Problem Solving

Problem Solving

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Problem Solving

Introduction

The problem-solving process can best be defined as the act of problem recognition, the definition of the problem, finding the problem’s cause, and selecting a suitable plan for the issue at hand.  Numerous studies have highlighted one of the primary challenges in problem-solving today lies in the lack of skills that enable people to plan and actualize solutions they have found. Problem-solving is an investigative process that requires an in-depth focus and a systematic approach. The use of unconventional methods in this field is encouraged. The primary goal is to provide a conclusion to a clear challenge and eliminate the problem at hand (Buheji, 2017). Problem-solving is essential to all fields of work and study and can be applied in our day-to-day activities to achieve our goals.

Critical Analysis of Problem Solving

Importance of problem-solving

The essence of being an efficient problem solver is not an ability; it is a character trait. The mindset of problem-solving professionals fails to focus on the impossibility of various scenarios or challenges. Moreover, it consistently looks to modify the system to achieve efficient performance (Nelson, 2017). The importance of problem-solving skills is divided into three based on the beneficiaries of the results. These take into consideration the needs of the individual with precedence to their basic needs. The second level will focus on an individual’s psychosocial needs and, finally, the importance of problem-solving skills to society (Nelson, 2017). Society in this context refers to the group of people who might gain from an individual’s problem-solving skills in the workplace and one’s community.

To critically analyze the importance of problem-solving, one has to initially focus on the fact that numerous scholars concentrate on problem-solving in the communal aspect, rather than looking into the fulfillment of an individual’s needs. The focus on an individual’s needs will look into the problem solving for the acquisition of basic needs. They then focus on their needs that concern their ego and societal prominence. Problem-solving skills are essential in decision making; these allow a person to decide what to ingest and what career choices suit their lives at the individual level. The problem-solving skills are essential to decisions such as those made in voting and the organizational practices one employs at their workplace at the societal level.

Problem-solving skills are essential to developing one’s confidence and self-esteem. The use of problem-solving skills effectively in a class, research setting, or at work will allow one’s confidence to increase and motivate them to achieve more. Problem-solving is essential to the invention of tools and products that improve the societal way of life. It helps one gain critical thinking and analytical skills when motivated to achieve a particular goal (Buheji, 2017). Problem-solving skills develop the metacognitive skills in a human being through analysis of a plan. It helps people learn how to collaborate on different projects. Scholars’ failure to focus on the essence of problem-solving within an individual is a disconnect that leads to the gap between learning skills and their application at the individual level.

Stages in problem-solving

Problem-solving strategies are essential to all fields today. Problem-solving may be taken up in different ways, some of which may seem unconventional from an outsider’s perspective. The ability to develop confidence and solve problems uniquely are essential to developing various innovations, analytical skills and critical thinking abilities (Nelson, 2017). Despite the differing fields in which problem-solving is necessary, the stages and steps remain the same as they are a logical framework that works in most areas. The stages are outlined and explained in the following paragraphs;

Identifying the problem, the initial phase of problem-solving involves an analysis of where the problem lies. The identification of the problem may require good observation skills. An example is when a machine fails to work, it would be essential to look into which component is damaged or whether the lack of electricity or fuel might be the problem, thus finding its root. The second stage involves defining the problem. Once the problem is known, the problem definition and statement should follow (Nelson, 2017). The third stage is forming a problem-solving strategy; the phase employs the skill of metacognition and critical analysis. The strategy formation will require an analysis of various techniques and the selection of one that is most likely to give the expected results.

Organizing the information is the step that follows; the organization of information on a quest to solve a problem should focus on what is known about the issue and what remains unknown. The effective sorting of data will allow for more effective outcomes. The fifth stage in the problem-solving cycle allows for resource allocation. At this juncture, it is common for one to focus on the financial requirements solely; however, it is vital to realize personnel, time, tools, and physical space or compute resources are essential in the allocation of resources. The final step includes implementing the chosen strategy and monitoring progress (Nelson, 2017). Progress monitoring is critical as it may shed light on other system flaws or reveal new problems arising from the strategy at hand.

Problem Solving in Leadership

Problem-solving skills are essential to personnel in leadership positions. These individuals are responsible for ensuring that the processes at hand run smoothly and focus on management and eradicating problems (Jaarsfield, 2017). Leaders may have to solve problems related to work processes, employee relations, or teamwork and those related to innovation. The ability to solve problems is an essential skill. All leaders should; anticipate problems, accept the situation, have goals for an end in mind, consistently look to improve the work process via problem-solving, encourage employees to have a problem-solving mindset, and be reliable in the face of challenges (Winston, 2018). These skills are essential in attaining senior-level management staffers.

