (or evaluate) the outcome.

Evaluation offers insights into your current situation and future problem-solving