Problem-solving is crucial as every part of daily life requires making decisions and finding solutions to problems that arise every day. Studies also reveal that improving your problem-solving skills can inspire better time and resource management, encourage unconventional thinking, and get you to take smart risks and work under pressure. With the demand for problem-solvers in almost every industry increasing steadily, consider the seven tips below to improve your problem-solving skills.
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Get to the root of the problem
Solving problems is all about appreciating what is going on and what caused the issue in the first place. Lots of problems stick around when the root cause hasn’t been figured out. Therefore, take a moment to dive deep into the problem beyond the surface. This way, you avoid using the wrong approach to solve the issue. Ask yourself realistic questions about what’s happening, and keep digging until you’re crystal clear about the problem and what you want to fix. Once you have nailed down the real problem, the solution will naturally fall into place as you can develop the right strategies to deal with it.
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Try visualization
Visualization helps you to have the right perspective on the issue at hand. Please keep it simple at first, and then add layers until it clicks for you and, more importantly, for the people around you. You may use a flip chart, PowerPoint, Visio, or go old-school with a piece of paper. Don’t hesitate to sketch things out on the spot. You can also brainstorm with your team to get other perspectives during this stage to get a broad variety of ideas on how to approach the situation.
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Get creative, but keep it simple
As the popular saying by business author Gerhard Gschwandtner says, “Problems are nothing but wake-up calls for creativity.” When tackling problems, go for solutions that are simple but pack a creative punch. Complexity can spell trouble down the road and take a longer time to execute, so aim for straightforward fixes. Don’t stop at just one solution – give yourself options. Look at the problem from different angles and step into the shoes of the end user, the customer, or management. This way, you’ll find the sweet spots that work for most folks. Remember, problems are just nudges to get your creative juices flowing.
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Embrace gaming
This step may sound unconventional, but gaming can improve your problem-solving skills. It’s not just about fun, as games flip your perspective on situations and get you thinking on your feet, finding solutions in no time. Plus, they are a great way to learn new problem-solving strategies and techniques. For example, games like blackjack are not just about the cards; they also sharpen your strategic thinking, challenge you to assess risks and demand quick decisions. With every hand, you’re sizing up the odds, weighing outcomes, and adjusting your game plan on the fly. So, next time you’re gaming, know you’re not only playing but sharpening your problem-solving skills.
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Be positive
A LinkedIn research mentioned how staying positive offers better resilience, motivation, more energy, improved relations and overcoming obstacles. The moment you let negativity sneak in, solving a problem may become like trying to find a needle in a haystack. So keep that positive mindset, believe you can unravel the problem, and allow your brain to be inspired. This way, you create the right environment for the creative solutions to flow.
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Tap into the wisdom of the masses
In this fast-paced world, you can tap into the creative ideas of others beyond your office. Smart leaders these days cast a wider net, connecting with others online, in industry groups, government circles, and even competitors. It might mean getting familiar with diverse groups of people, and you have to open up about your challenges, but it can prove beneficial. Tapping into the collective intelligence of the masses might be a mindset shift, but the payoff is totally worth it.
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Measure the success of your solution
Taking a hard look at how your solution measures success is a crucial step that people often overlook. It’s like your problem-solving report card, showing if you aced it or if it’s back to square one. Assess how your solution stacks up against your goals and whether you reached your set objectives. Getting things wrong sometimes is all part of problem-solving, and the real trick is learning from those hiccups.
Remember, every problem is just a puzzle waiting to be cracked. Try a few of the above tips, and you’ll see your problem-solving skills improve.
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