improved problem solving abilities

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How to Improve Problem Solving Skills

Last Updated: July 24, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Erin Conlon, PCC, JD . Erin Conlon is an Executive Life Coach, the Founder of Erin Conlon Coaching, and the host of the podcast "This is Not Advice." She specializes in aiding leaders and executives to thrive in their career and personal lives. In addition to her private coaching practice, she teaches and trains coaches and develops and revises training materials to be more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. She holds a BA in Communications and History and a JD from The University of Michigan. Erin is a Professional Certified Coach with The International Coaching Federation. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 240,665 times.

The ability to solve problems applies to more than just mathematics homework. Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills are a part of many jobs, ranging from accounting and computer programming to detective work and even creative occupations like art, acting, and writing. While individual problems vary, there are certain general approaches to problem-solving like the one first proposed by mathematician George Polya in 1945. By following his principles of understanding the problem, devising a plan, carrying out the plan, and looking back, you can improve your problem-solving and tackle any issue systematically.

Define the problem clearly.

• Try to formulate questions. Say that as a student you have very little money and want to find an effective solution. What is at issue? Is it one of income – are you not making enough money? Is it one of over-spending? Or perhaps you have run into unexpected expenses or your financial situation has changed?

State your objective.

• Say that your problem is still money. What is your goal? Perhaps you never have enough to go out on the weekend and have fun at the movies or a club. You decide that your goal is to have more spending cash. Good! With a clear goal, you have better defined the problem.

Gather information systematically.

• To solve your money shortage, for example, you would want to get as detailed a picture of your financial situation as possible. Collect data through your latest bank statements and to talk to a bank teller. Track your earnings and spending habits in a notebook, and then create a spreadsheet or chart to show your income alongside your expenditures.

Analyze information.

• Say you have now collected all your bank statements. Look at them. When, how, and from where is your money coming? Where, when, and how are you spending it? What is the overall pattern of your finances? Do you have a net surplus or deficit? Are there any unexplained items?

Generate possible solutions.

• Your problem is a lack of money. Your goal is to have more spending cash. What are your options? Without evaluating them, come up with possible options. Perhaps you can acquire more money by getting a part-time job or by taking out a student loan. On the other hand, you might try to save by cutting your spending or by lowering other costs.
• Divide and conquer. Break the problem into smaller problems and brainstorm solutions for them separately, one by one.
• Use analogies and similarities. Try to find a resemblance with a previously solved or common problem. If you can find commonalities between your situation and one you've dealt with before, you may be able to adapt some of the solutions for use now.

Evaluate the solutions and choose.

• How can you raise money? Look at expenditures – you aren’t spending much outside of basic needs like tuition, food, and housing. Can you cut costs in other ways like finding a roommate to split rent? Can you afford to take a student loan just to have fun on the weekend? Can you spare time from your studies to work part-time?
• Each solution will produce its own set of circumstances that need evaluation. Run projections. Your money problem will require you to draw up budgets. But it will also take personal consideration. For example, can you cut back on basic things like food or housing? Are you willing to prioritize money over school or to take on debt?

Implement a solution.

• You decide to cut costs, because you were unwilling to take on debt, to divert time away from school, or to live with a roommate. You draw up a detailed budget, cutting a few dollars here and there, and commit to a month-long trial.

Review and evaluate the outcome.

• The results of your trial are mixed. On one hand, you have saved enough during the month for fun weekend activities. But there are new problems. You find that you must choose between spending cash and buying basics like food. You also need a new pair of shoes but can’t afford it, according to your budget. You may need to a different solution.

Adjust if necessary.

• After a month, you decide to abandon your first budget and to look for part-time work. You find a work-study job on campus. Making a new budget, you now have extra money without taking too much time away from your studies. You may have an effective solution.

Do regular mental exercises.

• Word games work great. In a game like “Split Words,” for example, you have to match word fragments to form words under a given theme like “philosophy.” In the game, “Tower of Babel,” you will need to memorize and then match words in a foreign language to the proper picture.
• Mathematical games will also put your problem solving to the test. Whether it be number or word problems, you will have to activate the parts of your brain that analyze information. For instance: “James is half as old now as he will be when he is 60 years older than he was six years before he was half as old as he is now. How old will James be when his age is twice what it was 10 years after he was half his current age?”

Play video games.

• Play something that will force you to think strategically or analytically. Try a puzzle game like Tetris. Or, perhaps you would rather prefer a role-playing or strategy game. In that case, something like “Civilization” or “Sim-City” might suit you better.

Take up a hobby.

• Web design, software programming, jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku, and chess are also hobbies that will force you to think strategically and systematically. Any of these will help you improve your overall problem solving.

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/N_R/Problem-solving
• ↑ https://asq.org/quality-resources/problem-solving
• ↑ https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/evaluate/evaluate-community-interventions/collect-analyze-data/main
• ↑ https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newCT_96.htm
• ↑ https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/problem-solving.html
• ↑ Erin Conlon, PCC, JD. Executive Life Coach. Expert Interview. 31 August 2021.
• ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5930973/
• ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/oct/13/mental-exercises-to-keep-your-brain-sharp
• ↑ https://www.apa.org/monitor/2014/02/video-game
• ↑ https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-018-05449-7

About This Article

To improve your problem-solving skills, start by clearly defining the problem and your objective or goal. Next, gather as much information as you can about the problem and organize the data by rewording, condensing, or summarizing it. Then, analyze the information you've gathered, looking for important links, patterns, and relationships in the data. Finally, brainstorm possible solutions, evaluate the solutions, and choose one to implement. For tips on implementing solutions successfully, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Strategies to Improve Your Problem-Solving Skills

Got problems? We all do.

They’re something we encounter daily, both at work and at home. Tackling problems and finding solutions are useful skills that are in high demand.

At a basic level, there are three steps to solving any problem:

• Define the problem
• Generate ideas for solutions
• Implement solutions

You might be tempted to think that the first step is unnecessary. After all, that’s why you’re here in the first place, to solve a problem. However, defining the problem is arguably the most important step in problem-solving.

Albert Einstein is famously quoted as saying, “If I had an hour to solve a problem I’d spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about solutions.”

When you can spend more time defining the real problem, and not just a symptom, it will be easier to find a lasting solution.

How to better define the problem:

• Ask “why” questions
• Talk it through with others
• Write down the problem in words
• Use graphs or flow charts

Now that we’ve talked about the steps of solving a problem and how to better define it, let’s dig into some strategies to help your brain perform at its best for solving problems.

“Thanks to a process called neuroplasticity, your brain is continually reorganizing itself by forming new neural connections throughout your life, which gives you the power to make your brain better.” – Daniel G. Amen, MD

Neuroplasticity enables your brain to continue to learn and grow throughout your life. Like your muscles, your brain needs exercise to become stronger. Becoming a life-long learner will not only strengthen your brain, but also sharpen your memory, boost confidence, and bring new knowledge and skills into your life.

3 Ways to Improve Your Problem-Solving Skills

1.    Regularly Engage in Brain Boosting Activities

There are a number of easy and fun ways to strengthen your brain. Adding one or more of these activities into your daily routines can help boost your brain and result in better problem-solving abilities.

• Work on a jigsaw puzzle – Puzzles can be done on your own, or as a social activity. Putting together a puzzle requires concentration and spatial awareness, activating multiple parts of the brain and improving short-term memory.
• Play a musical instrument – Research has shown that learning to play an instrument can improve neuroplasticity and help improve your memory. Playing music engages multiple regions of the brain, providing numerous benefits. Maybe it’s been a while since you last played, or maybe you’ve never learned an instrument. Either way, it’s never too late to tap into your musical side and begin making music.
• Try a new hobby – Remember the “use it or lose it” concept when it comes to the brain. It’s recommended to never stop learning new things. Challenge yourself, no matter your age! Trying new hobbies is a great mental exercise to sharpen your brain. You also may find a new activity that brings more joy to your life.
• Meditate – The practice of meditation has been around for thousands of years as a tool for reducing stress, clearing your mind, promoting relaxation, and improving focus. Meditation is a powerful tool that can boost your brain anytime, anywhere.
• Play brain games – Chess, crossword puzzles, and sudoku all fall under this category. Brain games are an easy and fun way to improve concentration and strengthen memory. The best part is that they only take a few minutes to play and offer a nice break during the day.
• Read a book with a book club – Reading a book offers many benefits, including stimulating different areas of your brain to process and analyze information. When you participate in a reading group , your brain will need to remember information for later recall. This information recall is highly beneficial to protecting short-term memory. Book clubs also can provide a fun and supportive social network.

2.    Spend time NOT looking for the solution

This is counterintuitive, but it’s an important strategy to use when working on a problem. Allow yourself some downtime after defining the problem.

Let your subconscious do some work. Setting a task aside for a time can actually improve your efforts later. When you return to the problem at hand, you’ll likely have a fresh perspective.

What should you do while giving your brain a break from active problem-solving? Enjoy a hobby, get some rest, or move your body with a walk or other form of exercise.

3.    Practice healthy habits

You guessed it, those healthy habits that affect so many areas of your life are also tied to a healthy brain. Exercise, a healthy diet, and quality sleep can all help your brain function better and improve your problem-solving skills overall.

• Exercise – Moving your body increases blood flow to the brain, which can improve your ability to think critically, clearly, and creatively. Additionally, physical activity is a known way to reduce stress and anxiousness. Research has shown creativity and problem-solving to be negatively affected by stress. Using exercise to combat stress can improve your ability to find solutions with a clear mind. By exercising regularly, your overall physical, emotional, and brain health may be positively impacted.
• Healthy Diet – Dr. Daniel Amen teaches that one of the secrets to a healthy brain is to focus on detoxification in your diet. This includes avoiding alcohol, drinking plenty of water, and consuming detoxifying vegetables . Some good vegetables to incorporate into your diet would be lettuce, spinach, kale, broccoli, and asparagus. You also may try increasing your protein intake for a healthy brain, or try adding in turmeric , which can increase neuroplasticity.
• Quality Sleep – Finally, don’t forget about the impact quality sleep, or the lack of it, can have on your brain function and problem-solving abilities. Getting a good night’s rest gives your brain time to recharge and that necessary downtime of not actively thinking about the problems needing solving. While you sleep, your subconscious has a chance to do some work for you!

When you engage in brain-boosting activities, take some downtime, and practice healthy habits you’ll be better prepared for the problems in your days. And, next time you’re faced with the inevitable problems that come with life and work, you can address them with more clarity and confidence.

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Problem-solving skills and how to improve them (with examples)

What’s life without its challenges? All of us will at some point encounter professional and personal hurdles. That might mean resolving a conflict with coworkers or making a big life decision. With effective problem solving skills, you’ll find tricky situations easier to navigate, and welcome challenges as opportunities to learn, grow and thrive. 

In this guide, we dive into the importance of problem solving skills and look at examples that show how relevant they are to different areas of your life. We cover how to find creative solutions and implement them, as well as ways to refine your skills in communication and critical thinking. Ready to start solving problems? Read on.

What is problem solving? 

Before we cover strategies for improving problem solving skills, it’s important to first have a clear understanding of the problem solving process. Here are the steps in solving a problem:

• Recognise the issue you are facing 
• Take a look at all the information to gain insights
• Come up with solutions
• Look at the pros and cons of each solution and how it might play out
• Plan, organise and implement your solution
• Continuously assess the effectiveness of the solution and make adjustments as needed

Problem solving skills

There’s more to problem solving than coming up with a quick fix. Effective problem solving requires wide range of skills and abilities, such as:

• Critical thinking: the ability to think logically, analyse information and look at situations from different perspectives.
• Creativity: being able to come up with innovative, out-of-the-box solutions.
• Decision-making:  making informed choices by considering all the available information.
• Communication:  being able to express ideas clearly and effectively.
• Analytical skills: breaking down complex problems into smaller parts and examining each one.
• Time management:  allocating time and resources effectively to address problems.
• Adaptability: being open to change and willing to adjust strategies.
• Conflict resolution:  skillfully managing conflicts and finding solutions that work for all.

Examples of problem solving skills

Problem solving skills in the workplace are invaluable, whether you need them for managing a team, dealing with clients or juggling deadlines. To get a better understanding of how you might use these skills in real-life scenarios, here are some problem solving examples that are common in the workplace.

• Analytical thinking

Analytical thinking is something that comes naturally to some, while others have to work a little harder. It involves being able to look at problem solving from a logical perspective, breaking down the issues into manageable parts. 

Example scenarios of analytical thinking

Quality control: in a manufacturing facility, analytical thinking helps identify the causes of product defects in order to pinpoint solutions.

Market research: marketing teams rely on analytical thinking to examine consumer data, identify market trends and make informed decisions on ad campaigns.

• Critical thinking

Critical thinkers are able to approach problems objectively, looking at different viewpoints without rushing to a decision. Critical thinking is an important aspect of problem solving, helping to uncover biases and assumptions and weigh up the quality of the information before making any decisions. 

Example scenarios of critical thinking

• Strategic planning:  in the boardroom, critical thinking is important for assessing economic trends, competitor threats and more. It guides leaders in making informed decisions about long-term company goals and growth strategies.
• Conflict resolution: HR professionals often use critical thinking when dealing with workplace conflicts. They objectively analyse the issues at hand and find an appropriate solution.

Decision-making

Making decisions is often the hardest part of problem solving. How do you know which solution is the right one? It involves evaluating information, considering potential outcomes and choosing the most suitable option. Effective problem solving relies on making well-informed decisions.

Example scenarios of decision-making

• Budget allocation: financial managers must decide how to allocate resources to various projects or departments. 
• Negotiation:  salespeople and procurement professionals negotiate terms, pricing and agreements with clients, suppliers and partners.

Research skills

Research skills are pivotal when it comes to problem solving, to ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. These skills involve searching for relevant data, critically evaluating information sources, and drawing meaningful conclusions. 

Example scenarios of research skills

• Product development: a tech startup uses research skills to conduct market research to identify gaps and opportunities in the market. 
• Employee engagement:  an HR manager uses research skills to conduct employee surveys and focus groups.

A little creative flair goes a long way. By thinking outside the box, you can approach problems from different angles. Creative thinking involves combining existing knowledge, experiences and perspectives in new and innovative ways to come up with inventive solutions. 

Example scenarios of creativity

• Cost reduction: creative problem solvers within a manufacturing company might look at new ways to reduce production costs by using waste materials.
• Customer experience: a retail chain might look at implementing interactive displays and engaging store layouts to increase customer satisfaction and sales.

Collaboration

It’s not always easy to work with other people, but collaboration is a key element in problem solving, allowing you to make use of different perspectives and areas of expertise to find solutions.

Example scenarios

• Healthcare diagnosis: in a hospital setting, medical professionals collaborate to diagnose complex medical cases.
• Project management: project managers coordinate efforts, allocate resources and address issues that may arise during a project's lifecycle.

Conflict Resolution

Being able to mediate conflicts is a great skill to have. It involves facilitating open communication, understanding different perspectives and finding solutions that work for everyone. Conflict resolution is essential for managing any differences in opinion that arise.

Example scenarios of conflict resolution

• Client dispute: a customer might be dissatisfied with a product or service and demand a refund. The customer service representative addresses the issue through active listening and negotiation to reach a solution.
• Project delay: a project manager might face resistance from team members about a change in project scope and will need to find a middle ground before the project can continue.

Risk management

Risk management is essential across many workplaces. It involves analysing potential threats and opportunities, evaluating their impact and implementing strategies to minimise negative consequences. Risk management is closely tied to problem solving, as it addresses potential obstacles and challenges that may arise during the problem solving process.

Example scenarios of risk management

• Project risk management: in a construction project, risk management involves identifying potential delays, cost overruns and safety hazards. Risk mitigation strategies are developed, such as scheduling buffers and establishing safety protocols. 
• Financial risk management: in financial institutions, risk management assesses and manages risks associated with investments and lending.

Communication

Effective communication is a skill that will get you far in all areas of life. When it comes to problem solving, communication plays an important role in facilitating collaboration, sharing insights and ensuring that all stakeholders have the same expectations. 

Example scenarios of communication

• Customer service improvement:  in a retail environment, open communication channels result in higher customer satisfaction scores.
• Safety enhancement:  in a manufacturing facility, a robust communication strategy that includes safety briefings, incident reporting and employee training helps minimise accidents and injuries.

How to improve problem solving skills 

Ready to improve your problem solving skills? In this section we explore strategies and techniques that will give you a head start in developing better problem solving skills. 

Adopt the problem solving mindset

Developing a problem solving mindset will help you tackle challenges effectively . Start by accepting problems as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than as obstacles or setbacks. This will allow you to approach every challenge with a can-do attitude.

Patience is also essential, because it will allow you to work through the problem and its various solutions mindfully. Persistence is also important, so you can keep adapting your approach until you find the right solution.

Finally, don’t forget to ask questions. What do you need to know? What assumptions are you making? What can you learn from previous attempts? Approach problem solving as an opportunity to  acquire new skills . Stay curious, seek out solutions, explore new possibilities and remain open to different problem solving approaches.

Understand the problem

There’s no point trying to solve a problem you don’t understand. To analyse a problem effectively, you need to be able to define it. This allows you to break it down into smaller parts, making it easier to find causes and potential solutions. Start with a well-defined problem statement that is precise and specific. This will help you focus your efforts on the core issue, so you don’t waste time and resources on the wrong concerns.

Strategies for problem analysis

• Start with the problem statement and ask ‘Why?’ multiple times to dig deeper.
• Gather relevant data and information related to the problem. 
• Include those affected by the problem in the analysis process.
• Compare the current problem with similar situations or cases to gain valuable insights.
• Use simulations to explore potential outcomes of different solutions.
• Continuously gather feedback during the problem solving process. 

Develop critical thinking and creativity skills

Critical thinking and creativity are both important when it comes to looking at the problem objectively and thinking outside the box. Critical thinking encourages you to question assumptions, recognise biases and seek evidence to support your conclusions. Creative thinking allows you to look at the problem from different angles to reveal new insights and opportunities.

Enhance research and decision-making skills

Research and decision-making skills are pivotal in problem solving as they enable you to gather relevant information, analyse options and choose the best course of action. Research provides the information and data needed, and ensures that you have a comprehensive understanding of the problem and its context. Effective decision-making is about selecting the solution that best addresses the problem.

Strategies to improve research and decision-making skills

• Clearly define what you want to achieve through research.
• Use a variety of sources, including books, articles, research papers, interviews, surveys and online databases.
• Evaluate the credibility and reliability of your information sources.
• Incorporate risk assessment into your decision-making process. 
• Seek input from experts, colleagues and mentors when making important decisions. 
• After making decisions, reflect on the outcomes and lessons learned. Use this to improve your decision-making skills over time.

Strengthen collaboration skills

Being able to work with others is one of the most important skills to have at work. Collaboration skills enable everyone to work effectively as a team, share their perspectives and collectively find solutions. 

Tips for improving teamwork and collaboration

• Define people’s roles and responsibilities within the team. 
• Encourage an environment of open communication where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas.
• Practise active listening by giving full attention to others when they speak. 
• Hold regular check-in sessions to monitor progress, discuss challenges and make adjustments as needed.
• Use collaboration tools and platforms to facilitate communication and document progress. 
• Acknowledge and celebrate team achievements and milestones. 

Learn from past experiences

Once you’ve overcome a challenge, take the time to look back with a critical eye. How effective was the outcome? Could you have tweaked anything in your process? Learning from past experiences is important when it comes to problem solving. It involves reflecting on both successes and failures to gain insights, refine strategies and make more informed decisions in the future. 

Strategies for learning from past mistakes

• After completing a problem solving effort, gather your team for a debriefing session. Discuss what went well and what could have been better.
• Conduct a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) of resolved problems. 
• Evaluate the outcomes of past solutions. Did they achieve the desired results? 
• Commit to continuous learning and improvement. 

Leverage problem solving tools and resources

Problem-solving tools and resources are a great help when it comes to navigating complex challenges. These tools offer structured approaches, methodologies and resources that can streamline the process. 

Tools and resources for problem solving

• Mind mapping:  mind maps visually organise ideas, concepts and their relationships. 
• SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) Analysis:  helps in strategic planning and decision-making.
• Fishbone diagram (Ishikawa Diagram): this tool visually represents the potential root causes of a problem, helping you identify underlying factors contributing to an issue.
• Decision matrices:  these assist in evaluating options by assigning weights and scores to criteria and alternatives.
• Process flowcharts:  these allow you to see the steps of a process in sequence, helping identify where the problem is occuring.
• Decision support software:  software applications and tools, such as data analytics platforms, can help in data-driven decision-making and problem solving.
• Online courses and training: allow you to acquire new skills and knowledge.

Regular practice

Practice makes perfect! Using your skills in real life allows you to refine them, adapt to new challenges and build confidence in your problem solving capabilities. Make sure to try out these skills whenever you can.

Practical problem solving exercises 

• Do puzzles, riddles and brainteasers regularly. 
• Identify real-life challenges or dilemmas you encounter and practice applying problem solving techniques to these situations.
• Analyse case studies or scenarios relevant to your field or industry. 
• Regularly review past problem solving experiences and consider what you learned from them. 
• Attend workshops, webinars or training sessions focused on problem solving. 

How to highlight problem solving skills on a resumé

Effectively showcasing your problem solving skills on your resumé is a great way to demonstrate your ability to address challenges and add value to a workplace. We'll explore how to demonstrate problem solving skills on your resumé, so you stand out from the crowd.

Incorporating problem solving skills in the resumé summary

A resumé summary is your introduction to potential employers and provides an opportunity to succinctly showcase your skills. The resumé summary is often the first section employers read. It offers a snapshot of your qualifications and sets the tone for the rest of your resumé.

Your resumé summary should be customised for different job applications, ensuring that you highlight the specific problem solving skills relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Example 1: Project manager with a proven track record of solving complex operational challenges. Skilled in identifying root causes, developing innovative solutions and leading teams to successful project completion.

Example 2:  Detail-oriented data analyst with strong problem solving skills. Proficient in data-driven decision-making, quantitative analysis and using statistical tools to solve business problems.

Highlighting problem solving skills in the experience section

The experience section of your resumé presents the perfect opportunity to demonstrate your problem solving skills in action. 

• Start with action verbs: begin each bullet point in your job descriptions with strong action verbs such as, analysed, implemented, resolved and optimised.
• Quantify achievements: use numbers and percentages to illustrate the impact of your solutions. For example: Increased efficiency by 25% by implementing a new workflow process.
• Emphasise challenges: describe the specific challenges or problems you faced in your roles. 
• Solution-oriented language: mention the steps you took to find solutions and the outcomes achieved.

Including problem solving skills in the skills section

The skills section of your resumé should showcase your top abilities, including problem solving skills. Here are some tips for including these skills.

