PROBLEM

A problem is any unpleasant situation which prevents people from achieving what
they want to achieve. Any activity to eliminate a problem is termed problem solving.

Problem solving skills refers to our ability to solve problems in an effective and timely
manner without any impediments.

It involves being able to identify and define the problem, generating alternative
solutions, evaluating and selecting the best alternative, and implementing the
selected solution. Obtaining a feedback and responding to it appropriately is an
essential aspect of problem-solving skills too.

We face problems every time. However, some problems are more complex than
others. But whether you face big problems or small ones, this skill helps solve it
effectively.

Importance of problem-solving skills

Obviously, every organization has problems and every individual has problems too.
For this reason, the ability to solve problems is of great importance to individuals and
organizations. Some of the benefits include:

 Make the impossible possible. Knowledge alone is not the key to solving
problems but rather, complimenting it with systematic problem-solving
approaches makesthe difference. This helps individuals and organizations
overcome perilous challenges.

 Makes you a stand out. People are trained to do the usual. They have
acquired skills and knowledge in what they do. However, people can hardly
solve problems when they are unexpected or unprecedented ones. If you
become a regular problem solver at your workplace, you are easily noticed,
recognized, and appreciated.

 Increased confidence. No matter where you work or what your profession is,
having the ability to solve problems will boost your confidence level. Because
you are sure of your ability to solve problems, you don’t spend time worrying
about what you will do if a problem should arise.

How to improve upon problem solving skills

Just like any of the other skills, the art of problem solving can be learnt and improved
upon. Below are few tips to help you improve this skill.

 Detach yourself from the problem. Don’t regard yourself as the problem
itself and don’t presume you are incapacitated to solve the problem. See the
problem as the enemy that has to be defeated by you.

 Analyze it in parts and not as a whole. Don’t see the problem as a whole
big unit that needs to be fixed – That may deter you from attempting to solve
it. Rather, break it into parts and tackle them step by step, and portion by
portion. The little pieces you solve will add up to become the solution for the
 whole unit. For instance; if there’s turmoil in your organization, analyze the
various aspects or departments of the organization. Choose one problematic
area, such as communication, to start from. When that is fixed, you may move
on to the other problematic areas.

 Be inquisitive and investigative. Being inquisitive and conducting thorough

investigation and research helps you identify what the core of the problem is.
In other words, it grants you access to the cause of the problem. Once the
real cause of the problem is known, it becomes easier to solve it.

 Be open to suggestions. Other people’s contributions can be very helpful. It

saves you the time of having to search for every piece of information that is
needed.

WHAT IS PROBLEM SOLVING?

Problem solving is the act of defining a problem; determining the cause of the
problem; identifying, prioritizing, and selecting alternatives for a solution; and

implementing a solution.

Defining Real Problem

The key to a good problem definition is ensuring that you deal with the real problem
– not its symptoms. For example, if performance in your department is substandard,
you might think the problem is with the individuals submitting work. However, if you
look a bit deeper, the real issue might be a lack of training, or an unreasonable
workload.
Five steps to problem solving

Generally, there are five widely accepted steps in the problem solving process:

1. Define the problem - this is the hardest step and is covered on the next
page.
2. Gather facts - who, what, when, and where.
3. Generate alternate options - bring in other people who might have a
different problem-solving style.
4. Evaluate and implement most appropriate option

5. Monitor the solution and evaluate the results