Problem-Solving

Problem-solving is a valuable skill one should aspire to acquire. In fact, most companies recognise it as one of the top 10 essential 21st-century skills sought after by employers. If you are a student, start cultivating this skill now. Being able to solve problems effectively will not just develop your ability to view challenges creatively and rationally but also empower you to solve them independently. In the workplace, as you progress in your career, you will be required to solve many complex problems. But what exactly do we mean by problem-solving and what does it entail? Simply put, it refers to the process of responding appropriately to challenges. It may often involve overcoming barriers that stand in the way of solutions.

The Problem-Solving Process

The problem-solving process involves identifying the problem; establishing the factors that gave rise to it; generating possible solutions; and implementing them. In this article, we will look at how we can solve problems using the 7-Step problem-solving model.

Identify The Problem

The first step is often the most difficult and the most important of all. We often notice the symptoms rather than the root of the problem. One method of identifying the problem may be to establish the goal and barrier components of the problem. For instance, “I want to study at XYZ University” (goal) “but I don’t have the financial means to do so” (barrier). It is essential to get to the root of the problem so that you can come up with a permanent solution instead of dealing with the same ‘problem’ over and over again.

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