10 Characteristics of Good Problem Solvers

zcorpilion

Good problem solvers are good thinkers. They have less drama and problems to begin with and don't get overly emotional when faced with a problem. They usually see problems as challenges and life experiences and try to stand above them, objectively.

Good problem solvers use a combination of intuition and logic to come up with their solutions. Intuition has more to do with the emotional and instinctive side of us and logic is more related to our cognition and thinking. Good problem solvers use both of these forces to get as much information as they can to come up with the best possible solution. In addition, they are reasonably open minded but logically skeptical.

Some of the general characteristics of good problem solvers are:

1. They don't need to be right all the time:
They focus on finding the right solution rather than wanting to prove they are right at all costs.

2. They go beyond their own conditioning:
They go beyond a fixated mind set and open up to new ways of thinking and can explore options.

3. They look for opportunity within the problem: They see problems as challenges and try to learn from them.

4. They know the difference between complex and simple thinking:
They know when to do a systematic and complex thinking and when to go through short cuts and find an easy solution.


5. They have clear definition of what the problem is:
They can specifically identity the problem.

6. They use the power of words to connect with people:
They are socially well developed and find ways to connect with people and try to find happy-middle solutions.

7. They don't create problems for others:
They understand that to have their problem solved they can't create problems for others. Good problems solvers who create fair solutions make a conscious effort not to harm others for a self-interest intention. They know such acts will have long term consequences even if the problem is temporarily solved.

8. They do prevention more than intervention: Good problem solvers have a number of skills to prevent problems from happening in the first place. They usually face less drama, conflict, and stressful situations since they have clear boundaries, don't let their rights violated and do not violate other people's rights. They are more of a positive thinker so naturally they are surrounded with more positivity and have more energy to be productive.

9. They explore their options:
They see more than one solution to a problem and find new and productive ways to deal with new problems as they arise. They also have a backup plan if the first solution does not work and can ask for support and advise when needed.

10. They have reasonable expectations:
Good problem solvers have reasonable expectations as to what the solution would be. They understand that there are many elements effecting a situation and that idealistic ways of thinking and going about solving a problem will be counterproductive.

At the end, good problem solvers do not have too many irrational fears when dealing with problems. They can visualize the worst case scenario, work their way out of it and let go of the fear attached to it. Fear can make your logic and intuition shady and your decisions unproductive.



Source: Michelle Roya Rad: Professional Psychologist

ninja boy

masalah juga kalau asik dikelilingi golongan yg suka bikin masalah

choahra

Have a face-to-face conversation

cikmungee

Think Positive and not overthinking

shaun_bb

Do not make assumption. Find the root problem and try to tackle it from there.

addina

break down silos, used the communication skills to help others so all the based need is coved.  

addina

cast down egos aside while solving problems. share idea.
Often great solutions to problems are ignored because a leader wants the solution to be their idea.

drkbaan

My two cents: A good problem solver would always refer back to their religion to offer the best solution.

boobam

no matter how you feel, get up, dress up , show up and never give up

AaA17

think positive

fidajeff

Below are the 13 characteristics that a good problem solver should have.

1.        Start with a positive outlook.  Look at this situation as an opportunity.
2.        Understand the problem well by asking questions.  There are no stupid questions, only those you do not yet have an answer for.
3.        Approach the problem with an open mind.  If the only tool you have is a hammer everything becomes a nail.
4.        Look at the problem from the helicopter view.  Once you understand the problem in its entirety and context, only then can you determine the best course of action.
5.        Define the problem thoroughly.  Ask what, where, when, why, how and whom.  Write the problem down, draw diagrams, create plans etc.
6.        Dissect the problem into bite sized chunks.  When a problem is broken down, sometimes it is easier to see patterns, tools to apply and actions that need to take place.
7.        Think through the issues logically.  Simple problems don’t require a plan of attack.  With a complex problem or one which involves an extended time frame, mandates that an actionable plan identifying what needs to be done is crucial.
8.        Look for similarities with other problems.  When a problem is broken down into its constituents parts, you’ll find some of these parts occur frequently in other places.
9.        Don’t let emotion get in the way.  If you find you are emotionally charged, pause for a moment and let yourself calm down.
10.        Don’t be discouraged by mistakes.  Mistakes are not the end of the world.  It only means that what you changed did not solve the problem.  When you start working on problem solving, usually conditions get worse before they get better.
11.        Focus on the end state. Some find it is useful to then plan backward until you get to familiar territory.
12.        Take notes and record your progress.  This ensures you can track back to the things you have tried and what the results were.
13.        Check your answers and challenge your assumptions.  Only with rigorous testing can you be sure your solution meets the initial requirements.