Here are the top 7 steps to problem solving you need to know.

Everyone faces different problems in life be it financial, occupational, mental or relationship.

Sometimes we are stuck looking for steps to solve a problem.

This can be difficult depending on what level of problem solving skills you posses,

As you read through you will get to figure out ways to solve any problem no matter how hard it may seem.

According to Cambridge English dictionary a problem is a situation, person, or thing that needs attention and needs to be dealt with or solved for example, financial or health problems.

We can also define problem in our own way, every person has their own definition of problem,

It may be a situation that is hard for you, a difficult math equation, a fallout with your coworkers or boss, a mess up in the office etc.

Each person has one thing or the other that they find hard to overcome.

Some problems are small and others can be very complex, humans tend to focus on the less bigger problems and avoid the complex ones.

This can cause the problems to keep piling up and some of the bigger ones cause the smaller problems. So it is very the important that complex problems be solved on time.

In order to be able to solve a problem you first need to know what problem solving skills is all about and how it works.

What Are Problem Solving Skills?

Problem solving skills are steps or strategies that helps you to be able to handle difficult or unexpected situations.

They help you to determine the source of a problem and find an effective solution.

Problem solving skills help you to pin point problems and how they can be solved effectively and efficiently.

It is a guide that helps you understand why a particular problem is happening and how to solve it.

It would be nice to be able to solve all problems efficiently and in time without difficulty, unfortunately though there is no one way in which all problems can be solved.

Interpersonal relationships fail and businesses fail because of poor problem solving.

This is mostly because either problems are not being recognized or being recognized but not being dealt with appropriately.

Problem solving skills are usually used by employees as many companies rely on their employees to identify and solve problems.

Problem solving skills can also be used in solving personal, mental and relationship problems.

Top 6 Problem Solving Skills

In order to be able to solve problem effectively there are some skills that are important, such as decision making, risk management, Team work sprit, emotional intelligence, creativity and research skills.

1. Decision making:

When solving a problem you will need to make a decision about how to solve problems that arise. You need to be able to make a decision quickly.

You will need to make a rational decision and choose the best solution out of different available solution. So it Is very important to be good at decision making.

2. Risk management:

When solving a problem there are certain amount of risk you have to take.

The risks need to be weighed up against not solving the problem.

3. Team work:

Problems are solved better and faster when done with others.

So it is important that you have the ability to work with others.

4. Emotional intelligence:

Problems and their solution can have an impact on you emotionally,

It is important for you to be able to recognize the emotions of yourself and others when solving a problem.

5. Creativity:

To be able to solve any problem you have to be creative.

Problems can be solved either intuitively or systematically.

Less complex problems can be solved using your common sense or previous experience.

Complex problems have to be solved systematically and for that you need to have creativity thinking, so as to come up with different solutions.

6. Research:

As a problem solver, you need to be able to gather enough information about the problem.

Research skills help you to dig deep and identify the cause of the problem and helps you to fully understand the problem.

Steps To Problem Solving

Problem solving can be tricky and at times feel impossible.

But there are easy and simple steps to solve a problem and that is what we will be looking into here.
There problems solving strategies work for solving any kind of problem whatsoever, no matter how hard it may be.

What Are The 7 Steps of Problem Solving?

1. Identify The Problem :

To be able to solve a problem you have to first identify the problem.

Once the problem has been identified you can be able to follow the steps in solving the problem.

You have to detect and recognize that there is a problem, identify the nature of the problem then define the problem.

Once you spend time defining the problem you will be able to understand the problem and explain it to others.

2. Analyze The Problem:

To analyze means to breakdown into components.

Once the problem has been identified break it down into constituent parts for the purpose of examination of each separately.

You observe the problem, inspect it carefully and develop a clear picture of the problem.

This stage is important and necessary for complex problems.

Find facts, analyze the problem and build a more comprehensive picture of the nature of the problem.

3. Describe The Problem:

This Is a vital step on order to be able to find a solution for the problem.

Layout details of the problem.

If you’re seeking help from someone describe the problem in details, layout the nature and give a detailed account on the identified problem, don’t leave out any part.

This will help you discover the root cause of the problem.

If it is a mental problem you will have to see a therapist that will help you out.

4. Look For Root Causes:

To be able to solve a problem you have to find out the root cause.

Dig deep and discover the real origin of the problem.

Once you have found out the real cause it becomes easier to find a solution.

This is a very important step in the problem solving process.

5. Develop Alternate Solutions:

Once you have discovered the root cause you begin to seek for solutions.

If you are unable to find solutions on your own, you can ask for help from family, friends or even mentors.

It is not advisable to solve a complex problem single-handedly, opinions from others can help you brainstorm different alternatives and come up with the best solution.

6. Implement The Solution:

Once you’ve developed alternate solutions, analyze them and begin to implement the solution that is best fit for the problem.

Act upon the solution that is best suited for the problem.

Put the solution to plan and enforce it.

7. Measure The Results:

Once the solution has been enforced monitor the progress and see if it solved the problem.

Check if there is a reasonable and positive change to the problem.

If there isn’t a quick and reasonable change you then find an alternate solution to the problem.

Problem Solving Skills | Takeaways

Everyone faces different problems in life , some are more complex and difficult than others.
Trying to solve complex problems on your own is not advisable.

As the saying goes “a problem shared is a problem half solved”.

Sharing your problems with others is very therapeutic and it helps you to get different opinions and views on problem solving.

Once all the steps have been followed accurately you are sure to get a positive result.
Remember, “every problem has a solution”.