• Use a subsection:  within your skills section, you could create a subsection specifically dedicated to problem solving skills – especially if the role calls for these skills.
• Be specific: when listing problem solving skills, be specific about the types of role-related problems you can address. 
• Prioritise relevant skills:  tailor the list of problem solving skills to match the requirements of the job you're applying for. 

Examples of problem solving skills to include:

• Creative problem solving
• Decision making
• Root cause analysis
• Strategic problem solving
• Data-driven problem solving
• Interpersonal conflict resolution
• Adaptability
• Communication skills
• Problem solving tools
• Negotiation skills

Demonstrating problem solving skills in project sections or case studies

Including a dedicated section for projects or case studies in your resumé allows you to provide specific examples of your problem solving skills in action. It goes beyond simply listing skills, to demonstrate how you are able to apply those skills to real-world challenges.

Example – Data Analysis

Case Study: Market Expansion Strategy

• Challenge:  the company was looking to expand into new markets but lacked data on consumer preferences and market dynamics.
• Solution: conducted comprehensive market research, including surveys and competitor analysis. Applied this research to identify target customer segments and developed a data-driven market-entry strategy.
• Result:  successfully launched in two new markets, reaching our target of 30% market share within the first year.

Using problem solving skills in cover letters

A well-crafted cover letter is your first impression on any potential employer. Integrating problem solving skills can support your job application by showcasing your ability to address challenges and contribute effectively to their team. Here’s a quick run-down on what to include:

• Begin your cover letter by briefly mentioning the position you're applying for and your enthusiasm for it.
• Identify a specific challenge or issue that the company may be facing, to demonstrate your research and understanding of their needs.
• Include a brief story or scenario from your past experiences where you successfully applied problem solving skills to address a similar challenge. 
• Highlight the positive outcomes or results achieved through your problem solving efforts. 
• Explain how your skills make you the ideal person to address their specific challenges.

Problem solving skills are essential in all areas of life, enabling you to overcome challenges, make informed decisions, settle conflicts and drive innovation. We've explored the significance of problem solving skills and how to improve, demonstrate and leverage them effectively. It’s an ever-evolving skill set that can be refined over time. 

By actively incorporating problem solving skills into your day-to-day, you can become a more effective problem solver at work and in your personal life as well.

What are some common problem solving techniques?

Common problem solving techniques include brainstorming, root cause analysis, SWOT analysis, decision matrices, the scientific method and the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle. These techniques offer structured approaches to identify, analyse and address problems effectively.

How can I improve my critical thinking skills?

Improving critical thinking involves practising skills such as analysis, evaluation and problem solving. It helps to engage in activities like reading, solving puzzles, debating and self-reflection.

What are some common obstacles to problem solving?

Common obstacles to problem solving include biases, lack of information or resources, and resistance to change. Recognising and addressing these obstacles is essential for effective problem solving.

How can I overcome resistance to change when implementing a solution?

To overcome resistance to change, it's essential to communicate the benefits of the proposed solution clearly, involve stakeholders in the decision-making process, address concerns and monitor the implementation's progress to demonstrate its effectiveness.

How can problem solving skills benefit my career?

Problem solving skills are highly valuable in a career as they enable you to navigate challenges, make informed decisions, adapt to change and contribute to innovation and efficiency. These skills enhance your professional effectiveness and can lead to career advancement and increased job satisfaction.

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Why do employers hire employees? To help them solve problems. Whether you’re a financial analyst deciding where to invest your firm’s money, or a marketer trying to figure out which channel to direct your efforts, companies hire people to help them find solutions. Problem-solving is an essential and marketable soft skill in the workplace. 

So, how can you improve your problem-solving and show employers you have this valuable skill? In this guide, we’ll cover:

Problem-Solving Skills Definition

Why are problem-solving skills important, problem-solving skills examples, how to include problem-solving skills in a job application, how to improve problem-solving skills, problem-solving: the bottom line.

Problem-solving skills are the ability to identify problems, brainstorm and analyze answers, and implement the best solutions. An employee with good problem-solving skills is both a self-starter and a collaborative teammate; they are proactive in understanding the root of a problem and work with others to consider a wide range of solutions before deciding how to move forward. 

Examples of using problem-solving skills in the workplace include:

• Researching patterns to understand why revenue decreased last quarter
• Experimenting with a new marketing channel to increase website sign-ups
• Brainstorming content types to share with potential customers
• Testing calls to action to see which ones drive the most product sales
• Implementing a new workflow to automate a team process and increase productivity

Problem-solving skills are the most sought-after soft skill of 2022. In fact, 86% of employers look for problem-solving skills on student resumes, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers Job Outlook 2022 survey . 

It’s unsurprising why employers are looking for this skill: companies will always need people to help them find solutions to their problems. Someone proactive and successful at problem-solving is valuable to any team.

“Employers are looking for employees who can make decisions independently, especially with the prevalence of remote/hybrid work and the need to communicate asynchronously,” Eric Mochnacz, senior HR consultant at Red Clover, says. “Employers want to see individuals who can make well-informed decisions that mitigate risk, and they can do so without suffering from analysis paralysis.”

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Problem-solving includes three main parts: identifying the problem, analyzing possible solutions, and deciding on the best course of action.

>>MORE: Discover the right career for you based on your skills with a career aptitude test .

Research is the first step of problem-solving because it helps you understand the context of a problem. Researching a problem enables you to learn why the problem is happening. For example, is revenue down because of a new sales tactic? Or because of seasonality? Is there a problem with who the sales team is reaching out to? 

Research broadens your scope to all possible reasons why the problem could be happening. Then once you figure it out, it helps you narrow your scope to start solving it. 

Analysis is the next step of problem-solving. Now that you’ve identified the problem, analytical skills help you look at what potential solutions there might be.

“The goal of analysis isn’t to solve a problem, actually — it’s to better understand it because that’s where the real solution will be found,” Gretchen Skalka, owner of Career Insights Consulting, says. “Looking at a problem through the lens of impartiality is the only way to get a true understanding of it from all angles.”

Decision-Making

Once you’ve figured out where the problem is coming from and what solutions are, it’s time to decide on the best way to go forth. Decision-making skills help you determine what resources are available, what a feasible action plan entails, and what solution is likely to lead to success.

On a Resume

Employers looking for problem-solving skills might include the word “problem-solving” or other synonyms like “ critical thinking ” or “analytical skills” in the job description.

“I would add ‘buzzwords’ you can find from the job descriptions or LinkedIn endorsements section to filter into your resume to comply with the ATS,” Matthew Warzel, CPRW resume writer, advises. Warzel recommends including these skills on your resume but warns to “leave the soft skills as adjectives in the summary section. That is the only place soft skills should be mentioned.”

On the other hand, you can list hard skills separately in a skills section on your resume .

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In a Cover Letter or an Interview

Explaining your problem-solving skills in an interview can seem daunting. You’re required to expand on your process — how you identified a problem, analyzed potential solutions, and made a choice. As long as you can explain your approach, it’s okay if that solution didn’t come from a professional work experience.

“Young professionals shortchange themselves by thinking only paid-for solutions matter to employers,” Skalka says. “People at the genesis of their careers don’t have a wealth of professional experience to pull from, but they do have relevant experience to share.”

Aaron Case, career counselor and CPRW at Resume Genius, agrees and encourages early professionals to share this skill. “If you don’t have any relevant work experience yet, you can still highlight your problem-solving skills in your cover letter,” he says. “Just showcase examples of problems you solved while completing your degree, working at internships, or volunteering. You can even pull examples from completely unrelated part-time jobs, as long as you make it clear how your problem-solving ability transfers to your new line of work.”

Learn How to Identify Problems

Problem-solving doesn’t just require finding solutions to problems that are already there. It’s also about being proactive when something isn’t working as you hoped it would. Practice questioning and getting curious about processes and activities in your everyday life. What could you improve? What would you do if you had more resources for this process? If you had fewer? Challenge yourself to challenge the world around you.

Think Digitally

“Employers in the modern workplace value digital problem-solving skills, like being able to find a technology solution to a traditional issue,” Case says. “For example, when I first started working as a marketing writer, my department didn’t have the budget to hire a professional voice actor for marketing video voiceovers. But I found a perfect solution to the problem with an AI voiceover service that cost a fraction of the price of an actor.”

Being comfortable with new technology — even ones you haven’t used before — is a valuable skill in an increasingly hybrid and remote world. Don’t be afraid to research new and innovative technologies to help automate processes or find a more efficient technological solution.

Collaborate

Problem-solving isn’t done in a silo, and it shouldn’t be. Use your collaboration skills to gather multiple perspectives, help eliminate bias, and listen to alternative solutions. Ask others where they think the problem is coming from and what solutions would help them with your workflow. From there, try to compromise on a solution that can benefit everyone.

If we’ve learned anything from the past few years, it’s that the world of work is constantly changing — which means it’s crucial to know how to adapt . Be comfortable narrowing down a solution, then changing your direction when a colleague provides a new piece of information. Challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone, whether with your personal routine or trying a new system at work.

Put Yourself in the Middle of Tough Moments

Just like adapting requires you to challenge your routine and tradition, good problem-solving requires you to put yourself in challenging situations — especially ones where you don’t have relevant experience or expertise to find a solution. Because you won’t know how to tackle the problem, you’ll learn new problem-solving skills and how to navigate new challenges. Ask your manager or a peer if you can help them work on a complicated problem, and be proactive about asking them questions along the way.

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Step 1 of 3

Companies always need people to help them find solutions — especially proactive employees who have practical analytical skills and can collaborate to decide the best way to move forward. Whether or not you have experience solving problems in a professional workplace, illustrate your problem-solving skills by describing your research, analysis, and decision-making process — and make it clear that you’re the solution to the employer’s current problems. 

Image Credit: Christina Morillo / Pexels 

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Problem-Solving Mastery: Your Roadmap to Effective Solutions

• Job Skills , Life skills , Soft skills

In today’s rapidly evolving world, problem-solving skills have become more critical. The ability to identify, analyze, and find effective solutions to complex challenges is highly valued across various domains, including education, business, and personal life. Problem-solving skills empower individuals to overcome obstacles, make informed decisions, and confidently navigate uncertain situations. They are key personal and professional success drivers, enabling individuals to adapt to change, innovate, and seize opportunities.

This article will delve into the essential steps for mastering problem-solving skills. We will explore the characteristics of effective problem solvers and highlight the step-by-step process they follow to tackle problems. From defining the problem and gathering information to evaluating solutions and implementing the chosen course of action, we will cover each stage in detail, providing valuable insights and practical strategies. Additionally, we will discuss various techniques and tools that can enhance problem-solving abilities and address common challenges individuals encounter. Whether you are a student, professional, or simply looking to enhance your problem-solving skills, this article will serve as a comprehensive guide to equip you with the necessary knowledge and techniques to become a proficient problem solver.

Understanding Problem Solving

A. definition of problem-solving.

Problem-solving is a fundamental skill applicable across diverse academic, professional, and personal contexts. It plays a crucial role in business, science, engineering, and everyday life, enabling individuals to overcome obstacles, achieve goals, and improve outcomes.

Here are some definitions with sources-

“Problem-solving is the cognitive process of identifying, analyzing, and resolving obstacles or difficulties encountered to achieve a desired goal or outcome.”

  Source: – Simon, H. A. (1972). Theories of Bounded Rationality. Decision and Organization, 1(1), 161-176.

  “Problem-solving refers to the systematic approach of finding solutions to challenges by utilizing logical thinking, analytical skills, and creativity.”

Source: – D’Zurilla, T. J., & Nezu, A. M. (2007). Problem-Solving Therapy: A Positive Approach to Clinical Intervention. Springer Publishing Company.

  “Problem-solving is the cognitive process of identifying, analyzing, and overcoming obstacles through the application of problem-solving strategies, critical thinking , and decision-making skills.”

Source: – Fogler, H. S., LeBlanc, S. E., & Rizzo, E. (2020). Strategies for Creative Problem Solving. Pearson.

“Problem-solving involves the ability to define problems, generate potential solutions, evaluate alternatives, and implement the best course of action, resulting in effective decision making and successful resolution of challenges.”

Source: –  Bransford, J. D., Brown, A. L., & Cocking, R. R. (2000). How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience, and School : Expanded Edition. National Academies Press.

B. The role of problem-solving in personal and professional life

The Role of Problem-Solving in Personal and Professional Life:

1. Personal Life:

   a. Decision Making: Problem-solving is crucial in making informed decisions about personal matters, such as career choices, relationships, and financial planning.

   b. Resolving Conflicts: Effective problem-solving skills help resolve conflicts and disputes, fostering healthier relationships and communication.

   c. Adaptability: Problem-solving enables individuals to navigate life’s challenges and adapt to changing circumstances, enhancing personal growth and resilience.

   d. Goal Achievement: By identifying obstacles and finding solutions, problem-solving helps individuals overcome barriers and progress towards achieving personal goals.

2. Professional Life:

   a. Innovation and Creativity: Problem-solving is at the core of innovation, enabling individuals to identify opportunities, develop new ideas, and implement creative solutions.

   b. Decision Making: Effective problem-solving skills aid in making sound business decisions, analyzing data, and evaluating options to achieve desired outcomes.

   c. Troubleshooting and Crisis Management : Problem-solving is crucial in addressing workplace issues, identifying root causes, and implementing solutions to operational challenges and crises.

   d. Collaboration and Teamwork: Problem-solving skills facilitate effective collaboration and teamwork, as individuals work together to analyze problems, generate ideas, and implement solutions.

   e. Continuous Improvement: By identifying inefficiencies and finding better solutions, problem-solving drives continuous improvement in processes, products, and services.

   f. Leadership: Strong problem-solving abilities are essential for effective leadership, as leaders navigate complex situations, inspire teams, and drive organizational success.

Overall, problem-solving is vital in personal and professional life, empowering individuals to overcome obstacles, make informed decisions, foster innovation, and achieve desired outcomes. It promotes adaptability, resilience, and growth, enhancing overall success and satisfaction in various aspects of life.

Characteristics of Effective Problem Solvers

Here are some Characteristics of Effective Problem Solvers:

1. Critical Thinking: Effective problem solvers possess strong critical thinking skills. They can analyze situations objectively, evaluate information, identify patterns, and make logical connections to understand the underlying causes of problems.

2. Analytical Skills: Effective problem solvers can break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable components. They can examine each component individually, identify relevant factors, and assess their interrelationships to understand the problem comprehensively.

3. Creativity and Innovative Thinking: Effective problem solvers think outside the box and are open to unconventional ideas and solutions. They approach problems creatively, seeking new perspectives, alternative approaches, and innovative solutions.

4. Persistence and Resilience: Effective problem solvers persevere when facing obstacles and setbacks. They are resilient and maintain a positive attitude, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth and learning rather than insurmountable barriers.

5. Adaptability and Flexibility: Effective problem solvers are adaptable and flexible in their thinking and approach. They are open to adjusting their strategies, considering different viewpoints, and embracing change as they navigate complex problem-solving situations.

6. Systems Thinking: Effective problem solvers consider the larger context and understand the interconnectedness of various factors. They can see how different elements within a system influence each other and recognize the ripple effects of their decisions and actions.

7. Collaboration and Communication: Effective problem solvers are skilled in collaboration and communication. They actively listen to others, seek input and feedback, and can articulate their thoughts and ideas clearly. They can work well in teams, leveraging diverse perspectives and expertise to find optimal solutions.

8. Decision Making: Effective problem solvers are proficient in decision-making . They gather relevant information, weigh different options, assess risks and benefits, and make informed choices based on a logical and rational evaluation process.

9. Continuous Learning: Effective problem solvers have a growth mindset and a thirst for knowledge. They actively seek opportunities to learn new skills, expand their knowledge base, and stay updated on industry trends and advancements.

10. Emotional Intelligence: Effective problem solvers possess emotional intelligence, allowing them to understand and manage their emotions and empathize with others. They can navigate interpersonal dynamics, handle conflicts constructively, and foster positive relationships while solving problems.

These characteristics collectively contribute to the effectiveness of problem solvers, enabling them to approach challenges with a systematic, innovative, and resilient mindset, ultimately leading to successful problem resolution and achieving desired outcomes.

The Problem-Solving Process

Here is The Problem-Solving Process Step by Step:

Step 1: Defining the Problem:

1. Identifying the root cause: To effectively solve a problem, it’s important to identify the underlying cause or causes. This involves digging deeper to understand the factors or circumstances that led to the problem’s occurrence.

2. Clarifying the desired outcome: Clearly defining the desired outcome provides a clear direction for problem-solving. It helps in setting goals and measuring the success of the solution.

Step 2: Gathering information and analyzing the situation:

1. Collecting relevant data and facts: Gathering relevant data and facts about the problem is crucial for making informed decisions. This involves collecting information from reliable sources, conducting surveys, interviews, or analyzing existing data.

2. Conducting research and seeking different perspectives: Researching the problem and seeking different perspectives allows for a comprehensive understanding of the situation. This may involve studying case studies, consulting experts, or getting insights from people who have faced similar challenges.

Step 3: Generating potential solutions:

1. Brainstorming techniques: Brainstorming involves generating many ideas without judgment. It encourages creativity and open-mindedness, allowing for the exploration of various solutions.

2. Considering multiple options: Considering multiple options helps in expanding the range of possibilities. It involves evaluating different approaches, strategies, or alternatives to find the most effective solution.

Step 4: Evaluating and selecting the best solution:

1. Assessing pros and cons: Evaluating the potential solutions involves assessing their advantages and disadvantages. This helps in understanding the potential benefits and drawbacks of each option.

2. Using decision-making tools and techniques: Decision-making tools and techniques, such as decision matrices, cost-benefit analysis, or SWOT analysis, can provide a structured approach to evaluating and comparing different solutions. They help in making an informed decision.

Step 5: Implementing the chosen solution:

1. Developing an action plan: A detailed action plan outlines the steps and tasks needed to implement the chosen solution. It includes setting deadlines, assigning responsibilities, and allocating necessary resources.

2. Overcoming potential obstacles: Anticipating potential obstacles and challenges helps develop contingency plans. By identifying potential barriers in advance, proactive measures can be taken to overcome them and ensure a smoother implementation process.

Step 6: Monitoring and evaluating the outcomes:

1. Assessing the solution’s effectiveness: Regularly monitoring and evaluating the outcomes of the implemented solution is crucial. This involves measuring the results against the desired outcome and assessing whether the solution effectively addresses the problem.

2. Making adjustments if necessary: If the desired outcomes are not achieved or new issues arise, it may be necessary to adjust the solution or implementation plan. This ensures continuous improvement and adaptability throughout the problem-solving process.

By following this step-by-step process, individuals and teams can approach problem-solving systematically and comprehensively, increasing the chances of finding effective solutions and achieving desired outcomes.

Techniques and Strategies for Effective Problem Solving

Here are some Techniques and Strategies for Effective Problem Solving:

A. SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats):

SWOT analysis is a widely used technique for understanding a situation or organization’s internal strengths and weaknesses and the external opportunities and threats it faces. It involves identifying and analyzing these four factors to gain insights into the current state and potential future scenarios. One can effectively capitalize on opportunities and mitigate threats by understanding strengths and weaknesses.

B. Root cause analysis:

Root cause analysis is a technique used to identify the underlying cause or causes of a problem. It involves digging deeper into the problem to determine the fundamental reasons for its occurrence. By identifying and addressing the root cause, rather than just treating symptoms, one can prevent the problem from recurring and find long-term solutions.

C. Pareto analysis:

Pareto analysis, also known as the 80/20 rule, is a technique that helps prioritize tasks or issues based on their significance. It involves identifying the vital few (20%) contributing to the majority (80%) of the problem. One can achieve the greatest impact with limited resources by focusing efforts on addressing the most significant factors.

D. Six Thinking Hats technique:

The Six Thinking Hats technique, developed by Edward de Bono, is a method for approaching problem-solving from different perspectives. Each “hat” represents a different thinking mode or mindset, such as logical, creative, critical, etc. By consciously adopting these different perspectives, individuals or teams can explore different angles, consider various factors, and enhance problem-solving.

E. Design thinking approach:

The design thinking approach is a human-centered problem-solving methodology. It emphasizes empathy, collaboration, and experimentation to understand the user’s needs, ideate innovative solutions, and iterate through prototypes. It involves several stages, including empathizing with users, defining the problem, ideating potential solutions, prototyping, and testing. This approach encourages a creative and iterative problem-solving process that delivers solutions meeting user needs.

By utilizing these techniques and strategies for effective problem-solving, individuals and teams can enhance their problem-solving capabilities, think more critically and creatively, and arrive at comprehensive and innovative solutions to address various challenges.

Overcoming Common Challenges in Problem-Solving 

Now we discuss how to overcome Common Challenges in Problem-Solving:

A. Emotional barriers and biases:

1. Self-awareness: Recognize and acknowledge your emotions and biases that may hinder the problem-solving process.

2. Objective perspective: Strive to approach problems with an open mind and consider alternative viewpoints.

3. Seek feedback: Involve others in problem-solving to gain diverse perspectives and challenge your biases.

B. Fear of failure and risk aversion:

1. Embrace a growth mindset: View failures as learning opportunities and be open to taking calculated risks.

2. Break problems into smaller steps: Breaking down complex problems into smaller, manageable tasks can help reduce the Fear of failure.

3. Experiment and iterate: Implement solutions in iterative stages, allowing for adjustments and learning from setbacks.

C. Lack of communication and collaboration:

1. Active listening: Listen attentively to others’ perspectives, fostering effective communication and understanding.

2. Encourage participation: Create a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable contributing ideas and insights.

3. Foster teamwork: Promote collaboration and establish clear roles and responsibilities within problem-solving teams.

D. Ineffective time management:

1. Prioritize tasks: Identify the most critical aspects of the problem and allocate time accordingly.

2. Set deadlines and milestones: Establish specific deadlines for each step of the problem-solving process to stay on track.

3. Avoid distractions: Minimize interruptions and focus on the task by creating a conducive work environment.

By addressing these common problem-solving challenges, individuals and teams can enhance their problem-solving effectiveness and achieve better outcomes. Overcoming emotional barriers and biases, embracing risk-taking, fostering effective communication and collaboration, and managing time efficiently are key factors in successful problem-solving endeavors. By developing strategies to tackle these challenges, individuals can unlock their problem-solving potential and approach challenges with confidence and resilience.

Developing Problem-Solving Skills 

Is it possible to develop problem-solving skills? Yes, it is possible. But How? 

A. Continuous learning and skill development:

1. Stay curious: Cultivate a continuous learning mindset by seeking new knowledge, exploring different perspectives, and staying updated on industry trends.

2. Acquire relevant knowledge: Develop a solid foundation in the areas relevant to problem-solving, such as critical thinking, analytical skills, creativity, and decision-making.

