Problem Solving Skills !

1. Introduction: Hello everyone. You're welcome to my course on problem-solving skills. Then you must have come across situations where you face problems while dealing with new situations. You feel less confident to find solutions to difficult problems. You don't know how to react and what to do in different and difficult situations. Well, if the answer to all these questions is yes, you have no more excuses because you are going to learn how to solve problems effectively in this course. Learn with me without a decade of experience and soft skills training and handling with difficult situations. This course, you will become a toddler professional. They'll give you confidence in positivity in your job. This course is for professional students and learners. In this course you are going to learn the basics of problem-solving skills. How to deal with difficult situations. What are the benefits of becoming great problem-solver? How and where to reflect your problem-solving skills, how to deal with questions you would be asked in interviews related to problem-solving. With my own experience, I would definitely add my share of experiences with you. So can you pass the test? Start to learn problem-solving skills through this course. So I'm really excited to start this course, but it's time for you to grow in life with courage and confidence, but a 100 percent success. Let's do this. Let's enrolled for this course. 2. What is Problem Solving ?: Now what is problem-solving? Problem-solving is the act of defining a problem. What are the causes office problem, identifying the reasons, prioritizing how to solve those problems, finding alternative solutions and implementing a solution. Now you must have come across many times different types of problems. And how do you actually go about it? How did you solve that problem? The first thing you do is to define the problem, what exactly the problem is. Because without even knowing what the problem is, you won't be able to find a proper solution. Now once you have defined the problem, there will be a cause of the problem. Many times you might know the cause of the problem and many times you may not. And that's where identifying the reasons of problems and what could be the possible ways in which this problem has occurred. For example, let's suppose there is a problem of short-circuit. Now you know what the problem is. You have defined the problem. There is a short circuit and there is no electricity. Now the cause of the problem could be different aspects such as high power voltage or some disturbance, some external disturbance. That's what you need to identify in the next step. Now, once you have identified the causes of and various reasons why that problem could have occurred. Now you need to prioritize what could be the most important reason for this problem? Normally, once the short-circuit happens, it is basically due to the fluctuation in the voltage or the power. So that is at number one, selecting alternatives. Can there be any other ways in which you can come to a conclusion? What is the reason why exactly the problem has occurred? Now, once you have done better research and study what the problem is, what are the causes? What could be different reasons you have prioritized the reasons. Now you can come to the most important aspects of solving the problem. Why? Because if you don't know what the problem and why the problem occurred, how would you find the solution? So the most important aspect of problem-solving is to define the problem, finding cause. What could be different possibilities, prioritize them as per the preference and select a solution accordingly. Now this is how you will define a problem in a proper way. Also, if we talk about the problem-solving process, it is how the organizations effectively manage the problems through leadership and develop employees true problem-solving skills and different methodologies. Now we're going to talk about the problem-solving process in detail. However, all the big organizations follow a set of packing, a process wherein the first define the problem. They will differentiate what are the facts and what are the views and opinions of the people? What are the causes of the problem? Any additional information which could be gathered? How could this problem specifically, you know, come into picture? You need to differentiate between different types of problems which have occurred because of certain reasons. Now comes the process and the step where in the solutions will come to the problem for the problem. So you will solve the problem now. So this is how you need to go about defining the problem and finding the solution to the problem. Now also there are certain alternative solutions as well. You can find short-term and long-term alternative solutions. You can brainstorm ideas with your team. You can find alternative solutions to the problems in way of using techniques, technology, and also an expert advice. And especially if there is a problem, if you sit with your team, you will definitely get lot of solutions. So problem-solving skills and problem-solving process as consistent with organizational goals. It involves individuals and has a very important role in the success of the organization. Also, evaluation in selecting off an alternative plays a very important route. Now once we talk about alternative unique to select alternatives, which could be taken in place of the problem. For example, if there is a power shortage, what would be the alternative that this problem shortage doesn't come again, which could be giving proper wiring or making proper electrical appliances or installing better equipments. Your alternatives have to be without bias or preference. It has to be expressed explicitly. It can have possible outcomes. Also, there is alternative and relative things which can be used to find the solution. Also implementing the solution plays a very important rule. You need to gather feedback from all the affected parties, the people who are involved. You need to seek acceptance. All come to consensus. 