Essential skills in problem-solving

Humans should attain problem-solving skills early in life. The incorporation of problem-solving education into the later stages of schooling is derivative and a waste of time. The main reason for the conclusion mentioned above is problem-solving as a trait and not a skill (Winston, 2018). To incorporate problem-solving in one’s life is essential in that people make better decisions and are often more emotionally mature, problem-solving is essential to teamwork as it ensures the best results are put forward. Problem-solving’s efficiency increases with an increase in the amount of information available to the team and the group solving the challenges at hand.

The skill of observation is essential in the identification of a problem, the skill critical thinking allows for one to focus on all the resources at hand and what they are likely to aid within the solution. Problem-solving necessitates metacognition and analytic thinking for the achievement of good results (Aihaji, 2017). Various skills are necessary for problem thinking; the ones outlined above are essential to all problem-solving scenarios. The engagement of a larger group of people incorporates more technical know-how and a more comprehensive range of skills for problem-solving efforts.

Problem Solving in Management

The significance of problem-solving

Problem-solving is essential and should be conducted in an organized manner. As per the critical analysis findings, problem-solving skills should be intertwined with emotional maturity, creativity, and the use of intelligence. The reasons for the opinion held, lie in the fact that, upon internalizing the problem-solving stages and criterion, one should be able to carry them out subconsciously or consciously while evaluating all challenges. The use of problem-solving skills serves the field of innovation, learning and academics, personal growth, social interaction, and education (Winston, 2018). The importance of problem-solving thus lies in the definition and elimination of problems. A list of the significance noted includes; assisting in decision making, earning a living, the development of metacognitive skills, the management of teamwork, research and innovation, the development of analytical skills, development of confidence and self-esteem growth.

Problem-solving skills are essential for all leaders as they guarantee that rather than overseeing the work processes, the management shall combat the problems effectively. Managers well-versed in issue solving and its significance are consistent and proactive in the quest to solve all problems and provide solutions for increased inefficiency. In academics, problem-solving skills should be a part of the learning experience for all children from an early age. The main reason for this lies in the engagement of children’s cognitive abilities and creativity to embed the interest and skill in them as early as possible. The problem-solving abilities shall thus increase their autonomy and prompt quick thinking and environmental analysis.

Personal Initiative

In the way of my personal initiative relating to the study of problem-solving and its critical analysis, I have decided to focus on developing the problem-solving initiative within the individual, for management purposes. The ability to maintain one’s cognition and awareness in alarming situations, the act of immersing oneself in focusing on a deliberate problem, its recognition, and resolving the challenges identified. These steps then allow persons to focus on their weaknesses, strengths, and any bias they may have concerning the challenge at hand. It encourages the bringing forth of opinions and their evaluation of which the one is selected as best suited for the problem at hand. The engagement at this cognitive level will aid in the exact development of critical and analytical skills.

Management positions need persons to be aware of themselves in any situations that may require problem-solving skills. Using the framework defined in the above paragraph, the individual’s psychosocial state, skillset and personality are a primary focus. The self-awareness of all members and primarily the leader of the team, drives the team participation and their roles in the problem-solving process. All individuals using the same operating mechanism are reflective and aware of their weaknesses and strengths, thus only offering their best resources. Thus, making the quest for problem-solving in a team setting a successful venture.

References

Aşık, G., & Erktin, E. (2019). Metacognitive experiences: Mediating the relationship between metacognitive knowledge and problem-solving. Egitim ve Bilim, 44(197).

Buheji, M. (2017). Understanding problem-solving in inspiration labs. American Journal of Industrial and Business Management, 7(6), 771-784.

Butterworth, J., & Thwaites, G. (2013). Thinking skills: Critical thinking and problem-solving. Cambridge University Press.

Jaarsveld, S., & Lachmann, T. (2017). Intelligence and creativity in problem-solving: the importance of test features in cognition research. Frontiers in psychology, 8, 134.

Nelson, T., & Squires, V. (2017). Addressing Complex Challenges through Adaptive Leadership: A Promising Approach to Collaborative Problem Solving. Journal of Leadership Education, 16(4).

Trimber, K. (2019). 35 Years Later: How Would Three Problem Solving Forum Questions From 1984 Be Addressed Today?. Journal Of Protective Coatings & Linings, 36(7), 13-17.

Winston, P. H. (2018). Self-aware problem solving.