How can you evaluate your problem-solving style?

Reflect, Adapt, Excel! ???? I'd start by identifying my instinctive approaches to problem-solving and seeking feedback on effectiveness and impact. Reflecting on past experiences, both successes and failures, provide valuable insights. Experimenting with different methods broadens my repertoire and adaptability. Embracing continuous improvement, as advocated in "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey, ensures that I constantly evolve my problem-solving style, staying effective and responsive in a dynamic business environment.

The best way is to understand who you are as a leader: 1). The one who is good in solving problems for that moment/situation (In a reactive way or like a pain killer/ temporary solution). 2). The one who go to the root of the problem by asking Five Why's and get the issue resolved from the source itself (permanent solution to the problem occurred). When you really spend time in understanding the difference and what type of personality you carry, you will understand your problem-solving style too.. It all start with self awareness and you have to do this exercise to define your style in your own authentic words. Just my 2 cents!

Going to the root of problem and doing root cause analysis to know the cause of problem so that solution can be found better. -Adv.B.S.More

Evaluating your problem-solving style involves self-reflection and an understanding of how you approach and tackle challenges. Consider specific situations where you had to solve problems and identify the challenges you faced and the decisions you made. Look for patterns in your problem-solving behavior. Do you tend to approach problems systematically, or do you prefer more creative solutions? Examine how you make decisions. Are you more comfortable with data-driven decisions, or do you rely on intuition and gut feelings? Consider whether you involve others in the decision-making process or prefer to work independently. Remember, problem-solving is a skill that can be developed and refined over time.

When understanding your problem-solving style, start by figuring out your preferences. Consider if you like working solo or in a team, if you lean more towards intuition or logic, and if you dig into the root cause or immediate effects of problems. Also, ponder whether you value the process or focus more on the end result. These thoughts can reveal your strengths and areas needing improvement. It's like looking in a mirror; understanding your approach can guide your growth as a problem-solver.

Recently I learnt about three kinds of engagement and taking a clue from that, I can think of three kinds of problem-solving style as well. Task-Oriented: This style involves breaking down a problem into smaller, manageable tasks Goal-Oriented: This style is about defining clear objectives Vision-Oriented: This style involves looking at the problem in the context of the larger picture

When gauging your problem-solving style, seeking feedback from those who've seen your skills in action is vital. Your peers, team members, supervisors, clients, or stakeholders can provide valuable insights. Ask them to rate aspects like creativity, teamwork, communication, critical thinking, and decision-making in your problem-solving. Request specific examples of when you handled problems well or where improvement might be needed. Feedback acts as a compass, guiding servant leaders like us to learn, grow, and match our actions with what others need and expect.

Evaluating your problem-solving style involves reflecting on your experiences. To do this effectively, visualize your problem-solving journey as a story. Capture the problem, your approach, actions taken, and the resulting outcomes. This narrative approach humanizes your problem-solving process, offering profound insights that aid in your growth as a servant leader.

In my experience, embracing varied problem-solving tools and methods sparks growth. Try novel approaches, stepping away from familiar paths. Experiment with brainstorming for fresh ideas, mind mapping to visualize complexities, or design thinking for creative solutions. This exploration broadens perspectives, aiding servant leaders to adapt and innovate in diverse situations.

In my journey, ongoing growth in problem-solving has been pivotal. Set clear goals and action plans to enhance these skills. Track progress diligently and seek guidance from mentors or coaches for support. Learning isn't confined; it extends from fellow problem-solvers like leaders and innovators who inspire fresh ideas. This commitment to continuous improvement allows servant leaders to flourish, serve, and excel in problem-solving, ultimately benefiting others.

When figuring out your problem-solving style, consider exploring diverse perspectives. Don't just stick to what feels comfy; try different methods. Ask yourself if you prefer working solo or in teams, whether intuition or logic guides you, and if you dig into the cause or the immediate effect of problems. Seeking feedback from others and reflecting on past experiences can give insight into your strengths and weaknesses. Experiment with various approaches—maybe brainstorming, analysis tools, or decision-making methods. And always aim for growth; set goals, track progress, and learn from mentors or other problem solvers to continuously improve. Growth happens when you step out, try new things, and keep learning!