3. Problem Solving another perspective ?: Now if we take another perspective of problem-solving, there could be many problems which are bigger problems and some personal problems in life. For all the problems we need to find a solution. Whether it's supposed to or professional. Many times we find solutions to most of the difficult problems through collaboration, creativity, and considering each other's expression, interest, and values. So we need to have a great understanding of defining a problem. How exactly the current, the approach of the people is towards the problem. And we need to take an honest look towards solving the problem. As we have already discussed, defining the problem plays a very important rule. And it is the first step in solving the problem. It is understanding what the problem actually is. You need to be sure that you are dealing with the problem, the exact problem, not get symptoms, not the reasons. For example, you may be having symptoms when you find yourself weak. But what is the exact reason? Is it because you haven't had food for the last one or two days or you didn't get proper diet or because of some other reasons. So defining the problem itself is the most important and critical factor once it comes to problem-solving skills, right? The next is you need to understand the complexity of the problem. You need to understand how the, the problem will impact your life or the lives of other person, right? Most of the times the problems are interrelated. You can visualize and simplify them to make sense, right? So many times you must have come across certain problems which are too complex. And once we look into it, your mind just goes out of the way. How do you exactly solve this problem? Now, that is the time where you need to understand the complexity and make it simple. For you to understand. You need to virtualize, simplify, and make sense of it. You need to simplify it. And once it comes to the specific problem-solving ways, you can select and evaluate different aspects. You can find facts, you can plan, and you can get to certain ideas to find the solution in. Once you get to the ideas in solution, you need to act so that you get the final outcome. Also, there are different ways in which you can solve problems. Mind tools, resources, creativity of different ways in which you can take feedback of others, people who are experienced. This is how you actually come to a solution. And it's not only one way which goes for every problem to be solved. There are different ways. It is basically in the way you think you're out of box, your innovative and creative ideas to solve the problems makes a bigger difference, right? So it's not necessary that you follow the entire process. But initially once you're trying to find and learn problem-solving skills, I would advise you to follow this process. And once you are good at it, you will find your own ways to find solutions to problems. And that is when you will become an expert in solving problems. 4. Are problems everywhere ?: Well, aren't problems everywhere. Do you need to be conscious that you may you may come across a problem? Well, the answer to this question is yes, problems will be everywhere. And you need to know the basic fundamental aspect of solving a problem. You need to be prepared to deal with situations which come across your life in a way you never imagined, right? So you might be walking down the road and suddenly an accident happens. So how do you solve or how do you deal with that situation? It's a problem, right? You are going for your office, the accident happens. You want to help the person. How do you help that person? So are you prepared to deal with that situation? D, the situation can impact your life in many different ways. While you're working in your company, your organization, you might be affected. So how do you come out? How do you solve those problems? So we have already discussed the basic problem-solving framework, which is identifying, finding because finding alternative solutions and implementing those solutions. But our problems always so simple. Him, all the problems are normally complex. And if many problems come together, the problem becomes more complex. So you need to have an idea and effective way to use your mind to filter it out and easily evaluate different alternatives to find solutions to a problem. One way is to test and come out with solutions depending upon your understanding. Another is to involve others and take their feedback. Know how you can find a solution taking exploited vase or a person who has faced that similar situation, who might be experienced enough to give you a better point of view. So that is something you should definitely consider. So problem can be small in most of the cases, but in many of the cases, the problems are quite complex. And as an individual, as an employee, as a citizen of a country, you need to be prepared for dealing any kind of problem in any way. And that is how you become an effective problem solver. And that's what the objective of this video is. 5. Problem Solving skills and Soft Skills ?: Let us discuss some problem-solving skills which require your soft skills. The first is creativity. How creatively you can find solutions to problems using simple ways. Hang easy methods. How you can solve a problem using the available resources and the simplicity of the ways. By using your creative mindset. This is how many people solve complex problems by using their creative mind. So the more creative you are, the more ability you have to solve complex problems. The important skill is your skill to research. Now many times we don't know what the problem is, but your ability to research and find facts why exactly