problem solving decision making example

26 Expert-Backed Problem Solving Examples – Interview Answers

Published: February 13, 2023

Interview Questions and Answers

Actionable advice from real experts:

Biron Clark

Former Recruiter

Contributor

Dr. Kyle Elliott

Career Coach

Hayley Jukes

Editor-in-Chief

Biron Clark , Former Recruiter

Kyle Elliott , Career Coach

Hayley Jukes , Editor

As a recruiter , I know employers like to hire people who can solve problems and work well under pressure.

 A job rarely goes 100% according to plan, so hiring managers are more likely to hire you if you seem like you can handle unexpected challenges while staying calm and logical.

But how do they measure this?

Hiring managers will ask you interview questions about your problem-solving skills, and they might also look for examples of problem-solving on your resume and cover letter. 

In this article, I’m going to share a list of problem-solving examples and sample interview answers to questions like, “Give an example of a time you used logic to solve a problem?” and “Describe a time when you had to solve a problem without managerial input. How did you handle it, and what was the result?”

• Problem-solving involves identifying, prioritizing, analyzing, and solving problems using a variety of skills like critical thinking, creativity, decision making, and communication.
• Describe the Situation, Task, Action, and Result ( STAR method ) when discussing your problem-solving experiences.
• Tailor your interview answer with the specific skills and qualifications outlined in the job description.
• Provide numerical data or metrics to demonstrate the tangible impact of your problem-solving efforts.

What are Problem Solving Skills? 

Problem-solving is the ability to identify a problem, prioritize based on gravity and urgency, analyze the root cause, gather relevant information, develop and evaluate viable solutions, decide on the most effective and logical solution, and plan and execute implementation. 

Problem-solving encompasses other skills that can be showcased in an interview response and your resume. Problem-solving skills examples include:

• Critical thinking
• Analytical skills
• Decision making
• Research skills
• Technical skills
• Communication skills
• Adaptability and flexibility

Why is Problem Solving Important in the Workplace?

Problem-solving is essential in the workplace because it directly impacts productivity and efficiency. Whenever you encounter a problem, tackling it head-on prevents minor issues from escalating into bigger ones that could disrupt the entire workflow. 

Beyond maintaining smooth operations, your ability to solve problems fosters innovation. It encourages you to think creatively, finding better ways to achieve goals, which keeps the business competitive and pushes the boundaries of what you can achieve. 

Effective problem-solving also contributes to a healthier work environment; it reduces stress by providing clear strategies for overcoming obstacles and builds confidence within teams. 

Examples of Problem-Solving in the Workplace

• Correcting a mistake at work, whether it was made by you or someone else
• Overcoming a delay at work through problem solving and communication
• Resolving an issue with a difficult or upset customer
• Overcoming issues related to a limited budget, and still delivering good work through the use of creative problem solving
• Overcoming a scheduling/staffing shortage in the department to still deliver excellent work
• Troubleshooting and resolving technical issues
• Handling and resolving a conflict with a coworker
• Solving any problems related to money, customer billing, accounting and bookkeeping, etc.
• Taking initiative when another team member overlooked or missed something important
• Taking initiative to meet with your superior to discuss a problem before it became potentially worse
• Solving a safety issue at work or reporting the issue to those who could solve it
• Using problem solving abilities to reduce/eliminate a company expense
• Finding a way to make the company more profitable through new service or product offerings, new pricing ideas, promotion and sale ideas, etc.
• Changing how a process, team, or task is organized to make it more efficient
• Using creative thinking to come up with a solution that the company hasn’t used before
• Performing research to collect data and information to find a new solution to a problem
• Boosting a company or team’s performance by improving some aspect of communication among employees
• Finding a new piece of data that can guide a company’s decisions or strategy better in a certain area

Problem-Solving Examples for Recent Grads/Entry-Level Job Seekers

• Coordinating work between team members in a class project
• Reassigning a missing team member’s work to other group members in a class project
• Adjusting your workflow on a project to accommodate a tight deadline
• Speaking to your professor to get help when you were struggling or unsure about a project
• Asking classmates, peers, or professors for help in an area of struggle
• Talking to your academic advisor to brainstorm solutions to a problem you were facing
• Researching solutions to an academic problem online, via Google or other methods
• Using problem solving and creative thinking to obtain an internship or other work opportunity during school after struggling at first

How To Answer “Tell Us About a Problem You Solved”

When you answer interview questions about problem-solving scenarios, or if you decide to demonstrate your problem-solving skills in a cover letter (which is a good idea any time the job description mentions problem-solving as a necessary skill), I recommend using the STAR method.

