Problem Solving, The New Cool and How to find Your Way Through

We’re challenged by them, struggle to wrap our head around them and strive to seek solutions. Of course, we’re no fans but we can’t ignore them either. Problems, the undeniable presence in our lives, hinder progress and pose a threat sooner or later. Solving them, on the other hand, brings increased efficiency. This skill is a must-have for navigating daily disruptions. Why, then, does everybody not possess it? It’d help them get by. Here’s why. Psychological factors come into play as they influence decision-making.

Withdrawal from challenges becomes a tendency regardless of how simple/complex a problem is, either due to a lack of attempt or the fear of it.

Complacency is what we know as ‘procrastination’ i.e. putting off the steps to engage with a problem for later, without being ‘in the mood.’

A lull period is the consequence of a crisis where a feeling of fatigue takes over. Confidence and motivation hit an all-time low.

Overcautious behaviour or the fear of taking risks leads us to stick to safer options perennially. It stops us from treading beyond our comfort zones, lest something go wrong. It makes us miss out on a chance to explore ideas that could be potentially rewarding, doesn’t it?

A step-by-step approach proves useful.

Identifying a problem, followed by an intent to make it right, is a good start.
Shaping or getting to the root cause is necessary. Once its source is determined, clarity becomes more accessible. Analysis or deconstruction of the problem gives an idea into its nature, enabling the process of finding solutions.
Implementing the devised strategy practically is the ultimate saviour. Since the entire process is strenuous, with each stage having equal importance, stopping at either of them is pointless.

Being wary of spectators, who rarely miss a chance to indulge in gossip, is a safety precaution. If we abide by it whenever possible, it’ll save us a lot of trouble. Keeping a solution-focused approach, though easier said than done, is possible. The best part of it? There are multiple techniques we can choose from. Here goes:

• The Trial-and Error method prompts us to explore probable options, mostly through practical actions. The idea is to try and keep at it. Any mistakes that happen in the process contribute to learning as they serve as a teaching moment. Eventually we reach a stage of clarity, figuring out what is suitable for us and taking it forward thereon.
• The Six Hats technique involves considering various parameters to arrive at a decision. Each colour symbolises a parameter.
  Red Hat: Emotion                                   Green Hat: Creativity
  Yellow Hat: Optimism                            Black Hat: Caution
  White Hat: Logic                                    Blue Hat: Control (Anchors all other hats)
  In a team situation or when problems are solved in a group setting, members are assigned a hat from the above options. They’re required to present options and possibilities, keeping the parameter of their hat in mind. When almost all perspectives are visited, it sets the stage for the final call. The technique can be applied in isolation as one individual switches between the hats to go through the different points of view they offer.

While we’re at it, it’s necessary to keep in mind, a few tips. The red hat is a sensitive one and should never be overused, especially in a mainstream professional setup. Doing that could go against the whole purpose, which is why a limited number of emotional responses should be exercised. Say, the one assigned this hat has personal preferences or prejudices towards a few. That could amount to bias, discrimination, or undesirable practices. They’re no longer impartially thinking individuals. Hence, the person assigned this hat needs to correctly apply emotion.

The one who’s assigned the blue hat has a responsibility to check and balance the other hats. The goal here is to take from what the others are putting forward, sum it up and shape the entirety of it.

• Rubber Duck Debugging is a technique of talking to oneself as the alter-ego. Engaging in such a conversation where we explain the problem to another entity puts the self as a mediator who to gain insight. The response arrives gradually, if not instantly. Faced with an inability to analyse, reflect, and introspect as we are on the run with everyday concerns, taking a backseat from it all can save the day. It involves a more objective approach, changing the way things are seen.

• Flowcharts or Venn Diagrams prove useful in locating and determining the cause and effect of an event. As visual representations of thoughts, actions, or otherwise seemingly ambiguous factors, these provide structured images that can be referred to as a guideline. Once made, it saves time by placing the relevant factors before us as we can picture them at a glance.

• Fishbone Diagram is another kind of cause-and-effect diagram revealing key relationships among the concerned variables. It is explored in the form of a fish’s skeletal system. The spine represents causes, sometimes cumulative factors, which have a joint effect. The area near its eye stands for the problem or the outcome of causative factors. Causes can be derived from brainstorming sessions and grouped into several categories of the fishbone. This presents to us the areas that need to be worked on.

Once we’re familiar with all of it, it’s up to us how well we can apply them in the face of a problem. It requires sound judgment to decide which technique is required, based on the specific nature of the problem. These may be perceived as aids to support us in official or professional atmospheres but they’re equally worth a try in our personal lives. The next time you find yourself in a pickle, remember to have any of them by your side. You’ll come out with flying colours, that’s a given.