What are the ways to get better in solving problems?

"Outstanding problem solvers are created, not born."

The method through which we come to choices, or problem-solving, is a key component of leadership.

What is a problem?

First, we need to understand the concept of a problem. It is helpful to think about problems in terms of the situation in which they arise.

• In a moment: a problem that you need to address right away
• Within a week: a problem that you need to solve within a few days or weeks
• Problem solving projects: systematic, sustained attempts to address a complicated problem

What are the best ways that a problem solving leader can understand?

It is perhaps more crucial to actually codify and write out what our problem is if you're in a situation where you're working through it with a group of individuals. We must formalize and put it on paper.

• What is our problem?
• What limitations exist?
• What stakeholders do we need to coordinate with??

and how we're organizing the issue so that everyone can finally converge on the strategy for arriving at the best answer.

CASE #01:

If you’re working on the problem and everybody is saying the same things and giving the same opinions, in this scenario, the problem-solving leader wants to think about how this thinking can be pushed.

• Do you want to explain every opinion.
• Do you want to designate someone, perhaps even yourself, who can serve as the devil's advocate to make sure that the solution you're all considering is indeed the best one?

Who can be great problem-solver?

A great problem solver is one who not only focuses on the right answer but also on the best answer and the answer that comes as quickly as possible. It has a second benefit, which is the impact of the collaboration and getting everybody really involved in that solution.

How do you become a problem solver in programming?

Problem solving in programming is not surprising, it is a skill that we slowly develop throughout our careers by tackling various kinds of problems that everyone faces when working in this field.

Many developers clearly want to improve their ability to solve programming problems, as this skill has a direct impact on how quickly you advance professionally and how far down the career path you go, from Junior Developer to Senior Developer.

Let’s discuss the ways so that we can get clear understanding:

What are the ways to get better at solving problems?

There are a lot of ways to get better at solving problems, but only a few are discussed here:

1. Make sure you understand the problem:

Before starting the problem you must need to understand what actually the problem is? If you want to check either you understand the problem or not the better way of checking is try to explain in simple terms, it can be verbally or in written form. If you fail to explain the problem, it means you don’t get it completely. Try practicing a lot; that will help you see the flaws and have a better understanding of the problem to fix it.

2. Breakdown the problem into smaller steps:

Once you understand the problem, the next step is to break it into smaller ones. It would be good to break it down into smaller problems so that you can solve them easily.

3. Plan the solution first:

Another good way to solve problems is to plan first, either visually or in written form. The advantage of this step you can go deep down into the critical thinking stage that will build another skill set. You should develop a solution first instead of attacking the problem right away.

Categorizing the problems

There are many ways to categorize the problem:

• Analytical Problems:

Some problems require an answer that is purely analytical or quantitative, such as how much we spend on each marketing channel.

• Conceptual Problems:

Other issues are conceptual or qualitative in nature, like the marketing messaging that could connect with a certain audience the best.

• Convergent Problems:

Convergent thinking is the process of solving certain issues by moving toward the one optimal solution. The traits of convergence thinking include:

1. Deductive reasoning is used to select from a list of discrete options.
2. Quickly prioritizing issues and establishing an in-going hypothesis

Structured Approach to Problem Solving:

There are 5 approaches to solving the problem:

1. Hypothetical-led approach:

• Define Problem
• Structure Problem
• Prioritize Issue
• Develop issue analysis/work-plan
• Conduct analysis
• Synthesize findings
• Develop recommendations

2. Domain IP-led approach:

• Define Problem
• Develop scoping/ data preparation
• Apply IP (gather data and conduct analysis)
• Synthesize the result
• Develop Suggestions

3. Advanced Analytics approach:

• Ideation
• Intelligence
• Find meaningful insights from the data
• Interventions (Changes if required for improvements)
• Independence

4. Design Thinking approach:

• Discover new things
• Design the problem
• Deliver the right solution of problem by creating flow of deliverables

5. Engineering approach:

• Define a problem
• Design and launch first minimum viable product
• Test and iterate
• Display output?

Lastly, we should focus on Prioritization Matrix

What is it?

A grip that illustrates potential course of action depending on a specified set of parameters. Consider the effect of an idea vs how quickly it is implemented. Based on practicality and effect, a prioritization matrix aids in selecting the best improvement projects.

The ability to solve problems?is a basic life skill?and is essential to our day-to-day lives. So we all must try to focus on this skill to develop our mindset strong and deep thinker while solving problems.

Make it a habit!