STAR stands for:

It’s a simple way of walking the listener or reader through the story in a way that will make sense to them. 

Start by briefly describing the general situation and the task at hand. After this, describe the course of action you chose and why. Ideally, show that you evaluated all the information you could given the time you had, and made a decision based on logic and fact. Finally, describe the positive result you achieved.

Note: Our sample answers below are structured following the STAR formula. Be sure to check them out!

EXPERT ADVICE

Dr. Kyle Elliott , MPA, CHES Tech & Interview Career Coach caffeinatedkyle.com

How can I communicate complex problem-solving experiences clearly and succinctly?

Before answering any interview question, it’s important to understand why the interviewer is asking the question in the first place.

When it comes to questions about your complex problem-solving experiences, for example, the interviewer likely wants to know about your leadership acumen, collaboration abilities, and communication skills, not the problem itself.

Therefore, your answer should be focused on highlighting how you excelled in each of these areas, not diving into the weeds of the problem itself, which is a common mistake less-experienced interviewees often make.

Tailoring Your Answer Based on the Skills Mentioned in the Job Description

As a recruiter, one of the top tips I can give you when responding to the prompt “Tell us about a problem you solved,” is to tailor your answer to the specific skills and qualifications outlined in the job description. 

Once you’ve pinpointed the skills and key competencies the employer is seeking, craft your response to highlight experiences where you successfully utilized or developed those particular abilities. 

For instance, if the job requires strong leadership skills, focus on a problem-solving scenario where you took charge and effectively guided a team toward resolution. 

By aligning your answer with the desired skills outlined in the job description, you demonstrate your suitability for the role and show the employer that you understand their needs.

Amanda Augustine expands on this by saying:

“Showcase the specific skills you used to solve the problem. Did it require critical thinking, analytical abilities, or strong collaboration? Highlight the relevant skills the employer is seeking.”  

Interview Answers to “Tell Me About a Time You Solved a Problem”

Now, let’s look at some sample interview answers to, “Give me an example of a time you used logic to solve a problem,” or “Tell me about a time you solved a problem,” since you’re likely to hear different versions of this interview question in all sorts of industries.

The example interview responses are structured using the STAR method and are categorized into the top 5 key problem-solving skills recruiters look for in a candidate.

1. Analytical Thinking

Situation: In my previous role as a data analyst , our team encountered a significant drop in website traffic.

Task: I was tasked with identifying the root cause of the decrease.

Action: I conducted a thorough analysis of website metrics, including traffic sources, user demographics, and page performance. Through my analysis, I discovered a technical issue with our website’s loading speed, causing users to bounce. 

Result: By optimizing server response time, compressing images, and minimizing redirects, we saw a 20% increase in traffic within two weeks.

2. Critical Thinking

Situation: During a project deadline crunch, our team encountered a major technical issue that threatened to derail our progress.

Task: My task was to assess the situation and devise a solution quickly.

Action: I immediately convened a meeting with the team to brainstorm potential solutions. Instead of panicking, I encouraged everyone to think outside the box and consider unconventional approaches. We analyzed the problem from different angles and weighed the pros and cons of each solution.

Result: By devising a workaround solution, we were able to meet the project deadline, avoiding potential delays that could have cost the company $100,000 in penalties for missing contractual obligations.

3. Decision Making

Situation: As a project manager , I was faced with a dilemma when two key team members had conflicting opinions on the project direction.

Task: My task was to make a decisive choice that would align with the project goals and maintain team cohesion.

Action: I scheduled a meeting with both team members to understand their perspectives in detail. I listened actively, asked probing questions, and encouraged open dialogue. After carefully weighing the pros and cons of each approach, I made a decision that incorporated elements from both viewpoints.

Result: The decision I made not only resolved the immediate conflict but also led to a stronger sense of collaboration within the team. By valuing input from all team members and making a well-informed decision, we were able to achieve our project objectives efficiently.

