Here are 5 problem-solving strategies we gathered from psychology textbooks & experts:
- Rather than trying to solve the problem all at once, identify a subgoal that will take you one step closer to your end goal.
- You work on them gradually, one by one, until you reach the solution.
- So, instead of telling yourself to write a whole essay, tell yourself to write the first paragraph.
- Think of your end result as your starting point of the journey. Then go back and trace every step you should have taken to get there.
- This will help you correctly estimate how much effort is needed in order to complete a task, without losing sight of important operations.
- So, trying to calculate the right time to leave for the airport? Go backward: consider the time for parking, for traffic, for getting in the car, for dressing up - then add them up!?
- This one is relatively easier - Find similarities between a problem you are facing today and others you have encountered before.
- Recall the solution that worked & try to reshape it in a way that fits the current circumstances.
- So, e.g. if you’re having trouble managing a school assignment, think about your recent baking success: How did you measure time and resources? How often did you take breaks??
- This is a technique for investigating an issue from a variety of perspectives.
- There's the Conductor's Hat, the Creative Hat, the Optimist's Hat, the Judge's Hat, the Factual Hat and the Hat for the Heart.
- Read more about it here:
- Open Space is best suited for when groups of 5 to 2000+ people need to make a decision.
- At the end of the discussions, all of the issues will be addressed in the immediate action plan document.
- Read more about it here:
Hopefully, these suggestions will be helpful!
We're looking forward to sharing more ideas on learning new skills, workplace well-being and productivity in the future. Make sure to not miss our next article!
