9 Ways How to Improve Problem-Solving Skills

Are you good at problem solving? Have you ever thought about it? I guess not. But in reality, we are constantly solving problems.

Problem-solving is part of our everyday life, and we face problems from the moment we wake up to the moment we go to bed. Here, I will help you learn 9 ways on how to improve problem-solving skills.

There are so many problems we face every day, it could be professional or personal and we try to solve those problems by using problem-solving skills.

Problem-solving skills are a part of our life and anyone can learn how to improve problem-solving skills.

What are the Problem-Solving Skills?

Let us try to understand what problem-solving skills in easy words:

Problem-solving is an ability that helps you find unique solutions to the problems through a process of problem identification and resolution planning.

To improve problem-solving skills one requires constant improvement to encourage an environment of consistent innovation.

We use problem-solving skills in our professional and personal life to solve problems like

• How to achieve your goals?
• How to top in class?
• How to choose the right career?
• How to manage time effectively?
• How to improve your hard skills?
• How to communicate well?
• How to ask questions effectively?
• How to make good decisions?
• How to improve emotional intelligence and learn to handle relationships?

Skills that contribute to Improve problem-solving skills include:

• Active listening
• Analysis
• Communication
• Creativity
• Decision-making skills
• Dependability
• Team-building
• Emotional intelligence

Problem-solving is considered a soft skill rather than hard-skills. You can improve your problem-solving skills by following a few ways, which I have mentioned below in the article.

Why Are Problem-Solving Skills Important?

Problem-solving skills are an essential part of everyone’s life as it enables you to take control of your surroundings. Now let us see how to improve problem-solving skills.

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9 Ways How to Improve Problem-Solving Skills:

Most people think that you have to be very intelligent to be a good problem solver, but that’s not true.

You don’t have to be super smart to be a problem solver; you just need to develop and improve problem-solving skills.

Learn how to improve problem-solving skills

1.    Identify the problem.

The very first step for you will be to identify the problem. Then try to identify the roots of the problem and the nature of a particular problem by asking questions and looking at the problems from different angles. It is very important to understand the problems and the challenges you would face while addressing them. Once you clearly understand the problems, you find the right solutions for that problem by using your problem-solving skills.

2.    Collect Information.

Once you have a clear understanding of the problem, the next step is to dig a little deeper into the situation and collect as many facts as you can about the problem to get a clear picture of it.  The best way to gather information is by asking questions to those who are connected or related to the problem or situation.

3.    Analyze the problem with the help of the collected information.

After you have identified the problem and collected the information, the next step for you is to organize all the collected information and then analyze it. While you do your analysis, try to build links and relationships in the hope of better understanding the problem.

Once you have done the proper analysis, breaking down the big problem into smaller small pieces will help you find different solutions to the problem.

4.    Figure out different possible solutions.

Finding solutions to any problem is a very tricky step, but with good problem-solving skills, you can do it uncomplicatedly. As I have already mentioned in the above point, breaking a big problem into smaller small pieces will help you find different solutions.

After you have done the above step, you just need to use your critical thinking ability and analytical thinking ability to create logical links between different potential solutions. Finally, note down all the different possible solutions to the problem.

5.    Evaluate and select the best solution.

Now then, after you have figured out the different solutions to the problem with the help of your problem-solving skills, the next major step is to choose a solution that best suits your needs, and does not create further problems.

To do proper evolution of the solution you have, it is good to note down the pros and cons of the solutions you have and then choose. A suitable solution which can fix your problem.

In case you failed to achieve the desired result, then you must look for an alternative solution and start the process over again.

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6.    Don’t make decisions based on emotions.

Once you have figured out the best solution to the problem, it’s time to make a decision. Decision-making skills are an integral part of problem-solving skills. While making any decision one must keep aside their emotions because we often have different preferences between our feelings and thinking.

We should think analytically and logically while making decisions about any problem.  Making decisions based on logical and analytical thinking will also help in developing a reasoning mind and improve problem-solving skills. So while making any decision, we should try to keep our emotions at bay.

7.    Implement the solution and put it into action.

After you have chosen the best solution according to your requirement and are committed to that particular solution, now it’s time to put it into action.

Implementation of the solution and putting it into action is key to get the best possible outcome, and hence this process needs careful attention.

Sometimes even the best solution could fail because of ineffective implementation, so it’s necessary to do it most efficiently to avoid unforeseen problems.

8.    Evaluate the result and adjust it.

After you are done with the implementation process, it is now time to evaluate the results. While doing so, you need to check the outcome and ask yourself if the solution is working or not.

If the solution is working, and it satisfies, you mean everything has panned out as your plan. But if it does not satisfy you, then you have to reassess your initial solution and adjust it.

Try to put another solution into action and again review the outcome. You need to repeat the same process until you get the desired outcome.

9.    Ask for help when required.

This is a step in which we rarely give much weightage. However, my suggestion is that even if you can solve the problem on your own, ask for help because working with others can bring fresh ideas, new points and improve problem-solving skills,

But the main question is whom you should ask for help or assistance? and how will they help you improve problem-solving skills

People who can provide you support and encouragement are the ones to whom you can ask for help. Your friends and family are the best to go start with.  Even your colleagues can offer intuitive feedback. You can also ask mentors, coaches, or people you admire and think that they can help.

 Conclusion

In the above article on 9 ways how to improve problem-solving skills. I tried my best to give you tips on how to improve problem-solving skills.

So, try not to view problems as ‘scary’ and ‘trouble’ because in life you will face challenges and problems at every stage If you are facing a problem, then use your problem-solving skills to solve it.

Every problem is telling you that things are not going as per plan and that you need to find an alternative way around it. So try to approach problems with a positive mindset and use your problem-solving skills and other interpersonal skills to get the best solutions.

I hope you liked the article. If I have missed any point on how to improve problem-solving skills, Just drop a comment and let me know.

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