How to Be A Remarkable Problem Solver

An excellent problem solver is a good thinker. To begin with, they tend to have fewer problems and less drama at work. Moreover, they do not get too emotional when facing a problem. They usually see a problem as a challenge and a new life experience. These folks stand above issues, objectively.

An excellent problem solver uses their full talent stack, including a combination of intuition and logic to produce their solutions. Our intuition has more to do with the emotional and intuitive side of us. How we reason is more related to our cognition and thinking. An excellent problem solver uses both superpowers to get as much information as they can to produce the best possible solution. Moreover, he or she is open-minded but logically skeptical.

Universal Characteristics Of An Excellent Problem Solver

Some of the global attributes of a problem solver are:

No need to be right all the time

It would be best if you focused on finding the right solution rather than wanting to prove you are right at all costs.

Go Beyond Your Conditioning

It would help if you went beyond having a fixed mindset to having a growth mindset.  Moreover, you should be open to new ways of thinking and to explore options. Apply multiple problem-solving styles.

Look For An Opportunity Within The Problem

You see problems as challenges. Furthermore, you always try to learn from them.

Know The Difference Between Simple And Complex Thinking

You need to know when to do systematic and sophisticated thinking and when to use short cuts to find an easy solution.

Define The Problem

What’s the problem? Before you can solve a problem, you need to define it from multiple perspectives. Whenever someone tells you that they have a problem, it is highly unlikely at that moment what they describe as the problem really is the problem.

Most people are strangely unaware of what their real issues are.  This observation is not because they are stupid or annoying:  they just do not know — a blind spot. So, if you ask them what the problem is, you will probably get one or more of the following:

• A suggested solution — Nobody’s challenge is as simple as “I need X.”  They likely have a problem which they believe may be solved by X.  However, the initial help you need to provide is to help them identify the problem. It is irrelevant at this stage in the process whether X turns out to be the solution.
• A symptom — The symptom may be a problem in itself. Moreover, it may need fixing. However, while it is a problem, is not the problem.
• A real problem — It is tempting to think that this is the problem; however, it is always worth introducing the idea that the issues have many layers. So, start by asking the following series of questions:
• If there were a more deep-rooted issue underlying this problem, what do you think it might it be? Moreover, when you get the response, “I don’t know,” persist —  ask:
  • If you were to know what the problem was, what would it be?

You need to have some skill when you ask these questions, so you do not irritate the other person. However, a willing respondent will find them very enlightening. With clients, I use multiple layers until I sense that asking another time would not be fruitful.

A Current Reality Tree

The thinking process that I find the most effective in analyzing many systems or organizational problems at once is a current reality tree. It comes from the theory of constraints and helps to identify root causes common to most or all of the problems. A current reality tree greatly aids in focused improvements of a system.

The purpose of the layered questions or building a current reality tree is to facilitate insight. These insights can precisely identify the problem.

Use Labelling

Former FBI negotiator, Chris Voss, introduced me to the power labelling in his book, Never Split The Difference.  Labelling is a way of validating a person’s thinking by acknowledging it. Give someone’s thought a name, and you will show that you identify with how that person is feeling. The technique gets you close to someone without asking about external factors you may know nothing about.

The first step in labelling is to detect the other person’s emotional state. The trick to spotting their feelings is to pay close attention to the changes the person undergoes when responding to your questions.

Once you have identified the thought, you want to highlight, label it aloud. Your labels almost always will begin with roughly the same words:

• “It seems like …”
• “It sounds like …”
• “It looks like …”

A downward inflection at the end the sentence makes the label as a statement, whereas an upward inflection makes it a question. Questions get deeper responses.

Your counterpart will usually respond with a longer answer than just “yes” or “no.” Moreover, when they disagree with your label, that is okay. Step back and say, “I did not say that was what it was. I just said it seems like that.”

Again, the purpose is to facilitate insight.

Connect With People Using The Power Of Words

As a problem solver, you are socially well developed. You can find ways to connect with people. Working collaboratively with people leads you to great solutions.

Do Not Create Problems For Others

It is best that you help the person with the problem understand that to solve their problem, you cannot create issues for others. So as an excellent problem solver, you create the right solutions by making a conscious effort not to harm others for your self-interest intention. Even if you temporarily solve the initial problem, such acts have long term consequences.

Seek Prevention More Than Intervention

The excellent problem solver has several skills to prevent problems from happening in the first place. So you avoid drama, conflict, and stress if you establish clear boundaries up front. Do not let others violate your rights. Moreover, do not violate other people's rights. By being a positive thinker, you will naturally, be surrounded with more positivity and have more energy to be productive.

Explore Your Options

You need to be able to see more than one solution to a problem. Moreover, you may find new and productive ways to deal with unfamiliar issues as they arise. Also, always create a backup plan. So, if your first solution does not work, you can ask for support and recommend what is needed to move forward.

Set Reasonable Expectations

As an excellent problem solver, you will begin with the end in mind. You set reasonable expectations as to what the solution would be. You understand that many elements are affecting a situation. However, if you have an idealistic way of thinking and going about solving a problem, you will be counterproductive.

Problem Solving Styles

One of the nine sections of our performance traits addresses the unique style or type of intelligence. When we advise clients on Problem Solving Style, we are talking about the way one is intelligent or how your intellect manifests.

It is best if you can conceptualize solutions to problems. However, there are multiple ways to apply one's intelligence. A problem-solving style is your preferred way of learning, thinking, and organizing vital information to solve a problem. It is a way of expressing, showing, or using your problem-solving ability. Individuals with the same level of expertise may have unique styles. Shakespeare, Einstein, Churchill, Gandhi, Picasso and Gates were all intellectual giants, but they each showed their ability to solve problems in diverse ways.

Today, you must deal with all sorts of complicated and difficult problems you may never have met. Once you know which problem-solving skills you have already cultivated, you can take steps to learn any subject or job skill through the application of that type of problem-solving strategy. Likewise, knowing one's problem-solving style will point out other problem-solving techniques that are underused. Exercising one's mind to learn in diverse ways and enhancing all ten types of problem-solving can improve success in one's career.

• Analysis — Preference for looking for logical patterns.
• Common Sense — Capacity to recognize the obvious, practical consequences
• Experiential Learning — Preference to solve problems through direct, hands-on experience.
• Innovation — Ability to generate and seek creative solutions and imaginative ideas.
• Intuition — Capacity to trust one's instincts and personal judgment.
• Linguistics — Preference for articulating problems clearly and concisely.
• Quantitative Orientation — Reliance on quantitative data to reach solutions.
• Reflectiveness — Ability to focus one's attention
• Street Sense — Recognizes others' attempts to manipulate solutions for their gain.
• Theoretical Reasoning — Investment in formulating intellectual theories.

Problem-Solving Team

When trying to solve complex problems, it is best if you assemble a team of individuals with strengths in all ten problem-solving styles. It does not mean you need ten people, as some people may have strengths in four or five of these styles.

Concluding Thoughts

An excellent problem solver does not have irrational fears when dealing with problems. They visualize the worst-case scenario, work their way out of it. So, let go of the anxiety that you may attach to it. Fear clouds your logic and intuition. Thus, your decision-making process becomes more unproductive.

Every organization has problems. Build your career capital by becoming an excellent problem solver.