Problem Solving Techniques

Problems Aren't Meant to Beat You Down, But to Help You Grow

Problem Solving Techniques - Part 1

Everybody has problems. This is why developing an arsenal of effective problem solving techniques is a must.

I don't know about you, but I've read many problem solving strategies and steps that didn't pan out. All it did was create a problem on top of a problem and I became overwhelmed and frustrated.

Let's talk real here. If we are not careful, it's easy to get caught up in theories and methods for effective problem solving. But I've learn one very valuable lesson that I share with you.

Don't overcomplicate things. Always start simple. I know of so many people with problems who start their problem solving process from a very bad place. They grab for quick fixes; they panic; they jump to conclusions; and/or they allow their emotions to get the best of them. Don't fall into this tap.

So what's your first move?

Breathe.....take a deep breath and pause for a moment. Next, asked yourself, "what is my desired outcome of this problem?" Now think beyond, "I want it to go away!" Personally, I view problems as getting from Point "A" (my current situation) to Point "B" (my desired end state). There's a little more to it than that, and we'll get into that later; but, starting from this perspective causes you to explore viable options to make it happen. Also, as you engage in problem solving, don't place blame and refuse to play the victim. Either one zaps positive energy needed for the best results.

Ramp Up Your Curiosity

Start asking questions. Why take this approach? When you ask questions, you exercise your mind and train it to focus on answers. For instance, a very popular problem solving technique is the 5 Whys. This technique can be effective when you need to drill down to the cause of your problem. Sometimes, by identifying and correcting the cause of your headache, you make it go away.

Here's an example. Let's say you have difficulty getting up when your alarm clock goes off in the morning. First, you try resolving the issue, by "tricking" yourself. You set your alarm clock ahead twenty-minutes. You also decide to go to bed an hour earlier each night. Frustration sets in, because nothing works. Instead, you keep struggling for a solution. You try the 5 Whys as you have nothing to lose.

1. Question: Why can't I get up when I need to you ask? Answer: Because I'm still tired.
2. Question: why am I still tired? Answer: Because I'm not getting enough sleep.
3. Question: why am I not getting enough sleep? Answer: Because I'm wired and jumpy before I go to bed.
4. Question: Why am I wired? Answer: I drink a cup of coffee to find extra energy to cook dinner and do other stuff after work.
5. Question: Why do I need to drink coffee? Answer: Because I am tired.

The above example points out a vivicious pattern. Tiredness and coffee after work are your issues. To remove the problem you decide to forego the coffee the next day; forego cooking dinner and other "to dos" so you can go to bed early to feel less tired. You sleep better the next night, have more energy, and eliminate the need for coffee after work. Can you see how this problem solving activity works?

Problem Solving Techniques - Part 2

When You Are Dedicated to Working On Your Problem Solving Skills, You Learn This Lesson Fast!

Problem solving techniques and strategies are tools that must be used accordingly for effective problem solving. You've got to know what tools or methods to use when. Again, start simple. For example, write down your problem and why outcome you need to have. For example, I needed to find an extra $350 a month in my budget to cover my son's rising school tuition. I brainstormed the possibilities: I could cut back on what I spend for lunch each workday; I could cancel my parking lease and take the bus; or I could take on a part-time job. Each day, I'd weigh the pros and cons of each choice. I also brainstormed new solutions as well. Writing things down allowed me to find the best answer for my family's situation.

Another easy technique is to slowly mull over the issue for a few days. Let it simmer in your mind. Still ask questions, but don't rush. Then, when you least expect it... the answer hits you. This happens a lot. Sometimes you can try so hard to solve something that you put up mental roadblocks. Frustration sets in, you start to feel the anxiety, and then it grows and grows...getting you nowhere.

Talk It Through

I always get a chuckle when someone approaches me and says, "you got a minute. I need your help with something." Then I simply sit there and listen as they explain the situation, ask their questions out loud, answer them, then say,"thanks for helping. That's the answer I needed."

