Problem Solving Skill

Problem Solving?Skill

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In today’s fast growing world, problems keep mounting so fast that we find ourselves taking short-cuts to temporarily alleviate the tension points – so we can move onto the next problem. In the process, we fail to solve the core of each problem we are dealt; thus we continuously get caught in the trap of a never-ending cycle that makes it difficult to find any real resolutions.

Problem-solving in business refers to the process of identifying and resolving issues or challenges that arise while conducting business operations. In any business, there are always problems that need to be solved, whether it’s a customer complaint, a production issue, or a financial challenge. Effective problem-solving involves a systematic approach to identifying the problem, analysing it, and developing and implementing a solution.

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Effective problem-solving in business requires a combination of analytical skills, creativity, and collaboration. It’s important to involve key stakeholders in the process, such as employees, customers, and suppliers, to ensure that the solution addresses all aspects of the problem. By effectively solving problems in business, organizations can improve efficiency, reduce costs, increase customer satisfaction, and achieve their strategic objectives.

Why does an effective leader need these skills

Challenges are Inevitable

Challenges and obstacles are inevitable in any industry. The ability to identify and resolve issues is essential for any leader, regardless of their field. A good leader should be able to anticipate problems and have a plan in place to deal with them. They should also be able to think on their feet and adapt their strategies as needed to overcome challenges.

Improving Efficiency

Problem-solving skills are essential for improving efficiency. Leaders who are skilled at problem-solving can identify inefficiencies in their organization and implement changes to streamline processes. They can also identify areas where resources are being wasted and redirect them to more productive areas.

Creativity and Innovation

Effective problem-solving often requires creativity and innovation. Leaders who possess these skills are better able to come up with new and innovative solutions to problems. They are also more likely to encourage their team to think outside the box and come up with new ideas.

Building Trust

Leaders who are good problem-solvers build trust with their team. When team members know that their leader can be relied on to identify and resolve issues, they are more likely to feel confident in their ability to achieve their goals. This can lead to increased motivation, productivity, and job satisfaction.

Collaboration

Effective problem-solving requires collaboration. Leaders who are skilled at problem-solving are better able to work with their team to identify and resolve issues. They can also facilitate collaboration between team members, encouraging them to work together to achieve common goals.

Managing Risk

Effective problem-solving skills are also essential for managing risk. Leaders who can identify potential risks and develop plans to mitigate them are better able to protect their organization from harm. They can also make informed decisions, even in uncertain situations, and avoid costly mistakes.

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Problem-solving skills are essential for leaders in any industry. They enable leaders to anticipate and overcome challenges, improve efficiency, encourage creativity and innovation, build trust, facilitate collaboration, and manage risk. As such, leaders who possess these skills are more likely to be successful in achieving their organization’s goals and driving growth and innovation.

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Design thinking is a problem-solving approach that has gained popularity in recent years, especially in the business world. It is a human-centered approach that focuses on understanding the needs and wants of the user to develop innovative solutions. Design thinking can be an effective tool for businesses to solve complex problems by approaching them from a fresh perspective.

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Here are the four most effective ways to solve problems.

1.??Transparent Communication

Problem solving requires transparent communication where everyone’s concerns and points of view are freely expressed. I’ve seen one too many times how difficult it is to get to the root of the matter in a timely manner when people do not speak-up.

Yes, communication is a fundamental necessity. That is why when those involved in the problem would rather not express themselves – fearing they may threaten their job and/or expose their own or someone else’s wrong-doing – the problem-solving process becomes a treasure hunt. Effective communication towards problem solving happens because of a leader’s ability to facilitate an open dialogue between people who trust her intentions and feel that they are in a safe environment to share why they believe the problem happened as well as specific solutions.

Once all voices have been heard and all points of view accounted for, the leader (with her team) can collectively map-out a path toward a viable and sustainable solution.?As fundamental as communication may sound, don’t ever assume that people are comfortable sharing?what they really think. This is where a leader must trust herself and her intuition enough to?challenge the team until accountability can be fairly enforced?and a solution can been reached.

2.??Break Down Silos

Transparent communication requires you to break down silos and enable a boundary-less organization whose culture is focused on the betterment of a healthier whole.??Unnecessary silos invite hidden agendas?rather than welcome efficient cross-functional collaboration and problem solving.

Organizational silos are the root cause of most workplace problems and are why many of them never get resolved. This is why today’s new workplace must embrace an entrepreneurial spirit where employees can freely navigate and cross-collaborate to connect the problem solving dots; where everyone can be a?passionate explorer who knows their own workplace dot and its intersections.?When you know your workplace dot, you have a?much greater sense of your sphere of influence. This is almost impossible to gauge when you operate in silos that potentially keep you from having any influence at all.

In a workplace where silos exist,?problem solving is?more difficult?because you are more likely dealing with self-promoters?– rather than?team players fostered by a cross functional environment..?When you operate in a siloed environment where everyone wants to be a star, it becomes increasingly difficult to help make anything or anyone better. This is when problem solving becomes a discouraging task.

Breaking down silos allows a leader to more easily engage their employees to?get their hands dirty and solve problems together. It becomes less about corporate politicking and more about finding resolutions and making the organization stronger.

3.??Open-minded People

Breaking down silos and communication barriers requires people to be open-minded.?In the end, problem solving is about people working together to make the organization and the people it serves better. Therefore, if you are stuck working with people that are closed-minded, effective problem solving becomes a long and winding road of misery.

There are many people in the workplace that enjoy creating unnecessary chaos so that their inefficiencies are never exposed. These are the types of people (loafers and leeches) that make it difficult for problems to get solved because they slow the process down while trying to make themselves look more important.?Discover the lifters and high-potential leaders within the organization and you will see examples of the benefits of being open-minded and how this eventually leads to more innovation and initiative.

Open-minded people see beyond the obvious details before them and?view risk as their best friend. They tackle problems head-on and get on with the business of driving growth and innovation.?Close-minded employees turn things around to make it more about themselves and less about what is required to convert a problem into a new opportunity.

With this explanation in mind, carefully observe the actions of others the next time you are dealt a real problem.

4.??A Solid Foundational Strategy

Without strategy, change is merely substitution, not evolution.?A solid strategy must be implemented in order to solve any problem.?Many leaders attempt to dissect a problem rather than identify the strategy for change that lies within the problem itself.

Effective leaders that are comfortable with problem solving always know how to gather the right people, resources, budget and knowledge from past experiences. They inspire people to lift their game by making the problem solving process highly collaborative; for them, it’s an opportunity to bring people closer together. I’ve always believed that you don’t know the true potential and character of a person until you see the way they solve problems.

Effective leaders connect the dots and map-out a realistic plan of action in advance. They have a strategy that serves as the foundation for how the problem will be approached and managed. They anticipate the unexpected and utilize the strengths of their people to assure the strategy leads to a sustainable solution.

Never shoot from the hip when problem solving. Avoid guessing. Take enough time to step back and assess the situation and the opportunities that each problem represents. Make the problem solving process more efficient by recognizing that each problem has its own nuances that may require a distinct strategy towards a viable resolution.

You know that you have great leadership in your organization when problem solving becomes a seamless process that enables the people and the organization to grow and get better.?If problem solving creates chaos, you may have a serious leadership deficiency.

Problem solving is the greatest enabler for growth and opportunity. This is why they say failure serves as the greatest lesson in business and in life.?Be the leader that shows maturity, acts courageously, and requires accountability.?Applying each of these lessons can help you become a master problem solver. Each experience teaches us all new things. Embrace problem solving and the many unseen treasures it represents.