What do you do if your problem solving skills in Payment Systems need a critical thinking boost?

1 Identify the problem

The first step to solving any problem is to clearly define what it is and why it matters. In Payment Systems, you may encounter problems related to security, compliance, performance, usability, integration, or scalability, among others. To identify the problem, you need to gather relevant information, such as the requirements, specifications, constraints, and expectations of the payment system. You also need to analyze the symptoms, causes, and effects of the problem, using data, evidence, and logic. A useful tool for this step is the 5 Whys technique, which involves asking "why" repeatedly until you reach the root cause of the problem.

2 Explore solutions

Once you have identified the problem, you can start generating possible solutions. In Payment Systems, you may have to consider different options, such as modifying existing features, adding new functionalities, changing platforms or protocols, or adopting new standards or technologies. To explore solutions, you need to use your creativity, knowledge, and experience, as well as research and learn from other sources, such as industry best practices, case studies, or expert opinions. A useful tool for this step is the brainstorming technique, which involves generating as many ideas as possible without judging or filtering them.

3 Evaluate solutions

After you have explored solutions, you need to evaluate them and select the best one. In Payment Systems, you may have to weigh the pros and cons of each solution, such as the costs, benefits, risks, feasibility, and compatibility. You also need to test and validate your solution, using methods such as prototyping, simulation, or experimentation. A useful tool for this step is the SWOT analysis technique, which involves assessing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of each solution.

5 Seek feedback

One of the best ways to boost your problem solving skills in Payment Systems is to seek feedback from others who can offer different perspectives, insights, or suggestions. You can ask for feedback from your colleagues, managers, clients, or users, depending on the nature and scope of the problem. You can also seek feedback from online communities, forums, or blogs, where you can find other professionals or experts in Payment Systems who can share their experiences, opinions, or advice. Seeking feedback can help you identify gaps, errors, or improvements in your problem solving process and solution.

6 Learn from others

Another way to boost your problem solving skills in Payment Systems is to learn from others who have successfully solved similar or related problems. You can learn from others by reading books, articles, or reports, watching videos, podcasts, or webinars, or attending courses, workshops, or seminars, that cover topics or issues relevant to Payment Systems. You can also learn from others by observing, shadowing, or mentoring them, or by joining or forming a study group, a peer network, or a mastermind group, where you can exchange ideas, knowledge, or experiences with other professionals or experts in Payment Systems. Learning from others can help you expand your horizons, discover new solutions, or adopt best practices in problem solving.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?