The 5 Phases of Problem-Solving and How to Develop Your Skills

People who have excellent problem-solving skills are able to uncover the source of a problem and determine a solution. Companies value people who have problem-solving skills because it means their employees are autonomous in resolving issues on their own and also in contributing to solving larger problems in teams. 

So how can you exercise your problem-solving muscles and stand out at work? Here are the 5 phases of problem-solving and how to approach each:

The first step in problem-solving is to figure out the source of the problem. This is the most important step because it’s easy to make assumptions about how a problem arose which might not be accurate. And if you’re not accurate about the source of the problem, you might find yourself implementing solutions that either don’t resolve the issue at all or simply downplay symptoms. This might sound like a simple step but it carries the most weight. In your analysis, ask yourself what other factors could be contributing to the problem and through this, you’ll be able to uncover the source.

The next phase in problem-solving is to research more about the source of the problem. The idea is that once you are able to have a full understanding of the root cause, you’ll better be able to determine how to approach a solution. And by being a thorough researcher, you’ll also be able to cross off ineffective approaches to help you narrow down an effective one.

Brainstorming is the fun part! This is your chance to use your creativity to think outside the box in how to resolve a problem now that you’ve determined the root cause and have found an efficient approach. Through brainstorming, you can also consult with your teammates to help provide you with different ideas and angles and let your imaginations carry you to solutions that go above and beyond. 

Now that you’ve analyzed the root cause of the problem, fully understood the root cause through research, and have brainstormed a solution, you are now ready to create a plan to resolve the problem. The best way to develop a plan is to start with the end objective (what should this situation look like once the problem is resolved?) and work backward to help you determine the exact steps you need to take to finish your project. Your plan should also include a clear timeline for implementation that will help you stay on track and also help you communicate to your team or manager about the steps you’ll take and by when the project should be finished. 

Now that you have your plan, it’s time to execute the steps required to resolve the problem. This is when your productivity and time-management skills come into play. In this phase, don’t be afraid to communicate with your manager and teammates if you need help because tackling the steps together can be most effective for the whole of the team and the company. 

Problem-solving is more than making reactive attempts to resolve an issue. Having high-quality problem-solving skills means you need to take a pause to really think through each of the phases and have patience in determining the best course of action, and dividing the process into these phases can give you comfort in knowing you’re taking the right approach.

Breaking down the process of problem-solving is a great way of tackling any task. This method allows you to split the problem into several manageable chunks, which is highly beneficial for your workflow. Following these steps, you’ll solve any problem in no time!

If you’d like to read a bit more about developing your problem-solving skills, check out our top tips here.