the problem has happened, has it happened in the past? What could be the different reasons of its possibility? Well, this problem happened in 1990s. What was done to find a solution to that problem? So you're doing research, you're finding facts and figures, opinions, views, documents, you're reading, articles, and then you're coming to a conclusion. So your research skills also form a very important skill of problem-solving. On an important way in which you can solve or in a skill which is required as teamwork. Now, there is no problem this world that cannot be solved. In a team. You have a game, five to 10 people, there is a problem. Just sit and discuss those problems. Have brainstorming sessions, 30 or 30 minutes or one hour of time will give you enough of reasons, ways in which we can come to a solution. So teamwork and finding solutions to problems while discussing, deliberating, debating, and knowing the views and opinions of others is a very important and effective way to solve big problems. I have used it personally and it helps a lot. The another skill is decision-making. Your ability to take decisions, your ability to come to a conclusion will play a very important role in forming. And so solving problems. Now many times you may know the problem, you may know the reason, you may know what to do and how you can now No, stop this problem, but your inability to take a decision might not make you a good problem solver. So your decision-making skills, after you have found the solution, after you have come to a conclusion, plays a very important role. So you need to be a good decision maker. You need to have good decision-making skills. If you want to become a great problem-solving, emotional intelligence plays a very important. Now what is emotional intelligence? Understanding your emotions and the emotions of others to get the work done. Simple. Now if I don't know my shortcomings, if I don't know, what are my strengths and weaknesses, will I be able to control my emotions? No. So I need to understand myself first. What are my strengths, what are my weaknesses? I do get angry a lot. If this is my weakness, I know about it, so I need to control it without even knowing it. I won't be able to control it, right? So that is emotional intelligence. Many times while interacting with people, you come to know what the other person is feeling, what the other person is going through through his expression, through his body language. And accordingly, you need to change the way in which you're speaking to the person so that you communicate effectively and make a better conversation. I'll give you very good example. Let's suppose you want to leave, you want to leave holiday of two days because you have to go somewhere. And you suddenly see your boss. He is fairly very angry. It is a visible on his face, but he's not expressing. So what that be a good time to go and ask for leave? Obviously not. But later during the day you find your boss quite happy and enjoying with everyone mingling and just interacting with a happy mood. Is this the right time to ask fully? Yes, this is emotional intelligence. Now, once you start understanding the emotions of others and yourself, there can never be a better person who can handle difficult situations down you write. So make sure that you are good in emotional intelligence. 6. Importance of Problem Solving Skills ?: Is the importance of problem-solving skills. Once you are working in an organization. Well, a workplace has different kinds of problems. From a senior level to junior level. Everyone has to deal with certain issues, certain problems that come their way. And that is where the hiring process plays a very important role. The kind of people you have hired in your organization. Do they have the aptitude? Do they have the attitude and the skills required to handle problems? Now, your employees will face challenges if you don't coach them, if you don't train them on problem-solving skills. And these are certain things which cannot be answered through Google Search or any way. You need to learn these skills. And if I talk about some of the important problem-solving skills, the most important is listening skills. Now, most of the problems if you listen to the other person and if you understand, you will find solutions while listening to the problem itself. So it's important for us to listen very, very attentively, clearly. And we need to understand what the real logic behind the problem is. Under aspect is analytical thinking. Now once we have listened to the problem, you need to analyze different aspects. Is there a factual data available for the problem hasn't happened in the past? What could be the possibility in the future? So you need to have an analytical approach. You need to analyze different aspects. You can take figures, historical background, future predictions, anything. But the problem has to be analyzed with a numerical hand, an objective approach. Creative thinking plays a very important role as one of the important problem-solving skills. Because a problem is something which cannot be solved and that's why it becomes a problem. It is straight away not mentioned in the book how to solve the problem. If there is a solution available in a book or in practice, you will definitely solve it. But many of the problems which arise, they do not have straight away answers or straight away simple solutions. And that is where your, your creative thinking comes into picture. How you can think differently to come to a conclusion or a solution. Now another aspect is communication skills. Now just imagine you have a problem and you're not able to communicate it properly to the other person. Will the person be able to help you know? Similarly, if you have a problem and if you cannot communicate all the aspects of the problem to the team, to the people, to your seniors. You won't be able to get proper