4. Communication (Teamwork)

Situation: During a cross-functional project, miscommunication between departments was causing delays and misunderstandings.

Task: My task was to improve communication channels and foster better teamwork among team members.

Action: I initiated regular cross-departmental meetings to ensure that everyone was on the same page regarding project goals and timelines. I also implemented a centralized communication platform where team members could share updates, ask questions, and collaborate more effectively.

Result: Streamlining workflows and improving communication channels led to a 30% reduction in project completion time, saving the company $25,000 in operational costs.

5. Persistence 

Situation: During a challenging sales quarter, I encountered numerous rejections and setbacks while trying to close a major client deal.

Task: My task was to persistently pursue the client and overcome obstacles to secure the deal.

Action: I maintained regular communication with the client, addressing their concerns and demonstrating the value proposition of our product. Despite facing multiple rejections, I remained persistent and resilient, adjusting my approach based on feedback and market dynamics.

Result: After months of perseverance, I successfully closed the deal with the client. By closing the major client deal, I exceeded quarterly sales targets by 25%, resulting in a revenue increase of $250,000 for the company.

Tips to Improve Your Problem-Solving Skills

Throughout your career, being able to showcase and effectively communicate your problem-solving skills gives you more leverage in achieving better jobs and earning more money .

So to improve your problem-solving skills, I recommend always analyzing a problem and situation before acting.

 When discussing problem-solving with employers, you never want to sound like you rush or make impulsive decisions. They want to see fact-based or data-based decisions when you solve problems.

Don’t just say you’re good at solving problems. Show it with specifics. How much did you boost efficiency? Did you save the company money? Adding numbers can really make your achievements stand out.

To get better at solving problems, analyze the outcomes of past solutions you came up with. You can recognize what works and what doesn’t.

Think about how you can improve researching and analyzing a situation, how you can get better at communicating, and deciding on the right people in the organization to talk to and “pull in” to help you if needed, etc.

Finally, practice staying calm even in stressful situations. Take a few minutes to walk outside if needed. Step away from your phone and computer to clear your head. A work problem is rarely so urgent that you cannot take five minutes to think (with the possible exception of safety problems), and you’ll get better outcomes if you solve problems by acting logically instead of rushing to react in a panic.

You can use all of the ideas above to describe your problem-solving skills when asked interview questions about the topic. If you say that you do the things above, employers will be impressed when they assess your problem-solving ability.

More Interview Resources

• 3 Answers to “How Do You Handle Stress?”
• How to Answer “How Do You Handle Conflict?” (Interview Question)
• Sample Answers to “Tell Me About a Time You Failed”

About the Author

Biron Clark is a former executive recruiter who has worked individually with hundreds of job seekers, reviewed thousands of resumes and LinkedIn profiles, and recruited for top venture-backed startups and Fortune 500 companies. He has been advising job seekers since 2012 to think differently in their job search and land high-paying, competitive positions. Follow on Twitter and LinkedIn .

Read more articles by Biron Clark

About the Contributor

Kyle Elliott , career coach and mental health advocate, transforms his side hustle into a notable practice, aiding Silicon Valley professionals in maximizing potential. Follow Kyle on LinkedIn .

About the Editor

Hayley Jukes is the Editor-in-Chief at CareerSidekick with five years of experience creating engaging articles, books, and transcripts for diverse platforms and audiences.

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The Most Important Decision-Making Skills (With Examples)

• Most Common Skills
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• Verbal Communication Skills

Find a Job You Really Want In

Good decision-making skills are sought by almost all companies. Whether you’re applying for an entry-level position or an executive role, you should highlight your decision-making skills throughout the application process. In this article, we will go over what decision-making skills are, how to improve your skills in this area, and how to highlight your ability to make good decisions. Key Takeaways: You make decisions every day for various functions, from personal to professional, and consistently making good decisions can only help your career. There are three main ways to approach decision-making: using intuition, reasoning, or a combination of both. When making a decision you should identify the problem, do some research, and evaluate your options before you make a decision. In This Article    Skip to section What are decision-making skills? The most important decision-making skills More decision-making skills The decision-making process How to improve your decision-making skills How to highlight your decision-making skills while job hunting Decisiveness Skills FAQs References Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs Show More What are decision-making skills?

