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Problem Solving Skills

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Problem Solving Skills

Uploaded by

akashbhageria860
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Problem Solving Skills

By Prof. Shalini Bhatia


Why do employers hire employees? To help them solve problems.
Whether you’re a financial analyst deciding where to invest your
firm’s money, or a marketer trying to figure out which channel to
direct your efforts, companies hire people to help them find
solutions. Problem-solving is an essential and marketable soft skill
in the workplace
What are
Problem Solving Skills?
Problem-solving skills are the ability to identify problems,
brainstorm and analyze answers, and implement the best solutions.
An employee with good problem-solving skills is both a self-starter
and a collaborative teammate; they are proactive in understanding
the root of a problem and work with others to consider a wide
range of solutions before deciding how to move forward.
Examples of using problem-solving skills in the workplace include:
● Researching patterns to understand why revenue decreased last quarter
● Experimenting with a new marketing channel to increase website sign-ups
● Brainstorming content types to share with potential customers
● Testing calls to action to see which ones drive the most product sales
● Implementing a new workflow to automate a team process and increase
productivity
Why Are Problem-Solving Skills Important?
● It’s unsurprising why employers are looking for this skill: companies will
always need people to help them find solutions to their problems. Someone
proactive and successful at problem-solving is valuable to any team.
● “Employers want to see individuals who can make well-informed decisions
that mitigate risk, and they can do so without suffering from analysis
paralysis.
Problem-Solving Skills Examples
● Problem-solving includes three main parts: identifying the problem, analyzing
possible solutions, and deciding on the best course of action.
Research
Research is the first step of problem-solving because it helps you understand the
context of a problem. Researching a problem enables you to learn why the problem is
happening. For example, is revenue down because of a new sales tactic? Or because of
seasonality? Is there a problem with who the sales team is reaching out to?
Research broadens your scope to all possible reasons why the problem could be
happening. Then once you figure it out, it helps you narrow your scope to start solving
it.
Problem-Solving Skills Examples

Analysis

Analysis is the next step of problem-solving. Now that you’ve identified the
problem, analytical skills help you look at what potential solutions there might be.
“The goal of analysis isn’t to solve a problem, actually — it’s to better understand
it because that’s where the real solution will be found,
Problem-Solving Skills Examples

Decision-Making

Once you’ve figured out where the problem is coming from and what solutions
are, it’s time to decide on the best way to go forth. Decision-making skills help
you determine what resources are available, what a feasible action plan entails,
and what solution is likely to lead to success.
How to Include Problem Solving Skills in a Job Application
On a Resume
Employers looking for problem-solving skills might include the word
“problem-solving” or other synonyms like “critical thinking” or “analytical skills”
in the job description.
In a Cover Letter or an Interview
Explaining your problem-solving skills in an interview can seem daunting.
You’re required to expand on your process — how you identified a problem,
analyzed potential solutions, and made a choice. As long as you can explain your
approach, it’s okay if that solution didn’t come from a professional work
experience.
How to Improve Problem Solving Skills?
Learn How to Identify Problems

Problem-solving doesn’t just require finding solutions to problems that are


already there. It’s also about being proactive when something isn’t working as you
hoped it would. Practice questioning and getting curious about processes and
activities in your everyday life. What could you improve? What would you do if you
had more resources for this process? If you had fewer? Challenge yourself to
challenge the world around you.
How to Improve Problem Solving Skills?
Think Digitally

“Employers in the modern workplace value digital problem-solving skills, like


being able to find a technology solution to a traditional issue,” Case says. “For
example, when I first started working as a marketing writer, my department
didn’t have the budget to hire a professional voice actor for marketing video voice
overs. But I found a perfect solution to the problem with an AI voice over service
that cost a fraction of the price of an actor.”
How to Improve Problem Solving Skills?
Collaborate

Problem-solving isn’t done in a silo, and it shouldn’t be. Use your collaboration
skills to gather multiple perspectives, help eliminate bias, and listen to
alternative solutions. Ask others where they think the problem is coming from
and what solutions would help them with your workflow. From there, try to
compromise on a solution that can benefit everyone
How to Improve Problem Solving Skills?
Adapt

If we’ve learned anything from the past few years, it’s that the world of work is
constantly changing — which means it’s crucial to know how to adapt. Be
comfortable narrowing down a solution, then changing your direction when a
colleague provides a new piece of information. Challenge yourself to get out of
your comfort zone, whether with your personal routine or trying a new system at
work.
Conclusion
Problem-Solving: The Bottom Line
Companies always need people to help them find solutions — especially proactive
employees who have practical analytical skills and can collaborate to decide the
best way to move forward. Whether or not you have experience solving problems
in a professional workplace, illustrate your problem-solving skills by describing
your research, analysis, and decision-making process — and make it clear that
you’re the solution to the employer’s current problems.

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