Problem solving doesn't just apply to math homework. Analytical thinking and problem solving skills are required in many jobs, from accounting to computer programming, to detective work and even in creative occupations such as art, acting and writing. While the skills required for individual problem-solving vary, there are some methods that can help you improve your problem-solving skills in general. The steps below describe some of these.
Steps
Step 1. Warn the people involved in the problem, if any
This will give them the opportunity to contribute to its resolution.
As you work to find possible solutions, keep people informed of your progress so they know what to expect and when. Be optimistic, but also be realistic
Step 2. Define the problem clearly
Avoid making immediate judgments based on some cues, rather look for the root causes whenever possible. Inadequate results cannot be caused by a lack of individual skills, but by ineffective communication of expectations and lack of experience in how to meet them.
Clearly defining the problem may require looking at it from different perspectives and angles, not just one or two. This will prevent you from identifying a potential solution as a problem
Step 3. Choose an appropriate problem solving strategy
The approach to solving the problem, once defined, can be managed through many methods, some of which are listed below:
- Brainstorming is the generation and recording of ideas as they come to you, alone or in a group. Do it for a certain period of time, then sift through the list of solutions to assess their applicability.
- Appreciative inquiry promotes a positive inquiry into what works and determines if it can be applied to solving the problem in question.
- Design thinking is the application of design methodologies to solving problems in all areas of life.
- In some cases, the best approach to solving a problem is to combine all strategies.
Step 4. Collect the information
In addition to defining the problem, it is necessary to gather information about it. This involves comparing with people closest to certain aspects of the problem to better grasp the extent, or looking for similar situations to discover the root causes and their resolution.
Gathering information is also essential for managing a seemingly indirect problem-solving strategy, such as brainstorming. A more informed mind can devise better and more adequate solutions than one that is not
Step 5. Analyze the information
The information must be analyzed according to its relevance to the problem and its importance. The most critical or key information should be tapped to formulate a solution, while other information should be classified according to its importance and relevance.
Sometimes information has to be organized graphically in order to be useful, through flowcharts, cause-and-effect diagrams, or other similar tools
Step 6. Develop possible solutions based on the information gathered and your strategy
Step 7. Evaluate the generated solutions
Just as it was necessary to analyze the information based on relevance to the problem, potential solutions must be analyzed for their adaptability in order to determine which is the best to manage the problem. In some cases this means making prototypes and testing them; in others it could involve the use of computer simulations or "thought experiments" to analyze the consequences of a given solution.
Step 8. Implement your solution
Once you've found the best one, put it into practice. This can be done first on a limited scale, to verify that the solution is truly effective, or it can be implemented directly on a large scale, if there is an immediate need.
Step 9. Evaluate the feedback
While this step should be taken while testing the solutions, it is also helpful to continue to get feedback to verify that the solution is working as intended and to tweak it if necessary.