3. Pursue professional development: Attend workshops, training programs, and online courses on problem-solving techniques and strategies.

B. Seeking feedback and reflection:

1. Welcome constructive criticism: Seek feedback from peers, mentors, or supervisors to gain insights into areas for improvement in your problem-solving approach.

2. Reflect on past experiences: Evaluate your problem-solving efforts, identify strengths and weaknesses, and learn from your successes and failures.

3. Develop self-awareness: Understand your thinking patterns, biases, and emotional reactions to improve your problem-solving skills.

C. Practicing problem-solving exercises and scenarios:

1. Solve puzzles and brain teasers: Engage in activities that challenge your problem-solving abilities, such as puzzles, riddles, or logic games.

2. Simulate problem-solving scenarios: Create hypothetical problem-solving situations and brainstorm potential solutions to enhance your critical thinking and decision-making skills.

3. Participate in group problem-solving activities: Collaborate with others in problem-solving exercises or workshops to foster teamwork and develop effective communication skills.

D. Engaging in real-life problem-solving experiences:

1. Embrace challenges: Seek opportunities to tackle real-world problems, whether at work, in personal projects, or community initiatives.

2. Apply problem-solving techniques: Utilize the problem-solving process and relevant strategies to address issues encountered in various aspects of life.

3. Learn from experiences: Reflect on your problem-solving approach in real-life situations, identify areas of improvement, and adjust your strategies accordingly.

Developing problem-solving skills is an ongoing process that requires continuous learning, practice, and application in both simulated and real-life scenarios. By investing time and effort in skill development, seeking feedback, reflecting on experiences, and engaging in problem-solving activities, individuals can strengthen their problem-solving abilities and effectively address complex challenges.

Applying Problem-Solving Skills in Different Areas

Now we will discuss Applying Problem-Solving Skills in Different Areas:

A. Problem-solving in the workplace:

Problem-solving skills are highly valuable in the workplace as they enable individuals to address challenges, make informed decisions, and contribute to organizational success. In a professional setting, problem-solving involves identifying and analyzing issues, generating effective solutions, and implementing them to achieve desired outcomes. It often requires collaboration, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving techniques. Effective problem-solving in the workplace can lead to increased productivity, improved teamwork, and innovation.

B. Problem-solving in personal relationships:

Problem-solving skills play a crucial role in maintaining healthy and constructive personal relationships. Conflicts and challenges are inevitable with family members, friends, or romantic partners. Applying problem-solving skills in personal relationships involves active listening, empathy, and open communication. It requires identifying and understanding the issues, finding common ground, and working towards mutually beneficial solutions. Problem-solving in personal relationships helps build trust, strengthen connections, and promote harmony.

C. Problem-solving in entrepreneurship:

Problem-solving is an essential skill for entrepreneurs, as it drives innovation and the ability to identify and seize opportunities. Entrepreneurs face various challenges, such as market competition, resource constraints, and changing customer needs. Applying problem-solving skills in entrepreneurship involves identifying market gaps, analyzing customer pain points, and developing innovative solutions. Entrepreneurs must be adaptable, resilient, and creative in finding solutions that address real-world problems and create customer value.

D. Problem-solving in everyday life:

Problem-solving skills are not limited to specific areas but are applicable in everyday life. From simple tasks to complex decisions, problem-solving helps navigate challenges efficiently. Everyday problem-solving involves assessing situations, setting goals, considering available resources, and making informed choices. It can range from troubleshooting technology issues to managing personal finances, resolving conflicts, or finding solutions to logistical problems. Developing problem-solving skills in everyday life leads to increased self-confidence, improved decision-making abilities, and overall personal effectiveness.

In all these areas, applying problem-solving skills enables individuals to approach challenges with a structured and analytical mindset, find practical solutions, and overcome obstacles effectively. It empowers individuals to think critically, adapt to changing circumstances, and positively contribute to various aspects of their lives.

Case Studies of Successful Problem Solving

Here are some Case Studies of Successful Problem Solving:

A. Real-life examples of problem-solving success stories:

1. NASA’s Apollo 13 Mission: The Apollo 13 mission faced a critical problem when an oxygen tank exploded, jeopardizing the lives of the astronauts. Through collaborative problem-solving, the NASA team on the ground and the astronauts in space worked together to develop innovative solutions, such as building a makeshift CO2 filter, conserving power, and navigating a safe return to Earth.

2. Apple’s iPhone Development: Apple faced the challenge of creating a revolutionary smartphone that combined multiple functions in a user-friendly design. Through rigorous problem-solving, Apple’s team developed groundbreaking solutions, such as the touch screen interface, intuitive user experience, and integration of various technologies, leading to the successful launch of the iPhone.

3. Toyota’s Lean Manufacturing System: Toyota encountered production inefficiencies and quality issues. By implementing problem-solving techniques, such as the Toyota Production System, the company focused on waste reduction, continuous improvement, and empowering employees to identify and solve problems. This increased productivity, improved quality, and a competitive advantage in the automotive industry.

B. Analysis of the problem-solving strategies employed:

1. Collaborative Problem-Solving: Successful problem-solving often involves collaboration among individuals or teams. Organizations can tackle complex challenges more effectively by leveraging diverse perspectives, knowledge, and skills.

2. Innovative Thinking: Problem-solving success stories often involve innovative thinking to address issues in novel ways. This may include exploring new technologies, challenging conventional wisdom, or adopting creative approaches that disrupt the status quo.

3. Systematic Approach: Effective problem-solving requires a systematic approach that involves defining the problem, gathering relevant information, analyzing options, and implementing solutions. This structured method provides a comprehensive understanding of the problem and helps identify the most appropriate action.

4. Continuous Improvement: Many successful problem-solving cases are committed to continuous improvement. Organizations embracing a learning and adaptability culture are better equipped to identify and solve problems efficiently, leading to long-term success.

5. Customer-Centric Solutions: Problem-solving strategies that prioritize understanding and meeting customer needs tend to yield successful outcomes. Organizations can develop solutions that deliver value and drive customer satisfaction by placing the customer at the center of problem-solving efforts.

Analyzing the problem-solving strategies employed in these case studies provides valuable insights into the approaches, techniques, and mindsets that contribute to successful problem resolution. It highlights the importance of collaboration, innovation, systematic thinking, continuous improvement, and customer focus in achieving positive outcomes.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, problem-solving skills are vital in various aspects of life, including personal, professional, and entrepreneurial endeavors. Through this article, we have explored the importance of problem-solving, its Definition, its role in different areas, characteristics of effective problem solvers, the problem-solving process, and techniques for effective problem-solving. We have also examined case studies of successful problem-solving and analyzed the strategies employed.

Recap of key points:

1. Problem-solving skills are crucial for personal, professional, and entrepreneurial success.

2. Effective problem solvers possess critical thinking, creativity, adaptability, and perseverance.

3. The problem-solving process involves defining the problem, gathering information, generating solutions, evaluating options, implementing the chosen solution, and monitoring outcomes.

4. Techniques like SWOT analysis, root cause analysis, Pareto analysis, Six Thinking Hats, and design thinking provide valuable frameworks for problem-solving.

As you have learned about the importance and various aspects of problem-solving, I encourage you to apply these skills in your own life. Problem-solving is not a mere intellectual exercise but a practical tool that can lead to personal growth, professional success, and positive societal contributions. Developing and honing your problem-solving abilities allows you to navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and find innovative solutions.

Embrace a continuous improvement mindset and a willingness to think outside the box. Seek opportunities to apply problem-solving skills in your relationships, workplace, entrepreneurial ventures, and everyday life. Remember that each challenge presents an opportunity for growth and learning. You can overcome obstacles and achieve desired outcomes by approaching problems with a structured and analytical mindset, considering multiple perspectives, and employing effective problem-solving techniques.

Incorporate problem-solving into your daily life and encourage others to do the same. By doing so, you contribute to a more proactive and solution-oriented society. Remember, problem-solving is a skill that can be developed and refined through practice and experience. So, take on challenges, embrace creativity, and be a proactive problem solver.

Start applying problem-solving skills today, and you will witness the positive impact it can have on your life and the lives of those around you.

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

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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 forst 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! 

Problem solving strategies

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

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!

James Smart is Head of Content at SessionLab. He’s also a creative facilitator who has run workshops and designed courses for establishments like the National Centre for Writing, UK. He especially enjoys working with young people and empowering others in their creative practice.

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Struggling to overcome challenges in your life? We all face problems, big and small, on a regular basis.

So how do you tackle them effectively? What are some key problem-solving strategies and skills that can guide you?

Effective problem-solving requires breaking issues down logically, generating solutions creatively, weighing choices critically, and adapting plans flexibly based on outcomes. Useful strategies range from leveraging past solutions that have worked to visualizing problems through diagrams. Core skills include analytical abilities, innovative thinking, and collaboration.

Want to improve your problem-solving skills? Keep reading to find out 17 effective problem-solving strategies, key skills, common obstacles to watch for, and tips on improving your overall problem-solving skills.

Key Takeaways:

• Effective problem-solving requires breaking down issues logically, generating multiple solutions creatively, weighing choices critically, and adapting plans based on outcomes.
• Useful problem-solving strategies range from leveraging past solutions to brainstorming with groups to visualizing problems through diagrams and models.
• Core skills include analytical abilities, innovative thinking, decision-making, and team collaboration to solve problems.
• Common obstacles include fear of failure, information gaps, fixed mindsets, confirmation bias, and groupthink.
• Boosting problem-solving skills involves learning from experts, actively practicing, soliciting feedback, and analyzing others’ success.
• Onethread’s project management capabilities align with effective problem-solving tenets – facilitating structured solutions, tracking progress, and capturing lessons learned.

What Is Problem-Solving?

Problem-solving is the process of understanding an issue, situation, or challenge that needs to be addressed and then systematically working through possible solutions to arrive at the best outcome.

It involves critical thinking, analysis, logic, creativity, research, planning, reflection, and patience in order to overcome obstacles and find effective answers to complex questions or problems.

The ultimate goal is to implement the chosen solution successfully.

What Are Problem-Solving Strategies?

Problem-solving strategies are like frameworks or methodologies that help us solve tricky puzzles or problems we face in the workplace, at home, or with friends.

Imagine you have a big jigsaw puzzle. One strategy might be to start with the corner pieces. Another could be looking for pieces with the same colors. 

Just like in puzzles, in real life, we use different plans or steps to find solutions to problems. These strategies help us think clearly, make good choices, and find the best answers without getting too stressed or giving up.

Why Is It Important To Know Different Problem-Solving Strategies?

Knowing different problem-solving strategies is important because different types of problems often require different approaches to solve them effectively. Having a variety of strategies to choose from allows you to select the best method for the specific problem you are trying to solve.

This improves your ability to analyze issues thoroughly, develop solutions creatively, and tackle problems from multiple angles. Knowing multiple strategies also aids in overcoming roadblocks if your initial approach is not working.

Here are some reasons why you need to know different problem-solving strategies:

• Different Problems Require Different Tools: Just like you can’t use a hammer to fix everything, some problems need specific strategies to solve them.
• Improves Creativity: Knowing various strategies helps you think outside the box and come up with creative solutions.
• Saves Time: With the right strategy, you can solve problems faster instead of trying things that don’t work.
• Reduces Stress: When you know how to tackle a problem, it feels less scary and you feel more confident.
• Better Outcomes: Using the right strategy can lead to better solutions, making things work out better in the end.
• Learning and Growth: Each time you solve a problem, you learn something new, which makes you smarter and better at solving future problems.

Knowing different ways to solve problems helps you tackle anything that comes your way, making life a bit easier and more fun!

17 Effective Problem-Solving Strategies

Effective problem-solving strategies include breaking the problem into smaller parts, brainstorming multiple solutions, evaluating the pros and cons of each, and choosing the most viable option. 

Critical thinking and creativity are essential in developing innovative solutions. Collaboration with others can also provide diverse perspectives and ideas. 

By applying these strategies, you can tackle complex issues more effectively.

Now, consider a challenge you’re dealing with. Which strategy could help you find a solution? Here we will discuss key problem strategies in detail.

1. Use a Past Solution That Worked

This strategy involves looking back at previous similar problems you have faced and the solutions that were effective in solving them.

It is useful when you are facing a problem that is very similar to something you have already solved. The main benefit is that you don’t have to come up with a brand new solution – you already know the method that worked before will likely work again.

However, the limitation is that the current problem may have some unique aspects or differences that mean your old solution is not fully applicable.

The ideal process is to thoroughly analyze the new challenge, identify the key similarities and differences versus the past case, adapt the old solution as needed to align with the current context, and then pilot it carefully before full implementation.

An example is using the same negotiation tactics from purchasing your previous home when putting in an offer on a new house. Key terms would be adjusted but overall it can save significant time versus developing a brand new strategy.

2. Brainstorm Solutions

This involves gathering a group of people together to generate as many potential solutions to a problem as possible.

It is effective when you need creative ideas to solve a complex or challenging issue. By getting input from multiple people with diverse perspectives, you increase the likelihood of finding an innovative solution.

The main limitation is that brainstorming sessions can sometimes turn into unproductive gripe sessions or discussions rather than focusing on productive ideation —so they need to be properly facilitated.

The key to an effective brainstorming session is setting some basic ground rules upfront and having an experienced facilitator guide the discussion. Rules often include encouraging wild ideas, avoiding criticism of ideas during the ideation phase, and building on others’ ideas.

For instance, a struggling startup might hold a session where ideas for turnaround plans are generated and then formalized with financials and metrics.

3. Work Backward from the Solution

This technique involves envisioning that the problem has already been solved and then working step-by-step backward toward the current state.

This strategy is particularly helpful for long-term, multi-step problems. By starting from the imagined solution and identifying all the steps required to reach it, you can systematically determine the actions needed. It lets you tackle a big hairy problem through smaller, reversible steps.

A limitation is that this approach may not be possible if you cannot accurately envision the solution state to start with.

The approach helps drive logical systematic thinking for complex problem-solving, but should still be combined with creative brainstorming of alternative scenarios and solutions.

An example is planning for an event – you would imagine the successful event occurring, then determine the tasks needed the week before, two weeks before, etc. all the way back to the present.

4. Use the Kipling Method

This method, named after author Rudyard Kipling, provides a framework for thoroughly analyzing a problem before jumping into solutions.

It consists of answering six fundamental questions: What, Where, When, How, Who, and Why about the challenge. Clearly defining these core elements of the problem sets the stage for generating targeted solutions.

The Kipling method enables a deep understanding of problem parameters and root causes before solution identification. By jumping to brainstorm solutions too early, critical information can be missed or the problem is loosely defined, reducing solution quality.

Answering the six fundamental questions illuminates all angles of the issue. This takes time but pays dividends in generating optimal solutions later tuned precisely to the true underlying problem.

The limitation is that meticulously working through numerous questions before addressing solutions can slow progress.

The best approach blends structured problem decomposition techniques like the Kipling method with spurring innovative solution ideation from a diverse team. 

An example is using this technique after a technical process failure – the team would systematically detail What failed, Where/When did it fail, How it failed (sequence of events), Who was involved, and Why it likely failed before exploring preventative solutions.

5. Try Different Solutions Until One Works (Trial and Error)

This technique involves attempting various potential solutions sequentially until finding one that successfully solves the problem.

Trial and error works best when facing a concrete, bounded challenge with clear solution criteria and a small number of discrete options to try. By methodically testing solutions, you can determine the faulty component.

A limitation is that it can be time-intensive if the working solution set is large.

The key is limiting the variable set first. For technical problems, this boundary is inherent and each element can be iteratively tested. But for business issues, artificial constraints may be required – setting decision rules upfront to reduce options before testing.

Furthermore, hypothesis-driven experimentation is far superior to blind trial and error – have logic for why Option A may outperform Option B.

Examples include fixing printer jams by testing different paper tray and cable configurations or resolving website errors by tweaking CSS/HTML line-by-line until the code functions properly.

6. Use Proven Formulas or Frameworks (Heuristics)

Heuristics refers to applying existing problem-solving formulas or frameworks rather than addressing issues completely from scratch.

This allows leveraging established best practices rather than reinventing the wheel each time.

It is effective when facing recurrent, common challenges where proven structured approaches exist.

However, heuristics may force-fit solutions to non-standard problems.

For example, a cost-benefit analysis can be used instead of custom weighting schemes to analyze potential process improvements.

Onethread allows teams to define, save, and replicate configurable project templates so proven workflows can be reliably applied across problems with some consistency rather than fully custom one-off approaches each time.

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7. Trust Your Instincts (Insight Problem-Solving)

Insight is a problem-solving technique that involves waiting patiently for an unexpected “aha moment” when the solution pops into your mind.

It works well for personal challenges that require intuitive realizations over calculated logic. The unconscious mind makes connections leading to flashes of insight when relaxing or doing mundane tasks unrelated to the actual problem.

Benefits include out-of-the-box creative solutions. However, the limitations are that insights can’t be forced and may never come at all if too complex. Critical analysis is still required after initial insights.

A real-life example would be a writer struggling with how to end a novel. Despite extensive brainstorming, they feel stuck. Eventually while gardening one day, a perfect unexpected plot twist sparks an ideal conclusion. However, once written they still carefully review if the ending flows logically from the rest of the story.

8. Reverse Engineer the Problem

This approach involves deconstructing a problem in reverse sequential order from the current undesirable outcome back to the initial root causes.

By mapping the chain of events backward, you can identify the origin of where things went wrong and establish the critical junctures for solving it moving ahead. Reverse engineering provides diagnostic clarity on multi-step problems.

However, the limitation is that it focuses heavily on autopsying the past versus innovating improved future solutions.

An example is tracing back from a server outage, through the cascade of infrastructure failures that led to it finally terminating at the initial script error that triggered the crisis. This root cause would then inform the preventative measure.

9. Break Down Obstacles Between Current and Goal State (Means-End Analysis)

This technique defines the current problem state and the desired end goal state, then systematically identifies obstacles in the way of getting from one to the other.

By mapping the barriers or gaps, you can then develop solutions to address each one. This methodically connects the problem to solutions.

A limitation is that some obstacles may be unknown upfront and only emerge later.

For example, you can list down all the steps required for a new product launch – current state through production, marketing, sales, distribution, etc. to full launch (goal state) – to highlight where resource constraints or other blocks exist so they can be addressed.

Onethread allows dividing big-picture projects into discrete, manageable phases, milestones, and tasks to simplify execution just as problems can be decomposed into more achievable components. Features like dependency mapping further reinforce interconnections.

Using Onethread’s issues and subtasks feature, messy problems can be decomposed into manageable chunks.

10. Ask “Why” Five Times to Identify the Root Cause (The 5 Whys)

This technique involves asking “Why did this problem occur?” and then responding with an answer that is again met with asking “Why?” This process repeats five times until the root cause is revealed.

Continually asking why digs deeper from surface symptoms to underlying systemic issues.

It is effective for getting to the source of problems originating from human error or process breakdowns.

However, some complex issues may have multiple tangled root causes not solvable through this approach alone.

An example is a retail store experiencing a sudden decline in customers. Successively asking why five times may trace an initial drop to parking challenges, stemming from a city construction project – the true starting point to address.

11. Evaluate Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT Analysis)

This involves analyzing a problem or proposed solution by categorizing internal and external factors into a 2×2 matrix: Strengths, Weaknesses as the internal rows; Opportunities and Threats as the external columns.

Systematically identifying these elements provides balanced insight to evaluate options and risks. It is impactful when evaluating alternative solutions or developing strategy amid complexity or uncertainty.

The key benefit of SWOT analysis is enabling multi-dimensional thinking when rationally evaluating options. Rather than getting anchored on just the upsides or the existing way of operating, it urges a systematic assessment through four different lenses:

• Internal Strengths: Our core competencies/advantages able to deliver success
• Internal Weaknesses: Gaps/vulnerabilities we need to manage
• External Opportunities: Ways we can differentiate/drive additional value
• External Threats: Risks we must navigate or mitigate

Multiperspective analysis provides the needed holistic view of the balanced risk vs. reward equation for strategic decision making amid uncertainty.

However, SWOT can feel restrictive if not tailored and evolved for different issue types.

Teams should view SWOT analysis as a starting point, augmenting it further for distinct scenarios.

An example is performing a SWOT analysis on whether a small business should expand into a new market – evaluating internal capabilities to execute vs. risks in the external competitive and demand environment to inform the growth decision with eyes wide open.

12. Compare Current vs Expected Performance (Gap Analysis)

This technique involves comparing the current state of performance, output, or results to the desired or expected levels to highlight shortfalls.

By quantifying the gaps, you can identify problem areas and prioritize address solutions.

Gap analysis is based on the simple principle – “you can’t improve what you don’t measure.” It enables facts-driven problem diagnosis by highlighting delta to goals, not just vague dissatisfaction that something seems wrong. And measurement immediately suggests improvement opportunities – address the biggest gaps first.

This data orientation also supports ROI analysis on fixing issues – the return from closing larger gaps outweighs narrowly targeting smaller performance deficiencies.

However, the approach is only effective if robust standards and metrics exist as the benchmark to evaluate against. Organizations should invest upfront in establishing performance frameworks.

Furthermore, while numbers are invaluable, the human context behind problems should not be ignored – quantitative versus qualitative gap assessment is optimally blended.

For example, if usage declines are noted during software gap analysis, this could be used as a signal to improve user experience through design.

13. Observe Processes from the Frontline (Gemba Walk)

A Gemba walk involves going to the actual place where work is done, directly observing the process, engaging with employees, and finding areas for improvement.

By experiencing firsthand rather than solely reviewing abstract reports, practical problems and ideas emerge.

The limitation is Gemba walks provide anecdotes not statistically significant data. It complements but does not replace comprehensive performance measurement.

An example is a factory manager inspecting the production line to spot jam areas based on direct reality rather than relying on throughput dashboards alone back in her office. Frontline insights prove invaluable.

14. Analyze Competitive Forces (Porter’s Five Forces)

This involves assessing the marketplace around a problem or business situation via five key factors: competitors, new entrants, substitute offerings, suppliers, and customer power.

Evaluating these forces illuminates risks and opportunities for strategy development and issue resolution. It is effective for understanding dynamic external threats and opportunities when operating in a contested space.

However, over-indexing on only external factors can overlook the internal capabilities needed to execute solutions.

A startup CEO, for example, may analyze market entry barriers, whitespace opportunities, and disruption risks across these five forces to shape new product rollout strategies and marketing approaches.

15. Think from Different Perspectives (Six Thinking Hats)

The Six Thinking Hats is a technique developed by Edward de Bono that encourages people to think about a problem from six different perspectives, each represented by a colored “thinking hat.”

The key benefit of this strategy is that it pushes team members to move outside their usual thinking style and consider new angles. This brings more diverse ideas and solutions to the table.