Decision-making skills are about your ability to choose a good option out of two or more alternatives. It takes a host of skills to be able to quickly and compassionately make wise choices that are good for both the present and the future.

There are three main categories of decision-making skills that correspond to three different ways to make decisions: using intuition, reasoning, or a combination of both.

Intuition is your default response, or the gut feeling you get when presented with a problem or decision to make. This first reaction comes from a combination of things you’ve learned, experiences you’ve had, and opinions you hold, so everyone’s intuition is different.

Using intuition means basing your decision on your lived experiences, so it can be subjective. Skills like creativity and emotional intelligence fall into this category.

Reasoning , on the other hand, is rooted in data. You reason when you use the data available to you and only base a decision on facts and figures instead of your instinctive reaction. This is a more objective way to come to a decision and it’s usually how bigger decisions are made.

Problem-solving and logical thinking are examples of decision-making skills in this category.

Both. Most often, decisions are made with some combination of both intuition and reasoning. Using both is a good way to check and make sure your choice is logical while also paying attention to the human element of it.

Since we make decisions all the time, we usually don’t stop to think about whether we should make an intuition-based or reason-based decision. Instead, we naturally use a combination of the two.

The most important decision-making skills

Many skills go into making effective decisions, from problem-solving to emotional intelligence. Here are some of the most important ones:

Problem-solving. The number one skill you need to be an effective decision-maker is problem-solving. Since decisions are just a type of problem (determining which option is the best), having strong problem-solving skills is definitely an asset.

If you approach a decision from a logical mindset as if it were a problem to solve, odds are that the solutions you come up with and your final decision will be stronger.

Choosing a reliable manufacturer to supply the product you sell. Comparing candidates to the job requirements. Reassigning tasks when an employee unexpectedly resigns.

Collaboration. Decisions can’t always be made by one person. You need to have good collaboration and compromise skills to make the best decision sometimes when it involves a group.

Even when you’re making a decision on your own, getting extra input from friends or coworkers can help you brainstorm the best outcome. Collaboration is your friend, both when you need to make a group decision and when you’re the one responsible for making the decision.

Brainstorming potential names for a new product. Asking staff about the impact of extended hours. Listening to employee needs and preferences for a new office space.

Emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence , or EQ, is the ability to observe and understand your own emotions and the emotions of the people around you. Being able to take emotions into account will make you a stronger decision-maker.

Think of this as related to intuitive decision-making. You need to balance facts, figures, and emotions to come to a good decision.

Proposing the best way to boost sales. Evaluating the impact of cutting spending. Choosing an interim manager from an internal pool.

Logical reasoning. This skill is key for the middle steps of the decision-making process. Being able to fully evaluate and analyze your information, options, and decisions will make your decisions stronger.

This skill is more closely related to reasoning, the side of decision-making that relies on facts and figures instead of on emotions.

Deciding how bonuses will be given for the year. Choosing which employee or employees to lay off. Creating an employee schedule based on time off requests and coverage needs.

Creativity. The more creative you are in your problem-solving, the better options and potential outcomes you’ll have to work with, as well as having creative ways to implement your decision.

The most straightforward option isn’t always the best one, and sometimes you need to think outside the box to find a solution that meets everyone’s needs.

Arranging a small office space so that everyone can fit comfortably and be productive. Finding ways to lower costs without sacrificing performance. Developing a new record-keeping system that meets your team’s needs.

Organization . Being organized can help you keep all of your background information, options, and other tools in order.

This allows you to stay clear-headed in your decision-making, reducing the risk that you’ll overlook a key piece of information. It can also help you feel less overwhelmed by the decision, which also results in better choices.

Creating a centralized calendar where employees can update their schedule preferences. Organizing data that will help you decide whether or not to continue a project. Collecting employee feedback in survey form to make it simpler to see what the majority wants.

More decision-making skills

There are many more skills that will help you sharpen your ability to make good decisions. Take a look at this list and see what you’re already good at and where you could improve.

Time management. Making decisions in a timely manner isn’t just about making a quick, hasty decision. Managing your time to properly work through the seven steps is a skill that will put you above everyone else.

