Problem solving is a crucial skill for managers, but it can be hard to develop without experience. How can you improve your ability to identify, analyze, and resolve issues in your workplace, especially when you face new or complex challenges? Here are some tips to help you enhance your problem solving skills without relying on trial and error.
One of the best ways to learn from others is to ask for feedback on your problem solving process and outcomes. You can seek feedback from your peers, mentors, or experts in your field, as well as from your team members and customers. Feedback can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, as well as provide you with new perspectives and insights. You can also use feedback to measure your progress and adjust your approach accordingly.
Ask the people you manage how they want to be led, how they want to be included (transparency - if it involves me, involve me), how they want to be held accountable for results.
This can work. I view this as a bottom -up approach. The danger or pitfall is that it not be a regular thing lest it be perceived as over-reliance on those who are to be led instead of having meaningful leadership skill and authority. Good teamwork rely on all working together towards a common goal at the end
Frameworks are tools that help you structure your problem solving process and guide your thinking. They can help you define the problem, generate and evaluate alternatives, and implement and monitor solutions. There are many frameworks that you can use, such as SWOT analysis, root cause analysis, decision matrix, or PDCA cycle. You can also create your own framework based on your experience and preferences. Frameworks can help you avoid cognitive biases, ensure consistency, and communicate your reasoning clearly.
My view is that frameworks such as the SWOT, SMART and other tools are a requirement for any manager/leader to know about their company and/or industry especially the former. But some semblance of on the job experience or previous experience is a crucial necessity and requirement, otherwise it is like throwing the inexperienced manager in the deep end…
Another way to develop your problem solving skills without experience is to learn from others who have faced similar or different problems. You can do this by reading books, articles, blogs, or case studies, by watching videos, podcasts, or webinars, or by attending workshops, courses, or seminars. You can also join online or offline communities, forums, or networks where you can exchange ideas, experiences, and best practices with other managers. Learning from others can help you expand your knowledge, discover new approaches, and avoid common pitfalls.
Managers can enhance problem-solving skills by engaging in case studies, simulations, and relevant training programs. Seeking mentorship or guidance from experienced leaders provides valuable insights. Additionally, actively analyzing and addressing challenges in their current role contributes to skill development.
In my view necessary skills can be learned; problem solving, conflict management and resolution and many other organisational duties. These can be skilling, re-skilling or up-skilling as nee or refresher courses. Learning from others is a no-no as experiences and problems are not similar, as well as circumstances wherein they occurred.
One of the most effective ways to learn by doing is to experiment and reflect on your problem solving actions and results. You can experiment by trying out different solutions, testing various hypotheses, or applying new methods or tools. You can also use simulations, scenarios, or role-plays to practice your problem solving skills in a safe and controlled environment. After each experiment, you should reflect on what worked, what didn't, and why, and what you can do better next time. Experimenting and reflecting can help you learn from your successes and failures, and improve your creativity and adaptability.
Best practices dictates that people with requisite qualifications and experience be leaders and managers. It does no one good to have inexperienced people at the helm; not for the company, not for the department, and definitely not for the employees who are led by the inexperienced manager. Hire the right people for the task the first time.
Finally, one of the best ways to develop your problem solving skills without experience is to seek challenges that stretch your abilities and force you to learn new things. You can seek challenges by volunteering for projects, tasks, or roles that are outside your comfort zone, by setting yourself ambitious goals or deadlines, or by asking for more responsibility or authority. You can also seek challenges by exposing yourself to different cultures, industries, or markets, or by collaborating with diverse teams or partners. Seeking challenges can help you grow your confidence, resilience, and curiosity.
1. Define the problem: Clearly identify what the problem is and what you hope to achieve by solving it. Break down the problem into smaller, more manageable parts if necessary. 2. Reflect and learn: After solving the problem, take time to reflect on the process and outcomes. Identify lessons learned and consider how you can apply them in the future. Remember, even without prior experience, problem-solving often requires critical thinking, creativity, and the ability to adapt to new situations. Developing these skills over time will help improve your problem-solving approach.
Imagine a ‘leader’ or ‘manager’ who have never led anything or anyone at all. Based on what are they even dubbed as managers and leaders. Management and leadership can’t be a trial-and-error exercise, not by a long shot. Any company or organisation doing this needs their own management prowess and competence examined.
Imagine a ‘leader’ or ‘manager’ who have never led anything or anyone at all. Based on what are they even dubbed as managers and leaders. Management and leadership can’t be a trial-and-error exercise, not by a long shot. Any company or organisation doing this needs their own management prowess and competence examined.