How Can We Build Problem-Solving Skills?

Problem-solving skills have consistently been identified as one of the top critical skills needed in the future workforce. Various reports and surveys from organizations like the World Economic Forum , LinkedIn , SkillsFuture SG and others have highlighted the importance of problem-solving abilities in the rapidly evolving job market.

As the workplace continues to transform due to technological advancements and changing economic landscapes, problem-solving skills become even more valuable. Employers seek individuals who can navigate uncertainty, think critically, and adapt to new challenges effectively.

The million-dollar question: HOW can I build problem-solving skills?

Most soft skills are like muscles. We have to train to strengthen!

Step 1: Be curious

Ask questions to clarify. Analyse situations from multiple perspectives, question assumptions and evaluate evidence objectively.

Step 2: Identify the root cause

Quoting from Albert Einstein, "If I had an hour to solve a problem I'd spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and five minutes thinking about solutions.”

Step 3: Be solution-focused

Consider alternative solutions. Brainstorming sessions can be effective in exploring unconventional ideas. You can get creative here!

Step 4: Consider 4 Fs

Fail quickly, Fail forward, Fail often, Fail elegantly

Here are some more ways you can do to level up:

• Develop a growth mindset: A strong belief that your abilities are not fixed and can be improved through effort and learning. Embrace each challenge as an opportunity to grow rather than seeing them as threats.

This is one of my favourite charts! Protean careers involve a new mindset of career expectations. Such careers no longer include a desire for achievement and recognition within a single organization, but a desire for personal growth and fulfillment and the expectation that work will contribute to living a fulfilling life. Hence, jobs should add to one’s feeling of living a fulfilling life, instead of adding to the organisation in return for monetary recognition. It shows how across our lifetime, we are always in this cycle of exploration-trial-establishment-mastery.

• Seek new challenges: Challenge yourself with problems that are slightly beyond your current abilities. This could help to expand your problem-solving skills incrementally.

It would be encouraging to know that problem-solving skills is a skill we can hone, so long as you are willing!

References:

Hall, D. T. (1996). Protean Careers of the 21st Century. The Academy of Management Executive (1993-2005), 10(4), 8–16. https://www.jstor.org/stable/4165349

Kroon, B. (Ed.). (2022). 4. Performance Under Conditions of Change. In Evidence Based HRM (2nd ed.). Open Press TiU. https://doi.org/10.26116/yy4w-tn37

Becoming Irreplaceable aims to empower fellow professionals to build sustainable and meaningful careers, this is definitely one way for us to increase our own happiness index! It is really about taking the control back.