Sometimes you simply need to talk through your issue out loud. I think it's a focus thing. You're intensely thinking and working through the circumstance until you draw the necessary conclusion.

Problem Solving Techniques - Part 3

All Problems Are Not Made Equal

So far, we've covered simple things you can do to solve your problem. There are many more problem solving techniques available to you.

Businesses often rely on problem solving techniques such as SWOT analysis. I'm not going to get into detail about it here. However, SWOT Analysis can be used for effective problem solving for you as well. Nonetheless, I can't stress enough the importance of keeping your process as simple as possible.

Okay, so your problem is a big hairy ugly monster. It's overwhelming; it's scary; and you don't have a clue where to start. Do you know what you should do? Chip away at that monster one step at a time. One great problem solving technique is to break your problem into chunks. Why? Because that big hairy monster grew over time; fed by many circumstances and decisions. You ain't gonna slay your monster out overnight, so plan your attack and charge ahead.

For example, many people have debt. They can no longer pay their bills and are riddled with tons of stress and anxiety. one solution is to take with Creditors, make alternative arrangements, and tackle one source of debt at a time.

Mastering Effective Problem Solving Techniques Help Deal With Future Problems

At this point, I want to provide you with ideas to help you more easily solve future problems. I want to help you develop or enhance your problem solving skills. And I'm very glad to inform you that there are easy activities so you can be a creative and effective problem solver.

You see, a lot of people can't see beyond the surface of a problem. They don't know how to expand their options, because they haven't exercised their ability to do so. With this in mind, here are several brainteasers for you. If you can get into the habit of exercising your thinking, and your ability to problem solve, it gets easier and easier. I suggest you play games in which you have to solve a clue. For instance, crossword puzzles, Suduko, or the game "Clue." See...increasing your brainpower can be fun!

Following are several links to some really cool brainteasers to muscle-up your problem solving mojo.

Problem Solving Techniques - Part 4

Remember, when you learn to think more creatively and broaden your knowledge, you can generate more options. Something as simple as reading a news story in which you adamantly oppose the view can help. Do you know why? Because we are usually not as open-minded to other opinions when we vehemently disagree. By forcing yourself to consider the other perspective feeds your mind new information you can use in a positive way. Think how nice it would be to find common ground with a person you have problems with? This is why efforts such as this are worth it!

The Overlooked traits and skills For Effective Problem Solving:

• Patience - although you may want to....all problems can't be solved overnight. Often times, it may take time.
• Persistence - you can't give up.....you'll find the answers or another alternative if you keep at it.
• Open-mindedness - do not allow yourself to give into limited thinking or what you think you know. There is always something to learn.
• Courage - risk is a part of life. Often times, answers and solutions can have consequences. Your goal is to understand what they are and to reduce or eliminate your risk.
• Fact finding - you have to be able to study the problem and its parts.
• Fact gathering - you have to be able to find the causes and potential solutions.
• Instinct - you have to use your gut reaction to back up or discount your course of action.
• Collaboration - you have to be willing to let others help when necessary.
• Planning - you have to plan and prepare when you need to.

Problem Solving Techniques - Part 5

Problems Quotes For Wisdom

"A problem is a problem only if you see it that way. If you see a problem is an opportunity, your stress levels will reduce!" ~ Catherine Pulsifer

"The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them." ~ Albert Einstein

"Sometimes the situation is only a problem because it is looked at in a certain way. Looked at in another way, the right course of action may be so obvious that the problem no longer exists." ~ Edward de Bono

"If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail." ~ Abraham Maslow

“The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You do not blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the president. You realize that you control your own destiny." ~ Albert Ellis

I sincerely hope you've found problem solving techniques and strategies you can use to build up your problem solving skills. You've already taken the first step. You're now privvy to powerful, but simple techniques that work. While problems are a part of life, it's how you deal with them that makes all the difference in the world.