When faced with a problem, many of us are prone to
either delay working on the issue, or hope that the problem just goes away.
Anyone who has been in this situation well understands that problems seldom go
away on their own, intervention is required. Having the ability to solve
problems keeps the project moving forward, this is not just for projects but
any aspect of life, once obstacles are removed.
Hence, the quicker a problem can be resolved
the quicker work can be done and the review of the solution can commence.
Once armed with both the skills and tools to
solve problems effectively and swiftly assists not only when in a current job,
but for futures ones as well. Regardless on the level and how quick a problem
can be solved, once encountered, it can always be improved. Thus the following
seven problem solving skills are important regardless on your work experience.
Do the Research
The ability to be thorough in research, this means
doing the due diligence before embarking on executing a project, it is the
foundation on which all problem solving resides. To not put it down as a
fundamental skill that all good problem solvers have in common would leave a
big hole in problem-solving skills. Ensure lessons learnt are well documented,
this provides a precedent for responding to the problem. To understand the way
others fixed a problem is to find a way out of the one faced.
The deeper delved into the research, the less
likely a problem will be had to begin with. This and familiarity with a process
will make for a better ability to identify an issue before it becomes a
problem. Also team brainstorming only expands the knowledge base and improves
problem solving, especially if the participants are experienced and have documented
that experience into research of their own.
Conducting Analysis
Analysis in conjunction with research sows
the seed of knowledge. It’s a way to take what is known and use it to
understand why something is not proceeding as it should. Analysis comes in many
forms, cost benefit analysis, gap analysis or any other form that
helps understand current state. Analytical skills enables to visually see a
situation and pull from it the core issue that is causing the problem. This
problem-solving skill provides a pathway through the problem, developing
effective solutions to resolve it.
These analytical skills are not merely good
for triage, though it helps, but they can also assist prior to the problem when
during the research stage. The problem with research is understanding, what is
important and what it not. Analytical skills provide the tools to prioritize
effectively, as time is always of the essence with any major problem.
Creativity
The ability to find a solution that is
unique, this means not reactively responding to a problem, or providing a safe
solution that will likely bring unsatisfactory results. Creativity is the
ability to look at a problem from many perspectives. The creative-thinking skills
include brainstorming, which opens discussions to more than one point of view
and widens the lens to open a broader view of the landscape. Brainstorming is a
type of collaboration, which is a great way to think creatively because it adds
more voices to the mix.
Decision Making
Understanding the problem and discussing how
to respond to it, does not provide resolution. Accepted that some action is
better than none at all however the decision must be built based on research and
analysis conducted in order to have the desired effect. Evaluate the best
solution, and there are going to be more than one, and choose that which is
most suitable and realistic.
Experience can assist with the ability to act
fast, without a great amount of experience, the research and analytical skills provides
the balance to work through issue. Upgrading decision-making
process is one of the fastest ways to improve problem solving, so be aware
of how and why decisions are being made.
Ability to Communicate
Communication is an essential part of a project;
nothing can be done without the communication skills to deliver the solution to
those who are responsible for its resolution. It’s not just being able to
communicate clearly to orders, but knowing the right channel to communicate the
message is also important. That message needs to go to the right people and
reach them as soon as possible. Finding a solution to a problem is only one
link in a larger chain. If that solution isn’t delivered to the parties that
need it to repair the problem for the project to move forward, then it wasted
time and effort. Clearly map out your
communications to get the best results.
If you are not a natural communicator, there are
ways to learn how to communicate better. It takes empathy and active listening
to develop trust and loyalty. Without that bond between a team, no matter how
explicitly a message is communicated it will be misheard or even ignored.
Learn
There are exercises which can be performed to
gain problem-solving skills, which assist with the ability to better respond to
problems and solve them quickly. Logic reasoning tests help organize thoughts
clearly, analyze them and choose the best course of action quickly. These tests
will help recognize and avoid the typical logical fallacies.
Spatial-temporal reasoning tests your ability
to mentally visualize objects, which is important to correctly perceive space
and orienting ourselves. Numerical reasoning helps to understand structure,
organize and solve problems with mathematical methods or formulas. Logical
reasoning also helps with problem-solving skills in that it offers different
propositions by using what is already known and what is believed to be known
and even what is not known.
The IDEAL Method
The IDEAL method is an acronym that stands for
Identify (the issue), Define (the obstacles), Examine (your options), Act (on
an agreed course of action) and Look (how it turns out and whether any changes
are needed). This process incorporates much of what has already been discussed
and provides a clear template to addressing problems and quickly resolving
them. When identifying a problem, hear from everyone on the team. Then define
not only the obstacles but the projects goals when resolving. The exploration
of possible solutions should look at not only if it will work, but if it’s
safe, reasonable, the best solution, and other agreed factors.
Learning is an essential component of the
IDEAL method. Whatever course of action is taken, it’s critical to monitor and
report on how it worked or didn’t work. If it doesn’t work, then go back to the
beginning and start fresh. This will also inform on what to do and what not to
do the next time a similar problem happens.
Problems occur in any project, to think or
believe otherwise is naive, they can be planned but never totally avoided.
Projects can be corrected with the right
problem-solving skills. ProjectManagercompanion.com provides a selection of cloud-based
project management software which has the features needed to monitor and report
on issues that arise, so they can be resolved before they grow into problems.
See how it can help your team by taking any one of the free 30-day trial today.
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