In the dynamic world of business, problem-solving skills are invaluable. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, manager, or team member, the ability to effectively address challenges can set you apart and drive success. Great problem solvers possess a unique set of qualities and practices that empower them to navigate the complex and ever-changing landscape of the corporate world. Here’s a closer look at what it takes to be a great problem solver in business:

1. Critical Thinking: Great problem solvers excel in critical thinking. They don’t jump to conclusions or make hasty decisions. Instead, they carefully analyze situations, evaluate options, and consider potential consequences. They approach challenges with a structured and logical mindset, ensuring that their decisions are well-informed.
2. Adaptability: The business world is constantly evolving, and great problem solvers are adaptable. They embrace change and view it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Being flexible allows them to adjust their strategies and solutions in response to shifting circumstances.
3. Effective Communication: Solving complex business problems often involves collaboration with a team or stakeholders. Effective communication is crucial. Great problem solvers can articulate their ideas clearly, listen actively to others, and foster open dialogue. They ensure that everyone is on the same page, which is essential for successful problem resolution.
4. Data-Driven Decision-Making: In today’s data-rich environment, great problem solvers rely on data to support their decisions. They gather and analyze relevant information to make informed choices. Data-driven decision-making minimizes subjectivity and enhances the accuracy of problem-solving strategies.
5. Creativity and Innovation: Sometimes, the best solutions come from thinking outside the box. Great problem solvers are creative and innovative, allowing them to explore unconventional approaches to problem-solving. They are not afraid to challenge the status quo and explore new possibilities.
6. Resilience: Business problem-solving can be challenging and may involve setbacks and failures. Great problem solvers are resilient, maintaining a positive attitude in the face of adversity. They view failures as opportunities to learn and adapt, making them more effective problem solvers in the long run.
7. Time Management: Efficiency is critical in the fast-paced world of business. Great problem solvers manage their time effectively, prioritizing tasks and staying organized. They avoid unnecessary distractions and focus on what matters most to tackle problems efficiently.
8. Empathy: Understanding the perspectives and needs of others is essential in problem-solving, especially when dealing with interpersonal issues or complex, multifaceted challenges. Great problem solvers practice empathy, considering the emotions and motivations of those involved.
9. Continuous Learning: Business environments are constantly changing, and great problem solvers are committed to ongoing learning and self-improvement. They stay up-to-date with industry trends, new technologies, and best practices, ensuring that they can adapt to new challenges.
10. Risk Management: Effective problem solvers assess and manage risks associated with their solutions. They consider potential drawbacks and develop contingency plans. This proactive approach minimizes the impact of unexpected challenges that may arise.

How to being a great problem solver

Being a great problem solver is a valuable skill in any business. It can help you identify issues and create solutions that benefit you, your colleagues, and members of management1. Here are some tips on what it takes to be a great problem solver in business:

1. Dependability: Solving problems in a timely manner is essential. Employers highly value dependability in problem solvers2.
2. Define the problem: The first step in effective problem solving is to define the problem. This involves identifying the gap between actual results and your desired outcome.
3. Conduct a SWOT analysis: A SWOT analysis can help you identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to the problem you are trying to solve.
4. Identify multiple solutions: Brainstorm multiple solutions to the problem. This can help you find the most effective, practical solution that will address both the immediate issue and any underlying causes.
5. Implement the solution: Determine what resources are needed to put the solution into action, such as money, personnel, or technology. Then, implement the solution.
6. Creativity: Being creative can help you come up with innovative solutions to complex problems.
7. Problem framing: Framing problems in a way that makes sense for your organization is a key skill for any leader. Problem framing involves determining the scope, context, and perspective of the problem you’re trying to solve.
8. Design thinking: Design thinking is a problem-solving approach that involves empathizing with the user, defining the problem, ideating solutions, prototyping, and testing.
9. Information processing: Problem-solving involves processing information and making decisions based on that information4.
10. Critical thinking: Critical thinking involves analyzing information and evaluating arguments to make informed decisions4.

what are some common problem-solving techniques used in business

There are several problem-solving techniques that are commonly used in business. Below are some of the most effective techniques:

1. SWOT Analysis : SWOT analysis is a technique that helps identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats related to the problem you are trying to solve..
2. Design Thinking : Design thinking is a problem-solving approach that involves empathizing with the user, defining the problem, devising solutions, prototyping, and testing.
3. Kipling Method : The Kipling Method is a technique that is inspired by Rudyard Kipling’s poem «I Keep Six Honest Serving Men.» With this method, questions are asked such as «What is the problem?», «Why is the problem important?», «How did the problem arise?», among others.
4. Gap Analysis : Gap analysis is a technique that helps identify the difference between current results and desired results.
5. Brainstorming : Brainstorming is a technique that involves generating multiple solutions to the problem. This can help find the most effective and practical solution that addresses both the immediate problem and the underlying causes.
6. Six Thinking Hats Method : This method involves inviting several qualified people from your team and discussing a particular problem. Each person presents their problems and their possible solutions on a sheet of paper without discussion. One by one, they present their solutions to the host and discuss them collectively. After which the priority of the solution is decided by collective voting and the solution is executed accordingly.
7. Five Whys Method : This method is useful when the problem at hand is clear but the underlying causes are not. By asking the question «Why?» five times, the final answer should get to the potential root of the problem and perhaps produce a solution.
8. Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) : FMEA analysis is a technique that helps identify and prevent potential failures in a process or product.
9. Market and customer analysis : Market and customer analysis can help identify customer needs and wants, which can help generate effective solutions.
10. Gemba Walk : Gemba walk is a technique that involves going to the location where the problem occurs and observing the process in action. This can help identify problems and generate effective solutions.

How to apply design thinking to business problem-solving

Design thinking is a methodology that can be applied to solving business problems. Here are some steps to apply design thinking to solving business problems:

1. Define the problem : The first step is to define the problem. This involves identifying the gap between current results and the desired result.
2. Conduct a SWOT analysis : SWOT analysis can help identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats related to the problem you are trying to solve.
3. Identify multiple solutions with design thinking : Design thinking involves coming up with innovative solutions to the business problem, through conceptualization, ideation, brainstorming, and prototyping.
4. Conduct market and customer research : Market and customer research can help identify customer needs and wants, which can help generate effective solutions.
5. Prototype and validate : Once solutions have been devised, it is important to create prototypes and validate them through iterative cycles of validation and refinement.
6. Implement the solution : Once the solution has been validated, it is important to implement it.
7. Kipling Method : The Kipling Method is a technique that is inspired by Rudyard Kipling’s poem «I Keep Six Honest Serving Men.» With this method, questions are asked such as «What is the problem?», «Why is the problem important?», «How did the problem arise?», among others.
8. Ideation : Ideation is a creative process that involves generating multiple solutions to the problem. This can help find the most effective and practical solution that addresses both the immediate problem and the underlying causes.
9. Prototyping : Prototyping involves creating a model or visual representation of the proposed solution. This can help you visualize the solution and make adjustments before implementing it.
10. Iteration : Iteration involves testing and refining the proposed solution. This can help improve the solution and address any issues that arise
11. Market and customer research : Market and customer research can help identify customer needs and wants, which can help generate effective solutions

Some examples of successful design thinking applications in business

Design thinking has proven to be an effective methodology for solving business problems. Below are some examples of successful applications of design thinking in business:

1. GE Healthcare : GE Healthcare used design thinking to develop a new MRI machine that is more comfortable for patients and easier for doctors to use.
2. Oral B : Oral B used design thinking to develop an electric toothbrush that adapts to the individual needs of users.
3. Netflix : Netflix used design thinking to improve the user experience on its video streaming platform.
4. Airbnb : Airbnb used design thinking to improve the user experience on its accommodation booking platform.
5. UberEats : UberEats used design thinking to improve the user experience on its food delivery platform.
6. Deloitte : Deloitte used design thinking to improve the employee experience with technology. They used design thinking to create solutions that help employees manage the complexity of technology and improve productivity.
7. Workday : Workday used design thinking to improve the employee experience on its HR platform. They used design thinking to understand the employee journey and create solutions that meet employee needs.
8. Kansas Aerospace Company : A Kansas aerospace company used design thinking to improve the remote employee experience. Used design thinking to reexamine jobs and deliverables and create solutions that meet the needs of remote employees.
9. Playficient – ​​Playficient used design thinking to improve the employee experience at their company. They used design thinking to understand the needs and wants of employees and create solutions that meet their needs
10. Workspace design : Workspace design can help improve the employee experience by creating a comfortable and engaging work environment
11. Employee Experience Analysis : Employee experience analysis involves understanding the employee journey and touchpoints with the company. This can help identify areas where improvements can be made

In conclusion, design thinking has proven to be an effective methodology for solving business problems. By following the steps of design thinking, companies can effectively address problems and generate practical, sustainable solutions that meet user needs and business objectives.

Lecturas Aconsejadas

• What it takes to be a great problem solver in business
• 10 Step Process for Effective Business Problem Solving
• The Top 5 Problem-Solving Skills Employers Want In 2023
• WHY PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR LEADERS IN ANY INDUSTRY
• 35 problem-solving techniques and methods for solving complex problems