Creative problem solving skills

Defining problem solving skills

The individual faces several problems in different stages of life, which vary in size, importance, and priority, in addition to ways of realizing them, and methods of seeking to solve them. At a time when the same problem is repeated, it may have to be solved in different ways; depending on the context,

 In many cases, a person is under time pressure to solve a problem, which may miss the opportunity to understand the details of the problem, and contemplate the best solution to it.

 The importance of mastering the skill of solving problems increases with the increase in human duties and responsibilities; In the functional sector, the problem-solving skill cannot be dispensed with, and it is a skill that leaves the door open to anyone who wishes to acquire and activate it at the personal, family, and professional levels. As it is one of the skills that it is preferable to refer to in the CV, and even during the personal interview, employers are usually looking for someone who expresses his skills, strengths, and proves his abilities and readiness; To provide solutions, initiative, and cooperation more than those who invent problems, build obstacles, and accumulate difficulties in the way of work and achievement.

 Creative problem solving steps

 The viewpoint changes towards the problems that stand in the way of the individual at the personal level, and at the levels of study, work, and family, when it is believed that there is an opportunity that lies within each problem, as the problems were only to be solved, knowing that one of the steps that helps to solve problems , especially in the field of work, the following:

Problem identification and analysis

One of the consultants in the field of creative problem solving, Thomas Wedel, indicated that the first step in solving any problem is to try to identify and reconsider it, and this step may be considered one of the most neglected steps people when facing their problems, and the consultant continues to say that Most people jump to the search for the solution without pondering for a moment what the problem is, and asking themselves (Is this really the problem?), and therefore neglecting to analyze the problem, and to understand its nature, size, extent of impact, and the number of times it is repeated, may distract efforts from their course, and open room for other problems to arise.

Find the causes of the problem

Identifying the causes of the problem is an integral part of the steps to solving it. Treating and improving the causes predicts that the problem will not be repeated, and it is important in this step to collect information and ideas, especially from people who have not been deeply affected by the problem, as this person may be a friend, colleague, or a manager at work. As much as possible, in addition to the indispensability of writing down the answers and advice received from people about the problem, as for deep problems, it is worth consulting about them; So that their priority is distinguished, even if it is multiple, as the role of the individual has a great impact on the team, and among the questions that may help to understand the causes of the problem:

What are the manifestations of the problem, and how is the problem?

 Where did the problem occur, and when was it?

With whom did it occur, or did the problem recur?

Why does the problem occur, and how is it described?

Determine available alternatives to solve the problem

 the going forward; To find alternatives, and to understand them, requires brainstorming to try; To find as many ideas and suggestions as possible, without neglecting or criticizing any idea, collect ideas in brainstorming followed by an overall evaluation of them, choosing the most suitable among them.

 Develop a plan to implement the best alternatives

When comparing the alternatives and the proposed solutions, the most appropriate methodology must be adopted; To begin with the steps to be implemented, so that they are selected; To be consistent in the long term, which leads to ensuring that the problem does not recur, while ensuring the reality of the prospective solution plan, and the availability of its resources and requirements, in terms of time, effort, and money, in addition to studying the magnitude of the risks involved in implementing the solution methodology, and thinking about its consequences; That is, what will the work look like after solving the problem? In order to ensure the success of the implementation of the plan, it is necessary to allocate responsibilities, count the resources, the time required, and schedule the tasks in time, with clarification and detail of the success indicators of the plan.

 Monitor the implementation of the plan

 The monitoring process takes place according to two main tracks: the first is to track the implementation of the success indicators of the plan, and the second is to emphasize the implementation of the plan according to the timetable prepared for it. .

Verify the effectiveness and success of the solution plan

 The success of the solution plan is verified after the completion of its implementation, so that the rest of the operations and activities proceed in a smooth and easy manner, without hindrances, or obstacles, and here it is better to take advantage of the solution experience, and invest it; To ensure that such problems do not recur, and to draw benefits from them, summarize them and write them down; To be a short reference in case the problem recurs.

Strategies used to solve problems

 Understanding the strategies on which the problem-solving methodology is based will contribute to achieving balance and proper handling in stressful situations, which increases the effectiveness and consistency of individuals specialized in preparing and implementing solution plans. The most important of these strategies are:

 Divergent Thinking

This strategy requires a set of skills, and it is designed; To develop the ability to generate and invent new and diverse ideas, where it is preferable to use brainstorming; To collect the largest possible number of proposed ideas without judging or evaluating them, and this is done within a short period of time, with the need to accept all the ideas presented and write them down; To discuss it, and filter it later, and this undoubtedly requires a degree of flexibility and positive interaction. to accept ideas; Trying to devise creative solutions calls for a diversity of options, and to ensure that the best ones are chosen, or they are combined; To form a system of integrated solutions without deviating from the focus of the research idea.

Convergent Thinking

The success of this strategy depends on the mechanism of data collection, and the form of writing it down as a first step; Because it will be used as a cornerstone for building this strategy, as it aims to summarize the proposals, choose the best one, or integrate more than one option, and distribute them based on an organized phase plan, where the ability to implement convergent thinking can be measured through the accuracy of the criteria, and the goals that are selected. The best proposals related to it, knowing that this strategy also requires objectivity, patience, positivity, perseverance, and clarity, as not all ideas are applicable to immediate implementation, and the proposed ideas are not all rejected.

Techniques to enhance the skill of solving problems in creative ways

 A person relies on his skills to develop his achievement and effectiveness in the family, work, society, and on a personal level, where skills always need what strengthens them and refines their details; Until its owner reaches its professionalism, mastery of its application, and the methods used; To develop problem-solving skills, the following: Practice brainstorming and building mind maps.

Take the question (what if) approach in an attempt; To test the effectiveness of the proposed solutions within the multiple theses.

keep a blog; To record creative ideas even if they seem far from the most reasonable solutions; Keeping it enables the individual to return to it.

Solve logical puzzles, and play some games that develop logical thinking, and stimulate mental activity.