How do you tell different people about your problem-solving approach?

This is really the most important aspect, "Knowing the audience". You cannot use too many technical terms for a non tech person and too many commercial terms for a non commercial person. I always try to go into the shoes of the audience while describing the problem. If the listener is from a technical background, talk about terms like First Time through, ppm, Customer sat, hypothesis testing etc and if the person is from finance backgrounds talk about the Cost of Poor Quality, Warranty cost impact , etc. If the problem is required to be shared to the line operator, use the basic terms and simple words or try to visualise the issue. Understand the audience before speaking

Scale of operation would be an additional thing to consider when thinking about your audience, for example, in a small organisation or company, your boss is likely interested in a lot more detail than you would expect, while in an extensively huge organisation even your clients might be interested in the strategic direction of the organisation.

Critical Thinking: Analyzing situations objectively, considering multiple perspectives, and evaluating evidence to make informed decisions. Creativity: Generating innovative ideas and thinking outside the box to find unique solutions to complex problems. Analytical Skills: Breaking down complex problems into smaller components, identifying patterns, and recognizing underlying causes. Research Skills: Gathering relevant information from various sources to gain insights and make well-informed decisions.

Decision-Making: Assessing available options, weighing pros and cons, and choosing the best course of action based on available information. Adaptability: Being flexible and open to adjusting strategies as new information arises or situations change. Communication: Clearly expressing ideas, listening actively, and collaborating effectively with others to solve problems collectively. Time Management: Prioritizing tasks, setting deadlines, and managing time efficiently to address problems in a timely manner. Conflict Resolution: Navigating disagreements, understanding differing viewpoints, and finding mutually agreeable solutions in group settings.

Data Analysis: Collecting, organizing, and interpreting data to uncover trends, correlations, and insights that contribute to problem-solving. Risk Assessment: Identifying potential risks and evaluating their potential impact on solutions, allowing for proactive risk mitigation. Resource Management: Optimizing the use of available resources, such as time, money, and manpower, to achieve the best possible outcome. Problem Identification: Clearly defining the root cause of a problem before seeking solutions, ensuring efforts are focused on the actual issue

Systems Thinking: Understanding how different elements interact within a larger system and recognizing the broader implications of solutions. Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams, leveraging each individual's strengths, and combining perspectives to reach a solution. Persistence: Remaining determined and motivated even when faced with obstacles or setbacks, and continuing to seek solutions. Influence and Negotiation: Persuading others of the merits of a solution and finding common ground through negotiation when multiple stakeholders are involved. Ethical Decision-Making: Considering moral and ethical implications when choosing solutions, and adhering to principles that align with integrity.

Feedback Incorporation: Being receptive to feedback from others, recognizing opportunities for improvement, and adapting strategies accordingly. Learning Agility: Being open to learning from past experiences and applying lessons to future problem-solving scenarios. Developing and honing these problem-solving skills can significantly enhance your ability to approach challenges effectively and find solutions that lead to positive outcomes.