Problem-Solving Skills: Examples and How To Improve
Problem-solving is a key skill, as it shows that you're self-reliant and independent. Employers may value this ability because it allows you to resolve issues effectively on your own and with others. In your personal life, having strong problem-solving abilities can help you make good decisions in your finances and relationships.
Learn the definition of problem-solving skills, and review several examples in this article. Discover how to strengthen these skills and include them in your job application process. Here's what the article will cover:
- What are problem-solving skills?
- Examples of problem-solving skills
- How to improve your problem-solving skills
- How to highlight problem-solving skills on your resume
- Using problem-solving skills in cover letters
- Conclusion
- FAQs
What are problem-solving skills?
Problem-solving skills are the abilities that help you identify an issue and brainstorm, choose, and implement a solution to it. They enable you to solve problems quickly and efficiently. Problem-solving includes various other skills, such as:
- analytical thinking
- critical thinking
- decision-making
- research skills
- creativity
- collaboration
- conflict resolution
- risk management
- communication
Examples of problem-solving skills
Here are some examples of problem-solving skills:
Analytical thinking
Analytical thinking skills are the ability to observe an issue, identify patterns, interpret data, and research a topic. Having strong analytical skills helps you understand the root of a problem. This can help you develop potential solutions.
For example, you can use analytical thinking to improve the design of an existing product or service. By analyzing user reviews, you might discover that the page loading time or packaging could benefit from improvements.
Risk management
Risk management entails identifying, analyzing, and responding to opportunities and threats. It helps you understand the potential risks of a solution before implementing it. This includes foreseeing problems and dealing with them beforehand. A logistics company could use risk management skills to predict a supply-chain disruption due to an upcoming typhoon. It could then find alternative routes and modes of transportation to fulfill delivery schedules.
Communication
Being able to express your ideas clearly and engage with what your team members are saying can lead to more fruitful brainstorming sessions. You can also persuade your manager to adopt a solution with strong communication skills. For example, suppose a multidisciplinary team of health professionals is discussing the treatment plan of a patient. By giving input in a clear and respectful way based on their area of expertise, they can come up with a suitable plan.
How to improve your problem-solving skills
Here are some practical ways to strengthen your problem-solving skills:
Adopt a problem-solving mindset
Instead of seeing something as a problem, see it as a challenge to overcome. Believe that you can find a suitable solution. Be patient and persistent in your efforts until you succeed. Ask meaningful questions, and learn as much as you can during the process.
Understand the problem
Before trying to solve the issue, define it clearly. Here are some problem-solving strategies you can use:
- Break down the problem into smaller parts
- Visualize the problem by focusing on the individual aspects
- Create a diagram or chart to understand the issue
- Analyze the contributing factors
Develop critical thinking and creativity
Critical thinking helps you evaluate various solutions in a systematic way. Creativity lets you produce innovative ideas. Boost your critical thinking skills by asking questions and verifying the information you receive. Enhance your creativity by setting aside time to brainstorm. Keep a journal to track your ideas and document your creative process. Take risks and share your ideas with others.
Enhance research and decision-making skills
Doing proper research helps you understand the causes of a problem and get ideas to solve it. Recognize high-quality, credible sources, and verify information across various sources. Stay organized by keeping bookmarks in your browser.
With strong decision-making skills, you can respond quickly and reduce negative impacts. Differentiate opinions from facts when comparing solutions. Set a deadline to choose a solution.
Strengthen collaboration skills
People come from different backgrounds and have unique perspectives. Good collaboration in a team can lead to innovative solutions. Be an active listener so that your team members feel heard and valued.
Learn from past experiences
You may have overlooked key information or made an assumption while solving a problem in the past. Take note of your patterns. Write down your reflections to avoid making the same mistakes.
Leverage problem-solving tools and resources
Here are some tools that can help you find the root of your problem:
- Ishikawa fishbone diagrams (IFDs)
- Pareto charts
- Failure mode and effects analyses (FMEAs)
- Scatter diagrams
- Affinity diagrams
Learn each of these tools and techniques so that you can use the appropriate one for different situations. You can also use resources such as web articles, books, news reports, and statistics to understand the issue better.
