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Can you give some examples of your problem-solving skills?
#teaching #career #personal-development
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10 answers
Updated
Akomaye’s Answer
I have quite a number of approaches to solving problems depending on my diagnosis of the issue in question.
I teach when the problem is the result of a lack of comprehension of the principles that ensure the solution. Sometimes I counsel, at other times I motivate and inspire when I perceive fear, demoralization, or laziness. I also refer when I know a useful source of information. Another problem solving skill that is an integral part of my skill mix is critical thinking.
Analyse to properly understand the problem.
Seek expert advice.
Be willing to take responsibility.
Be hopeful.
Be consistent in the right direction
I teach when the problem is the result of a lack of comprehension of the principles that ensure the solution. Sometimes I counsel, at other times I motivate and inspire when I perceive fear, demoralization, or laziness. I also refer when I know a useful source of information. Another problem solving skill that is an integral part of my skill mix is critical thinking.
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Updated
Doc’s Answer
Jessica I have found a few tips that have helped me solve problems more easily. I find doing some of these things early on can really help you solve the problem faster and with less struggle and pain.
ACCECT THE PROBLEM
This is the one I try to do first when I run into a problem and I use it almost every time. When you accept that the problem already exists and stop resisting then you also stop putting more energy into the problem. Now it just exists (well, more or less, you might still feel a bit down about it). And you can use the energy you previously fed the problem with a new energy to find creative solution to the challenge. Ask yourself: what's the worst that can happen? This is another one to do early on. You can easily to use your mind to blow problems all out of proportion. By asking this question you can restore the problem to its original size. And realize that the worst case scenario – if you actually define it – is perhaps not so pleasant but something you can handle and solve.
Gather some good knowledge. Information about your problem can often decrease that uncertain anxiety and fear we face when we are challenged with something. Knowledge wisps away the clouds of fear around a problem. And we often find that the problem might not be as bad as we thought. Try to figure out possible problem along the way. This is something you can do before the problem even arises. Be prepared. Ask people what they did. If you don't have anyone to ask then forums and blogs are good resources for gathering the personal experience of people. Also, be on the lookout for local groups and organizations. Google it and see what you find. If you keep your eyes and ears open you are sure to find something helpful.
ASK FOR HELP
You can ask people for advice on what to do and what they did in similar situations like yours. But you can also ask for more practical help. You don't have to solve every problem on your own and sometimes it feels better to have someone by your side, even if it is just for emotional support. Break down the problem into smaller pieces. Completing a task or solving a problem can seem overwhelming and impossible if you take it all in at once. To decrease anxiety and think more clearly try to break the problem down. Try to identify the different things and people it consists of. Then figure out one practical solution you can take for each of those pieces. Try those solutions. They may not solve the whole problem immediately. But they might solve a few pieces of it. And then you can keep trying other solutions for the rest of the pieces until there are none left. Use the 80/20 rule. Use 80 percent of your time to find solutions and only 20 percent to complain, worry and whine. It might not always be easy but focusing your energy, time and thoughts in this way is much more beneficial to you and others than doing the opposite.
FIND THE LESSON
There is almost always a good side of a problem. Perhaps it alerts us to a great way to improve our business. Or teaches us how our lives perhaps aren't as bad as we thought. Finding this more positive part of the problem reduces its negative emotional impact and you may even start to see the situation as a great opportunity for you. When you are faced with a problem ask yourself: How can I use this? What is the good thing about this? What can I learn from this? What hidden opportunity can I find within this problem? A lot of our problems are created by ourselves. You save yourself a lot of trouble by being proactive, thinking before you speak and trying to avoid creating or complicating problems more than necessary. Many problems are somehow connected to relationships with other people so a good way to create less problems is to improve your social skills. It's easy to be discouraged, especially if you fear failure and your first and second solution to a problem didn't work. You might feel like just giving up. Then its time to give yourself a boost of motivation. Changing your mental state to a brighter, more positive and more motivated one can make all the difference in the world. It will keep you going. Even though you might just a few minutes earlier felt like all hope was gone.