solution. So communication skills plays a very, very important role. Now next comes decision-making skills. Now, this is also very important. Just imagine you have come to the solution part. You have four different options and you need to take a decision by selecting one option. So well, your decision-making skills, not paid important route. Yes, it well, you need to take decision and choose one of the options available out of four to get to the solution. So decision-making will definitely play a very, very important rule. That teamwork, as I said, most of the problems, most of these solutions can come if you sit in a team, if you fit the sign, if you just brainstorm within your friends, your team, sit with your team members, just convey the idea, the problem, and they'd be able to come up with different solutions. And that's the beauty of teamwork. And you need to be a team player. Want to really get things out of people. Another question you would ask is, what if I hire a person who is good in problem-solving skills? How will it benefit my company? How will it benefit my organization? Well, firstly, most important aspect is the ability of the employee to use time in a very perfect manner. So if the person is good and problem-solving skills, he would know how to effectively complete the work in the given time. So his time management will be really good. His ability to prioritize, plan, and execute the strategies will be very good, and that will help the company to achieve goals and objectives. Also, if a person is good and problem-solving skills, he will be able to think out of the box. And that is what is required these days because there are enough solutions available for a problem. But how do you make it simple? How do you make it economical? How do you make it less complicated? And that comes once you think out of the box, once you break down all the aspects of the problem and come to a solution which is completely out of the box. No one. Must have ever thought about it. Now, your ability to work under pressure also plays a very important role. For example, if you have an assignment to complete anger, there is only one day left. So your ability to handle pressure, your ability to complete the assignment within those eight to ten hours will play a very, very important role for the success of the organization. So a person who is good in problem-solving skills will definitely have the skill of not coming onto under pressure if some big assignment is given to him or her. Now, also, when there are problems, there are also risks associated with it. And in order to mitigate the risks, you need to have great problem-solving skills, also, many a time. So the, the organizations try to assess the problem-solving skills in a candidate. And that is where the hiring process plays a very important rule. So the kind of questions which are being asked in the interview, it is to identify the right candidates, the job openings clearly mentioned. One of the criteria is as problem-solving skills. So this is something which is really required by any person who wants to work in a company or an organization. Many times these organizations will take tests which will help the organization to identify the elements and find candidates who are able to solve these problems without making mistakes. So they'll be given different types of situations and they'll be given options. Which solution would the candidate choose? And his approach, his mindset to select the answer out of the four options available, will determine and will give an evaluative assessment to the interviewer, to the company whether this candidate is good in problem-solving skills. Now a candidate who's preparing for an interview can perform great and problem-solving if he can adapt to different types of situations, if you can prioritize work. And he can also interpret and analyze the data available at as a hanger. Now, selection of candidates really depends upon the skill set of how the, the, the candidate is able to solve and assess the problem. Without needing a constant supervision. I want light to hire a person who comes to me every minute or every half an hour to ask for a solution of a problem. I would a person to take his decisions to solve problems on his own, right, he should have the analytical and essential skill set of solving problem. So I need to build a team of employees who can think independently and can solve problems on their own, right. So once a candidate can feel comfortable and deal with the situations, definitely he can be considered for the job. So you can ask certain questions to the candidates. For example, you can ask the person, the, the candidate, if you're facing a difficult problem, molar solution, how would you go about it? How would you feel and how would you want to solve that problem? So the answer which you get from the candidate with itself pale, where any person is useful and can solve the problem at hand, right? So anytime you have self-doubt, anytime you don't feel satisfied that the problem, the person will not be able to solve the problem. You would definitely not hire that person, right? There are certain types of mindsets which you also required and solving problems. And that's what we'll be talking about in this slide, which is curiosity. A person who's very curious by nature will be the first one to solve any problem because he last questions. He be very curious to know the answer, how we can get to a solution to this problem. His, his visual and his mental thinking, the clarity of thinking, it plays a very important role, also focused and being practical, taking the feedback of the people who are dealing with you is also important. I'm once you get to a solution, he'll take a decision and set an example by implementing those problem-solving techniques, right? So solving a problem is a skill. The more you practice, the better you get. You need to learn about different problem-solving aspects. As we have already discussed it many times, it is a process where you need to go from starting to the beginning, right? You need to identify the problem, defined the context of the problem explored possible strategies. Act on the best solution in look back and learn with feedback and commitment, right. 