Practice regularly
Regular practice can help you analyze problems and brainstorm possible solutions more quickly. You can strengthen these skills and have fun at the same time by doing Sudoku and crossword puzzles. Do them while traveling to and from work to make the most of your journey.
How to highlight problem-solving skills on your resume
Here are some ways to feature your problem-solving skills on your resume:
Incorporating problem-solving skills in the resume summary
A good resume summary gives a snapshot of your experience, skills, and achievements. It also persuades the hiring manager to continue reading the rest of your resume. Review these problem-solving examples:
- "Solutions-driven marketing specialist with five years of experience in developing marketing campaigns and managing clients."
- "Effective problem-solver with 10 years of experiencing in creating, testing, and launching mobile applications."
Highlighting problem-solving skills in the experience section
You can include past examples of times you overcame significant obstacles using bullet points. Support them using figures and statistics whenever you can. For example, share the percentage increase in productivity or the amount of cost savings. Here are action verbs and relevant keywords you can use:
- streamlined
- identified
- implemented solutions
- improved
- analyzed
- assessed risks
- designed
- interpreted
- negotiated
- achieved
- overhauled
- upgraded
- increased customer satisfaction
Including problem-solving skills in the skills section
Review the job description, and add relevant skills under the "Soft Skills" section using bullet points. Elaborate on each skill by giving an example of how you've used them. Here are some examples of skills to include:
- creativity
- conflict resolution
- active listening
- decision-making
- communication
- analytical thinking
- teamwork
- attention to detail
- observation
- leadership
Demonstrating problem-solving skills in project sections or case studies
If you're a freelancer or if your work is mostly project-based, it's good to include a dedicated section for projects or case studies. Include details such as the project duration, accomplishments, and skills you used. Here are some problem-solving scenarios:
- "Evaluated and upgraded a customer relationship management system, increasing efficiency by 20% and reducing customer response time by three hours."
- "Identified functionality issues after reviewing user feedback and built additional features, including a search function."
Using problem-solving skills in cover letters
Cover letters let you elaborate on situations where you've used problem-solving skills at work. For example, you could share how you solved a conflict between team members. Or, you could explain how you identified why a piece of equipment malfunctioned in your cover letter.
Conclusion
Problem-solving skills involve communication, collaboration, decision-making, critical thinking, research, and other skills. Work on each of these skills to become an excellent problem-solver and valuable employee. Attend workshops and seminars, and ask for advice from experienced colleagues at your workplace.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- What are some common problem-solving techniques?
Problem tree analysis: In this technique, you map out the causes and effects of a problem.
SWOT analysis: This technique involves listing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to compare possible solutions.
Means-end analysis: Identify what you need to do (the means) to achieve a certain outcome (the end)
- The five whys: This technique involves asking "Why?" until you get to the root cause of the problem.
- How can I improve my critical thinking skills?
Question basic assumptions and challenge your own thoughts to understand why you believe in something. Practice active listening, and keep an open mind to the opinions and ideas of others. Learn how to spot biased information, such as articles with emotional language.
- What are some common obstacles to problem-solving?
Some common obstacles include a lack of motivation to solve problems effectively or limited access to resources. People may also have a fixed mindset and be unwilling to explore new approaches. Another barrier is making assumptions about the constraints and obstacles.
- How can I overcome resistance to change when implementing a solution?
Focus on the benefits of the solution when presenting it to your team. Highlight the positive impacts it could have on the team, company, and customers. You can also share how it's been successful for competitors.
- How can problem-solving skills benefit my career?
Having good problem-solving skills shows that you have other related soft skills. Some related soft skills are logic, creativity, and resilience. Use these skills to manage new challenges and unfamiliar tasks in a new position. Your ability to learn independently and quickly may impress your employer, so they may give you more responsibilities.
