Problem Solving Skills - Behaviors to embrace and avoid
Effective problem solving is a key tool in the armory of a high-performance individual. We would like to be a great trouble shooter without encountering great troubles. As much as possible we would like to avoid problems and never embrace them. However, when faced with a problem I would like to have an effective tool kit to handle a problem rather than freezing in the face of a problem. The toolkit is simple as it directs you to stay away from problem avoiding patterns while keeping the focus on problem solving.
Whenever we encounter a problem, the first reaction varies from irritation to panic and all the emotions in between. When we compare and try to understand the problems which we are able to overcome versus the problems which we struggle with, there are some big differences which can be easily seen. In problems which are not solved or pull us down significantly, a lot of energy and time is spent on problem avoiding behaviors while in scenarios where the problem is solved efficiently the focus is on problem solving behaviors.
Let us look at what constitutes problem avoiding behaviors vs problem solving behaviors
Problem Avoiding Behaviors
Problem Solving Behaviors
Complaining telling everyone and gathering sympathy about the problem does not solve the problem... understanding the problem helps in solving it.
Focusing on the unfairness of the situation does not help .... figuring out solutions, trying different approach does help.
When faced with a problem it would be good to step back and watch our behaviors. We need to move towards problem solving behaviors and run away from problem avoiding patterns.
Whenever we encounter a problem, the first reaction varies from irritation to panic and all the emotions in between. When we compare and try to understand the problems which we are able to overcome versus the problems which we struggle with, there are some big differences which can be easily seen. In problems which are not solved or pull us down significantly, a lot of energy and time is spent on problem avoiding behaviors while in scenarios where the problem is solved efficiently the focus is on problem solving behaviors.
Let us look at what constitutes problem avoiding behaviors vs problem solving behaviors
Problem Avoiding Behaviors
- Complaining
- Telling everyone about the problem
- Seeking sympathy
- Focusing on the unfairness of the situation
- Feeling hopeless
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Avoiding the problem
- Blame others or fate
Problem Solving Behaviors
- Understanding the problem
- Figuring out solutions
- Attempting solutions to the problem and failing
- Trying and not giving up towards solving the problem
- Falling down, not giving up and getting up
- Seeking help not sympathy
- Having a can-do attitude
- Keeping up the hope
- Taking control of a bad situation
- Leading, or trying to lead
- Take ownership
Complaining telling everyone and gathering sympathy about the problem does not solve the problem... understanding the problem helps in solving it.
Focusing on the unfairness of the situation does not help .... figuring out solutions, trying different approach does help.
When faced with a problem it would be good to step back and watch our behaviors. We need to move towards problem solving behaviors and run away from problem avoiding patterns.