7. Improving problem solving skills ?: Now let's quickly go through how you can improve your problem solving skills. Need to identify the problem, examined the possible solution, Act and resolving the problem. Look for the lessons to learn into finding main elements of the problem. That is something which we have learned quite a number of times. The second important aspect of problem-solving, especially if you're appearing for an interview and you want to express that in your resume itself. So you need to find out what the problem solving skills are, how you can list the problem-solving skills of the resuming examples of problem-solving skills. And how do you improve your problem-solving skills? Now, let me give you a very, very important aspect of interview. Now whenever as a fresher, if you're sitting in an interview and if you're appearing for a fresh or a new company, even if you have worked for an organization for more than five or 10 years, you'll have to face the set, same set of questions. But the difference would be the kind of questions. But the basic objective of these questions would be to find out whether you can solve problems effectively. So the interviewer will try to judge your analytical research skills, creativity, decision-making skills, your critical thinking, collaborative and communication skills. So if you can combine all these scales and you can portray to the interviewer that you are good at these things. You have already done something in your past and your previous company or in the school or college, it through an assignment, you would be able to get that job. So you need to understand this from the perspective of the person who's taking your interview. He wants a person to hire who has the skills, these qualities inherent in that person, right? So you can words you can use and words such as having worked on data analysis, project design, test development. Or you can choose any of these keywords for your resume. A, for analyzing ability, brainstorming, critical thinking, decision-making, listening, scheduling, questioning, persuasion, negotiation. But these are the combinations of words which you put in your resume may impact the person who's taking the integral, right? So once you talk about your problem-solving skills, you should be able to give innovative solutions. You should be able to handle challenges. You should have excellent problem-solving skills with tight deadlines and being a great leader in terms of difficult situations. These are the things which will be answered, which will be questioned. And you will have to answer, right? So this is something which I would definitely want you to work upon. And I'm sure that by now you would have understood the concept of problem-solving and how you can make sure that no matter where you go, you know how to answer difficult questions. Whether it's an interview, order debate or a speech or anything, but you have to do in life, right? You need to be a great problem solver. And it's not about one skill, it's combination of different skills that makes you a better problem-solver. 8. Problem Solving Skills in Jobs ?: Now that's problem-solving skills play an important role in your job, in getting a job, and in becoming successful in whatever job you're already doing? The answer to this question is yes. Problem-solving skills plays a very important role for you to get a job first. And if you have already got a job, then your success and your job is debtor. Mind how you effectively use all problems. Right? Now, there is a problem solving process and there are certain skills through which you can find solutions to problem in a very self-reliant way. How using your own brain, you can find problems and come up with good solutions. Once you start doing it. You will be appreciated for your problem-solving skills. Not only by your organization, but also by your peers, by a friends, by your colleagues. And that's where you'll see the difference it makes to your performance as an individual and accompany. For example, if I have a competition a competitive exam to clear, and F5, I'm not clearing if I'm not passing the exam, there is a problem with my poor performance. There is an issue with some of the aspects of the exam which I'm not able to understand all I'm not good at it. So I will analyze myself. I will find y exactly. I'm not able to crack the competition. Where is that shortcoming? Where is that place of opportunity or areas of improvement where I need to work? For that I need to appear for a test. And that test will show me the areas, the subjects on which I am week where any to work upon. And that is where I will get my area of improvement. How would I improve myself with constant practice? Appearing for exams on regular basis? My speed will increase. My ability to answer questions will increase and slowly over a period of time with consistent practice, I will be able to clear the competition. Now for solving any problem, you need to identify the contributing factors. You need to find facts. You need to identify why exactly the problem that has arisen. If there is a historical background of a problem, you need to find it out. You must have seen when you visit a doctor, the doctor will always ask you a lot of questions about your historical, the past medical history, your parents, medical history, your medical history, so that he can analyze and assess the present situation which you are in to, right? And that's how he recommends medicines and gives you treatment. If there is certain data, if there are certain files in