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Problem-solving skills have value

In the modern world, problems have become complex to resolve. Those with answers will beat the rest. Problem-solving skills have value in many areas of life. Employers value employees who can solve problems without the need to always find a supervisor.

Entrepreneurs may need to think outside the box to create a business that thrives and stands out from other similar businesses.

Analyse and investigate

First, you must recognise there is a problem before you can solve it. If something doesn't feel right or doesn't provide the expected outcome, you may have a problem. Understand the circumstances and determine whether or not a problem exists.

If you are unclear as to what needs to be solved, then you are probably going to do the wrong thing and get wrong results. To show an understanding of the problem, you need to assess and analyse the problem carefully.

It sounds simple, but some people jump the gun and try to start solving the problem before they have analysed and understood the problem. Continue to ask 'why' questions until you have a good understanding of the problem.

Explore options

Once you have explored the depth of the problem, think through all the viewpoints, so you can find the best solution for it.

Involve your team, if a team exists. Whenever there is a problem, ensure you can describe it equally well from each team members viewpoint. Take time to come up with as many practical solutions as you can.

Don't discount answers at this stage. Take them all in and list them so that you can explore all possible solutions. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and suggest solutions that may not be a part of the standard process.

Take your list and begin to weed out the impractical, so you can focus on the practical.

If you have a team, you might suggest that each team member takes one or two suggestions and investigate how that suggestion could correct the problem.

Analyse the changes that would occur in the overall process, not just the immediate problem. Take care to not create new problems with your solution. You may find making a list of all the steps involved in your problem will help you identify possible consequences and mis-steps.

You can also share solutions with other team members to see if others see potential benefits and risks you missed.

Right choice

Choose one or two possible solutions and implement them. You may want to implement solutions one at a time.

Watch the situation and evaluate how your solution changes things. Careful observation may allow you to alter your choices quickly if the solution doesn't solve the problem or creates changes you did not expect.

Keep track of the problems you solve successfully. Your thinking and effective problem solving skill will help you advance in your career and benefit your employer.

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