Developing Your Problem-Solving Skills - problem-solving techniques and approaches - Brief Article

Being a god troubleshooter requires patience, flexibility, and creativity. Here'' how to improve the skills you need.

Four years ago, 11-year-old Cory Snyder, of Bowie, Maryland, recognized a problem. The Bowie Volunteer Fire Department needed infrared goggles. These goggles enable firefighters to see through smoke and save lives. The problem was that each pair of goggles cost $25,000. Gory solved this dilemma by creating a foundation called Project Rescue Vision. He met with businesses and sent 10,000 fund-raising letters. Through his efforts, he collected enough money to buy the needed goggles for the Bowie Volunteer Fire Department.

Since then, Gory has raised $22,000 more for firefighting equipment. He has also helped 102 groups around the country start similar projects. Recently, he won a "Take Action" award from React Magazine.

You might not receive national recognition for the problems you solve. But you do use problem-solving skills on a regular basis. Problem solving is wrestling with algebra or chemistry homework. But it's also taking on the day-to-day challenges of being a human being. At school or work, you are confronted by challenging situations. For example, what do you do about a lost wallet, a misunderstanding with a friend or co-worker, or a forgotten assignment? How well and how quickly you deal with these situations matter. Your problem-solving skills can greatly influence your personal and professional success.

A+Appeal

The ability to solve problems efficiently is one of the top 10 qualities that companies want in new employees. This is what Kellah M. Edens says. She is an education professor at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. "During job interviews, it's common to be asked 'what if' questions," says Edens. "How you answer will demonstrate your problem-solving ability. Generally, these questions deal with real problems in the workplace."

Why do interviewers ask "what if" questions? Applicants with good problem-solving skills usually have positive personality traits, such as patience, independence, and curiosity. Good problem solvers usually have self-esteem, competence, and a responsible attitude toward decision-making. "Other problem-solving traits include flexibility, open-mindedness, and tolerance for ambiguity [uncertainty]," says Edens.

Step-by-Step

The most productive problem-solvers also are creative. Take Albert Einstein. The world-famous physicist understood that most problems have many possible answers. And the first answer is not always the best. Generating multiple solutions is highly desirable. To do this, you must think less rigidly, or "outside the box," says Michael Michalko, author of Thinkertoys: A Handbook of Business Creativity.

Edens cautions against the tendency for people to get stuck on only one particular strategy. It might have worked in the past, but may not work as well in another situation.

Evaluate each alternative. Don't criticize yourself or feel embarrassed by any errors you make, writes Michael E. Martinez, an education professor at the University of California at Irvine. If one real-life exercise doesn't get the hoped for result, try another and another. Remain cool-headed. "Allow enough time for ideas to form," suggests Edens.

How do you do that? Take a step-by-step approach to problem solving.

* First, identify and define the problem.

* Then construct a strategy. Get the information and resources you need to implement it.

* Finally, monitor the entire process and evaluate your solution.

"Also, watch out for different restrictions. Financial or time factors, for example, may contribute to the selection of a particular solution," says Edens. For instance, let's say your goal is to acquire a certain book. You need to read and report on it in a few days. The time factor probably eliminates the-option of getting the book on interlibrary loan.

Practical Problem Solving

The best way to improve your problem-solving skills is to practice them. Your schoolwork probably provides many opportunities. But look beyond your role as a student.

As a community volunteer, a school club member, or a part-time employee, you probably face other challenges. For example, you might want to tutor a younger child. You'd then create a plan for your student. Or you might want to raise money for a class trip or set up a new club. Maybe you want to figure out how to handle a bully.

At home, practice problem solving by dealing with family conflicts. How can you keep your kid sister or brother out of your room? How can you complete your chores without reminders from parents? How can you save enough money to afford a car? How should you manage your allowance? How can you maintain your privacy?

You will need strong problem-solving skills in your social life as well. Consider these possible problems. How can you:

* avoid the drug scene?

* find friends you really trust?

* handle peer pressure?

* maintain your values when ethical conflicts arise?

* communicate honestly with your peers?

Practice problem solving by yourself and with a friend or group. Do you have a club fund-raiser to organize? See "Test Your Problem-Solving Skills" below. You'll also be improving your planning, time management, and communication skills.

Smart strategists build up the mental muscles they use in problem solving. They know these skills not only make them stronger job candidates and employees. They also make them better human beings.

Test Your Problem-Solving Skills

How can you improve your problem-solving skills? By practicing them.

Below is a problem that needs solving. Read the problem. Then fallow the guidelines to your solution.

Problem

The band wants to raise money to attend an out-of-state competition. A committee of five was selected to come up with fund-raising ideas. The deadline that your advisor set is five days away. The problem is that only three of the members (including yourself) have worked on the project. One student hasn't shown up for the meetings. The other member jokes around and contributes nothing. What should you do?

Guidelines

1. State the problem in the form of a question. Make it clear and specific.

2. Gather accurate information.

3. Brainstorm a wide variety of solutions, both creative and conventional.

4. Examine and try alternatives.

5. Choose a solution.

COPYRIGHT 2001 Weekly Reader Corp.
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group