It works best for complex problems that require innovative solutions and when a team is stuck in an unproductive debate. The structured framework keeps the conversation flowing in a positive direction.

Limitations are that it requires training on the method itself and may feel unnatural at first. Team dynamics can also influence success – some members may dominate certain “hats” while others remain quiet.

A real-life example is a software company debating whether to build a new feature. The white hat focuses on facts, red on gut feelings, black on potential risks, yellow on benefits, green on new ideas, and blue on process. This exposes more balanced perspectives before deciding.

Onethread centralizes diverse stakeholder communication onto one platform, ensuring all voices are incorporated when evaluating project tradeoffs, just as problem-solving should consider multifaceted solutions.

16. Visualize the Problem (Draw it Out)

Drawing out a problem involves creating visual representations like diagrams, flowcharts, and maps to work through challenging issues.

This strategy is helpful when dealing with complex situations with lots of interconnected components. The visuals simplify the complexity so you can thoroughly understand the problem and all its nuances.

Key benefits are that it allows more stakeholders to get on the same page regarding root causes and it sparks new creative solutions as connections are made visually.

However, simple problems with few variables don’t require extensive diagrams. Additionally, some challenges are so multidimensional that fully capturing every aspect is difficult.

A real-life example would be mapping out all the possible causes leading to decreased client satisfaction at a law firm. An intricate fishbone diagram with branches for issues like service delivery, technology, facilities, culture, and vendor partnerships allows the team to trace problems back to their origins and brainstorm targeted fixes.

17. Follow a Step-by-Step Procedure (Algorithms)

An algorithm is a predefined step-by-step process that is guaranteed to produce the correct solution if implemented properly.

Using algorithms is effective when facing problems that have clear, binary right and wrong answers. Algorithms work for mathematical calculations, computer code, manufacturing assembly lines, and scientific experiments.

Key benefits are consistency, accuracy, and efficiency. However, they require extensive upfront development and only apply to scenarios with strict parameters. Additionally, human error can lead to mistakes.

For example, crew members of fast food chains like McDonald’s follow specific algorithms for food prep – from grill times to ingredient amounts in sandwiches, to order fulfillment procedures. This ensures uniform quality and service across all locations. However, if a step is missed, errors occur.

The Problem-Solving Process

The problem-solving process typically includes defining the issue, analyzing details, creating solutions, weighing choices, acting, and reviewing results.

In the above, we have discussed several problem-solving strategies. For every problem-solving strategy, you have to follow these processes. Here’s a detailed step-by-step process of effective problem-solving:

Step 1: Identify the Problem

The problem-solving process starts with identifying the problem. This step involves understanding the issue’s nature, its scope, and its impact. Once the problem is clearly defined, it sets the foundation for finding effective solutions.

Identifying the problem is crucial. It means figuring out exactly what needs fixing. This involves looking at the situation closely, understanding what’s wrong, and knowing how it affects things. It’s about asking the right questions to get a clear picture of the issue. 

This step is important because it guides the rest of the problem-solving process. Without a clear understanding of the problem, finding a solution is much harder. It’s like diagnosing an illness before treating it. Once the problem is identified accurately, you can move on to exploring possible solutions and deciding on the best course of action.

Step 2: Break Down the Problem

Breaking down the problem is a key step in the problem-solving process. It involves dividing the main issue into smaller, more manageable parts. This makes it easier to understand and tackle each component one by one.

After identifying the problem, the next step is to break it down. This means splitting the big issue into smaller pieces. It’s like solving a puzzle by handling one piece at a time. 

By doing this, you can focus on each part without feeling overwhelmed. It also helps in identifying the root causes of the problem. Breaking down the problem allows for a clearer analysis and makes finding solutions more straightforward. 

Each smaller problem can be addressed individually, leading to an effective resolution of the overall issue. This approach not only simplifies complex problems but also aids in developing a systematic plan to solve them.

Step 3: Come up with potential solutions

Coming up with potential solutions is the third step in the problem-solving process. It involves brainstorming various options to address the problem, considering creativity and feasibility to find the best approach.

After breaking down the problem, it’s time to think of ways to solve it. This stage is about brainstorming different solutions. You look at the smaller issues you’ve identified and start thinking of ways to fix them. This is where creativity comes in. 

You want to come up with as many ideas as possible, no matter how out-of-the-box they seem. It’s important to consider all options and evaluate their pros and cons. This process allows you to gather a range of possible solutions. 

Later, you can narrow these down to the most practical and effective ones. This step is crucial because it sets the stage for deciding on the best solution to implement. It’s about being open-minded and innovative to tackle the problem effectively.

Step 4: Analyze the possible solutions

Analyzing the possible solutions is the fourth step in the problem-solving process. It involves evaluating each proposed solution’s advantages and disadvantages to determine the most effective and feasible option.

After coming up with potential solutions, the next step is to analyze them. This means looking closely at each idea to see how well it solves the problem. You weigh the pros and cons of every solution.

Consider factors like cost, time, resources, and potential outcomes. This analysis helps in understanding the implications of each option. It’s about being critical and objective, ensuring that the chosen solution is not only effective but also practical.

This step is vital because it guides you towards making an informed decision. It involves comparing the solutions against each other and selecting the one that best addresses the problem.

By thoroughly analyzing the options, you can move forward with confidence, knowing you’ve chosen the best path to solve the issue.

Step 5: Implement and Monitor the Solutions

Implementing and monitoring the solutions is the final step in the problem-solving process. It involves putting the chosen solution into action and observing its effectiveness, making adjustments as necessary.

Once you’ve selected the best solution, it’s time to put it into practice. This step is about action. You implement the chosen solution and then keep an eye on how it works. Monitoring is crucial because it tells you if the solution is solving the problem as expected. 

If things don’t go as planned, you may need to make some changes. This could mean tweaking the current solution or trying a different one. The goal is to ensure the problem is fully resolved. 

This step is critical because it involves real-world application. It’s not just about planning; it’s about doing and adjusting based on results. By effectively implementing and monitoring the solutions, you can achieve the desired outcome and solve the problem successfully.

Why This Process is Important

Following a defined process to solve problems is important because it provides a systematic, structured approach instead of a haphazard one. Having clear steps guides logical thinking, analysis, and decision-making to increase effectiveness. Key reasons it helps are:

• Clear Direction: This process gives you a clear path to follow, which can make solving problems less overwhelming.
• Better Solutions: Thoughtful analysis of root causes, iterative testing of solutions, and learning orientation lead to addressing the heart of issues rather than just symptoms.
• Saves Time and Energy: Instead of guessing or trying random things, this process helps you find a solution more efficiently.
• Improves Skills: The more you use this process, the better you get at solving problems. It’s like practicing a sport. The more you practice, the better you play.
• Maximizes collaboration: Involving various stakeholders in the process enables broader inputs. Their communication and coordination are streamlined through organized brainstorming and evaluation.
• Provides consistency: Standard methodology across problems enables building institutional problem-solving capabilities over time. Patterns emerge on effective techniques to apply to different situations.

The problem-solving process is a powerful tool that can help us tackle any challenge we face. By following these steps, we can find solutions that work and learn important skills along the way.

Key Skills for Efficient Problem Solving

Efficient problem-solving requires breaking down issues logically, evaluating options, and implementing practical solutions.

Key skills include critical thinking to understand root causes, creativity to brainstorm innovative ideas, communication abilities to collaborate with others, and decision-making to select the best way forward. Staying adaptable, reflecting on outcomes, and applying lessons learned are also essential.

With practice, these capacities will lead to increased personal and team effectiveness in systematically addressing any problem.

 Let’s explore the powers you need to become a problem-solving hero!

Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills

Critical thinking and analytical skills are vital for efficient problem-solving as they enable individuals to objectively evaluate information, identify key issues, and generate effective solutions. 

These skills facilitate a deeper understanding of problems, leading to logical, well-reasoned decisions. By systematically breaking down complex issues and considering various perspectives, individuals can develop more innovative and practical solutions, enhancing their problem-solving effectiveness.

Communication Skills

Effective communication skills are essential for efficient problem-solving as they facilitate clear sharing of information, ensuring all team members understand the problem and proposed solutions. 

These skills enable individuals to articulate issues, listen actively, and collaborate effectively, fostering a productive environment where diverse ideas can be exchanged and refined. By enhancing mutual understanding, communication skills contribute significantly to identifying and implementing the most viable solutions.

Decision-Making

Strong decision-making skills are crucial for efficient problem-solving, as they enable individuals to choose the best course of action from multiple alternatives. 

These skills involve evaluating the potential outcomes of different solutions, considering the risks and benefits, and making informed choices. Effective decision-making leads to the implementation of solutions that are likely to resolve problems effectively, ensuring resources are used efficiently and goals are achieved.

Planning and Prioritization

Planning and prioritization are key for efficient problem-solving, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to address the most critical issues first. This approach helps in organizing tasks according to their urgency and impact, streamlining efforts towards achieving the desired outcome efficiently.

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence enhances problem-solving by allowing individuals to manage emotions, understand others, and navigate social complexities. It fosters a positive, collaborative environment, essential for generating creative solutions and making informed, empathetic decisions.

Leadership skills drive efficient problem-solving by inspiring and guiding teams toward common goals. Effective leaders motivate their teams, foster innovation, and navigate challenges, ensuring collective efforts are focused and productive in addressing problems.

Time Management

Time management is crucial in problem-solving, enabling individuals to allocate appropriate time to each task. By efficiently managing time, one can ensure that critical problems are addressed promptly without neglecting other responsibilities.

Data Analysis

Data analysis skills are essential for problem-solving, as they enable individuals to sift through data, identify trends, and extract actionable insights. This analytical approach supports evidence-based decision-making, leading to more accurate and effective solutions.

Research Skills

Research skills are vital for efficient problem-solving, allowing individuals to gather relevant information, explore various solutions, and understand the problem’s context. This thorough exploration aids in developing well-informed, innovative solutions.

Becoming a great problem solver takes practice, but with these skills, you’re on your way to becoming a problem-solving hero. 

How to Improve Your Problem-Solving Skills?

Improving your problem-solving skills can make you a master at overcoming challenges. Learn from experts, practice regularly, welcome feedback, try new methods, experiment, and study others’ success to become better.

Learning from Experts

Improving problem-solving skills by learning from experts involves seeking mentorship, attending workshops, and studying case studies. Experts provide insights and techniques that refine your approach, enhancing your ability to tackle complex problems effectively.

To enhance your problem-solving skills, learning from experts can be incredibly beneficial. Engaging with mentors, participating in specialized workshops, and analyzing case studies from seasoned professionals can offer valuable perspectives and strategies. 

Experts share their experiences, mistakes, and successes, providing practical knowledge that can be applied to your own problem-solving process. This exposure not only broadens your understanding but also introduces you to diverse methods and approaches, enabling you to tackle challenges more efficiently and creatively.

Improving problem-solving skills through practice involves tackling a variety of challenges regularly. This hands-on approach helps in refining techniques and strategies, making you more adept at identifying and solving problems efficiently.

One of the most effective ways to enhance your problem-solving skills is through consistent practice. By engaging with different types of problems on a regular basis, you develop a deeper understanding of various strategies and how they can be applied. 

This hands-on experience allows you to experiment with different approaches, learn from mistakes, and build confidence in your ability to tackle challenges.

Regular practice not only sharpens your analytical and critical thinking skills but also encourages adaptability and innovation, key components of effective problem-solving.

Openness to Feedback

Being open to feedback is like unlocking a secret level in a game. It helps you boost your problem-solving skills. Improving problem-solving skills through openness to feedback involves actively seeking and constructively responding to critiques. 

This receptivity enables you to refine your strategies and approaches based on insights from others, leading to more effective solutions. 

Learning New Approaches and Methodologies

Learning new approaches and methodologies is like adding new tools to your toolbox. It makes you a smarter problem-solver. Enhancing problem-solving skills by learning new approaches and methodologies involves staying updated with the latest trends and techniques in your field. 

This continuous learning expands your toolkit, enabling innovative solutions and a fresh perspective on challenges.

Experimentation

Experimentation is like being a scientist of your own problems. It’s a powerful way to improve your problem-solving skills. Boosting problem-solving skills through experimentation means trying out different solutions to see what works best. This trial-and-error approach fosters creativity and can lead to unique solutions that wouldn’t have been considered otherwise.

Analyzing Competitors’ Success

Analyzing competitors’ success is like being a detective. It’s a smart way to boost your problem-solving skills. Improving problem-solving skills by analyzing competitors’ success involves studying their strategies and outcomes. Understanding what worked for them can provide valuable insights and inspire effective solutions for your own challenges. 

Challenges in Problem-Solving

Facing obstacles when solving problems is common. Recognizing these barriers, like fear of failure or lack of information, helps us find ways around them for better solutions.

Fear of Failure

Fear of failure is like a big, scary monster that stops us from solving problems. It’s a challenge many face. Because being afraid of making mistakes can make us too scared to try new solutions. 

How can we overcome this? First, understand that it’s okay to fail. Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s part of learning. Every time we fail, we discover one more way not to solve a problem, getting us closer to the right solution. Treat each attempt like an experiment. It’s not about failing; it’s about testing and learning.

Lack of Information

Lack of information is like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. It’s a big challenge in problem-solving. Because without all the necessary details, finding a solution is much harder. 

How can we fix this? Start by gathering as much information as you can. Ask questions, do research, or talk to experts. Think of yourself as a detective looking for clues. The more information you collect, the clearer the picture becomes. Then, use what you’ve learned to think of solutions. 

Fixed Mindset

A fixed mindset is like being stuck in quicksand; it makes solving problems harder. It means thinking you can’t improve or learn new ways to solve issues. 

How can we change this? First, believe that you can grow and learn from challenges. Think of your brain as a muscle that gets stronger every time you use it. When you face a problem, instead of saying “I can’t do this,” try thinking, “I can’t do this yet.” Look for lessons in every challenge and celebrate small wins. 

Everyone starts somewhere, and mistakes are just steps on the path to getting better. By shifting to a growth mindset, you’ll see problems as opportunities to grow. Keep trying, keep learning, and your problem-solving skills will soar!

Jumping to Conclusions

Jumping to conclusions is like trying to finish a race before it starts. It’s a challenge in problem-solving. That means making a decision too quickly without looking at all the facts. 

How can we avoid this? First, take a deep breath and slow down. Think about the problem like a puzzle. You need to see all the pieces before you know where they go. Ask questions, gather information, and consider different possibilities. Don’t choose the first solution that comes to mind. Instead, compare a few options. 

Feeling Overwhelmed

Feeling overwhelmed is like being buried under a mountain of puzzles. It’s a big challenge in problem-solving. When we’re overwhelmed, everything seems too hard to handle. 

How can we deal with this? Start by taking a step back. Breathe deeply and focus on one thing at a time. Break the big problem into smaller pieces, like sorting puzzle pieces by color. Tackle each small piece one by one. It’s also okay to ask for help. Sometimes, talking to someone else can give you a new perspective. 

Confirmation Bias

Confirmation bias is like wearing glasses that only let you see what you want to see. It’s a challenge in problem-solving. Because it makes us focus only on information that agrees with what we already believe, ignoring anything that doesn’t. 

How can we overcome this? First, be aware that you might be doing it. It’s like checking if your glasses are on right. Then, purposely look for information that challenges your views. It’s like trying on a different pair of glasses to see a new perspective. Ask questions and listen to answers, even if they don’t fit what you thought before.

Groupthink is like everyone in a group deciding to wear the same outfit without asking why. It’s a challenge in problem-solving. It means making decisions just because everyone else agrees, without really thinking it through. 

How can we avoid this? First, encourage everyone in the group to share their ideas, even if they’re different. It’s like inviting everyone to show their unique style of clothes. 

Listen to all opinions and discuss them. It’s okay to disagree; it helps us think of better solutions. Also, sometimes, ask someone outside the group for their thoughts. They might see something everyone in the group missed.

Overcoming obstacles in problem-solving requires patience, openness, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. By recognizing these barriers, we can develop strategies to navigate around them, leading to more effective and creative solutions.

What are the most common problem-solving techniques?

The most common techniques include brainstorming, the 5 Whys, mind mapping, SWOT analysis, and using algorithms or heuristics. Each approach has its strengths, suitable for different types of problems.

What’s the best problem-solving strategy for every situation?

There’s no one-size-fits-all strategy. The best approach depends on the problem’s complexity, available resources, and time constraints. Combining multiple techniques often yields the best results.

How can I improve my problem-solving skills?

Improve your problem-solving skills by practicing regularly, learning from experts, staying open to feedback, and continuously updating your knowledge on new approaches and methodologies.

Are there any tools or resources to help with problem-solving?

Yes, tools like mind mapping software, online courses on critical thinking, and books on problem-solving techniques can be very helpful. Joining forums or groups focused on problem-solving can also provide support and insights.

What are some common mistakes people make when solving problems?

Common mistakes include jumping to conclusions without fully understanding the problem, ignoring valuable feedback, sticking to familiar solutions without considering alternatives, and not breaking down complex problems into manageable parts.

Final Words

Mastering problem-solving strategies equips us with the tools to tackle challenges across all areas of life. By understanding and applying these techniques, embracing a growth mindset, and learning from both successes and obstacles, we can transform problems into opportunities for growth. Continuously improving these skills ensures we’re prepared to face and solve future challenges more effectively.

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How to Improve Problem Solving Skills [10 Ways]

While it might seem like some people are just born with stronger problem-solving skills, there are strategies that anyone can use to improve them.

That’s right, it’s possible to significantly enhance your abilities in this area — and the best part is, most of these activities are also pretty fun!

What Are Problem Solving Skills?

Before we get to the engaging activities, let’s refine our understanding of problem-solving skills, which are any techniques that help you consistently:

• Understand the causes of problems
• Overcome short-term crises
• Create strategies to solve longer-term problems
• Turn problems into opportunities

What Problem Solving Skills Should I Have?

You’ll be able to solve problems in your role better as you grow in your industry-specific knowledge. But there are also a few universal problem solving skills we all need:

• Defining the Problem: Deeply understanding a problem through research , leading to better solutions. Research can include interviewing, reading books and emails, analyzing financial data, searching your organization’s intranet, and organizing your findings.
• Brainstorming: Creating a myriad of new solutions quickly. In group brainstorms, allow everyone to state ideas. Appreciate all input, and avoid criticism. Then, organize solutions into groups around common themes.
• Analyzing: Using disciplined thought processes to evaluate each possible solution. Besides listing their costs and benefits, you might apply deductive reasoning, game theory, and the rules of logic (including fallacies) to them.
• Managing Risk: Anticipating and trying to avoid the downsides of key solutions. Your team can list potential risks, rate how likely each is, predict a date by which each might either happen or no longer be an issue, and devise ways to reduce those risks.
• Deciding: The ability to decide on a solution and move forward with it. After an appropriate amount of time, an analysis of possible solutions, and feedback from team members, a designated decider must choose and implement a solution.
• Managing Emotions: Applying emotional intelligence in order to improve your and your team members’ ability to think clearly. This requires you to recognize emotions in yourself and others, manage feelings, and channel emotions into useful work.

10 Exciting Ways to Improve Problem Solving Skills

Use these ten creative ways to improve problem solving skills, develop more strategic ways of thinking , and train your brain to do more.

1. Dance Your Heart Out

Did you know that dancing has a positive impact on neural processing, possibly developing new neural pathways to go around dopamine-depleted blockages in the brain?

This means that if you engage in ballet or another form of structured dance, doing so may facilitate convergent thinking . In other words, it may help you find a single, appropriate answer to a problem. If you need help with divergent thinking (finding multiple answers to a problem), engaging in more improvised types of dance such as hip-hop or tap might just do the trick.

2. Work out Your Brain with Logic Puzzles or Games

The winning strategy when playing chess, Sudoku, a Rubik’s Cube, or other brain-boosting games is actually to work the problem backward, not forward. The same strategy can apply to realistic strategic-thinking situations.

To build up your brain muscle and develop new problem-solving techniques, practice some logic puzzles and other games .

3. Get a Good Night’s Sleep

More than any other sleeping or awake state, Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep directly enhances creative processing in the brain. REM sleep helps “stimulate associative networks, allowing the brain to make new and useful associations between unrelated ideas” and are “not due to selective memory enhancements” such as memory consolidation, which occurs when awake.

4. Work out to Some Tunes

A study of cardiac rehabilitation patients tested verbal fluency after exercising with and without music. Results showed that when they listened to music while working out, participants more than doubled their scores on verbal fluency tests in contrast to when they worked out in silence. According to the study’s lead author, “The combination of music and exercise may stimulate and increase cognitive arousal while helping to organize the cognitive output.”

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5. keep an “idea journal” with you, 6. participate in yoga.

The powerful combination of body awareness, breathing, and meditation that is required during yoga practice has been shown to significantly raise cognitive test scores. Other results from a University of Illinois study include shorter reaction times, more accuracy, and increased attention.

7. Eat Some Cheerios (And Then Think About It)

The Cheerios Effect is the name physicists have given to the event that happens when the last few cheerios in a bowl always cling to each other. The cause of this occurrence is surface tension.

The takeaway is that when it comes to experiencing tension while trying to solve a problem, cling to those around you. Rely on others’ experiences and ideas, even those from different career fields. Draw connections. Brainstorm. Work together to get the job done.

8. Use Mind Maps to Help Visualize the Problem

Mind Maps , a visual snapshot of a problem and its possible solutions, can help focus the mind, stimulate the brain, increase the capacity for creative thinking, and generate more ideas for solutions.

Make a Mind Map by drawing your problem as the central idea. Add “main branches” consisting of all the reasons for the problem. Use “sub-branches” to explore further details.

Next, make a separate Mind Map of all possible solutions to the central problem. Add “main branches” showing all the ways that your problem can be solved, such as colleagues that can help, techniques you can apply, and other resources you can use. Add “sub-branches” to further explore the details. Make a final branch with the most suitable solution for the main problem. Use “sub-branches” for details.

Through this exercise, you should be able to see which “branch” or option is the most practical, time-saving, and cost-effective problem solving method .

9. Create “Psychological Distance”

What is psychological distance? According to the construal level theory (CLT), it’s “anything that we do not experience as occurring now, here, and to ourselves.” Some examples include taking another person’s perspective or thinking of the problem as unlikely.

Scientists have shown that by increasing the mental distance between us and our problem, we’ll have an increase in creative solutions. This happens because thinking more abstractly helps us form unexpected connections between seemingly unrelated concepts, thus allowing our minds to increase its problem solving capacity.

10. Play Some Soccer

A link has been found between our brain’s “executive functions” and sports success . When in action, our brains are quickly multitasking between moving, anticipating, strategizing, reacting, and performing. Doing all these things at once requires an enormous amount of brain activity.

