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Every day we face many problems, but some are more complex and difficult than others. In both cases, you must have special skills to ensure that you reach the right solution at the right time. This is known as problem solving skills, so what are these skills and how can you develop them? This is exactly what we will talk about in our article today.
What is meant by “problem solving skills”?
Problem solving skills, as indicated by their name, express the ability to find effective solutions to the various problems that we face in practical or private life and to do so in a timely manner that ensures that losses are avoided or minimized as much as possible. This includes several main steps that must be followed.
Problem solving steps
The problem-solving process includes the following steps:
- Define the problem.
- Find alternative solutions.
- Evaluation and selection of appropriate solutions to solve the problem.
- Applying the appropriate solution on the ground.
- Obtaining feedback and responding to it in an appropriate manner.
Examples of problem solving skills
As with the various soft skills, each main skill includes a number of sub-skills that fall under it. We can summarize the most important problem solving skills as follows:
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Creative skills
As most problems are often solved either by following an intuitive method or through a specific methodology, The first method is used to find solutions to problems that do not require new external knowledge, while resorting to logic and analytical thinking to solve more complex problems; in this case, it is necessary to possess creative thinking skills.
Research skills
It entails identifying the problem and looking for alternative solutions through research and investigation, and the search can be simple and quick using search engines, or it can be in-depth and intensive, involving field trips and contacts with experts in the field.In both cases, strong skills in research methods and strategies are required.
Team work skills
Many problems are solved when more people participate in solving them. Teamwork is not limited to the workplace but also extends to the home, school, and various environments and situations.
Emotional smartness
Problem solving is not limited to scientific intelligence, or IQ. Knowing the feelings of others and having the ability to interpret them and then choose the appropriate solution based on them is one of the most important problem solving skills.
Risk Management
Solving problems involves a certain percentage of risk that may increase or decrease depending on the type and nature of the problem. Therefore, it is necessary to possess a strong base of risk management skills to ensure that unexpected consequences are dealt with professionalism and intelligence.
Decision-making skills
Where these skills are closely related to problem solving skills, making the right decision and choosing the appropriate solution from among several proposed solutions is an important part of the problem-solving process.
What is the importance of problem solving skills?
No institution or company is free of problems, and an individual cannot live a full life without encountering unexpected difficulties and obstacles, which makes problem solving skills an essential element. Below, we summarize the most important benefits of having these skills:
- Turning the impossible into the possible: Knowledge and science alone are not sufficient to solve problems, but possessing the appropriate skills and the ability to address the problem in a systematic and intelligent manner is what guarantees reaching effective solutions that satisfy all parties.
- Achieving Excellence: Individuals are mostly trained to do the usual things, as they possess the necessary knowledge and skills to do these routine things, but they often fail to solve unexpected problems or those that lie outside the scope of their knowledge. Therefore, having problem solving skills of all kinds will undoubtedly make you distinguished among your peers and in your community and guarantee you access to higher ranks in various fields.
- Enhancing self-confidence: having problem solving skills makes you believe in yourself more because, deep down, you are confident in your ability to solve problems, so do not spend your time worrying about what to do and how to act if you encounter any obstacles.
How to acquire problem solving skills
If you want to take your skills to the next level and develop your ability to solve problems, you have come to the right place. Here is a collection of simple, practical tips that will ensure you enhance your skills in this field.
1- Gain new knowledge
Try to acquire new technical skills in your field of work or study, as solving problems becomes easier if your knowledge and storage of information about them are greater. You can gain new knowledge by attending workshops, enrolling in training programs, or enrolling in online courses.
2: You have to dance!
Did you know that dancing has a positive effect on neurological processing? That’s right, dancing in its various forms contributes to the development of new neural pathways in the brain, thus overcoming dopamine blockages that prevent you from reaching appropriate solutions to your problems. You don’t have to be a great dancer; just play your favorite songs and move your body a bit to rejuvenate your body and stimulate your creative thinking.
3- Train your mind
Just as your body needs exercise to stay healthy, your mind also needs exercise and training to maintain and develop its capabilities. So make sure to exercise your brain permanently by playing some mind games such as:
- Chess
- Crossword
- Strategy games
- Puzzles
- Logic exercises and mathematical equations.
4- Listen to music
Listening to music and doing mental exercises stimulate the brain and thus increase its efficiency in solving problems.
5- Keep a notebook to write down ideas.
Instead of keeping ideas in your head and then trying to remember them when needed, keep a special note and write down your own ideas as soon as they come to you. Then you can go back to them, review them, and choose what you find appropriate from them.
6- Use mind maps
This point is very related to the previous one, as you can write your ideas in the form of a mind map by writing the problem in the center of the page, drawing main lines branching out from the center showing the causes of the problem, then adding sub-lines that explain any other details related to the problem.
Then draw another mental map showing all the ideas and possible solutions to this problem by writing down the solutions in the main branches and the details of each solution in lines branching from the main lines. This method will help you better organize your ideas, compare the different solutions available to you, and then choose the one that suits you best.
7- Learn from others.
Find people around you who have problem solving skills, and learn from them. Watch their behavior and study their strategy in the face of obstacles them. Watch their behavior and study their strategy in the face of obstacles. You can also ask them about the best way to deal with their problems. and then apply these strategies to your own problems.
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