Hope this was Helpful Jessica
ACCECT THE PROBLEM
This is the one I try to do first when I run into a problem and I use it almost every time. When you accept that the problem already exists and stop resisting then you also stop putting more energy into the problem. Now it just exists (well, more or less, you might still feel a bit down about it). And you can use the energy you previously fed the problem with a new energy to find creative solution to the challenge. Ask yourself: what's the worst that can happen? This is another one to do early on. You can easily to use your mind to blow problems all out of proportion. By asking this question you can restore the problem to its original size. And realize that the worst case scenario – if you actually define it – is perhaps not so pleasant but something you can handle and solve.
Gather some good knowledge. Information about your problem can often decrease that uncertain anxiety and fear we face when we are challenged with something. Knowledge wisps away the clouds of fear around a problem. And we often find that the problem might not be as bad as we thought. Try to figure out possible problem along the way. This is something you can do before the problem even arises. Be prepared. Ask people what they did. If you don't have anyone to ask then forums and blogs are good resources for gathering the personal experience of people. Also, be on the lookout for local groups and organizations. Google it and see what you find. If you keep your eyes and ears open you are sure to find something helpful.
ASK FOR HELP
You can ask people for advice on what to do and what they did in similar situations like yours. But you can also ask for more practical help. You don't have to solve every problem on your own and sometimes it feels better to have someone by your side, even if it is just for emotional support. Break down the problem into smaller pieces. Completing a task or solving a problem can seem overwhelming and impossible if you take it all in at once. To decrease anxiety and think more clearly try to break the problem down. Try to identify the different things and people it consists of. Then figure out one practical solution you can take for each of those pieces. Try those solutions. They may not solve the whole problem immediately. But they might solve a few pieces of it. And then you can keep trying other solutions for the rest of the pieces until there are none left. Use the 80/20 rule. Use 80 percent of your time to find solutions and only 20 percent to complain, worry and whine. It might not always be easy but focusing your energy, time and thoughts in this way is much more beneficial to you and others than doing the opposite.
FIND THE LESSON
There is almost always a good side of a problem. Perhaps it alerts us to a great way to improve our business. Or teaches us how our lives perhaps aren't as bad as we thought. Finding this more positive part of the problem reduces its negative emotional impact and you may even start to see the situation as a great opportunity for you. When you are faced with a problem ask yourself: How can I use this? What is the good thing about this? What can I learn from this? What hidden opportunity can I find within this problem? A lot of our problems are created by ourselves. You save yourself a lot of trouble by being proactive, thinking before you speak and trying to avoid creating or complicating problems more than necessary. Many problems are somehow connected to relationships with other people so a good way to create less problems is to improve your social skills. It's easy to be discouraged, especially if you fear failure and your first and second solution to a problem didn't work. You might feel like just giving up. Then its time to give yourself a boost of motivation. Changing your mental state to a brighter, more positive and more motivated one can make all the difference in the world. It will keep you going. Even though you might just a few minutes earlier felt like all hope was gone.
Hope this was Helpful Jessica
Updated
Blake’s Answer
Hey Jessica,
First and foremost you must understand the problem before you can solve the problem. Often I see leaders that assume that the problem is X and it's actually Y. Second, once you've established what the problem is, you need to determine what is the biggest contributor to that problem. For instance, let's use the example that you're late for work everyday. Being late is clearly the problem, but you need to determine why are you late. Track each thing during your morning that inhibits you from getting to work on time and attack the biggest problem. For instance, if making coffee takes you 5 minutes and deciding what outfit you want to wear takes you 25 minutes then you should probably look at ways to make picking out your outfit faster before making the coffee faster.
Thanks,
Blake
First and foremost you must understand the problem before you can solve the problem. Often I see leaders that assume that the problem is X and it's actually Y. Second, once you've established what the problem is, you need to determine what is the biggest contributor to that problem. For instance, let's use the example that you're late for work everyday. Being late is clearly the problem, but you need to determine why are you late. Track each thing during your morning that inhibits you from getting to work on time and attack the biggest problem. For instance, if making coffee takes you 5 minutes and deciding what outfit you want to wear takes you 25 minutes then you should probably look at ways to make picking out your outfit faster before making the coffee faster.