This can be related to our working world when we plan, reason, monitor our actions and problem solve all at once. Therefore, it may be concluded that when you play soccer or any other fast-moving sport, you’re rewiring your brain to be quicker at thinking, processing, and reacting to problems.

To learn more about how to develop your problem-solving and decision making capabilities or to receive training on applied strategic thinking skills , contact CMOE today!

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How to Improve Your Problem-Solving Skills with These 8 Science-Backed Techniques

• Post author: Kirstie Pursey
• Post published: January 8, 2018
• Reading time: 6 mins read
• Post category: Personal Development / Self-Improvement / Success Skills

We all have many problems to solve every day. But have you ever thought how improving your problem-solving skills could make you more successful?

Every day we are bombarded with problems that need solving. Many of these are mundane everyday problems, such as how to fit in your child’s dance class, a grocery shop, and dentist appointment after school. But some are more complex and affect how successful we are in our work lives and our relationships.

Luckily, it is easy to improve your problem-solving skills with a few simple tips and tricks.

1. focus on the solution – not the problem.

Neuroscientists have shown that it is difficult for your brain to find solutions if you focus on the problem. A more positive approach is to acknowledge the problem and then switch to seeking possible solutions .

2. Make Sure You are Solving the Right Problem

This may sound obvious, but you should ensure you are focused on the right problem . Often, we look for quick fixes that cover up the problem rather than finding the deeper cause .

For example, your problem might be that you are exhausted all the time . You may then assume that you need more sleep. However, the problem might not be lack of sleep but an underlying health condition. It wouldn’t matter how much extra sleep you got, you wouldn’t solve your tiredness because you weren’t addressing the right problem.

3. Slow Down

Problems make us feel uncomfortable , so we try to solve them as quickly as possible . However, it is often important to slow down and take the time to find the right solution rather than leaping to the first possibility that comes to mind. It can also help to take a break from a problem if you can’t find a solution. When you come back, you look at the problem afresh.

In addition, research has suggested that your subconscious mind will have been mulling over the situation in the meantime, so you may come up with some new insights .

4. Don’t Panic

It is easy to panic when faced with a problem. However, panic and anxiety will seriously affect your ability to make clear and creative decisions . All that adrenaline racing through your body is not conducive to calm, critical thinking.

So, to develop your problem-solving skills, first, take a few deep breaths, go for a walk or do whatever makes you regain your composure.

5. Keep asking why

To dig deeper into a problem, a clever trick to improve your problem-solving skills is to act like a toddler and keep asking why . For example, if your problem is that you keep getting takeout instead of cooking a healthy meal ask:

• Why did I get takeout?
• There was no fresh food in the house
• Why was there no fresh food in the house?
• I didn’t have time to go shopping
• Why didn’t I have time to go shopping?
• I usually go after work on Thursdays, but I keep having to work late.

Now you understand better why you are having trouble cooking fresh food. A range of solutions is now available, such as changing the time you go shopping or talking to your boss about having one day a week where you leave on time.

6. Simplify things

Problems are often complex. If you are having a problem with something such as finances, you may think about may parts of the problem such as not getting paid enough, spending too much, not developing your side hustle. Before you know it, you are looking to ask for a raise or change job, work on cutting your outgoings and starting the side hustle. You may also have upset your partner and kids by stressing out and demanding changes along the way. It’s all too overwhelming .

However, when you break the problem down into its basic components, it becomes easier to understand and, therefore, easier to solve . You can focus on one step at a time rather than running around like a headless chicken trying to fix everything at once.

7. Think laterally

We can get stuck in a rut when we keep using the same approach to solving a problem even when it hasn’t worked before. For example, many of us have tried to set a fitness schedule but never been able to keep it. However, when you think laterally , you open up your mind to different possible solutions, and this helps you have more creative ideas. Try to think of the opposite of your normal solution .

For example, if you always plan to go the gym three times a week but never make it, perhaps try the opposite such as have the gym come to you. Maybe in the form of a personal trainer or even a YouTube video. Or, instead of going to the gym, go somewhere different, like the park, boating lake or beach.

8. List out as many solutions as possible

Perhaps the best advice on problem-solving is never to dismiss an idea . Write down every possible solution to a problem you can think of, even if it seems silly. It may lead to a better idea or be something that could be adapted to become a great idea.

Closing thoughts

These tips may seem quite simple, but they can have a profound influence on your life. Developing your problem-solving skills can make you more effective at work, at home and in your relationships. It can also reduce stress and help you feel more in control of what happens in your life.

Slowing down and taking the time to deal with problems and find creative and effective solutions can definitely help your life to run more smoothly.

Further reading :

• https://www.inc.com
• blogs.scientificamerican.com

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This Post Has 2 Comments

Thank you! I enjoying reading every time and not only reading but, apply what was read into my life.

Wow! great post. Your ideas are awesome. Your problem-solving technique helps me lot. Thanks for the sharing such a nice post.

Thankfully. John Plix

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Improving your problem-solving skills with learning games for adults

We face problems every day . Whether it's a complex problem at work or a personal issue that needs solving, good problem-solving skills are essential for success in both your personal and professional life. 

If you’re feeling a little rusty in the problem-solving department, there are many ways to enhance your problem-solving abilities, like cognitive training techniques and brain games. That’s right: Games can help improve your cognitive abilities like processing speed, reasoning, and working memory , which are essential for effective problem-solving. 

So if you’re ready to learn how to improve your problem-solving skills with some of our recommended cognitive training techniques and tips, keep reading. And you’ll be making quicker, more confident decisions in no time. 

What is problem solving, and why is it important?

Problem-solving is, well, the process of identifying, defining, and finding a solution to challenges or difficulties. It involves several steps, including recognizing the existence of a problem, understanding its nature, generating potential solutions, evaluating those solutions, and then implementing the best one. 

Problem-solving is an essential skill that enables you to navigate various aspects of your personal and professional lives effectively. In your workplace, for example, you can quickly identify issues and implement appropriate solutions, contributing to increased productivity and efficiency. In your personal life, good problem-solving skills can help you navigate relationships, make informed decisions, and cope with unexpected situations.

Good problem-solving skills not only help you make better decisions but also improve your critical thinking abilities, allowing you to find effective solutions to complex problems. And by developing and honing your problem-solving skills through cognitive training, you can become more adaptable and resourceful, capable of tackling a wide range of challenges that life throws your way. 

The science behind cognitive training for improving problem solving

So, what is cognitive training? And what does science have to say about it? 

Cognitive training involves a range of activities and exercises that target different cognitive functions. These may include puzzles, memory exercises, or brain games that require strategic thinking. The goal is to stimulate your brain and enhance its ability to process information, reason effectively, and retain information. By engaging in cognitive training , you can boost your mental capabilities and improve your overall problem-solving skills.

As you engage in cognitive training exercises, you’ll experience improvements in processing speed (the ability to absorb and process information quickly), reasoning (logical thinking and decision-making), and working memory (the capacity to hold and manipulate information over short periods). These enhanced cognitive abilities directly contribute to more effective problem-solving skills.

By understanding the principles behind cognitive training and consistently practicing these types of exercises, you can enhance your problem-solving abilities and apply these skills in various aspects of your lives. But not before you learn how to identify problems, which is a key first step to finding effective solutions. 

The problem-solving process

Effective problem identification is a crucial first step in the problem-solving process. Here’s how to do it: 

• Define the Problem: Clearly articulating the issue at hand is essential for understanding its scope and complexity. So take time to describe the problem in detail, considering the context, constraints, and possible repercussions.
• Gather Information: Collect relevant data and information about the problem. This may involve research, consulting with experts, or seeking input from those affected by the issue. Having accurate and comprehensive information is critical for informed decision-making during the problem-solving process.
• Involve Others: Collaborate with your team or other people to ensure diverse perspectives and insights are considered. A good idea can come from everywhere, and a collective approach can lead to more innovative and effective solutions.
• Identify Root Causes: Once the problem is defined, delve deeper to identify its underlying causes. Use techniques such as the "5 Whys" method or cause-and-effect analysis to pinpoint the factors contributing to the issue. Addressing these root causes is crucial for developing long-term, sustainable solutions.
• Select a Problem-Solving Strategy: Employ various problem-solving methods to devise a solution that tackles the root causes effectively. These may include brainstorming, evaluating pros and cons, or implementing a trial-and-error approach. The strategy you ultimately choose should be adaptable and considerate of potential challenges or obstacles.

By following these tips for problem identification and employing problem-solving techniques, you can increase your chances of finding effective and lasting solutions to the issues you face.

6 ways to improve your critical thinking skills

Here’s the truth: You can’t effectively solve a problem without using your critical thinking skills. 

Critical thinking is the process of objectively analyzing information, evaluating the credibility of arguments, and making informed decisions based on logic and reasoning. It involves things like questioning assumptions, considering multiple perspectives, and weighing evidence before reaching a conclusion.

Think about it: Having the ability to analyze information, evaluate arguments, and make reasoned decisions allows you to approach problems logically —and we have a few tips to help you improve your ability to do just that: 

• Break Down Information: To sharpen your critical thinking abilities, practice breaking down complex information into smaller components. Identify patterns, relationships, and underlying principles that can help you better understand the situation.
• Evaluate Arguments: Develop the habit of assessing the credibility and relevance of arguments presented to you. Consider the source of the information, identify any potential biases, and scrutinize the validity of the evidence provided.
• Make Reasoned Decisions: When faced with a decision, take time to gather all relevant information and consider possible outcomes. Weigh the pros and cons before arriving at a well-reasoned conclusion that takes into account both short-term and long-term consequences. (We love a good pros and cons list.) 
• Play Brain Games: Regularly engaging in brain games such as Sudoku, crosswords, chess, or logic puzzles can be an effective way to enhance critical thinking skills. These games require you to analyze information, evaluate potential moves or solutions, and make strategic decisions based on reasoning. We’ll go into more detail about this later, so hang tight. 
• Try Mindfulness Meditation: Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on the present moment while calmly acknowledging and accepting your thoughts and feelings. Practicing mindfulness can enhance attention, concentration, and emotional regulation, all of which are critical for effective problem-solving. And if you're interested, you can try it for free for an entire year with the Balance app .
• Consider Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a psychotherapy technique that helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. By learning to recognize unproductive thinking habits, you can develop more constructive approaches to problem-solving.

By exploring these various cognitive training techniques and consistently incorporating them into your daily life, you’ll be well on your way to enhancing your problem-solving skills and tackling life's challenges more logically and effectively.

How to approach problems with a critical mindset

Approaching problems with a critical mindset is a great way to turn critical thinking into a habit. But what does that mean, and how do you do it? Let’s break it down:  

• Embrace Critical Thinking: Develop the habit of questioning assumptions and challenging conventional wisdom when faced with a problem. This will help to uncover hidden biases or overlooked factors that may influence the issue at hand.
• Consider Multiple Perspectives: Explore different viewpoints and perspectives when assessing a problem. This allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the situation and can lead to innovative solutions that might not have been apparent from a single viewpoint.
• Evaluate Evidence: Gather relevant information and carefully evaluate its credibility and reliability. Assess the strength of the evidence supporting various arguments or positions before making a decision.

By following these tips, you can develop a critical mindset that habitually enables you to approach problems more effectively, leading to well-informed decisions and lasting solutions.

Problem solving methods and techniques

Now that you know a bit about how to approach a problem, here’s how you can implement these problem-solving techniques in your daily life:

• Understand the Context: When applying problem-solving techniques in different settings, it's essential to consider the unique context and constraints of each situation. The approach that works well in a professional environment may not be suitable for a personal issue, so tailor your strategies accordingly.
• Adapt and Be Flexible: Effective problem-solving requires adaptability and flexibility. Be open to changing your approach if circumstances shift or new information emerges. This willingness to adapt will help you find solutions that are relevant and sustainable in the long term.
• Communicate and Collaborate: In both workplace and personal settings, communication and collaboration are key to successful problem-solving. Share your thoughts, ideas, and concerns with team members or stakeholders, and actively seek their input. A diverse array of perspectives can lead to more innovative and effective solutions.
• Learn from Experience: Reflect on past problem-solving experiences and learn from both successes and failures. Apply these lessons to future situations to continuously improve your problem-solving skills.
• Practice Regularly: To develop strong problem-solving abilities, practice regularly by tackling problems in various aspects of your life. The more you practice, the more adept you'll become at identifying problems, generating solutions, and making well-informed decisions.

How to practice effective decision-making

By now, you know how to approach a problem. But how do you solve one? 

Effective decision-making skills are closely related to problem-solving skills, and the two can work together to help you achieve better results. So the next time you have to make a decision, give these steps a try: 

• Gather Information: Just as you need to gather information to understand a problem, you also need to gather information to make informed decisions. This may involve conducting research into various options, consulting with experts, or seeking input from those affected by the issue. Comprehensive and accurate information is crucial for evaluating potential solutions.
• Evaluate Options: Once you have gathered enough information, carefully assess the different options available to address the problem. Consider factors such as feasibility, impact, costs, and potential risks when weighing the pros and cons of each alternative.
• Make a Decision: After evaluating the options, select a solution based on the available information and your assessment of its effectiveness in addressing the root causes of the problem. Ensure that your chosen solution is sustainable in the long term and takes into account any potential challenges or obstacles that may arise.
• Monitor Outcomes: Track the outcomes of your decision to gauge its effectiveness and learn from the results. Be prepared to reassess and adjust your approach if necessary, based on feedback or changing circumstances.
• Refine Your Decision-Making Skills: Continuously work on improving your decision-making abilities by reflecting on past decisions, learning from both successes and failures, and seeking opportunities to practice these skills in various aspects of your life.

The result of putting this into action? Better outcomes and greater success. That’s a win-win if we ever saw one. 

Benefits of brain games for improving problem-solving skills

One fun way to improve all of these problem-solving and decision-making skills we’ve discussed is by playing brain games. 

Brain games stimulate your mind and foster the development of various cognitive abilities like processing speed, reasoning, and working memory, which are all essential for effective problem-solving. 

These games challenge you to think critically and make decisions based on logic and strategy. And as a result, they help cultivate a more agile and adaptable mindset that is valuable for tackling real-life problems. (Did we mention they’re also fun?) 

One popular brain training app that incorporates a wide variety of games is Elevate. 

With more than 40 games spread across math , reading , writing , speaking , and memory skills , the Elevate app offers personalized training programs based on your goals, and it adapts to your skill level and performance over time. 

By incorporating brain games into daily routines or cognitive training programs, you’ll be able to make big improvements in your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, making it easier to tackle challenges in both personal and professional aspects of your life. Oh, and did we mention they’re also fun to play?

Improve your problem-solving skills with learning games for adults

By knowing how to identify a problem, approach it with a critical mindset, and implement a few key problem-solving techniques, you’ll be able to tackle your next challenge with ease. 

And if you’re ready to up-level your overall problem-solving skills with the help of brain training games, download the Elevate app on iOS or Android today and discover 40+ brain training games, personalized training programs, and expert guidance to help you optimize your cognitive abilities and improve your overall performance in daily life. 

With the Elevate app, you can take control of your cognitive function and become a more effective problem solver. It’s what we like to call a no-brainer decision! 

Enhancing your cognitive abilities

• Learn what brain training is, its benefits, and how you can easily get started training your brain. 

The science of cognitive training

• Training cognitive skills can improve brain function. Think of it like a workout for your mind. Read on to learn how brain games can help. 

The importance of mental fitness

• Mental fitness refers to your ability to sustain your overall well-being. Learn tips to improve yours. 

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7 Problem Solving Skills That Aren’t Just Buzzwords (+ Resume Example)

• Júlia Mlčúchova , 
• Updated April 8, 2024 9 min read

Problem-solving skills are something everybody should include on their resume, yet only a few seem to understand what these skills actually are. If you've always felt that the term "problem-solving skills" is rather vague and wanted to know more, you've come to the right place.

In this article, we're going to explain what problem-solving skills really mean. We'll talk about what makes up good problem-solving skills and give you tips on how to get better at them. You'll also find out how to make your problem-solving abilities look more impressive to those who might want to hire you.

Sounds good, right? Curious to learn more? 

In this article we’ll show you:

• What are problem solving skills;
• Why are they important; 
• Specific problem solving skills examples;
• How to develop your problem solving skills;
• And, how to showcase them on your resume.

Table of Contents

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What are problem solving skills?

Why are problem solving skills important, the best 7 problem solving skills examples, how to develop problem solving skills, problem solving skills resume example, key takeaways: problem solving skills.

First of all, they're more than just a buzzword!

Problem-solving skills are a set of specific abilities that allow you to deal with unexpected situations in the workplace, whether it be job related or team related. 

It's a complex process that involves several “sub skills” or “sub steps,” namely:

• Recognizing and identifying the issue at hand.
• Breaking the problem down into smaller parts and analyzing how they relate to one another. 
• Creating potential solutions to the problem, evaluating them and picking the best one.  
• Applying the chosen solution and assessing its outcome. 
• Learning from the whole process to deal with future problems more effectively. 

As you can see, it's not just about solving problems that are right in front of us, but also about predicting potential issues and being prepared to deal with them before they arise.  

Despite what you may believe, problem-solving skills aren't just for managers . 

Think about it this way: Why do employers hire employees in the first place? To solve problems for them!

And, as we all know, problems don't discriminate. In other words, it doesn't matter whether you're just an intern, an entry-level professional, or a seasoned veteran, you'll constantly face some kind of challenges. And the only difference is in how complex they will get.

This is also reflected in the way employers assess suitability of potential job candidates. 

In fact, research shows that the ability to deal with unexpected complications is prioritized by an overwhelming 60% of employers across all industries, making it one of the most compelling skills on your resume.

So, regardless of your job description or your career level, you're always expected to find solutions for problems, either independently or as a part of a team. 

And that's precisely what makes problem-solving skills so invaluable and universal ! 

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As we've said before, problem-solving isn't really just one single skill. 

Instead, your ability to handle workplace issues with composure depends on several different “sub-skills”. 

So, which specific skills make an employee desirable even for the most demanding of recruiters? 

In no particular order, you should focus on these 7 skills : 

• Analytical skills
• Research skills
• Critical thinking 
• Decision-making
• Collaboration
• Having a growth mindset

Let's have a look at each of them in greater detail!

#1 Analytical skills

Firstly, to truly understand complex problems, you need to break them down into more manageable parts . Then, you observe them closely and ask yourself: “ Which parts work and which don't,” How do these parts contribute to the problem as a whole,” and "What exactly needs to be fixed?” In other words, you gather data , you study it, and compare it - all to pinpoint the cause of the issue as closely as possible.

#2 Research skills

Another priceless tool is your research skills (sometimes relying on just one source of information isn't enough). Besides, to make a truly informed decision , you'll have to dig a little deeper. Being a good researcher means looking for potential solutions to a problem in a wider context. For example: going through team reports, customer feedback, quarterly sales or current market trends.  

#3 Critical thinking

Every employer wants to hire people who can think critically. Yet, the ability to evaluate situations objectively and from different perspectives , is actually pretty hard to come by. But as long as you stay open-minded, inquisitive, and with a healthy dose of skepticism, you'll be able to assess situations based on facts and evidence more successfully. Plus, critical thinking comes in especially handy when you need to examine your own actions and processes. 

 #4 Creativity

Instead of following the old established processes that don't work anymore, you should feel comfortable thinking outside the box. The thing is, problems have a nasty habit of popping up unexpectedly and rapidly. And sometimes, you have to get creative in order to solve them fast. Especially those that have no precedence. But this requires a blend of intuition, industry knowledge, and quick thinking - a truly rare combination. 

#5 Decision-making

The analysis, research, and brainstorming are done. Now, you need to look at the possible solutions, and make the final decision (informed, of course). And not only that, you also have to stand by it ! Because once the train gets moving, there's no room for second guessing. Also, keep in mind that you need to be prepared to take responsibility for all decisions you make. That's no small feat! 

#6 Collaboration

Not every problem you encounter can be solved by yourself alone. And this is especially true when it comes to complex projects. So, being able to actively listen to your colleagues, take their ideas into account, and being respectful of their opinions enables you to solve problems together. Because every individual can offer a unique perspective and skill set. Yes, democracy is hard, but at the end of the day, it's teamwork that makes the corporate world go round. 

#7 Having a growth mindset

Let's be honest, no one wants their work to be riddled with problems. But facing constant challenges and changes is inevitable. And that can be scary! However, when you're able to see these situations as opportunities to grow instead of issues that hold you back, your problem solving skills reach new heights. And the employers know that too!

Now that we've shown you the value problem-solving skills can add to your resume, let's ask the all-important question: “How can I learn them?”

Well…you can't. At least not in the traditional sense of the word. 

Let us explain: Since problem-solving skills fall under the umbrella of soft skills , they can't be taught through formal education, unlike computer skills for example. There's no university course that you can take and graduate as a professional problem solver. 

But, just like other interpersonal skills, they can be nurtured and refined over time through practice and experience. 

Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all approach, but the following tips can offer you inspiration on how to improve your problem solving skills:

• Cultivate a growth mindset. Remember what we've said before? Your attitude towards obstacles is the first step to unlocking your problem-solving potential. 
• Gain further knowledge in your specialized field. Secondly, it's a good idea to delve a little deeper into your chosen profession. Because the more you read on a subject, the easier it becomes to spot certain patterns and relations.  
• Start with small steps. Don't attack the big questions straight away — you'll only set yourself up for failure. Instead, start with more straightforward tasks and work your way up to more complex problems. 
• Break problems down into more digestible pieces. Complex issues are made up of smaller problems. And those can be further divided into even smaller problems, and so on. Until you're left with only the basics. 
• Don't settle for a single solution. Instead, keep on exploring other possible answers.
• Accept failure as a part of the learning process. Finally, don't let your failures discourage you. After all, you're bound to misstep a couple of times before you find your footing. Just keep on practicing. 

How to improve problem solving skills with online courses

While it’s true that formal education won’t turn you into a master problem solver, you can still hone your skills with courses and certifications offered by online learning platforms :

• Analytical skills. You can sharpen your analytical skills with Data Analytics Basics for Everyone from IBM provided by edX (Free); or Decision Making and Analytical Thinking: Fortune 500 provided by Udemy (＄21,74).
• Creativity. And, to unlock your inner creative mind, you can try Creative Thinking: Techniques and Tools for Success from the Imperial College London provided by Coursera (Free).
• Critical thinking. Try Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking Specialization from Duke University provided by Coursera (Free); or Logical and Critical Thinking offered by The University of Auckland via FutureLearn.  
• Decision-making. Or, you can learn how to become more confident when it's time to make a decision with Decision-Making Strategies and Executive Decision-Making both offered by LinkedIn Learning (1 month free trial).
• Communication skills . Lastly, to improve your collaborative skills, check out Communicating for Influence and Impact online at University of Cambridge. 

