The Promise Of Problem-Solving

I remember the first time my new boss, a prominent CEO, told me, "Don’t tell me what the problem is; tell me what you’re going to do about it." In other words, he didn’t want me to bring him problems, only solutions.

Initially, I didn't understand this statement because it differed from how I had worked before. In prior roles, I had supervisors who required that I talk to them about any problems I had. They would either tell me how they thought I should resolve it, or they would take it on and sort it out themselves. But, in this new role, I had become the go-to problem-solver in the business function.

Once I realised this, I ran with it, knowing that true leadership is about problem-solving, and a successful business analyst is a great problem-solver. It is the essence of what leaders do, and they approach every problem as an opportunity. By virtue of their position, they could view the issue from a 360-degree perspective, making them well-suited to solve it in the best way possible.

?What Exactly Is a Problem?

Merriam-Webster defines a problem as:

a question raised for inquiry, consideration, or solution

(a) an intricate unsettled question;

(b) a source of perplexity, distress, or vexation

Problems are a part of life and business, and those who know how to solve them are highly sought-after at all levels of a business. And problem-solving is a test of one’s ability to evaluate circumstances, analyse data, and recommend creative solutions.

In the words of Colin Powell, "leadership is solving problems. The day [your team members] stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help or conclude you do not care. "

Who Is A Problem Solver?

A problem solver can take a complex situation and break it down into parts. They can see the big picture but also dive deeply into the details to understand the root cause of a problem or challenge.

Problem-solving skills are important at any job, whether you work for a small start-up or a big company. And while it's often thought that only engineers or computer scientists can solve problems effectively (and they certainly can), anyone can be trained to think like a problem-solver by applying the basic principles of logic, creativity, persistence, and more.

This skill that makes a leader proficient and successful at what they do can be learned and enhanced through knowledge and experience. Identify whether problem-solving is part of your existing skills or something you should learn.

While there is a definite process for problem-solving used in business analysis (to be discussed in a separate article), some of the universal attributes of a problem-solving leader include:

Attitude

The right attitude is the foundation of problem-solving. It’s a mindset that can be developed and is not just about being positive. The right attitude includes being open-minded, flexible, and adaptable.

Decision-Making

It's vitally important for problem solvers to have strong decision-making skills. Making decisions is the cornerstone of this role, separating a good problem-solver from an exceptional one.

Analytical

A problem solver is a person who can identify, understand, and find solutions to or root causes of issues. To do so requires the ability to analyse a situation and break it down into its parts to determine what needs fixing and why.

Creativity

Creativity is the ability to think of new ideas, solve problems in new ways, and be innovative. When you are creative, you use your imagination to solve problems. Creatives can also come up with many solutions to the same problem. It might be a solution that hasn't been thought of before, or it could be a new way of doing something that has already been invented.

Persistence

Persistence is essential for anyone who wants to solve problems, as it is the ability to keep trying when you are not getting the desired results. Even if they haven't found a solution, a good problem-solver will keep trying to find new ones.

Communication

Communication is a two-way street, and it's important to remember that while you may be communicating with someone else, they're also communicating with you. If you want to be a problem solver, it's helpful to be aware of your body language and how the other person responds when they hear what you have to say.

Meticulous

This can be especially important in problem-solving, where it's important to get all the facts straight before fixing things. If you're meticulous, you can plan and organise your work in a way that makes sense for everyone involved. Also, the ability to pay attention to details will help you ensure everything is done properly.

Learning To Be A Problem-Solver

If you want to learn more about problem-solving or improve your skills, there are a lot of resources available: books and websites that can give you information on how to solve problems in specific areas such as business or education. You could also read up on general problem-solving principles and apply them in your life and business when issues arise.

Pro Tip

As a problem-solver, be careful not to become too attached to any single solution. Instead, take the time to consider other options and be flexible in the event that things do not turn out according to plan.

Being a problem-solver means wanting to do more than meet expectations. It means seeing problems as opportunities for growth and improvement rather than inconveniences that need to be fixed or avoided. But the fact is that anyone can become a problem solver with the right attitude, tools and training.

And if you are already on your way toward being one? Take pride in what you’ve accomplished so far, and keep going!

Are you a good problem solver? If so, do share some of your tried-and-true tips with other avid problem-solvers below.

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