Leadership . When collaborating and making a group decision, someone needs to take charge and make sure the decision is implemented, which is when good leadership skills are needed.

Ethics. Making ethical decisions is a necessary skill to have, so knowing how to weigh the ethical pros and cons is key.

Research . The better research you can gather in the first steps of the decision-making process, the better prepared you’ll be to make a good decision.

Analysis . Having strong analytical skills will help you ensure that your decisions are logical and reasonable.

Flexibility. Quick-thinking and flexibility are your friends when it comes to making decisions since sometimes you’ll have to compromise or new constraints will pop up, changing how you approach a decision.

The decision-making process

Effective decision-makers use a seven-step process to tackle decisions. While it isn’t necessary to go through these exact steps when you make a basic decision, like what to cook for dinner, it can be a great way to check your thinking as you make a big work decision, like which strategy will lead to better sales.

Identify the problem. First, you need to see the decision that you need to make and understand what will go into making that decision. This step is crucial since everything else builds upon what you do here.

Make sure you properly understand the situation, what’s being asked of you, and what tools you have available to you before moving to the next step.

Do some digging. For any decision you’ll need some background information to help you choose the right option. Sometimes this means just thinking back to details from meetings, or it can be doing more sophisticated research. You can use step one to help you identify what information you’ll need to make a good decision.

Think creatively. In this step you want to think of as many solutions as possible. It doesn’t matter if they’re good or bad, you just want to consider all of your options.

Feel free to be as creative in your thinking as you want with this step. There are no bad options here since you want to think of every possible outcome. You’ll have a chance to check all of your brainstormed options later.

Evaluate your options. Here’s the part where you’ll give all your potential outcomes a second check. Go through the list of solutions you came up with in step three and test which ones feel better or sound more logical to you.

Don’t forget to keep your end goal in mind when you consider all the choices. That way you’re sure to make a good decision.

Make the decision . It’s time to pick one of the options you came up with. Keep in mind that you can choose a solution you came up with or even combine solutions to make the best decision possible. Reflect on your process for step four and pick the decision you feel best about.

Act on your decision. Once you’ve decided what to do, you need to start taking the actions that will help you implement the decision. These can be big or small steps, but stay focused and resolved to get the job done.

Don’t be afraid to bring other people into your process in this step. Especially for large workplace decisions, you might want to call on your coworkers to help you get things done.

Look back. When your decision is made and you’ve had some time to see its effects, take a second to evaluate that decision. Think about whether the decision had the outcome you wanted it to, or if it wasn’t so successful.

Taking this time to reflect on your decision-making is a great way to not only improve your ability to make a good decision but also to learn more about yourself. You can even ask other people for their opinion on the effects of a decision to see how your perception of the impact lines up with others’ opinions.

How to improve your decision-making skills

To improve your decision-making skills, practice goal-setting, reducing your number of choices, and conducting good research. You should also work on your communication skills and give yourself a limit on how long you have to make a decisions.

Set good goals . Having your eye on the big picture is enormously helpful when it comes to decision-making. Someone can make all the right decisions, but if their ultimate goal is wrongheaded, then those great decisions don’t add up to anything useful.

Reduce choice. Americans love options, but being inundated with too many potential choices can paralyze you. Before you begin making decisions, try to narrow down your possible choices to the top three.

Research. Decision-making isn’t easy when you don’t have all the facts in front of you. Good decisions are predicated on good data, so start working to improve your research skills. The greater your knowledge and expertise, the simpler most decisions become.

Communicate early and often. Communication skills complement decision-making skills well. Whether you’re seeking out advice or expressing a project’s goal, thorough communication helps you make decisions more effectively.

Don’t analyze forever. The phrase “paralysis by analysis” is all too true. Don’t be afraid to make small decisions without 100% of the information you might need. A few minor failures can actually help generate better ideas. Start with the minimum viable solution, and iterate from there.

How to highlight your decision-making skills while job hunting

To highlight your decision-making skills in your job search , look for decision-making skills and terms in the job description, and incorporate any that apply to you into your resume and cover letter. You should also highlight them in your interview answers.

