problem solving strategies - Blog - Global Risk Community2024-03-29T12:46:15Zhttps://globalriskcommunity.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/problem+solving+strategiesGreat Problem Solver have 6 Mindset Traitshttps://globalriskcommunity.com/profiles/blogs/great-problem-solver-have-6-mindset-traits2021-04-01T10:40:00.000Z2021-04-01T10:40:00.000ZMark Bridgeshttps://globalriskcommunity.com/members/MarkBridges<div><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8721604279,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8721604279,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="8721604279?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="278" height="199" /></a><a href="https://flevy.com/business-toolkit/problem-solving-psm">Problem Solving</a> is a fundamental life skill indispensable for survival of an individual. It is honed in every person to varying degrees. It is especially a useful skill to embody Leadership Development.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Problem Solving skill can be taught and learnt.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">MIT defines Problem Solving as:</span></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The process of identifying a problem, developing possible solution paths, and taking the appropriate course of action.</span></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Problem Solving is a process that can be approached using various strategies but each Strategy usually follows the same theme, consisting of:</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:10pt;">Identifying the Root Cause of the Problem.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:10pt;">Logically Analyzing all the Details of the Problem.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:10pt;">Formulating a Solution.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:10pt;">Effectively Communicating and taking Action.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Problem Solving Strategies consist of steps that help identify the Problem and choose the best solution. There are 2 basic types of Strategies:</span></p><ol><li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Algorithmic Strategies</strong> – customary step-by-step instructions to solving Problems. For example, in algebra: multiply and divide before adding or subtracting.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Heuristic Strategies</strong> – general guides used to identify possible solutions. An example would be IDEAL—Identify Problem, Define Context, Explore Strategies, Act on solution, and Learn.</span></li></ol><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">A certain Mindset is required to be developed for becoming a great Problem Solver. There are 6 traits experts have identified that shape the Mindset of a great Problem Solver. A great Problem Solver will always:</span></p><ol><li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Be Constantly Curious.</strong></span></li><li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Be an Imperfectionist.</strong></span></li><li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Adopt a Dragonfly-eye View.</strong></span></li><li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Pursue Occurrent Behavior.</strong></span></li><li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Leverage Collective Intelligence.</strong></span></li><li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Practice Show and Tell.</strong></span></li></ol><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://flevy.com/browse/flevypro/problem-solving-mindsets-5560"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8937" src="https://flevy.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Slide-deck-image-Problem-Solving-Mindset.png" alt="" width="674" height="506" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Problem Solving Mindset is valuable for any person especially professionals, particularly an entrepreneur, manager, or someone in the leadership role in an organization. A team of skillful problem solvers can become a notable source of <a href="https://flevy.com/business-toolkit/competitive-advantage">Competitive Advantage</a> for an organization.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Let us delve a little deeper into some of the Mindsets that make great Problem Solvers.</span></p><h3><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Be Constantly Curious</strong></span></h3><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Innate human partialities frequently blind us to a range of solutions too early in the Problem Solving Process. Superior and increasingly creative solutions arise from being Curious about the wide-ranging possible answers. Very young children embody this trait. They are resolute in figuring things out hence their never-ending and high-energy inquisitiveness.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Improved results are generated by accepting uncertainty, constantly asking questions like why is this solution better, or why not the other one?</span></p><h3><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Be an Imperfectionist</strong></span></h3><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Absolute knowledge is virtually non-existent, especially for Complex Business and Societal Problems. Accepting that our knowledge is Imperfect can bring about more effective Problem Solving. Constant revision based on new evidence is key to good Problem Solving. This is possible when we begin by confronting solutions that imply certainty. And, this brings out tacit assumptions about probabilities and makes it easier to assess alternatives.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Most Problem Solving involves a great deal of trial and error. We form hypotheses, dive into data for validation, and either refine our premise or discard it.</span></p><h3><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Adopt a Dragonfly-eye view</strong></span></h3><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The purpose is to gaze beyond the usual arrangement into which our pattern-recognizing brains want to gather perceptions. This facilitates identification of obscured opportunities and threats.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">A good example of this is the approach experts took to tackle a major public health threat. They framed the Problem in larger social context—taking the Dragonfly-eye view—garnering wider support and success. Confronted with a complex social map and a ballooning infection rate, the Problem was tackled by widening its definition. The frame was shifted from a traditional epidemiological transmission model at known hotspots to one where, another affliction of a particular sub-set of the impacted population was targeted because it was more relatable. The major public health threat was made into a sub-set of the larger issue. The solution was implemented in 600 communities and was eventually ascribed with preventing more than 600,000 infections.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Interested in learning more about <a href="https://flevy.com/browse/flevypro/problem-solving-mindsets-5560">Problem Solving Mindsets</a>? You can download <a href="https://flevy.com/browse/flevypro/problem-solving-mindsets-5560">an editable PowerPoint on <strong>Problem Solving Mindsets</strong> here</a><u> </u>on the <a href="https://flevy.com/browse">Flevy documents marketplace</a>.</span></p><h3><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Do You Find Value in This Framework?</strong></span></h3><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">You can download in-depth presentations on this and hundreds of similar business frameworks from the <a href="https://flevy.com/pro/library">FlevyPro Library</a>. <a href="https://flevy.com/pro">FlevyPro</a> is trusted and utilized by 1000s of management consultants and corporate executives. Here’s what some have to say:</span></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">“My FlevyPro subscription provides me with the most popular frameworks and decks in demand in today’s market. 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