The fact that everybody and their grandmothers put “ problem-solving skills ” on their CVs has turned the phrase into a cliche. 

But there's a way to incorporate these skills into your resume without sounding pretentious and empty. Below, we've prepared a mock-up resume that manages to do just that.

FYI, if you like this design, you can use the template to create your very own resume. Just click the red button and fill in your information (or let the AI do it for you).

Problem solving skills on resume example

This resume was written by our experienced resume writers specifically for this profession.

Why this example works?

• Firstly, the job description itself is neatly organized into bullet points .  
• Instead of simply listing soft skills in a skills section , you can incorporate them into the description of your work experience entry.  
• Also, the language here isn't vague . This resume puts each problem-solving skill into a real-life context by detailing specific situations and obstacles. 
• And, to highlight the impact of each skill on your previous job position, we recommend quantifying your results whenever possible. 
• Finally, starting each bullet point with an action verb (in bold) makes you look more dynamic and proactive.

To sum it all up, problem-solving skills continue gaining popularity among employers and employees alike. And for a good reason!

Because of them, you can overcome any obstacles that stand in the way of your professional life more efficiently and systematically. 

In essence, problem-solving skills refer to the ability to recognize a challenge, identify its root cause, think of possible solutions , and then implement the most effective one. 

Believing that these skills are all the same would be a serious misconception. In reality, this term encompasses a variety of different abilities , including:

In short, understanding, developing, and showcasing these skills, can greatly boost your chances at getting noticed by the hiring managers. So, don't hesitate and start working on your problem-solving skills right now!

Julia has recently joined Kickresume as a career writer. From helping people with their English to get admitted to the uni of their dreams to advising them on how to succeed in the job market. It would seem that her career is on a steadfast trajectory. Julia holds a degree in Anglophone studies from Metropolitan University in Prague, where she also resides. Apart from creative writing and languages, she takes a keen interest in literature and theatre.

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5 ways to sharpen your problem-solving skills.

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How can your problem solving get better?

I’ve said this many times before and I’ll say it again: Problems are opportunities in disguise! When most people think about problems, they picture a cluster of negativity that will eventually bury them. However, that’s not the case. Problems are an inevitable part of life with some merits of their own. Of the many things they do, problems ensure continual learning, help us think differently, and build our confidence. 

Here are 5 methods you can follow to sharpen your problem-solving skills:

1. Question the Problem Repeatedly with “Why?”

To solve a problem, you need first to define it. To do so, start by asking yourself, “Why did this problem occur?” Follow up on your answer with another “Why?” Keep going until you dig into the root cause. 

2. Draw a Mind Map to Visualize the Problem

Take out a piece of paper, a few colored pens, and draw a mind map of the problem at hand. Make sure that your drawing includes the central idea, which is the problem itself, and that it contains the reasons for the occurrence. Next, draw sub-branches that suggest possible solutions before analyzing them and picking the best option.

3. List All Possible Solutions

When trying to solve a problem, come up with as many solutions as possible, even if they sound ridiculous to you. Brainstorm bad ideas! I’ve come to learn that it’s better to focus on brainstorming bad ideas when trying to think of creative and innovative solutions. Even if the ideas we come up with could be considered stupid or ridiculous, brainstorming bad ideas removes the pressure of having to conceive good ideas and allows us to push past obvious answers. Terrible ideas can be reevaluated and turned into something unique and brilliant. 

4. Always be Willing to Learn

Even if you’re the most accomplished person on the planet, know that there’s always room for improvement. One of the best ways to learn is by mimicking others. For example, when I’m trying to accomplish a specific goal or solve a problem, I do the research and find the best people in that field, even if they are competitors. I look at what they have done, what has worked, and their principles. It’s like following a scientific formula and the way I rose to the top so quickly and early in my life. I’ve just followed the same steps that have already been taken, adapting them to my situation and needs, and have found a lifetime of success in a short time.

5. Give Your Brain a Good Workout with Puzzles & Brainteasers

This may sound like child’s play, but doing puzzles and playing games involving logic, like chess and Sudoku, hones your problem-solving skills by helping you learn strategies and techniques that you can later apply to real-life situations. Pick a game that you think you’ll enjoy, find a partner, if needed, and start playing!

The ability to solve problems comes down to mindset, which determines the way we turn the challenges we face into positive solutions. The next time you encounter a problem, try to see it as a learning opportunity that will only make you better at what you do once you tackle it. After all, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!

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How to Improve Problem Solving Skills in the Workplace

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In a career spanning over two decades in leadership and management, I’ve found myself at the epicenter of problem solving in the workplace more times than I can count. The nature of managing teams and leading projects means that each day comes with its own set of challenges, each presenting a new “fire” to extinguish.

This relentless demand for solutions has served not as a setback, but as a rigorous training ground for honing my problem solving skills. I’ve come to realize that the capability to effectively solve problems is not just an asset but a necessity in the fast-paced and ever-evolving workplace. The journey of refining these skills is continuous, demanding both dedication and a willingness to adapt.

This article aims to share insights and strategies on how to enhance problem solving skills in the workplace, drawing from lessons learned through firsthand experiences. Here, we’ll explore why cultivating strong problem solving abilities is crucial for professional growth and organizational success, and how you can systematically improve these skills to navigate the complex challenges of today’s work environment. Let’s dive in, and uncover the means to turn problems into opportunities for innovation and advancement.

Understanding the Importance of Problem Solving

In the modern workplace, the ability to tackle difficulties effectively is not a luxury, it is an absolute necessity. Problems can arise from a variety of sources: internal challenges, market competition, technological advancements, or unforeseen global events. Employees and leaders alike who excel in problem solving become invaluable assets to their organizations. But what makes problem-solving skills so crucial? Let’s unpack this.

Value in the Workplace

First and foremost, problem solving is directly linked to productivity and efficiency. A workforce adept in identifying issues quickly and proposing viable solutions can save a company from costly downtime and resource wastage. It is the oil that keeps the organizational machinery running smoothly.

Beyond the immediacy of resolving specific issues, problem-solving skills foster a proactive mindset. Rather than waiting for directives, employees who are skilled problem solvers take ownership and initiative. They are the ones who anticipate potential roadblocks and ward them off before they impact workflow.

Innovation and Adaptation

The constant push to find better, faster, and more cost-effective methods gives rise to innovation. When employees approach problems with a creative mindset, they often discover new ways of doing things that significantly improve operations. This adaptive quality ensures that a company is not just reacting to change but is staying ahead of it, prepared to pivot and embrace new opportunities.

Team Dynamics and Morale

A culture that values and develops problem-solving skills is also conducive to stronger team collaboration. When everyone brings their problem-solving ‘A-game’, it creates a synergistic effect where the sum is greater than its parts. Moreover, teams that solve problems together experience heightened morale and job satisfaction. Overcoming hurdles collectively strengthens workplace harmony and builds a sense of camaraderie and trust.

Risk Management

The strategic side of problem solving involves risk management—identifying potential issues before they become actual ones. Effective problem solvers are able to extract lessons from every challenge and apply them to future scenarios. This makes the business more resilient and able to handle adverse situations with more agility.

Measure of Leadership

Finally, for anyone in or aspiring to leadership, being a competent problem solver is a defining characteristic. Leaders are often judged by their capacity to navigate through crises and lead their teams to success. It’s not simply about extinguishing fires; it’s about doing so in a way that instills confidence and maintains or even boosts momentum.

Essential Problem-Solving Skills to Develop

To flourish in today’s complex business environment, mastering a set of core problem-solving skills is imperative. These skills serve as the toolkit for dismantling difficulties and turning them into opportunities. Here are some crucial abilities that professionals should foster:

Analytical Skills

The bedrock of problem solving is the ability to break down complex information into manageable parts. Analytical thinkers can dissect a problem and understand its components, which makes finding a solution more straightforward. Developing sharp analytical skills allows you to evaluate data methodically, recognize patterns, and isolate the variables that influence outcomes.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking goes hand-in-hand with analytical capabilities. It involves questioning assumptions, evaluating arguments, and considering the validity and reliability of data before making decisions. By honing critical thinking, you reinforce your judgment and decision-making processes, ensuring that your solutions are well-founded and not just spur-of-the-moment guesses.

Creative Thinking

While analytical and critical skills are important, sometimes the best solutions come from outside the proverbial box. Creative thinking unlocks innovative solutions to problems that may not be apparent using traditional methods. Cultivating creativity isn’t just for artistic pursuits; it’s about looking at challenges from fresh angles and being open to unconventional ideas that can lead to breakthroughs.

Emotional Intelligence

Problem solving is not solely an intellectual exercise; it often involves managing emotions and interpersonal relations. Emotional intelligence (EQ) empowers you to understand and manage your own emotions and those of others. High EQ leads to better communication and collaboration, which is essential when you’re working through problems in a team setting.

Decision-Making Skills

All the analysis, critical thought, and creativity ultimately aim at making decisions. Timely and decisive action is often required to resolve issues before they balloon. Training yourself to weigh the pros and cons and then confidently make choices is an essential component of effective problem solving.

Strategic Planning

Strategic planning is about seeing the big picture . Those skilled in strategy are able to formulate step-by-step plans that lead to solutions, considering both short-term results and long-term implications. This forward-thinking approach is invaluable for moving from problem identification to successful execution of solutions.

Adaptability and Flexibility

In a world where change is the only constant, being adaptable and flexible is key. Problems often don’t follow a script, and you need to be able to pivot and adjust your plans as new information or variables come into play.

Persistence

Finally, an often-overlooked aspect of problem solving is the persistence to follow through. Some problems are more complex and stubborn than others, requiring sustained effort and the resilience to face setbacks.

By intentionally cultivating these skills, you will become better equipped to face the multitude of challenges that the workplace can throw at you. Strengthening these capabilities is not an overnight affair but rather a continuous journey of personal and professional development to become a good problem solver. As you advance these essential problem-solving skills, you’ll find yourself becoming a go-to source for solutions in your workplace, deepening your value and effectiveness in your role.

Strategies to Enhance Problem Solving Skills

Developing effective problem-solving skills is a dynamic and continuous process. To better navigate the complexities of the workplace and personal challenges, it’s beneficial to adopt certain strategies that can enhance these skills over time. Below are some effective strategies to consider incorporating into your personal development plan :

Continuous Learning

Keeping abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and professional knowledge is essential. Engaging in continuous learning through courses, workshops, and reading can expose you to new ideas and methodologies that enhance your problem-solving skills.

Practice Critical Analysis

Like any other skill, problem-solving abilities improve with practice. Try to tackle diverse problems, even if they’re hypothetical. Games and puzzles that require strategic thinking can also sharpen your problem-solving skills.

Reflect on Past Experiences

Maintaining a journal where you document thechallenges you’ve faced, the approaches you took, and the outcomes can help you analyze your growth. This reflection can provide insights into how your approaches can be improved or adapted for future issues.

Foster Creativity

Regular brainstorming sessions, either solo or in a group, can help you think outside the box and generate creative solutions. Don’t judge ideas as they come; the goal is to open up as many possibilities as you can, and then evaluate them later for viability.

Seek Diverse Perspectives

Different perspectives can lead to unique solutions. By networking with others and collaborating, you can experience different problem-solving styles and learn new techniques. This can be particularly useful in complex scenarios where interdisciplinary approaches might be beneficial.

Develop Emotional Intelligence

Since problem-solving often involves other people, understanding emotional dynamics can lead to better outcomes. Work on emotional intelligence by practicing empathy and self-awareness. Knowing how your emotions influence your decisions can help you manage them more effectively.

Implement Structured Problem-Solving Methods

Familiarize yourself with structured problem-solving techniques such as SWOT Analysis, Root Cause Analysis, or the Five Whys. These frameworks can provide a systematic approach to dissecting and addressing problems more effectively.

Embrace Mistakes as Learning Opportunities

Every problem-solving process offers a lesson. Embrace mistakes and analyze them to understand what went wrong and why. This analysis can turn failures into valuable learning opportunities, preventing similar mistakes in the future.

Prioritize Problems

Not all problems need to be solved immediately, and not all require the same amount of resources. Learning to prioritize problems based on their impact and urgency can enhance your effectiveness.

By incorporating these strategies into your regular practices, you can sharpen your problem-solving skills and become more adept at navigating the challenges of both your professional and personal life. Enhancing these skills not only makes you a more competent individual but also a valuable team player and leader in any organizational setting.

Training and Resources for Skill Enhancement

Developing and enhancing problem-solving skills is a journey that involves continual learning and growth. Thankfully, in today’s digital world, there are abundant resources and training opportunities available that cater to varying levels of expertise and professional fields. Utilizing these resources can significantly boost your ability to tackle complex problems effectively. Here’s a guide to some of the most valuable types and sources of training and resources available:

Online Courses and Workshops

Platforms like Coursera, edX, and LinkedIn Learning offer courses taught by industry professionals and university professors. These platforms cover a wide range of topics from analytical thinking, critical reasoning, and creative problem-solving, to specialized courses tailored to specific industries. Interactive workshops can also simulate real-life problem-solving scenarios, offering hands-on experience.

Books and eBooks

A wealth of knowledge exists in books focused on enhancing problem-solving skills. Titles such as “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman, and “The Art of Problem Solving” by Russell L. Ackoff provide insights into human cognition and practical strategies for effective problem-solving. eBooks available on platforms like Amazon Kindle allow easy access to the latest titles as well as classic texts.

Professional Development Seminars

Industry-specific seminars hosted by professional bodies or trade associations can be invaluable. These seminars often address current challenges in the field and offer problem-solving techniques that are immediately applicable to your work. Attending these events also provides networking opportunities with peers who may have faced similar challenges.

Mentorship Programs

Finding a mentor in your field can provide personalized guidance on navigating professional challenges. Mentors can share their experiences, offer advice on developing problem-solving strategies, and provide feedback on your approach to different situations.

Group Discussion Forums and Online Communities

Platforms like Reddit, Quora, and specific professional networks (e.g., Stack Overflow for tech professionals) can be excellent resources for sharing and receiving advice on problem-solving. Engaging with these communities allows you to discuss real-world problems, explore multiple perspectives, and learn from the experiences of others.

Simulation Games

Strategic and simulation games (e.g., chess, SimCity, or even escape rooms) can be fun and effective ways to sharpen your strategic thinking and decision-making skills. These games challenge you to think ahead, anticipate problems, and devise solutions within constraints, mirroring real-life problem-solving situations.

YouTube Channels and TED Talks

Educational YouTube channels (such as TED-Ed or CrashCourse) and TED Talks offer free access to engaging content that can broaden your perspective and inspire innovative thinking. They cover a vast range of subjects, including psychology, business strategies, and science—all of which can enhance your problem-solving skills.

E-learning Apps

Mobile apps designed for learning new skills can be highly convenient. Apps like Lumosity, which offers brain-training exercises, or Brilliant.org , which focuses on problem-solving and critical thinking, allow you to practice and improve your skills on the go.

By leveraging these diverse training and resources, you can effectively enhance your problem-solving skills and apply them to your professional and personal life. Remember, the key to improvement is consistency and the willingness to step out of your comfort zone to tackle new challenges.

Practical Ways to Apply Problem Solving in Everyday Work

Incorporating problem-solving techniques into daily work routines can transform the way challenges are approached, making processes more efficient and outcomes more effective. Here are practical ways to apply problem-solving skills in everyday work:

Start with Clear Problem Definition

The first step in solving any problem is accurately defining it. Spend time understanding the issue at hand. Ask questions like, “What exactly is the problem?”, “Why is it a problem?”, and “What are the consequences of this problem?” A clear, concise problem statement paves the way for focused and effective solutions.

Break Down the Problem

Large or complex problems can seem daunting at first. Break them down into smaller, more manageable components. This approach makes it easier to tackle each part of the problem systematically, without feeling overwhelmed. Analyzing smaller pieces of the puzzle often reveals insights that apply to the problem at large.

Implement the 5 Whys Technique

Originating from lean manufacturing practices, the 5 Whys technique is about asking “Why?” a minimum of five times to drill down into the root cause of a problem. This method encourages deeper investigation beyond surface-level issues and can uncover underlying problems that, once solved, prevent future occurrences.

Leverage Diverse Perspectives

Collaboration can bring diverse perspectives to the table, shedding new light on the problem. Encourage team members to share their insights, experiences, and potential solutions. Sometimes, a fresh pair of eyes can see a solution that may not be apparent from a single viewpoint.

Apply Critical Thinking

Critical thinking involves analyzing facts to understand a problem or topic objectively. It requires distancing yourself from emotional responses to evaluate data and evidence logically. In the context of problem-solving, this means looking at all angles of a problem, questioning assumptions, and considering various outcomes before deciding on a course of action.

Experiment with Brainstorming and Mind Mapping

Brainstorming sessions can generate a multitude of solutions in a short amount of time, making them invaluable for problem-solving. Mind mapping, on the other hand, can help visually organize thoughts, ideas, and potential solutions, making the relationships between different aspects of the problem and its possible solutions clearer.

Prioritize Solutions

Once potential solutions have been identified, evaluate and prioritize them based on criteria like feasibility, impact, and resource requirements. This step ensures that effort is invested in implementing solutions that are most likely to resolve the problem effectively.

Develop an Action Plan

An actionable plan outlines the steps needed to implement the chosen solution. This plan should include tasks, timelines, responsible individuals, and resources needed. Breaking the solution down into manageable steps ensures progress can be tracked, and adjustments can be made as needed.

Reflect and Learn from Outcomes

After implementing a solution, it’s crucial to assess its effectiveness. Did it solve the problem? What worked well, and what didn’t? Reflecting on these questions and learning from the outcomes is a critical part of the problem-solving process. It not only helps in refining current solutions but also enhances problem-solving skills for future challenges.

By integrating these practical strategies into everyday work, individuals and teams can foster a proactive problem-solving culture. This approach not only addresses issues more efficiently but also contributes to continuous improvement and innovation within the workplace.

Incorporating Problem Solving into Team Collaboration

Bringing problem-solving to the forefront of team collaboration not only enhances productivity but also drives innovation and team cohesion. Here are several strategies for effectively incorporating problem-solving into the fabric of team collaboration :

Foster Open Communication

Establish a communication-rich environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. Encourage active listening and ensure that all voices are heard without judgment. This openness facilitates the free flow of information, which is critical for identifying issues and brainstorming solutions collaboratively.

Define Roles Clearly

Clearly defining roles within the team helps in streamlining the problem-solving process. Assign a facilitator to guide discussions, a scribe to document the process, and various roles based on team members’ unique skills and expertise. When everyone understands their responsibilities, the team can tackle problems more efficiently.

Utilize Group Problem-Solving Models

Adopt structured problem-solving models such as the PDCA cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act) or the Six Thinking Hats technique to give a clear framework to the collaborative process. These models help organize thoughts, manage the flow of ideas, and assess solutions systematically.

Create a Safe Space for Creativity

Innovative solutions often arise from creative thinking. Create a team culture where creativity is valued and nurtured. Establish an environment where it’s safe to take risks and where unconventional ideas are explored, not immediately dismissed.

Encourage Collaborative Tools

Leverage technology to facilitate collaboration. Use project management tools, shared documents, and digital whiteboards to allow team members to contribute ideas, organize thoughts, and track progress in real-time, even when working remotely.

Value Diverse Perspectives

Diversity within teams brings a range of perspectives to problem-solving, which can lead to more comprehensive and robust solutions. Encourage team members with different backgrounds, skills, and experiences to contribute their viewpoints. Recognize the value of diversity as a strength in the problem-solving process.

Implement Regular Group Reflection Sessions

After completing a project or resolving an issue, reconvene the team for reflection sessions. What was learned? What could have been done better? Reviewing the problem-solving process and the outcomes can offer valuable learning experiences that improve the teams’ ability to handle future issues collectively.

Establish a Clear Process for Decision Making

While consensus may be ideal, it’s not always practical. Establish a decision-making process that is transparent and fair, such as voting or taking turns to make final decisions. Having a process in place can help avoid conflict and ensure that decisions are made in a timely manner.

Empower Team Members

Empower individuals within the team to take initiative and make decisions within their scope. This empowerment can lead to faster problem resolution and encourages a sense of ownership and accountability within the team.

Celebrate Successes and Learn from Failures

Acknowledge when the team successfully solves a problem and celebrate the achievement, no matter how small. This positive reinforcement motivates team members for future problem-solving endeavors. Similarly, view failures not as setbacks but as learning opportunities, providing valuable insights for improvement.

Incorporating problem-solving into team collaboration isn’t just about fixing issues; it’s about building a dynamic, resilient, and innovative team capable of confronting any challenge that comes their way with confidence and collective expertise.

Measuring the Impact of Improved Problem-Solving Skills

As organizations and teams focus on enhancing problem-solving abilities, it becomes essential to measure the impact of these improvements. Evaluating the outcomes not only validates the effort invested in developing these skills but also guides future training and development initiatives. Here are approaches to quantitatively and qualitatively measure the impact of enhanced problem-solving skills within a team or organization:

Benchmarking Performance Metrics

Before and after implementing problem-solving training or initiatives, benchmark key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to the organization’s goals. Metrics such as customer satisfaction scores, product defect rates, service delivery times, and employee efficiency can provide tangible evidence of the impact of improved problem-solving skills. Monitoring these metrics over time helps in assessing the long-term effects on operational efficiency and productivity.

Employee Feedback and Self-Assessment

Gather feedback from team members about their confidence and competence in solving problems before and after training or initiatives. Surveys, interviews, and self-assessment tools can be used to measure perceived improvements in problem-solving abilities. Employees’ reflections on their growth and challenges provide invaluable insights into the effectiveness of development efforts and areas for further improvement.

Case Studies and Success Stories

Document specific instances where enhanced problem-solving skills led to significant positive outcomes—for example, a complex project delivered successfully, a critical issue resolved efficiently, or a notable innovation developed. These case studies serve as qualitative evidence of the impact and can be incredibly motivating for individuals and teams, illustrating the real-world applications and benefits of effective problem-solving.

Turnaround Time for Issue Resolution

Measure the time taken to identify, address, and resolve issues before and after applying focused problem-solving strategies. A reduction in the turnaround time indicates a more efficient problem-solving process. This metric can be particularly revealing in high-pressure environments where rapid response to challenges is crucial.

Innovation and Idea Implementation

Track the number of new ideas, innovations, and continuous improvement projects generated and implemented within a specific timeframe. Improved problem-solving skills often lead to a more innovative mindset and a higher rate of actionable ideas that can drive the organization forward.

Return on Investment (ROI)

Calculate the return on investment for training and development initiatives aimed at enhancing problem-solving skills. This can involve comparing the costs associated with these initiatives against the tangible benefits obtained, such as cost savings from efficiencies, increased sales from innovative products, or reduced waste and rework. Demonstrating a strong ROI is compelling evidence of the value of investing in problem-solving capabilities.

