The Ararat Connection: Hone Your Problem-Solving Skill Set!

Think back to the last issue you encountered (this can be a work or personal issue), and consider what steps you took to approach the problem and find a solution. During that process, what kind of hurdles did you face? What steps did you take to overcome those challenges?

Thinking through how you’ve problem-solved in the past can help you gain an understanding of how successful you are as a problem-solver overall.

Why does this matter?

In the workplace, problem-solving skills refer to the ability to handle difficult or unexpected situations and complex business challenges. Therefore, problem-solving skills are traits that enable you to assess situations and calmly identify solutions. Such skills are also highly useful in other areas of life like relationship building and day-to-day decision-making.

Let’s take a look at a few essential skills problem-solvers possess.

Research
As a problem solver, the ability to identify the cause of an issue is essential. This is accomplished by gathering information by brainstorming with other team members, consulting more experienced colleagues, or acquiring knowledge through research.

Analysis
Analytical skills will help you understand problems and effectively develop solutions.

Communication
How you listen to others and your ability to share aspects of a problem will help reduce confusion and simplify implementing a solution.

Creative problem-solving goes beyond conventional approaches to finding solutions. This approach identifies unique solutions to issues through a process of problem identification and resolution planning.

You can improve your creative problem-solving skills by practicing the following techniques:
Use a strategic framework
Practice empathy
Get a hobby
Relax your assumptions
Practice persistence
Question standard practices
Consider your past experiences
Become an expert in your field
Practice creative problem-solving
Ask for help

---