Use Your Problem Solving Skills to Advance Your Career

Problems, challenges, obstacles are plentiful at work. Problem Solving Skills are vital skills in the workplace. If you don't already have strong problem solving skills, relax, they can be learned.

Six Steps To Develop Problem Solving Skills:

Identify the problem

Before you can solve a problem, you must know what it is. Identify the problem clearly, so that you can focus on solving it. State the problem in the simplest terms you can, preferably in writing. Why in writing? Having the issue in writing keeps you focused.

Analyze the problem

Once you have identified the problem, you neeed to analyze it closely. Break it down into its parts. Become intimately familiar with every aspect of the problem.

Develop theories on the causes and effects

Once you have a clear understanding of the problem, list the possible causes and effects of this problem. Some will be more obvious than others, so don't write only two or three. Keep going until you can no longer think of a cause or effect. You want as many ideas to work with as you can get.

Make sure you don't jump on a preconceived idea. Stay open to a variety of possible causes and effects until you know for sure which ones apply.

Think creatively and logically

Creativity is important for finding solutions to the problem. Brainstorm as many solutions as you can. Even the seemingly crazy ideas have value. If every problem solver stuck with the obvious, we'd still live in caves.

Logic, on the other hand, helps you to determine if your creative solutions will work. Apply logic to each brainstormed idea. Figure out where the strongest possibilities lie.

Start with the creative thinking, then analyze each creative idea with a logical perspective.

Suggest solutions

After you have boiled down the possible solutions to four or five, present these suggestions. Whether you are presenting to peers or superiors, doesn't matter. By now, you have sorted through the issues to get a clear view of the problem and have come up with solutions that are both creative and realistic.

Be careful not to get too attached to any one solution, since it may not be chosen.

Finally, implement the solution

Once a solution is chosen, try to take an active role in implementing it. Doing so shows that you believe in the proposed solution. Also, since you came up with the solution, it makes sense that you help implement it.

Odds are that you know more about both the problem and the solution than anyone else, anyway. Put that knowledge to work for you. Doing so is an excellent way to display your leadership talents.

The best thing about developing strong problem-solving skills is that it will carry over into every facet of your life. Family problems? Money issues? Apply these steps and figure out how to solve personal problems, too. Over time, this skill will become second nature.

Without good problem solving skills, it is difficult to advance in the workplace. If you start working on your skills today, you will have a richer tomorrow.