Introduction
In the course of a business day, or while doing a company-related projects, there will be issues that will need to be solved in a way or another. To achieve this, it is important to have problem-solving skills. In this article, I will present my approach to solve a problem.
What is meant by problem-solving or problem-solving skills ?
Problem-solving is an expression that most people use nowadays. It represents a skill numerous employers require sometimes to hire their employees. In my opinion, having problem-solving skills means that you possess the ability to assess a complex problem or situation and come up with a positive solution using a technology-based tool.
The expression "problem-solving" tends to be used or applied only to the engineering fields. But this is not totally the case since legal and other industries make use of it. As long as there is a problem which solution is based or related to technology, we can refer to problem-solving.
What is my strategy in a complex situation ?
To start with, I would like to mention that there is no standard solution or strategy to solve a problem. The truth is that this depends on many factors and especially the creativity of the "problem-solver".
Most of the time, I usually follow a four-steps approach :
- Identification of a complex problem and its root causes
- Analysis of the problem and solutions' suggestions
- Choice of the best and adapted solution
- Implementation and evaluation of the chosen solution
Identification of a complex problem and its root causes
My first step in a problem-solving process is to identify the problem. To find it, I usually ask myself some questions like "What is happening right now?", "what should be happening?" and I get to see the difference. Next, I observe a lot, whether at home or in my work environment and also in my area. In fact, I just make sure that the problem is completely clear for me and worth solving.
Once this is done, I will now look for the different factors or elements that cause the problem. As far as I can tell, this step sounds like an inspection and this is very helpful as it can guide to know where exactly I can focus my thoughts.
I take the example of developers who use to write lines of code and get stuck sometimes. In their process to solve the bug, they try to break the code and localize the error in order to fix it. The same applies here.
There are many problems mankind is confronted to. Let's take the example of climate change effects which is a global issue. The problem is identified and we can now shift to the root causes. Climate change effects are due to the bad daily habits of humans. The problem is identified and then the causes are known. The following step should be how the problem can be tackled.
Analysis of the problem and solutions' suggestions
To a unique and complex problem, can be applied tons of solutions. At this phase of the process, the goal is to make an analysis of the whole problem and come up with suggestions and creative ideas to solve it.
Considering the last ecology-related example, I can list many solutions humans can apply and that can reduce the effects of climate change on the environment and health.
For instance, these can be some of them :
- Designing robots to clean areas
- Raising awareness about climate change and how to fight for
- Prohibiting the use of plastic-made gadgets
- Promoting the use of natural materials
- Promoting the use of electric cars
Considering these alternatives, the next thing to do is to choose the one that is most suitable. Various criteria describe the best solution. Among them, I can list the feasibility, the accessibility and the high impact.
Choice of the best and adapted solution
When I am at this stage of the process, I am aware that propositions are done and the only thing remaining is to select the best solution. But how ? As I have stated in the last paragraph, there are some criteria to take into account before making this choice. According to the example I bring on the table, I will say that the best solution among those provided is to promote the use of electric cars.
Note that this depends on the context in which you are also. And here, I choose this solution because in my context, most people use cars and the fuel is nocive for the environment. So, analyzing the impact this can have on the environment, I opt for the promotion of electric cars to reduce the carbon's emission.
Implementation and evaluation of the chosen solution
As a problem solver, my next step is to implement my solution and proceed to an evaluation. Implementing the solution consists of making a prototype and use technology to make it real. This step needs the intervention of specialists that put skills into practice.
By the time the solution is ready, it can be tested for a while so as to correct the eventual problems that will occur before the general implementation. As a problem solver, it is important to plan and constantly evaluate the solution you provided and reajust it regarding what you have as feedbacks from partners and end-users.
Conclusion
Being a problem solver in this era is a skill most enterprises are looking for. They need a creative person who is able to build sustainable solutions for them. There are many ways to solve a complex problem and my approach was presented in this article.
Hope this is worth reading ! Your comments and suggestions will be highly appreciated.
Keep being strong and stay safe !!!