Employee Retention and Engagement

Examine trends in employee retention and engagement levels. Organizations that focus on developing problem-solving skills often see improvements in these areas because employees feel more empowered, valued, and capable. Higher engagement and lower turnover rates indirectly reflect the positive impact of a problem-solving culture.

Customer Feedback and Retention

Monitor changes in customer feedback and retention rates. Improvements in problem-solving can enhance product quality, customer service, and overall satisfaction, leading to positive feedback and higher retention. Changes in these metrics can provide insight into how enhanced problem-solving skills are perceived from the customer’s perspective.

By employing a combination of these quantitative and qualitative measures, organizations can gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact of improved problem-solving skills. This evaluative approach enables continuous improvement, helping to cultivate a culture of problem-solving that drives success and innovation.

Improving problem-solving skills in the workplace is crucial for any organization aiming to enhance efficiency, foster innovation, and maintain competitiveness. By encouraging a collaborative environment, providing ongoing training, implementing structured problem-solving frameworks, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement, teams can develop stronger analytical and creative thinking capabilities.

It’s essential for these efforts to be supported by managers and integrated into the core values of the organization to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability. As businesses work on refining these skills among their employees, they not only solve immediate challenges more effectively but also equip their workforce with the tools needed for future success. Thus, investing in and nurturing problem-solving skills becomes a pivotal strategy for organizational growth and resilience.

19 Ways to Improve Your Problem Solving Skills at Work

This article discusses step-by-step ways to improve your problem solving skills at work.

Topics addressed include breaking down a problem to understand it better, digging a little deeper to find out what caused the problem, and ascertaining how widespread the problem is including how many people are affected.

Other steps outlined consist of figuring out potential solutions then narrowing down to select the best possible option under the circumstances.

Once a problem has been figured out, dealt with or resolved, additional processes entail monitoring the progress of the solution and proactively taking action to prevent future problems.

Towards the tail end of problem solving is taking in the lessons learned and helping others who might be facing similar problems which we have overcome.

You can quickly skim all the 19 tips on handling problems on the table of contents below and then click on any tip to read further details. Please enjoy reading. Thank you.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Defining the problem
• Finding out what caused the problem/Conducting research
• Analyzing the impact of the problem
• Brainstorming possible solutions
• Evaluating alternatives/solutions
• Choosing the best option
• Developing an action plan/Execution strategy
• Implementing the solution/Taking action
• Monitoring progress
• Evaluating the results
• If the solution does not work
• Problem solving mistakes
• Ways to increase your problem solving skills
• Challenges and obstacles in problem solving
• Causes of problems at work
• Problem solving skills
• Learning from others who have solved similar problems
• Examples of problems at work
• Best practices for problem solving

1. Defining the problem

Why is the problem a problem? The first step in problem solving is to begin by describing, explaining or outlining the problem.

In its simplest form, a problem is an issue that is out of alignment and requires to be attended to, fixed or corrected to enable desired outcomes to be achieved.

There could be a temptation to quickly jump into figuring out solutions however, if the problem is not well understood, the solutions might not be effective and valuable time and effort could have been wasted.

Write down the problem based on your own understanding. This helps in zooming into or focusing on a specific issue. Similar to how a camera zooms on to an image before taking a picture. If the focus is blurry, the image won’t be clear.

Alternatively, think of it as identifying the starting line in a race, once you have figured out the beginning point (the problem), you set the stage for figuring out the skills, information, knowledge or resources required to get to the finishing line (the solution).

2. Finding out what caused the problem/Conducting research

What caused the problem? Once you have clearly defined the current problem, the next step is to dig a little deeper to find out the root cause or background of the problem.

Some questions to ask include the following:

• When and where did the difficulty, obstacle or complication occur?
• Why did the problem happen?
• How did it happen?
• What led to the problem?
• Was it caused by one thing or many things?
• What information is missing?
• Where can you find more information?
• What could have prevented the problem?
• What is known about similar problems?
• What solutions have been tried before?

3. Analyzing the impact of the problem

Who or what is affected by the problem? Determine how widespread the problem is.

• Is it affecting one person or many? – How is it affecting them?
• How long has the problem been going on?
• Are there any trends?
• Is this a re-occurring problem or a completely new one?
• What would happen if the problem is not resolved?

Talk to different people to get first-hand accounts of the impact of the problem. Establish if it is severe or manageable.

4. Brainstorming possible solutions

What are the potential solutions? Identify possible solutions through brainstorming.

When brainstorming, state the problem, and then request everyone to independently write down their own individual answers.

Afterwards list down all the answers proposed and invite others to further build upon and refine the suggested solutions or propose additional solutions.

For a brainstorming session to be successful, the problem needs to be clearly defined, enough time needs to be scheduled, participants should take time to think through the problem and generate solutions, and solutions should not be judged during the brainstorming.

In addition, use a good facilitator to listen attentively to participants, encourage input by all and drive the discussion.

5. Evaluating alternatives/solutions

How do you select the best alternative? Once a good number of options have been gathered, the next step is to go through the alternatives and narrow down the ones that are most viable.

It is also possible that the top choices would be a merger between one or more other alternatives.

Identify the advantages and disadvantages of the top choices.

In addition, take a step back and write down the desired results, when they should be achieved as well as how the results will be measured i.e. what is expected after the problem has been eliminated or handled – imagine how it would be like when the problem is solved.

Analyze how best the top choices would lead to the desired results.

6. Choosing the best option

Will this solution solve the problem? The last step in brainstorming is deciding the best solution among the top alternatives available.

This step could be one of the most difficult and overwhelming and could trigger hesitation because of fear of making the wrong decision.

There could be a tendency to want to continue digging further to come up with more information or more alternatives.

Additionally, choosing an alternative could entail making compromises and some parties would have to make concessions therefore, there is a possibility that not everyone would be happy with the final solution.

However, at some point the decision making process will have to come to an end. Following your gut instinct and seeking advice from others can help in deciding.

You can also take a break to clear your head, relax and then make the decision with a clear mind and be able to easily explain that – “this solution is the best one because …”

Taking a poll is similarly a simple way to determine the solution that should be implemented for bigger problems.

7. Developing an action plan/Execution strategy

How will you prepare to act on the solution? Write down the final solution and come up with a plan of action for implementing it.

Break down the solution into smaller manageable steps.

The number of steps would typically vary in proportion to the complexity of a problem where generally the more complex the problem the more steps would be required to address it and vice versa.

Outline the actions that need to be done, determine who needs to do what, how much time is available, establish timelines, deadlines and gauges or ways to show if the results are being achieved.

Think about possible unexpected emergencies and risks then highlight a plan for addressing them.

8. Implementing the solution/Taking action

How will you put the solution to work? Here is where the actual work gets done. Keep the desired results or end-goal firmly in your mind then proceed to work on one step at a time.

If working with others, share the plan for solving the problem. Provide training if needed on how to accomplish the desired objectives, assemble and distribute needed resources and be available to answer clarifying questions that come up.

As you work, periodically check your progress against the action plan to ensure that you are making strides in the right direction.

When you often or regularly work on implementing different solutions, you are likely to discover better, simpler and efficient ways of solving problems.

For example, if tackling a problem for the first time takes x hours, after handling the same problem many times you are likely to fine tune your methods resulting in less time to solve a problem and more improvements and efficiencies . Better yet, you can even train others on your breakthroughs.

9. Monitoring progress

Is the problem getting corrected? Track the progress to see if the solution is working. Take a pulse check to get insight and feedback.

Under ideal circumstances, if the solution is the right one, the problem should be gradually dissipating the more the solution is implemented.

Generally, there would be a need to make tweaks here and there to either address issues that arise or to ensure that the solution has the best chance of succeeding.

Regularly check to see what is going well and what isn’t and make adjustments in good time.

If there are significant deviations from the anticipated, expected or projected outcome, find out what is causing this.

Some questions to ask when monitoring the progress of problem solving consist of:

• How much progress has been made so far?
• What amount of work is remaining?
• Does everyone know what they are supposed to be doing?
• Are we within schedule?
• Are we within budget?
• Have we met initial milestones or targets?
• What challenges have we encountered so far?
• What recommended changes are needed at this point?
• What are the next milestones?

10. Evaluating the results

Was the problem fixed? At the end of the problem solving process, it is helpful to find out if the solution was successful.

A few questions that you can ask when evaluating results include the following:

• Did we resolve the problem within our earlier planned schedule, timeline or deadline?
• Did we eliminate the problem within budget?
• Is the problem fully resolved?
• Is there anything that has not been completed?
• Are there any lessons learned?

Conclude by documenting the results. Some items to document include the date when the problem was fixed, who ascertained that the problem was resolved and how the problem was handled or resolved.

11. If the solution does not work

The problem was not fixed, now what? The simple reality is that some solutions work and others don’t.

Some solutions can address part of a problem and conversely some solutions can even magnify the problem or reveal an even bigger problem.

When a solution does not work out as expected, of course time and resources would have gone down the drain, nonetheless, go back to the drawing board and figure out another solution.

Other remedies could consist of more time needed to allow a solution to work, more resources required, more funds or more expertise.

It is also important to analyze why the original solution did not work out to not only learn from mistakes but also to prevent repeating the same errors.

12. Problem solving mistakes

Below are examples of problem solving mistakes:

• Refusing to admit or acknowledge that a problem exists.
• Looking for quick fixes.
• Thinking that there won’t be any problems.
• Fixing symptoms instead of the root cause.
• Focusing on putting out small fires instead of addressing the big picture problem.
• Rushing to solve a problem before understanding it.
• Fearing to share out of the box ideas during brainstorming.
• Risk of group think during brainstorming or conforming to what everyone else is suggesting.
• Not having an open mind during brainstorming.
• Poor facilitation in brainstorming sessions.
• Solving the wrong problem.
• Looking for someone to blame or pointing fingers.
• Not listening or not seeking feedback or solutions from others.
• Thinking that you should have all the answers.
• Solutions that are not clearly defined.
• Lack of clear communication.
• Assuming that people already know what to do.
• Failing to give credit to staff who have fixed problems.
• Fear of making the wrong decision.
• Wrong assumptions.
• Getting scared or panicking when a problem arises.
• Procrastinating to make a decision or choose among alternatives.
• Refusing to acknowledge when a solution is not working.
• Doing nothing when a problem arises.
• Taking a long time before attending to a problem.
• Not being flexible or adaptable when assumptions and conditions change.

13. Ways to increase your problem solving skills

I believe that one good way of improving your problem solving skills in the office is to work on solving many problems.

You can do this by volunteering to participate in brainstorming groups or sessions and offering your input and ideas as well as listening to contributions from your colleagues.

Aim to actively work on implementing solutions to flex and stretch your problem solving muscles.

Over time, you can recognize trends or patterns in solving problems and also increase your capacity to tolerate ambiguity and unknowns at the beginning of a problem solving process.

Other ways of increasing problem solving skills include the following:

• Observing how others solve problems.
• Reading about problem solving techniques.
• Practicing different problem solving methods.
• Undergoing training on problem solving.
• Challenging yourself to be a good problem solver and be comfortable making decisions.
• Working on unrelated fields, assignments and different departments to cross learn new transferable subjects, skills, methods etc.
• Playing games that help in stimulating problem solving abilities such as solving puzzles and playing chess.
• Improving your research skills.

14. Challenges and obstacles in problem solving

Reasons why problems might not be solved include:

• Ignoring or avoiding the problem.
• Thinking that problem solving process takes too much time or effort.
• Not having the authority to decide which solution should be implemented.
• Procrastinating or inertia to resolve a problem because it could take a long time to figure out solutions especially for complex problems.
• Thinking that the problem is more difficult than it really is.
• Thinking that you have to figure it all out on your own.
• Not asking for help.
• Unwilling to take other people’s inputs.
• Fear that implementation could be difficult.
• Fear of failure.
• Resource constraints; insufficient resources such as manpower and finances to properly address large scope problems.
• Too many problems or difficulty prioritizing problems.
• Resistance to change or new ways of doing things.
• Not following through on solutions after the brainstorming stage.
• Giving up too quickly when it takes long to solve a problem.
• Not measuring progress.
• Changing external factors causing the need to rethink or revise solutions.
• Inexperience handling and solving problems.
• Not wanting to deal with uncertainty.

15. Causes of problems at work

Workplace problems can be caused by issues such as micromanagement, lack of accountability, difficult work environment, too much red tape, lack of advancement opportunities and lack of recognition.

Other causes of problems in the office include: poor communication, undefined processes or procedures, lack of resources, financial difficulties, not being properly trained, boredom, lack of motivation and stress at work.

Additional factors are heavy workloads, poor performance, lack of planning, unclear expectations, poor customer service, strained working relationships, poor management, staff turnover, burnout and poor job fit.

16. Problem solving skills

Skills that can aid in improving problem solving include:

Decision making skills – useful especially in choosing between alternatives, identifying the best solution and being able to explain why the chosen solution is the best one under the circumstances.

Communication skills – helps in firstly letting others know that there is a problem then secondly in outlining how the problem will be corrected, thirdly in assigning responsibilities and explaining to others what they should be doing and fourthly in letting others know that the problem has been resolved.

Risk taking – ability to identify the pros and cons of an alternative and then arming yourself with enough information to carry out the plan of action.

Prioritization – when faced with many problems at work and being able to identify the most urgent and important problem that should be fixed.

Flexibility – conditions and situations change all the time therefore, willingness to re-analyze plans and assumptions and re-calibrate them as needed is essential.

Other helpful traits consist of willingness to receive feedback , determination and perseverance to see things through, patience, connecting the dots or figuring out the relationship between things and tolerance for uncertainty.

17. Learning from others who have solved similar problems

It is possible that this is not the first time a problem has been encountered, others within the organization or elsewhere might have encountered similar problems and successfully solved them.

A similar problem could have been previously resolved by a coworker, a manager, someone from a different department or office, a consultant, a researcher etc.

Learning from others helps to save time and boost confidence in problem solving.

It is especially important to have documented problem solving procedures for critical problems that have occurred in the past. This acts as a form of knowledge library that is stored within the organization and can be transferred from one person to another.

18. Examples of problems at work

Typical problems faced at the workplace include the following:

• Lack of communication.
• Lack of resources.
• Missed deadlines.
• Not meeting goals.
• Difficulties getting along with others.
• Conflicts between employees .
• Poor leadership .
• Financial problems.
• Cost overruns.
• Bad customer service.
• Over promising or over committing.
• External challenges and threats.
• Difficult co-workers.
• Lack of teamwork.
• Poor attitude.
• Disconnect between supervisors and subordinates.
• Unhappy clients.
• Insufficient or lack of feedback.
• Job stress.
• Difficult customers.
• Low morale.
• Lack of appreciation or recognition.
• Poor work environment.
• Inefficient or obsolete systems.
• Duplication of efforts.
• Inadequate training.

Example of a problem: A simple example of a problem at the workplace is – “Failing to reach the branch office’s sales goals for the year?”

Questions to ask and analyze when diagnosing and resolving this problem can consist of the following:

• What was the annual sales goal?
• What percentage of the goal did we achieve?
• What was the gap?
• How were we supposed to reach the goal?
• Did we break down the goal into smaller achievable tasks or milestones?
• What processes or steps did we plan for reaching the goals?
• What action did we implement?
• Who was responsible for what?
• What internal and/or external challenges did we encounter?
• What systems or methods did we implement to monitor progress towards the goal?
• Why didn’t we reach the goal?
• When did we realize we wouldn’t reach the goal?
• What are the consequences for not meeting the goal?
• How can we correct the situation?
• How much time do we have to fix the problem?
• How can we prevent the problem from happening again?
• What can we learn from our mistakes?
• Have we met the sales goals in the past?
• Have other branch offices met their annual sales goals?
• How did others achieve their goals?
• What can we learn from others?

19. Best practices for problem solving

Problem solving is an ongoing learning process. Whereas problems cannot be entirely eliminated at work, you can take proactive steps to improve the organizational knowledge and capacity for handling problems.

Below are some ways that can help you to be better equipped to handle new and old problems when they arise in the workplace:

• Working collaboratively with others to solve problems.
• Documenting solutions to known or resolved problems; saving steps learned in resolving past issues.
• Constantly refining problem solving methods as new and old problems are resolved.
• Preparing and utilizing checklists for various work processes.
• Writing and implementing standard operating procedures and policies.
• Using handbooks, guidelines, manuals and flowcharts.
• Adopting quality control procedures at critical stages.
• Regularly doing projections or forecasting and assessing progress against initial plans.
• Learning from mistakes.
• Regular staff training.
• Conducting risk analysis and creating back up or contingency plans.
• Using audits to ensure that laid down procedures are being adhered to and finding out if there are any compliance problems.
• Regularly reviewing job performance through observation, reports, check-in meetings etc.
• Using timelines and deadlines.
• Generating insights from data collection.
• Implementing stronger monitoring systems.
• Encouraging a culture of ongoing process improvements.
• Taking initiative to resolve problems.
• Speaking up or voicing concerns early on when problems are detected.
• Aiming for good and regular communication across the organization.
• Listening to employees’ feedback.
• Encouraging suggestions for process improvements.
• Clear goal setting including long-term and short-term planning and goals.
• Adopting better technology and systems.
• Using external experts where needed such as consultants.
• Keeping track and staying up to date with external forces and changes such as changing customer preferences, economic conditions, government regulation, competition, technological advancements, political changes etc.
• Encouraging inter-departmental cross sharing of tips and tricks in addressing challenges.
• Evaluating results regularly.

Problem solving entails making corrections and improvements when things don’t go as expected.

Some problems can be fixed in a short amount of time while others take longer to be resolved.

At a minimum, when faced with a problem take some time to figure out what the real problem is, what caused the problem and find out potential alternatives to address the problem.

Afterwards select the best possible solution, devise a plan for carrying out the solution then implement it. Finalize by monitoring your progress and evaluating whether the problem has been resolved.

Additional Resources on Ways to Improve Your Problem Solving Skills at Work Seven Steps for Effective Problem Solving in the Workplace How to Improve Your Problem-Solving Skills 9 Ways to Improve Your Problem-Solving Skills 6 Effective Ways to Enhance Your Problem Solving Skills 5 Ways To Improve Your Problem Solving Skills How to Improve Problem Solving Skills Seven techniques for boosting independent problem solving skills in the workplace How to Improve Your Problem-Solving Skills with These 8 Science-Backed Techniques   Summary Article Name 19 Ways to Improve Your Problem Solving Skills at Work Description Learn step-by-step ways to improve your problem solving skills at work including examples of problems at work, defining the problem, evaluating solutions and best practices in problem solving. Author Duncan Muguku Publisher Name ThriveYard Blog Categories

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Problem-solving Skills: Examples & How to Improve the Skill

Karl Popper, a renowned 20th-century philosopher, once said “All life is problem-solving.” This idea highlights the role problem-solving skills play in our daily lives.

Problem-solving serves as the backbone of success in both personal and professional realms. In your personal life, it helps you navigate relationships, finances, and life decisions. While in your professional life, it enables you to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the workplace. Employers value problem solvers, as they bring innovation and efficiency to the table.

This article explores what solving problems means and lists the essential types. Ranging from analytical thinking to communication, it offers practical strategies for improvement. You'll also find insights on highlighting the skills on your resume.

• What are Problem-solving Skills

Examples of Problem-solving Skills

How to improve your problem-solving skills, how to highlight problem-solving skills on your resume, using problem-solving skills in cover letters, what are problem-solving skills.

Problem-solving allows you to identify problems and find solutions to solve problems. This process begins with analysing complex situations. You then assess different options and make informed decisions to address the issues.

The 'Future of Jobs' report emphasises their growing significance in today's workplace. Thus highlighting the increasing complexity of tasks that demand advanced thinking skills.

Problem-solving encompasses a range of competencies and soft skills. Let's look at the examples:

Analytical Thinking

Analytical thinking involves breaking down complex problems into smaller tasks. It involves examining data and making logical conclusions. Analytical skills are highly regarded as a core skill in 2023 by many employers.

In a workplace setting, this skill proves important when assessing financial data. It helps identify cost-saving opportunities and optimise budget allocations.

This skill plays a crucial role when evaluating customer feedback. It assists in gaining relevant information to enhance products and services. This ultimately boosts customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Critical Thinking

This skill enables you to analyse information and make judgments based on evidence. It plays a pivotal role in problem-solving and helps solve complex issues systematically.

In professional settings, this skill set is valuable when assessing market trends. It aids in studying data and patterns to use the insights for smart business decisions.

The skill also helps when evaluating project proposals. It enables thorough assessment, helping teams make informed decisions and choose the most promising ventures.

Decision-Making

Decision-making is picking the best option to solve problems effectively. It requires you to choose the most viable solution among your identified alternatives.

In a professional role, such as a project manager, you might assess many software solutions. This skill is key when choosing what best suits your team's needs and budget.

The skill set is valuable when choosing between various marketing strategies. You assess the available options, weigh their impact on sales, and make informed decisions to drive successful campaigns.

Research Skills

Research skills involve gathering information and using it to make crucial decisions. These skills are vital in solving problems, offering the foundation for informed decisions. It also helps in root cause identification, solutions exploration, and evidence-based choices.

At work, research skills come into play when tailoring product development strategies. Besides, these skills are essential when guiding effective marketing campaigns through trend analysis.

These skills are also vital when conducting market research. You gather and analyze data on industry trends, and competitor strategies to make product development decisions.

Creativity plays a crucial role in problem-solving. In fact, it ranks second in importance as a cognitive skill in the workplace. One of the key problem-solving skills, it is the ability to generate innovative ideas or solutions. Tapping into your creative abilities, you can foster innovation.

In a professional environment, it is instrumental in devising creative marketing campaigns. Engineers too improve product designs for better efficiency through innovation.

It also helps when designing innovative product features to meet customer needs while maintaining a competitive edge. It involves brainstorming and coming up with possible solutions in a timely manner to set your products apart.

Collaboration

Collaboration is the ability to work with others to solve problems. It involves effective communication and cooperation to come up with the best solution.

In professional settings, collaboration streamlines project workflows through team cooperation. Additionally, it fosters innovation by promoting new product development.

Additionally in problem-solving scenarios, effective collaboration brings together cross-functional teams. You collaborate to brainstorm possible solutions for complex challenges.

Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution is the ability to resolve conflicts and disagreements. The skill helps maintain productive relationships and prevents issues from escalating.

In a workplace, this is seen when you come together with others to resolve differing opinions. This enables you to move forward with the project at hand.

Possessing conflict resolution skills can be invaluable when addressing disagreements during project meetings. This ensures that team members stay focused on their common goals and maintain a harmonious working environment.

