What are the best tools or methods to assess your own problem solving skills?

As an educator, I frequently encounter students who attribute their behavioral tendencies to a self-assessment quiz taken in the past. For instance, some may say, "This is just who I am," or "I don't engage in networking because I'm an introvert." Such statements indicate that students have placed self-imposed limitations on their lives and careers based on relatively unflattering results of a self-assessment quiz. Instead of accepting these self-imposed limitations, it's important to recognize the value of self-assessment quizzes as a tool for identifying areas of improvement. By reframing the results of the quiz as an opportunity for growth, you can identify areas where you can enhance your problem-solving abilities and develop new skills

While seeking feedback from others can provide valuable insights into your problem-solving skills, it's important to recognize its limitations. Feedback can be influenced by subjective perceptions and biases, and not everyone may be comfortable providing constructive criticism or have the necessary knowledge to offer meaningful feedback. You may get misleading data that bolsters your ego or hurts your feelings. In either case, it is useless. Therefore, combining self-assessment quizzes, feedback, and real-life experience can provide a more comprehensive understanding of your problem-solving abilities. Ultimately, practice and continuous learning are key to improving your problem-solving skills and being prepared to handle any challenge.

While problem-solving exercises can be an engaging way to assess your skills, they may not always be a practical or accurate measure of your problem-solving abilities. Simulated scenarios may not accurately reflect the complexities and nuances of real-world challenges, and the outcomes of exercises may be influenced by factors such as group dynamics, time constraints, and access to resources. Ultimately, the most effective way to improve your problem-solving skills is to actively seek out challenges and opportunities to practice your skills in real-life situations. Although it takes more time than a structured exercise, continually learning and adapting to new challenges will help you develop the skills you need through everyday situations.

Engaging in puzzles, logical games, and brain teasers can help sharpen problem-solving skills. Additionally, practicing real-world problem-solving scenarios and reflecting on the process enhances critical thinking. Collaborative activities, like group discussions or projects, can also provide diverse perspectives and stimulate creative problem-solving.

The websites of the leading strategy consulting firms are great sources of problem solving exercises. McKinsey, BCG, Bain, etc.. These firms use the “case interview” format in their job candidate screening process and they post example cases to help people practice. They sometimes have videos of what a successful case interview looks like too.

Assessing problem-solving skills can be done through various methods such as case interviews, problem-solving tests, simulations, behavioral interviews, team challenges, coding challenges, brain teasers, and portfolio assessments. Each method offers unique insights into an individual's ability to analyze and solve complex problems effectively.

Reflecting on your experiences, breaking down complex problems into smaller parts, and practicing critical thinking can enhance problem-solving skills. Additionally, tools like mind mapping or creating lists can help organize thoughts. Regularly challenging yourself with puzzles or brainteasers can also sharpen your problem-solving abilities.

The conventional view suggests that seeking guidance from problem-solving mentors to improve these skills is obviously a good idea. However, an alternative approach involves developing problem-solving skills through self-reflection and deliberate practice. Reflecting on past experiences, setting specific goals, and tackling challenging problems can help improve problem-solving skills. Combining multiple approaches, including seeking guidance from mentors, can accelerate learning and performance while building confidence. It is vital to learn to trust your problem-solving skills. These skills come through trial and error, so fail fast. Too much reliance on mentors in this can lead to dependency and self-doubt rather than skill development.