Check the job description. Read the job description carefully and look for words that indicate decision-making like:

Incorporate the decision-making skills from the job description into your resume. Look for ways to incorporate the same language from the job description into your resume .

Let’s take a look at an example resume’s work experience section showcasing decision-making skills:

Saved product team over $50k annually in materials costs by analyzing low ROI spends and rerouting funds to lucrative projects Reduced accounting labor hours by 21% by automating payroll systems and creating streamlined tracking spreadsheets Optimized virtual meeting schedule, netting an average of 3 hours of meetings saved weekly, while improving employee productivity by 6%

Expound on your decision-making skills in your cover letter. A cover letter should cover similar accomplishments where you leveraged your top-notch decision-making skills. However, you can go into more detail about one or two accomplishments, rather than briefly touching on them as you would in a resume .

Highlight your decision-making skills in your interview. For a job interview , it’s equally important to know what metrics your performance will be judged on. By showing that you’re already thinking of how to achieve the most important results, you’re painting yourself as a candidate with great decision-making abilities.

Decisiveness Skills FAQs

What are the key skills for decision-making?

Key skills for decision-making are problem-solving, logical reasoning, and emotional intelligence. These skills combine to help you navigate almost any decision. This is because you use your logic and EQ to consider your reasoning and intuition and come up with a balanced approach. Your problem-solving skills will also help you build confidence when you have to make a choice and stick with it.

How can I be a good decision maker?

To be good at making decisions, match your decision based on your goals and values. This ensures that your decision is one that you can stand by, regardless of the outcome. However, sometimes this is hard to figure out.

If you struggle to make decisions, make sure to manage your stress, consider all the outcomes, and weigh the pros and cons. Additionally, if you can, take some time to avoid making rash decisions. It also helps to talk to others or to write out your thoughts and feelings in the process.

What are the characteristics of a good decision?

A good decision comes with clear reasoning, judgment of values, and is realistically accomplished. As long as your decision does not bring harm to others, you can use these characteristics to determine whether or not your decision was a good one. Your decisions should, in one way or another, bring you closer to your goals, both big and small.

What is strategic decision-making?

Strategic decision-making is when you base short-term decisions on long-term goals. In a sense, your decisions are part of your “strategy” to achieve some end. Strategic decision-making is particularly useful for businesses when they need to align daily needs with long-term objectives.

How do you demonstrate strong decision-making skills?

Demonstrate strong decision-making skills by providing examples of times you’ve used good decision-making skills. You can do this in your resume, cover letter , or during your interview.

Consumer Protection Financial Bureau – Financial Knowledge and Decision-Making Skills

Harvard Business School – 5 Key Decision-Making Techniques For Managers

UMass Dartmouth – Decision-Making Process

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Amanda is a writer with experience in various industries, including travel, real estate, and career advice. After taking on internships and entry-level jobs, she is familiar with the job search process and landing that crucial first job. Included in her experience is work at an employer/intern matching startup where she marketed an intern database to employers and supported college interns looking for work experience.

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• Improved efficiency and productivity: Employees with strong problem solving and decision making skills are better equipped to identify and solve issues that may arise in their work. This leads to improved efficiency and productivity as they can complete their work more timely and effectively.
• Improved customer satisfaction: Problem solving and decision making skills also help employees address any concerns or issues customers may have. This leads to enhanced customer satisfaction as customers feel their needs are being addressed and their problems are resolved.
• Effective teamwork: When working in teams, problem solving and decision making skills are essential for effective collaboration . Groups that can effectively identify and solve problems together are more likely to successfully achieve their goals.
• Innovation: Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills are also crucial for driving innovation in the workplace. Employees who think creatively and develop new solutions to problems are more likely to develop innovative ideas to move the business forward.
• Risk management: Problem solving and decision making skills are also crucial for managing risk in the workplace. By identifying potential risks and developing strategies to mitigate them, employees can help minimize the negative impact of risks on the business.