which you have your medical history or certain tests which needs to be done that will form a data. A data analysis also plays a very important role in finding solutions. So once you have found a historical background, the you have Analyze and gathered the data, you can come to better solutions and that's why medical practitioners often use it. I mean, this is something which they normally use every time you was it a doctor. Also, there are interventions which you can do if you want to come to solutions to complex problems, you can have brainstorming sessions with your team. You can involve creative thinking. You can do prediction, forecast based on different aspects of historical background data. You can design a project wherein you can find possible solutions and different ways. And you can also plan a new project itself to find a solution to a problem. So these are different interventions, but you can do, and once you do these interventions, you will come to various solutions. And that is where you need to evaluate the solutions you need to analyze, discuss, collaborate with effective teamwork and mediation. You can come to great solutions. You can find solutions to problem, right? Also the implementation of a plan. And Dido, execution of a plan depends entirely on problem-solving skills. Because once you start a project that a lot of things which are there on paper and it all seems, you know, quite functional that things will go smoothly. But once you start the project, there are so many problems which occur and that has to be in, that have to be dealt on the spot using your presence of mind. So the project management implementation, along with collaboration time management, plays a very, very important rule. So if you want to assess the, the solution effectiveness, you need to find different ways in which you can communicate. You can troubleshoot, you can take feedback, do surveys, and analyze the data, how effective the solution is, which you have achieved after so much of research and hard work, right? So once you get to a job, once you appear for an interview, these type of questions might be asked how effectively you can answer these questions were entirely depend upon your understanding of problem-solving skills, right? So have this perspective in mind, have this process in mind border different ways in which you can find solution to a problem. And once you are good at it, you will definitely get good jobs as well. 9. Problem solving skills for Managers ?: Now let's talk about some of the problem-solving skills which the managers in the organization need. Now these are certain practical solutions or skills which are required by every organization. Now we need know the problem-solving process. We know that there are certain skills which are required. But let's get into the skills per se. Let's, if we talk about analytical skills, what are the things that will make part of analytical skills? For example, your ability to collect data, analyze the data with context of history. The facts are required to be checked. Your ability to research based on the data, whether you can forecast the possible solutions. You know, your, your ability to get to the attention and the details. Now, being analytical involves these aspects. So if we talk about analytical skills, you need to include these specific skills and analytical abilities. Creativity includes your curiosity, your ability to ask questions, know about things in a deeper manner, in a deeper way. Your ability to brainstorm with people, separate people, come up with ideas or, you know, come up with solutions to problems. You need to be. I'm a team player when you're working with different people on projects, how you complete that project, proper planning and execution. So these are the things that will combine and create your creativity skills. Now your ability to judge depends upon your critical thinking, how you predict things, your decision-making skills, your discussion, your authenticity, leadership qualities, and how you collaborate with other people. Communication, as we have discussed many times, plays a very important role in your ability to solve problems. And these are the aspects which communication cover your ability to listen, your patients persuasions, mediation, ability negotiation, how you express yourself, your public speaking, your body language, written communication, verbal communication, and how you build rapport with people, right? In an organization, you will have different challenges, different ways in which you would solve problems. And this is how you make a mark in your organization teamwork. As I said, there are a lot of things which comes as a part of teamwork wherein you collaborate. You depend upon the other person for help or assistance, your goal setting, your delegation, the feedback that you receive, how you prioritize task in a team, how you set expectations, how you evaluate, identify, trust, the weaknesses and strengths of your team members. And if someone is not good at something, you help a helping hand and then you tell the person that you are there to help him or her evaluation. Now, every problem needs to be evaluated from different perspectives. For that you need certain qualities like resilience. But your ability to identify patterns, integrity, open-mindedness, troubleshooting, how you take feedback of people, how you take that feedback through surveys and data analysis. Also, you can improve your problem solving skills with different types of problems you must have already facing your organization. How you can organize your team, how you can find solutions to different problems. So these are the skill sets. These are the certain qualities which are required if she wanted to become a great problem solver. And I'm sure he skills and what are the essential elements. So these skills will really help you to develop and make it even much better.