5 Ways to Become a Problem Solver at Your Job

Everyone has moments when they feel like a regular Joe. You’re minding your own business at work, when BOOM! You get hit with a problem that’s as big as it is unexpected. Suddenly, you find yourself in uncharted territory and having to figure out a solution — fast. Problem solving at work isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible either. It just takes practice and patience to hone your problem-solving skills so that you can succeed every time you come across a sticky situation in the workplace. Luckily, you don’t have to be an aspiring mystery writer or a sudoku master to become a better problem solver at work. With the right strategies, anyone can conquer their inner Sherlock Holmes and develop the necessary skills for life-changing success on the job – no matter what field you want to pursue in the future.

Know the fundamentals of problem solving

It might seem silly to say that becoming a better problem solver requires knowledge of the fundamentals of problem solving, but it’s a skill that often gets overlooked when people try to learn how to think like a pro. There are three main foundations of problem solving that every professional should know:

– Defining the problem – Knowing what you’re trying to achieve, why you’re trying to achieve it, and why it’s important to you.

– Finding the solution – Figuring out the best way to achieve your desired outcome.

– Evaluating the solution – Knowing whether the solution is a good fit for your specific situation.

Put your emotions aside and consider all the facts

Before you solve a problem, you have to solve the problem of why you’re even trying to solve it in the first place. When you’re stuck in the middle of a challenging situation, ask yourself: What’s the worst thing that could happen if I try to solve this now? Most likely, the worst-case scenario is not as bad as you’re imagining it to be. As you try to figure out the best way forward, you have to keep a few things in mind. One is that all problems have a solution. The second is that every problem is unique. Two people may have the exact same problem, but the way they try to solve it may be entirely different. When you’re faced with a problem, try to put your emotions aside and focus on all the facts.

Don’t jump to conclusions when you don’t have enough information

We humans are naturally drawn to conclusions and jumping to them too quickly can be a huge problem when you’re trying to solve a problem. You need to take a step back and approach the situation with a clear head — especially if you don’t have all the facts. This is especially true when you’re dealing with a problem that you’ve never encountered before. The best way to handle a surprise is to do your best to gather as much information as you can before you start making conclusions and drawing conclusions. If you don’t have all the information you need, don’t jump to conclusions. Talk to your superiors, your colleagues, and your subordinates to see if they know more about the situation than you do. Look for patterns in information to help you piece together a bigger picture. And don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions.

Don’t just ask for a solution; offer one as well

If your boss asks you to solve a problem in the workplace, don’t just tell them what you think they need done. Be as specific as possible about the solution you have in mind. It’s also important to note that you don’t have to solve the problem on your own. If your boss has a problem that needs solving, don’t just demand that your superior get it done. Instead, make it clear that you’re willing to help out. This could mean that you offer to help solve the problem or that you help your boss solve the problem. It could also mean that you help your boss figure out how to solve the problem.

Always negotiate before making a decision

It’s tempting as a problem solver to jump straight to the solution and make a decision without even sure if it’s the right decision. Before you make a decision, ask yourself the following questions: Is this decision the best one given the information I have? Is this decision in line with what we discussed before? Is this decision the best one given our company culture? You have to keep these things in mind before you make a decision. It’s far too easy for people to make hasty decisions without taking the time to evaluate all the facts and analyze their options. This can lead to disastrous outcomes.

Conclusion

There’s no way around it — being a problem solver at work requires a lot of practice. It requires patience to learn what works and what doesn’t. It requires persistence to keep trying even when you don’t think you’re doing a good job. It requires grit to keep pushing when things feel like they’re falling apart. It also requires a willingness to be humble, open-minded, and curious. It requires a willingness to try new things and take risks. It requires a willingness to be open to the idea that sometimes you might make a mistake and have to fix it. It requires a willingness to let others vent and let others solve their own problems. And, most of all, it requires a willingness to make mistakes and learn from them. If you’re willing to put in the work, you can learn how to be a better problem solver at work.