Thanks,
Blake
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Thank you for the question!
The best advice I have received regarding problem solving is to listen and identify the problem before trying to solve it. The following is not my original thought, but I think it illustrates what I am referring to.
In the sales environment, there is a popular question where an interviewer asks the candidate to "sell me this pen." The person interviewing holds out a pen and the candidate is asked to sell it to them. A big mistake is not identifying the problem first (the interviewer already has a pen...so why do you need to sell it back to them?). However, if you take the pen from them, slide them a piece of paper and ask them to sign it....there's now a problem identified - they need to sign the paper and you have their pen. Again, I did not come up with this concept but it resonated with me to listen and identify a problem before trying to solve it. If you start trying to problem solve where there isn't a "need", you're going to run into potential problems.
I hope this helps!
The best advice I have received regarding problem solving is to listen and identify the problem before trying to solve it. The following is not my original thought, but I think it illustrates what I am referring to.
In the sales environment, there is a popular question where an interviewer asks the candidate to "sell me this pen." The person interviewing holds out a pen and the candidate is asked to sell it to them. A big mistake is not identifying the problem first (the interviewer already has a pen...so why do you need to sell it back to them?). However, if you take the pen from them, slide them a piece of paper and ask them to sign it....there's now a problem identified - they need to sign the paper and you have their pen. Again, I did not come up with this concept but it resonated with me to listen and identify a problem before trying to solve it. If you start trying to problem solve where there isn't a "need", you're going to run into potential problems.
I hope this helps!
Updated
Fabiola’s Answer
When it comes to problem-solving, and depending on the problem, I try not to rack my brain coming up with a solution that may already exist. I like to implore the help of my network to see if anyone has experienced something similar and gather their recommendations. I then spend the time deciding if I can leverage any of the proposed solutions, and if so, modify it to fit my circumstance.
If I'm unable to get ideas from my network of peers, then I use a meditative approach to tackle the problem. If you tackle a problem while stressed then you are more likely to overlook possible pitfalls and challenges, or even come up with a temporary workaround versus a long-term solution. Clear your mind and approach the problem as if it is an opportunity to make something better - as opposed to viewing it as a nuisance or stressor.
If I'm unable to get ideas from my network of peers, then I use a meditative approach to tackle the problem. If you tackle a problem while stressed then you are more likely to overlook possible pitfalls and challenges, or even come up with a temporary workaround versus a long-term solution. Clear your mind and approach the problem as if it is an opportunity to make something better - as opposed to viewing it as a nuisance or stressor.
Updated
Padmapriya’s Answer
Hi Jessica,
Great question.
I follow the below basic steps to solve a problem,
Analyze the causes to the situation
Generate a set of alternative interventions to achieve the end goal
Evaluate the best solutions
Implement a plan
Assess effectiveness
There are some skills required for problem solving which I use them in my day to day work: They are as follows,
Active listening, data gathering, data analysis, brainstorming, creative thinking, prediction, teamwork, prioritizing, collaboration, time management, communication, troubleshooting.
Hope this helps.
All the Best!!
Great question.
I follow the below basic steps to solve a problem,
Analyze the causes to the situation
Generate a set of alternative interventions to achieve the end goal
Evaluate the best solutions
Implement a plan
Assess effectiveness
There are some skills required for problem solving which I use them in my day to day work: They are as follows,
Active listening, data gathering, data analysis, brainstorming, creative thinking, prediction, teamwork, prioritizing, collaboration, time management, communication, troubleshooting.
Hope this helps.
All the Best!!
Updated
Alejandro’s Answer
Personally, I have one thing that works for me and it always works. Sometimes it will take a little longer for it to work, but it always does work.
Whenever I am presented with a task and when it comes to working on it and attempting to complete it if I become frustrated because I can't solve it, I step away. Especially when it comes to programming and finding bug and syntax errors in others' code. Stepping away and working on another task. Your mind has to completely step away from the previous task. I've learned to get pretty good at doing this. Great skill to have.
