Tips for boosting your problem solving Skills

Did you ever get stuck with a scenario and found it difficult to get out of it? Long-lasting and complex problems can trouble anybody. Problem solving skills are critical for every individual, especially if you are working in a managerial position. They require methods to come up with viable solutions that can be applied to solve the problem.

Obviously, we can think of several ways to counter a problem. But how sure are we that it will work? This totally depends on our deep understanding and insights into the problem itself. There are a few ways that an individual can use to enhance their problem solving abilities.

1. Focus on the Solution rather than the Problem
Well, as the saying goes, a positive attitude can really make dreams come true. Same is the case with problem solving. Studies suggest that continuously thinking of the problem itself can negatively affect your problem-solving skills.

If you are feeding your brain with negative thoughts and getting tense about the problem, you are doing little or no good and won't come up with a solution. Rather, remain calm and brainstorm the potential solutions to the problem. Find a way to make it easy, for example, read free essays online to get idea.

Try to think about how the problem actually arose. Consult your colleagues if they have faced similar problems before. And how did they come up with the solutions? Panicking is easy. But remaining calm in tough situations is what counts.
 
2. Analyze the problem in depth
Well, you are not going to come up with great solutions if you are looking at the problem superficially. To solve the problem effectively you should be ready to analyze the entire data and statistics.

Once you dive in and get insights into the complexity of the situation and the root cause, you will be able to understand the problem. A best practice is to build links from one situation to another and starting with raw data.

Using tools, like bar charts, graphs, and other visualization tools can be effective in this case. You can also break the data into several smaller segments which brings us to…

3. Breaking down your problem and solution in elements
Before you move forward to think of a standalone solution it is better to breakdown your problem into several elements. Take a step-by-step approach before you make an ultimate decision.

Instead of brainstorming possible solutions for a big problem, it is better to break it down in several segments. Breaking down your problems in several elements is an essential step in managerial and psychological activities.

4.  Simplification before actions
As humans, we have the tendency to think negatively and make our problems more complex. Try to think generally about the problem you are facing. How about going back and connecting every dot that can remove the complication?

Try to come up with easy solutions with the help of your previous experience. Who knows you will be surprised by the results.

5. Work out your brain
Having a healthy brain really matters in problem solving. With a lazy brain and not having enough stamina to think of better solutions, you can lead yourself toward further complications.

Before you start brainstorming possible solutions, make sure your neurons are highly active. How about doing some exercise or practicing yoga before brainstorming for possible solutions?

Perhaps, you can also benefit by taking power naps. Sleep is a dominant factor that helps boost brain activity. Of course, you are not planning to think of solutions while you are tired of your daily activities.

6. Don't act quick
Once you come up with a solution don't rush to implement it. Wait and relax. Think whether it is the perfect way to get out of this problem or not. Of course, you are not willing to risk further complications.

A good way is to use mind maps to visualize the solution. Mind maps can be a useful way to help you understand the gravity of the situation.

Another good way is to come up with as many solutions as possible. Yeah, you might have come up with a great idea to solve your problems, but how about going a little further and thinking of other ways you can solve the problem more effectively?

7. Evaluate Solutions
You have come up with plenty of solutions and are ready to act on them. But perhaps, you need to wait a little more. Facing problems is routine. But coming up with a solution for them that can have a long-lasting impact can be difficult.

While brainstorming you might have already come up with many good solutions. How about filtering them so that you isolate the most suitable one? As a problem solver, think of the best solution for the problem.
Of course, quite a few solutions would work in a single case. But you shouldn't risk your ability to come up with a better alternative.

Conclusion
Problem solving can be complex, but with utmost dedication, one can easily come up with the best solution. Always remember to know the importance of analyzing the problem before you start looking for a solution. Don't be haphazard in trying to fix the problem. This might even make it worse. A great way is to follow a slow but steady approach to problem solving.

Author bio

Stephanie Ward is an academic writer and editor, expert at writing guides for students.