• Brainstorming: Brainstorming is a technique for generating creative ideas and solutions to problems. In a brainstorming session, a group of people share their thoughts and build on each other’s suggestions. The goal is to generate a large number of ideas in a short amount of time. For example, a team of engineers could use brainstorming to develop new ideas for improving the efficiency of a manufacturing process.
• Root Cause Analysis: Root cause analysis is a technique for identifying the underlying cause of a problem. It involves asking “why” questions to uncover the root cause of the problem. Once the root cause is identified, steps can be taken to address it. For example, a hospital could use root cause analysis to investigate why patient falls occur and identify the root cause, such as inadequate staffing or poor lighting.
• SWOT Analysis: SWOT analysis is a technique for evaluating the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to a problem or situation. It involves assessing internal and external factors that could impact the problem and identifying ways to leverage strengths and opportunities while minimizing weaknesses and threats. For example, a small business could use SWOT analysis to evaluate its market position and identify opportunities to expand its product line or improve its marketing.
• Pareto Analysis: Pareto analysis is a technique for identifying the most critical problems to address. It involves ranking problems by impact and frequency and first focusing on the most significant issues. For example, a software development team could use Pareto analysis to prioritize bugs and issues to fix based on their impact on the user experience.
• Decision Matrix Analysis: Decision matrix analysis evaluates alternatives and selects the best course of action. It involves creating a matrix to compare options based on criteria and weighting factors and selecting the option with the highest score. For example, a manager could use decision matrix analysis to evaluate different software vendors based on criteria such as price, features, and support and select the vendor with the best overall score.

• Cost-Benefit Analysis: Cost-benefit analysis is a technique for evaluating the costs and benefits of different options. It involves comparing each option’s expected costs and benefits and selecting the one with the highest net benefit. For example, a company could use cost-benefit analysis to evaluate a new product line’s potential return on investment.
• Decision Trees: Decision trees are a visual representation of the decision-making process. They involve mapping out different options and their potential outcomes and probabilities. This helps to identify the best course of action based on the likelihood of different outcomes. For example, a farmer could use a decision tree to choose crops to plant based on the expected weather patterns.
• SWOT Analysis: SWOT analysis can also be used for decision making. By identifying the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of different options, a decision maker can evaluate each option’s potential risks and benefits. For example, a business owner could use SWOT analysis to assess the potential risks and benefits of expanding into a new market.
• Pros and Cons Analysis: Pros and cons analysis lists the advantages and disadvantages of different options. It involves weighing the pros and cons of each option to determine the best course of action. For example, an individual could use a pros and cons analysis to decide whether to take a job offer.
• Six Thinking Hats: The six thinking hats technique is a way to think about a problem from different perspectives. It involves using six different “hats” to consider various aspects of the decision. The hats include white (facts and figures), red (emotions and feelings), black (risks and drawbacks), yellow (benefits and opportunities), green (creativity and new ideas), and blue (overview and control). For example, a team could use the six thinking hats technique to evaluate different options for a marketing campaign.

Aastha Bensla

Aastha, a passionate industrial psychologist, writer, and counselor, brings her unique expertise to Risely. With specialized knowledge in industrial psychology, Aastha offers a fresh perspective on personal and professional development. Her broad experience as an industrial psychologist enables her to accurately understand and solve problems for managers and leaders with an empathetic approach.

How strong are your decision making skills?

Find out now with the help of Risely’s free assessment for leaders and team managers.

How are problem solving and decision making related?

What is a good example of decision-making, what are the steps in problem-solving and decision-making.

Evidence Based Decision Making: 4 Proven Hacks For Managers

6 best books on decision making for managers, best decision coaches to guide you toward great choices, top 10 games for negotiation skills to make you a better leader.

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Making decisions and solving problems are two key areas in life, whether you are at home or at work. Whatever you’re doing, and wherever you are, you are faced with countless decisions and problems, both small and large, every day.

Many decisions and problems are so small that we may not even notice them. Even small decisions, however, can be overwhelming to some people. They may come to a halt as they consider their dilemma and try to decide what to do.

Small and Large Decisions

In your day-to-day life you're likely to encounter numerous 'small decisions', including, for example:

Tea or coffee?

What shall I have in my sandwich? Or should I have a salad instead today?

What shall I wear today?

Larger decisions may occur less frequently but may include:

Should we repaint the kitchen? If so, what colour?

Should we relocate?

Should I propose to my partner? Do I really want to spend the rest of my life with him/her?

These decisions, and others like them, may take considerable time and effort to make.

