Problem solving is a skill that everyone needs, not just leaders. It can help you find your way out of difficult situations, and it can help you create solutions that maximize productivity and efficiency. Without problem solving skills, you will face many challenges and roadblocks in your life. Being able to solve problems allows someone to deal with these issues as they arise and move beyond problems.
Generally speaking, problem solving occurs in four stages. First you identify the problem that has arisen. Second, you brainstorm solutions to this problem. Third, you choose the best solution or strategy. Then the final step is to actually implement that solution. Steps one and two are fairly easy, but steps three and four take more skill and discernment to make the right decision. Being able to take a step back and look at the situation from multiple angles is very valuable. If you have time to think before you have to react, it is important to play out multiple scenarios in your head for solving the problem. This gives you the opportunity to pick the solution that you believe to be best based on informed decision making. The last step of implementing the solution is the most important part. As a leader, implementing a good solution to a problem can build your own credibility and trust amongst your employees.
Problem solving is also a skill that can help you get hired. More and more employers are rewarding resumes that showcase instances of effective problem solving. For instance, you could mention that in a previous role you reduced operating costs. A better way to describe that scenario would be if you reduced operating costs by 30% by introducing a new system that cut production time in half. Similarly, rather than saying that you increased sales, you could say that you increased by identifying a new target audience for the company’s product. Showcasing problem solving abilities on your resume shows potential future employers not only that you can problem solve, but also that you are innovative and creative, and you take initiative.
Problem solving is a skill that not everyone has. If you are not good at problem-solving you should try to hone this skill. You can do so by playing challenge games like Sudoku. You can try to do more brainstorming activities. Additionally, you can try to approach situations with more of a “what if” mindset. This will cause you to start thinking through options and different approaches to challenges. All of this will help you become a better problem solver which will greatly help you throughout your life personally and in your career.
-Bria