Here's how you can enhance problem-solving skills by tackling challenging projects.

The ability to be resilient makes us more patient when making decisions even when we are dealing with scarce or contradictory information. In the era where AI's and automations are taking more and more space, the capability of making mistakes and keep trying is valuable than ever. Sum that with the culture of embracing complex challenges and we become the ideal person for the job. The real growth happens out of our comfort zone and there's nothing that could bring us outside better than facing complexity. That is why we should be determined to embrace challenges.

You develop yourself when you choose to get out of your comfort zone. At first, it may look tough, but not impossible for a positive mindset. Tackling a complex problem into many small phases where you will need to overcome obstacles along the way, appreciate your smalll wins and move to the next part of the problem.

Enhancing problem-solving skills through challenging projects involves several key strategies: 1. Embrace Complexity. 2. Break Down Problems. 3. Experiment and Iterate. 4. Collaborate with Others. 5. Reflect on Your Process. 6. Use Analytical Tools. 7. Stay Curious and Open-Minded. By applying these strategies, you can progressively build your problem-solving skills and become more adept at handling challenging projects.

Facing fears and embracing challenges is key to growth and discovering our true potential. It's in those moments of discomfort and uncertainty that we often learn the most about ourselves and develop new strengths.

One time at work, I volunteered for a project outside my usual scope. It was daunting, but it forced me to stretch my skills and learn new approaches. In retrospect, that experience was pivotal in broadening my problem-solving toolkit. At that time, as a software engineer, I volunteered for a marketing project. It was initially challenging, but I learned to think creatively and communicate technical concepts in a way that resonated with a non-technical audience. Seeking variety is like cross-training for your brain. It keeps you sharp, adaptable, and ready to tackle any problem that comes your way. Remember, the more diverse your experiences, the more robust your problem-solving toolkit will become.

The more different types of problems you have encountered, the more likely your mind will be more innovative and you will end up thinking differently about new problems.

Sometimes, you can be narrowly focused on a particular way to tackle an issue. While discussing with another colleague with a fresh eye, the latter can share with you his/her innovative ideas that you have not think about.

Taking time to meditate on how things worked well for you, to "visualise" your previous mistakes and think about improvements you could do in the future is a powerful tool.

Never give up and always keep trying. When I started to manage my first project as a result of the resignation of my boss, it was difficult at first because only freshers were working with me. I devoted a lot of energy to mentor them and document procedures for them to tackle their tasks. My motto is tomorrow will be a better day than yesterday ! My young team members were eager to acquire new skills and were performing better with time. I remember that 2 members have impressed me in short amount of time and I gave them more responsibilites. The project was a complete success at the end, with a happy customer and I got personal satisfaction seeing how my team members got matured.

Tackling challenging projects enhances problem-solving skills by pushing you to confront complex issues and devise creative solutions. Engaging with difficult tasks forces you to think critically, adapt strategies, and learn from failures. This process cultivates resilience, improves analytical thinking, and broadens your ability to approach problems from multiple angles. As you navigate these challenges, you build a toolkit of problem-solving techniques that can be applied to various scenarios, making you a more adept and resourceful thinker. #ahmedalaali11

For example, managing new projects with different technologies and different individual working styles can be a challenge for any team leader. Based on lessons learnt from past experiences and a series of trial-and-error, you can modify your way of working and learn new soft skills and/or technical skills due to your ability to critically question oneself, to adapt and to learn more.