Risk Management

It is the ability to identify potential risks and take proper steps to mitigate them. Risk management and problem-solving are intertwined. The skill involves addressing potential issues and challenges. It minimizes problem occurrence and involves proactive contingency planning for future issues.

At work, risk management is when you recognise likely risks to a project's timeline or budget. You then execute measures to mitigate these risks, for successful project completion.

As a business analyst, you might apply risk management when identifying potential supply chain disruptions. The skill comes in handy when implementing a solution to minimize their impact on production schedules and costs.

Communication

This skill is the cornerstone of effective human interaction and cooperation. Good communication helps in effective problem-solving. It facilitates information exchange, collaboration, and conflict resolution.

Practising clear communication with your team members ensures everyone is on the same page. It not only reduces misunderstandings but also contributes to efficient project execution.

Effective communication is also vital during client interactions. It aids in conveying ideas, finding better solutions, and building trust-based relationships. This leads to successful collaborations and long-term partnerships.

Adopt the Problem-solving Mindset

A problem-solving attitude involves being positive and open to new ideas. It is about seeking ways to improve the situation instead of dwelling on what's not working. Furthermore, as Adam Stott writes in his article , with a positive attitude, finding the right answers gets easier.

Understand the Problem

Start by defining the problem clearly. This paves the way for understanding and identifying the causes, leading to effective solutions. Strategies for problem analysis include data collection, brainstorming and SWOT analysis among others.

Develop Critical Thinking and Creativity

Improving both these skills will help you get the best answers. Read up on the latest industry trends and draw inspiration from outside sources. Unlock your creative thinking through activities like writing, sketching, or playing games.

Enhance Research and Decision-Making Skills

Research and effective decision-making are pivotal in problem-solving. Research provides the foundation for informed choices. While sound decision-making ensures the implementation of the best solutions. Enhance these skills through systematic research methodologies, data analysis, and problem-solving strategies.

Strengthen Collaboration Skills

Collaborating with others can help you come up with useful solutions. To boost these, develop effective communication, active listening, and openness to diverse viewpoints.

Learn from Past Experiences

Reflecting on past problems is essential for gaining valuable insights and refining strategies. It allows you to avoid repeating mistakes made in previous roles. Some strategies involve acknowledging, taking responsibility, analyzing their underlying causes, and seeking feedback.

Leverage Problem-solving Tools and Resources

Some tools that can help in problem-solving include data analysis software and decision support frameworks. Brainstorming techniques, project management software, and collaboration platforms help too. For the tools to be effective - choose the right ones. Then master their functions and seamlessly integrate them into your problem-solving process.

Regular Practise

Consistent practice enhances your skills, builds confidence, and reinforces effective strategies. This makes you more adept at tackling a wide range of challenges. Include practical problem-solving exercises into daily routines for practice. These include Sudoku puzzles, brain teasers, and scenario-based simulations.

Incorporating Problem-solving Skills in the Resume Summary

A resume summary serves as a brief overview of your qualifications, experience, and skills. It helps hiring managers see your potential as a candidate at a glance. You should also mention the skills during the job interview. Here, we've included statements to spotlight your problem-solving abilities:

• Proficient problem solver and known for navigating challenges with ease
• Possess good problem-solving skills for addressing issues and enhancing processes

Highlighting Problem-solving Skills in the Experience Section

Showcase that you can solve any problem successfully in this section. Emphasise the areas you applied this important skill. Mention how you addressed challenges or improved processes.

Here are examples of action verbs and relevant keywords you can use to showcase these skills:

Analysed: I analysed market trends to develop innovative marketing strategies.

Resolved: Resolved project setbacks by implementing creative solutions.

Adapted: Adapted to changing industry regulations, ensuring compliance.

Streamlined: Streamlined workflow processes, reducing production costs by 15%.

Devised: Devised viable solutions for inventory management, optimizing stock levels.

Including Problem-solving Skills in the Skills Section

Oftentimes the skills employers look for are included in the job description. Tailor your resume to the job description and showcase your ability to solve problems in the skills section. Group them under a 'Skills' or 'Core Competencies' subheading. Organise related skills together to establish a well-structured and coherent presentation. Here are examples of some skills you can include in the skills section:

SWOT Analysis: Proficient in evaluating an organization's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

Systems Thinking: Have an understanding of complex systems and their interconnectedness.

Negotiation Skills: Skilled in facilitating agreements and resolving conflicts among parties.

Analytical Skills: Proficient at assessing complex situations and identifying key issues.

Making descisions: Adept at evaluating information to make informed decisions.

Demonstrating Problem-solving Skills in Project Sections or Case Studies

It is a good practice to dedicate a resume section to projects or case studies. It lets you show how you solve problems in practical situations. And provides concrete proof of your abilities to the hiring manager. It makes your skills more tangible to potential employers.

For example, showcase how you streamlined project timelines with innovative solutions. Or highlight how your strategic choices mitigated potential risks. These examples emphasise you are a practical problem solver.

In a cover letter , emphasising your problem-solving ability communicates your value to employers. It demonstrates your preparedness to tackle challenges and aligns with their expectations.

Highlighting these skills in the cover letter underscores your adaptability. It signals your potential to drive innovative solutions within an organisation. For a seamless integration, include specific problem-solving examples from your experience.

The cover letter should effectively display how you solve problems or enhance processes. Craft your narrative by weaving in instances that highlight your problem-solving abilities. Make sure these examples align with the job role and the company's requirements.

This article explores the role problem-solving plays in both personal and professional lives. From analytical thinking to effective communication, we've delved into essential skills.

We've provided guidance on showcasing these skills in your resume and cover letter. This should help you enhance your prospects in today's dynamic job market.

Seek opportunities to practice these skills. Do it either by tackling challenging projects or learning from your experiences. Throughout your professional journey, feature these critical skills on your resume. This will enhance your career prospects.

Ready to incorporate problem-solving techniques into your life and career for skill enhancement? Update your JobStreet profile today and #SEEKBetter jobs on JobStreet. For more career advice, browse the Career Advice page. Download the Jobstreet app on Google Play or App Store .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What are some common problem-solving techniques? ⁠ Common techniques for solving problems include staying positive, clear problem definition, and brainstorming. It's also important to develop analytical thinking, creativity, research, and communication skills. Reflecting on past experiences, using problem-solving tools, and practicing solving puzzles, also helps. ⁠
• How can I improve my critical thinking skills? ⁠Improving this vital skill involves questioning assumptions, considering different viewpoints, and evaluating evidence. You can enhance it through active listening and reading more. Engaging in puzzles, riddles, and problem-solving activities also helps sharpen the skill. ⁠
• Not Enough Resources: Sometimes, you might not have all the information, tools, or help you need.
• Thinking Bias: Your own opinions or beliefs can make it hard to see a problem clearly and find a good solution.
• Running Out of Time: When you're in a hurry, you might not have the chance to think carefully. This can affect the quality of problem-solving outcomes ⁠
• How can I overcome resistance to change when implementing a solution? ⁠To overcome resistance to change, use effective communication. Address concerns, explain your decisions, and involve others in planning and implementation. Building trust, providing support, and demonstrating positive outcomes can help reduce resistance. ⁠
• How can problem-solving skills benefit my career? ⁠Problem-solving is valuable, showcasing your ability to overcome challenges. These skills enhance efficiency, foster innovative thinking, and improve issue resolution. Possessing this skill can open doors to leadership roles . Effective problem solvers advance in their careers faster.

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Why Problem-Solving Skills Are Essential for Leaders in Any Industry

• 17 Jan 2023

Any organization offering a product or service is in the business of solving problems.

Whether providing medical care to address health issues or quick convenience to those hungry for dinner, a business’s purpose is to satisfy customer needs .

In addition to solving customers’ problems, you’ll undoubtedly encounter challenges within your organization as it evolves to meet customer needs. You’re likely to experience growing pains in the form of missed targets, unattained goals, and team disagreements.

Yet, the ubiquity of problems doesn’t have to be discouraging; with the right frameworks and tools, you can build the skills to solve consumers' and your organization’s most challenging issues.

Here’s a primer on problem-solving in business, why it’s important, the skills you need, and how to build them.

Access your free e-book today.

What Is Problem-Solving in Business?

Problem-solving is the process of systematically removing barriers that prevent you or others from reaching goals.

Your business removes obstacles in customers’ lives through its products or services, just as you can remove obstacles that keep your team from achieving business goals.

Design Thinking

Design thinking , as described by Harvard Business School Dean Srikant Datar in the online course Design Thinking and Innovation , is a human-centered , solutions-based approach to problem-solving and innovation. Originally created for product design, design thinking’s use case has evolved . It’s now used to solve internal business problems, too.

The design thinking process has four stages :

• Clarify: Clarify a problem through research and feedback from those impacted.
• Ideate: Armed with new insights, generate as many solutions as possible.
• Develop: Combine and cull your ideas into a short list of viable, feasible, and desirable options before building prototypes (if making physical products) and creating a plan of action (if solving an intangible problem).
• Implement: Execute the strongest idea, ensuring clear communication with all stakeholders about its potential value and deliberate reasoning.

Using this framework, you can generate innovative ideas that wouldn’t have surfaced otherwise.

Creative Problem-Solving

Another, less structured approach to challenges is creative problem-solving , which employs a series of exercises to explore open-ended solutions and develop new perspectives. This is especially useful when a problem’s root cause has yet to be defined.

You can use creative problem-solving tools in design thinking’s “ideate” stage, which include:

• Brainstorming: Instruct everyone to develop as many ideas as possible in an allotted time frame without passing judgment.
• Divergent thinking exercises: Rather than arriving at the same conclusion (convergent thinking), instruct everyone to come up with a unique idea for a given prompt (divergent thinking). This type of exercise helps avoid the tendency to agree with others’ ideas without considering alternatives.
• Alternate worlds: Ask your team to consider how various personas would manage the problem. For instance, how would a pilot approach it? What about a young child? What about a seasoned engineer?

It can be tempting to fall back on how problems have been solved before, especially if they worked well. However, if you’re striving for innovation, relying on existing systems can stunt your company’s growth.

Related: How to Be a More Creative Problem-Solver at Work: 8 Tips

Why Is Problem-Solving Important for Leaders?

While obstacles’ specifics vary between industries, strong problem-solving skills are crucial for leaders in any field.

Whether building a new product or dealing with internal issues, you’re bound to come up against challenges. Having frameworks and tools at your disposal when they arise can turn issues into opportunities.

As a leader, it’s rarely your responsibility to solve a problem single-handedly, so it’s crucial to know how to empower employees to work together to find the best solution.

Your job is to guide them through each step of the framework and set the parameters and prompts within which they can be creative. Then, you can develop a list of ideas together, test the best ones, and implement the chosen solution.

Related: 5 Design Thinking Skills for Business Professionals

4 Problem-Solving Skills All Leaders Need

1. problem framing.

One key skill for any leader is framing problems in a way that makes sense for their organization. Problem framing is defined in Design Thinking and Innovation as determining the scope, context, and perspective of the problem you’re trying to solve.

“Before you begin to generate solutions for your problem, you must always think hard about how you’re going to frame that problem,” Datar says in the course.

For instance, imagine you work for a company that sells children’s sneakers, and sales have plummeted. When framing the problem, consider:

• What is the children’s sneaker market like right now?
• Should we improve the quality of our sneakers?
• Should we assess all children’s footwear?
• Is this a marketing issue for children’s sneakers specifically?
• Is this a bigger issue that impacts how we should market or produce all footwear?

While there’s no one right way to frame a problem, how you do can impact the solutions you generate. It’s imperative to accurately frame problems to align with organizational priorities and ensure your team generates useful ideas for your firm.

To solve a problem, you need to empathize with those impacted by it. Empathy is the ability to understand others’ emotions and experiences. While many believe empathy is a fixed trait, it’s a skill you can strengthen through practice.

When confronted with a problem, consider whom it impacts. Returning to the children’s sneaker example, think of who’s affected:

• Your organization’s employees, because sales are down
• The customers who typically buy your sneakers
• The children who typically wear your sneakers

Empathy is required to get to the problem’s root and consider each group’s perspective. Assuming someone’s perspective often isn’t accurate, so the best way to get that information is by collecting user feedback.

For instance, if you asked customers who typically buy your children’s sneakers why they’ve stopped, they could say, “A new brand of children’s sneakers came onto the market that have soles with more traction. I want my child to be as safe as possible, so I bought those instead.”

When someone shares their feelings and experiences, you have an opportunity to empathize with them. This can yield solutions to their problem that directly address its root and shows you care. In this case, you may design a new line of children’s sneakers with extremely grippy soles for added safety, knowing that’s what your customers care most about.

Related: 3 Effective Methods for Assessing Customer Needs

3. Breaking Cognitive Fixedness

Cognitive fixedness is a state of mind in which you examine situations through the lens of past experiences. This locks you into one mindset rather than allowing you to consider alternative possibilities.

For instance, your cognitive fixedness may make you think rubber is the only material for sneaker treads. What else could you use? Is there a grippier alternative you haven’t considered?

Problem-solving is all about overcoming cognitive fixedness. You not only need to foster this skill in yourself but among your team.

4. Creating a Psychologically Safe Environment

As a leader, it’s your job to create an environment conducive to problem-solving. In a psychologically safe environment, all team members feel comfortable bringing ideas to the table, which are likely influenced by their personal opinions and experiences.

If employees are penalized for “bad” ideas or chastised for questioning long-held procedures and systems, innovation has no place to take root.

By employing the design thinking framework and creative problem-solving exercises, you can foster a setting in which your team feels comfortable sharing ideas and new, innovative solutions can grow.

How to Build Problem-Solving Skills

The most obvious answer to how to build your problem-solving skills is perhaps the most intimidating: You must practice.

Again and again, you’ll encounter challenges, use creative problem-solving tools and design thinking frameworks, and assess results to learn what to do differently next time.

While most of your practice will occur within your organization, you can learn in a lower-stakes setting by taking an online course, such as Design Thinking and Innovation . Datar guides you through each tool and framework, presenting real-world business examples to help you envision how you would approach the same types of problems in your organization.

Are you interested in uncovering innovative solutions for your organization’s business problems? Explore Design Thinking and Innovation —one of our online entrepreneurship and innovation courses —to learn how to leverage proven frameworks and tools to solve challenges. Not sure which course is right for you? Download our free flowchart .

About the Author

Brain Power

6 ways to enhance your problem solving skills effectively.

Have you ever thought of yourself as a problem solver? I’m guessing not. But in reality, we are constantly solving problems. And the better our problem solving skills are, the easier our lives are.

Problems arise in many shapes and forms. They can be mundane, everyday problems, or larger more complex problems:

What to have for dinner tonight?

Which route to take to work?

How to fix a project that’s running behind schedule?

How to change from an uninspiring job to a career you’re really passionate about?

Every day, you’ll be faced with at least one problem to solve. But it gets easier when you realize that problems are simply choices. There’s nothing ‘scary’ about them other than having to make a decision.

No matter what job you’re in, where you live, who your partner is, how many friends you have, you will be judged on your ability to solve problems. Because problems equal hassles for everyone concerned. And people don’t like hassle. So the more problems you can solve, the less hassle all-round, the happier people are with you. Everyone wins.

Why Are Problem Solving Skills Important?

Problem is something hard to understand or accomplish or deal with. It can be a task, a situation, or even a person. Problem solving involves methods and skills to find the best solutions to problems.

Problem solving is important because we all have decisions to make, and questions to answer in our lives. Amazing people like Eleanor Roosevelt, Steve Jobs, Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., are all great problems solvers. Good parents, teachers, doctors and waiters all have to be good at solving different sort of problems as well.

Problem solving skills are for our everyday lives.

How to Enhance Your Problem Solving Skills

Most people believe that you have to be very intelligent in order to be a good problem solver, but that’s not true.

You don’t have to be super smart to be a problem solver, you just need practice.

When you understand the different steps to solve a problem, you’ll be able to come up with great solutions.

1. Focus on the Solution, Not the Problem

Neuroscientists have proven that your brain cannot find solutions if you focus on the problem. [1] This is because when you focus on the problem, you’re effectively feeding ‘negativity,’ which in turn activates negative emotions in the brain. These emotions block potential solutions.

I’m not saying you should ‘ignore the problem,’ instead, try to remain calm. It helps to first, acknowledge the problem; and then, move your focus to a solution-oriented mindset where you keep fixed on what the ‘answer’ could be, rather than lingering on ‘what went wrong’ and ‘who’s fault it is’.

2. Adapt 5 Whys to Clearly Define the Problem

5 Whys is a problem solving framework to help you get to the root of a problem.

By repeatedly asking the question “why” on a problem, you can dig into the root cause of a problem, and that’s how you can find the best solution to tackle the root problem once and for all. And it can go deeper than just asking why for five times.

For example:

If the problem is “always late to work”…

• Why am I late to work? I always click the snooze button and just want to go on sleeping.
• Why do I want to go on sleeping? I feel so tired in the morning.
• Why do I feel tired in the morning? I slept late the night before, that’s why.
• Why did I sleep late? I wasn’t sleepy after drinking coffee, and I just kept scrolling my Facebook feed and somehow I couldn’t stop.
• Why did I drink coffee? Because I was too sleepy at work in the afternoon, not having enough sleep the night before.

So there you see, if you didn’t try to dig out the root of the problem, you may just set a few more alarms and have it beep every five minutes in the morning. But in fact, the problem you need to solve is to quit Facebook surfing endlessly at night so you’ll feel more energetic in the day time, and you won’t even need coffee.

3. Simplify Things

As human beings, we have a tendency to make things more complicated than they need to be! Try simplifying your problem by generalizing it.

Remove all the details and go back to the basics. Try looking for a really easy, obvious solution – you might be surprised at the results! And we all know that it’s often the simple things that are the most productive .

4. List out as Many Solutions as Possible

Try to come up with ‘ALL POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS’ – even if they seem ridiculous at first. It’s important you keep an open mind to boost creative thinking, which can trigger potential solutions.

Coming from 10 years in the corporate advertising industry, it is drummed into you that ‘No idea is a bad idea’ and this aids creative thinking in brainstorms and other problem-solving techniques.

Whatever you do, do not ridicule yourself for coming up with ‘stupid solutions’ as it’s often the crazy ideas that trigger other more viable solutions.

5. Think Laterally

Change the ‘direction’ of your thoughts by thinking laterally . Pay attention to the saying,

‘You cannot dig a hole in a different place by digging it deeper.”

Try to change your approach and look at things in a new way. You can try flipping your objective around and looking for a solution that is the polar opposite!

Even if it feels silly, a fresh and unique approach usually stimulates a fresh solution.

6. Use Language That Creates Possibility

Lead your thinking with phrases like ‘what if…’ and ‘imagine if…’ These terms open up our brains to think creatively and encourage solutions.

Avoid closed, negative language such as ‘I don’t think…’ or ‘ But this is not right…’ .

The Bottom Line

There’s nothing scary about a problem when you start to adapt my advice.

Try not to view problems as ‘scary’ things! If you think about what a problem really is, it’s really just feedback on your current situation.

Every problem is telling you that something is not currently working and that you need to find a new way around it.

So try to approach problems neutrally – without any judgment. Practice focusing on defining a problem, keep calm and not to make things too complicated.

More to Train Your Thinking

• How to Solve Any Problem Efficiently with 5 Whys (Step-By-Step Guide)
• How to Think Critically: 5 Powerful Techniques
• How to Develop Critical Thinking Skills and Think Clearer

Featured photo credit: Unsplash via unsplash.com

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PENGEMBANGAN MODEL PEDAGOGI DIGITAL DALAM PEMBELAJARAN MATEMATIKA TERINTEGRASI COMPUTATIONAL THINKING UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN PROBLEM SOLVING SISWA SEKOLAH MENENGAH PERTAMA

Vita Nova Anwar, - (2024) PENGEMBANGAN MODEL PEDAGOGI DIGITAL DALAM PEMBELAJARAN MATEMATIKA TERINTEGRASI COMPUTATIONAL THINKING UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN PROBLEM SOLVING SISWA SEKOLAH MENENGAH PERTAMA. S3 thesis, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia.

Baca Full Text klik disini

ABSTRAK Vita Nova Anwar (2024). Pengembangan Model Pedagogi Digital dalam Pembelajaran Matematika Terintegrasi Computational Thinking untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Problem Solving Siswa SMP Penggunaan teknologi yang melibatkan keterampilan computational thinking merupakan kualifikasi yang diperlukan pada abad 21 ini. Computational thinking erat kaitannya dengan pembelajaran matematika. Dalam memecahkan masalah matematika yang kompleks penting untuk mengikuti langkah-langkah penyelesaian masalah sesuai tahapan computational thinking. Sehingga diperlukan model pembelajaran yang sesuai untuk mendukung hal tersebut. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan model pedagogi digital dalam pembelajaran matematika terintegrasi computational thinking untuk meningkatkan kemampuan problem solving siswa SMP. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian pengembangan yang mengikuti model Plomp meliputi preliminary research, prototyping phase, dan assesment phase yang diuraikan secara deskriptif. Penelitian dilaksanakan pada dua sekolah SMP di kota Padang yang melibatkan 56 orang siswa kelas VIII. Aktivitas computational thinking yang dikembangkan dalam pembelajaran matematika terdiri dari aktivitas langsung dan aktivitas digital yang berbantukan teknologi. Instrumen penelitian adalah lembar validasi, lembar penilaian kepraktisan oleh guru, dan soal tes kemampuan problem solving. Hasil uji validitas menunjukkan bahwa dari segi konten, bahasa, penyajian dan kegrafikan sudah memenuhi kriteria valid dan sangat valid. Hasil uji praktikalitas memenuhi kriteria sangat praktis. Hasil uji efektivitas menunjukkan bahwa terdapat peningkatan kemampuan problem solving siswa. ABSTRACT Vita Nova Anwar (2024). Development of a Digital Pedagogical Model on Integration of Computational Thinking in Mathematics Learning to Improve Students' Problem Solving Abilities The use of technology involving computational thinking skills is a required qualification today. Computational thinking is closely related to mathematics learning. In solving complex mathematical problems, it is important to follow the problem solving steps according to the stages of computational thinking. So an appropriate learning model is needed to support this. This research aims to develop a digital pedagogy model in mathematics learning integrated with computational thinking to improve problem solving abilities of junior high school students. This research is development research that follows the Plomp model including preliminary research, prototyping phase, and assessment phase which are described descriptively. The research was carried out at two schools in Padang, involving 56 students in grade VIII. The research instruments were a validation sheet, a practicality assessment sheet by the teacher, and problem solving ability test questions. The results of the validity test show that in terms of content, language, presentation and graphics it meets the valid and very valid criteria. The results of the practicality test carried out are very practical criteria. The results of the effectiveness test show that there is an increase in students' problem solving abilities.

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