Coming back to your previous task, you'll have a refreshed and calmed mind. Working with a clear mind is much easier to and it will get you from point A to point B much faster than if you try to continue working while frustrated.
Hope this helps :D
Whenever I am presented with a task and when it comes to working on it and attempting to complete it if I become frustrated because I can't solve it, I step away. Especially when it comes to programming and finding bug and syntax errors in others' code. Stepping away and working on another task. Your mind has to completely step away from the previous task. I've learned to get pretty good at doing this. Great skill to have.
Coming back to your previous task, you'll have a refreshed and calmed mind. Working with a clear mind is much easier to and it will get you from point A to point B much faster than if you try to continue working while frustrated.
Hope this helps :D
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
Problem solving skills come in all shapes and sizes. It is important to remember to solve a problem with a solution, not another problem. I think my best problem solving skill is creativity. I am able to think outside of the box to come up with creative ways to solve an issue. If that is not your style, I also like to "phone a friend" aka ask for help. Talk to other people and see if they have had a similar issue, and get advice. Crowd sourcing is very easy nowadays, and a great way to solve problems.
Updated
Samuel’s Answer
Greetings and salutations, Jessica! My name is Samuel Colis Achiles. I am a graduate from Cal State Dominguez Hills. During school or work in your career, you will be accosted by a host of problems, in every size, shape, or form. Therefore, there are several methods I can give to problem-solving.
1. Identify and define the problem.
The first method is to identify and define the problem. This is the most crucial part already, because identifying and knowing your problem(s) will serve as a foundation or reference point from which you can formulate a proper plan to address and respond accordingly.
2. Choosing options for solutions.
The next method is to consider all possible options for solutions. It is because some problems may have more than one way of addressing and responding in order to reach a solution. Therefore, this is where I would encourage you try to be as creative as possible. Opportunity in everywhere, but it is always on you to take it. However, my personal advice is if you however cannot find an opportunity to exploit, make one.
3. Evaluate your options and implement your methods.
Of course, it all comes down to choosing which method works for you best. My advice to you for choosing the best method is to consider and weigh the risks attributed to each option. It is because, make no mistake, but with every decision, there is always risks to be taken, followed by consequences and repercussions, in every size, shape, or form. Always keep that in mind. Then after giving it some thought, and weighing your options, then is the time to implement your method and put it into practice.
That is all the advice I can muster for you, Jessica. Hope this helps and may I wish you well in your future endeavors.
1. Identify and define the problem.
The first method is to identify and define the problem. This is the most crucial part already, because identifying and knowing your problem(s) will serve as a foundation or reference point from which you can formulate a proper plan to address and respond accordingly.
2. Choosing options for solutions.
The next method is to consider all possible options for solutions. It is because some problems may have more than one way of addressing and responding in order to reach a solution. Therefore, this is where I would encourage you try to be as creative as possible. Opportunity in everywhere, but it is always on you to take it. However, my personal advice is if you however cannot find an opportunity to exploit, make one.
3. Evaluate your options and implement your methods.
Of course, it all comes down to choosing which method works for you best. My advice to you for choosing the best method is to consider and weigh the risks attributed to each option. It is because, make no mistake, but with every decision, there is always risks to be taken, followed by consequences and repercussions, in every size, shape, or form. Always keep that in mind. Then after giving it some thought, and weighing your options, then is the time to implement your method and put it into practice.
That is all the advice I can muster for you, Jessica. Hope this helps and may I wish you well in your future endeavors.
Updated
Savannah’s Answer
Hi! There are plenty of problem solvers in the world, when a problem comes ahead they adapted and make a problem into something great. Whenever something get tough you will have to find all of the solutions to fix the problems It could be easy but also difficult but it if it difficult don't quit just try to push yourself to be a better person.
For example: if you have a plan on having a party at some restaurant and they had a dilemma, you can change the location at another restaurant, your house, or a buddie house or even just a part that has some covering if you guys what covering.
Hope this helps!
For example: if you have a plan on having a party at some restaurant and they had a dilemma, you can change the location at another restaurant, your house, or a buddie house or even just a part that has some covering if you guys what covering.
Hope this helps!