Digital Library: Problem solving

Problem-solving

Making decisions and solving problems are two important areas in our life. We face countless decisions and problems every day.

Problem solving skills are highly sought after by employers. Many organizations rely on their employees to identify and solve problems.

Problem solving involves understanding the underlying issues of the problem.

In order to be effective at problem solving some key skills are required, such as:

• Creativity;
• Researching skills;
• Team working;
• Emotional intelligence;
• Risk management;
• Decision making.

A definition of problem-solving is the ability to define a problem, determine the cause of it, identify, prioritize and select alternatives for a solution, and implement a solution.

Problem-solving is the process of analyzing a problem and solving it in the best possible way for a given situation. Critical thinking and analytical skills are required for problem solving.

Problem-solving starts with identifying the issue, coming up with solutions, implementing those solutions, and evaluating their effectiveness.

Problem-solving is about identifying the issue, analyzing it, and finding the best solutions. This ability to solve problems is a basic life skill, and it is essential to our day-to-day lives, at home, at school, and at work. 

Problem-solving is connected with troubleshooting management skills. Troubleshooting is “Identifying and prioritizing problems; sort out the many facets of a problem; proactively contribute with ideas/answers regarding the problem while considering respective consequences; ability to solve novel and ill-defined problems in complex and real-world settings.”

“People who can define problems, consider options, make choices, and implement a plan have all the basic skills required for effective problem solving.”

Effective problem solving usually involves working through a number of stages:

1. Identifying the problem: detecting and recognize that there is a problem.
2. Structuring the problem: observation, inspection, fact-finding and “take the picture of the problem”, finding goals and barriers is a part of the structuring.
3. Looking for possible solutions: thinking about possible solutions to the identified problem.
4. Making a decision: analysis of the different courses of action and select the best solution. Decision-making is a skill in itself.
5. Implementation: accept and carry out the chosen course of action.
6. Monitoring: checking that the process was successful.

Management needs people/employees/managers with the problem-solving skills well developed. The way management faces situations and problems related to the transactional context where organizations operate, is vital for the continuity of business.

In order to solve problems, it is required to have a good proficiency in the skills: good judgement, reasoning, critical thinking and creativity.

Significance in Times of Crisis (e.g. pandemic)

Crisis is an extreme form of change, and keeping a clear mind is essential to make good decisions.

Solving-problems in time of crisis is being able to define problems, consider options, make choices and implement a plan. Prioritize is essential when in crisis. Being able to clearly identify what is the most important thing to do in a given circumstance or situation, is the first step to start solving-problems. Therefore, one of the most important skills of client-centered help and support on social level is a sufficiently high level of problem-solving.