The relationship between decision-making and problem-solving is complex. Decision-making is perhaps best thought of as a key part of problem-solving: one part of the overall process.

Our approach at Skills You Need is to set out a framework to help guide you through the decision-making process. You won’t always need to use the whole framework, or even use it at all, but you may find it useful if you are a bit ‘stuck’ and need something to help you make a difficult decision.

Decision Making

Effective Decision-Making

This page provides information about ways of making a decision, including basing it on logic or emotion (‘gut feeling’). It also explains what can stop you making an effective decision, including too much or too little information, and not really caring about the outcome.

A Decision-Making Framework

This page sets out one possible framework for decision-making.

The framework described is quite extensive, and may seem quite formal. But it is also a helpful process to run through in a briefer form, for smaller problems, as it will help you to make sure that you really do have all the information that you need.

Problem Solving

Introduction to Problem-Solving

This page provides a general introduction to the idea of problem-solving. It explores the idea of goals (things that you want to achieve) and barriers (things that may prevent you from achieving your goals), and explains the problem-solving process at a broad level.

The first stage in solving any problem is to identify it, and then break it down into its component parts. Even the biggest, most intractable-seeming problems, can become much more manageable if they are broken down into smaller parts. This page provides some advice about techniques you can use to do so.

Sometimes, the possible options to address your problem are obvious. At other times, you may need to involve others, or think more laterally to find alternatives. This page explains some principles, and some tools and techniques to help you do so.

Having generated solutions, you need to decide which one to take, which is where decision-making meets problem-solving. But once decided, there is another step: to deliver on your decision, and then see if your chosen solution works. This page helps you through this process.

‘Social’ problems are those that we encounter in everyday life, including money trouble, problems with other people, health problems and crime. These problems, like any others, are best solved using a framework to identify the problem, work out the options for addressing it, and then deciding which option to use.

This page provides more information about the key skills needed for practical problem-solving in real life.

Further Reading from Skills You Need

The Skills You Need Guide to Interpersonal Skills eBooks.

Develop your interpersonal skills with our series of eBooks. Learn about and improve your communication skills, tackle conflict resolution, mediate in difficult situations, and develop your emotional intelligence.

Guiding you through the key skills needed in life

As always at Skills You Need, our approach to these key skills is to provide practical ways to manage the process, and to develop your skills.

Neither problem-solving nor decision-making is an intrinsically difficult process and we hope you will find our pages useful in developing your skills.

Start with: Decision Making Problem Solving

See also: Improving Communication Interpersonal Communication Skills Building Confidence

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How to Make Great Decisions, Quickly

• Martin G. Moore

It’s a skill that will set you apart.

As a new leader, learning to make good decisions without hesitation and procrastination is a capability that can set you apart from your peers. While others vacillate on tricky choices, your team could be hitting deadlines and producing the type of results that deliver true value. That’s something that will get you — and them — noticed. Here are a few of a great decision:

• Great decisions are shaped by consideration of many different viewpoints. This doesn’t mean you should seek out everyone’s opinion. The right people with the relevant expertise need to clearly articulate their views to help you broaden your perspective and make the best choice.
• Great decisions are made as close as possible to the action. Remember that the most powerful people at your company are rarely on the ground doing the hands-on work. Seek input and guidance from team members who are closest to the action.
• Great decisions address the root cause, not just the symptoms. Although you may need to urgently address the symptoms, once this is done you should always develop a plan to fix the root cause, or else the problem is likely to repeat itself.
• Great decisions balance short-term and long-term value. Finding the right balance between short-term and long-term risks and considerations is key to unlocking true value.
• Great decisions are timely. If you consider all of the elements listed above, then it’s simply a matter of addressing each one with a heightened sense of urgency.

Like many young leaders, early in my career, I thought a great decision was one that attracted widespread approval. When my colleagues smiled and nodded their collective heads, it reinforced (in my mind, at least) that I was an excellent decision maker.

• MM Martin G. Moore is the founder of Your CEO Mentor and author of No Bullsh!t Leadership and host of the No Bullsh!t Leadership podcast. His purpose is to improve the quality of leaders globally through practical, real world leadership content. For more information, please visit, www.martingmoore.com.

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What Are Problem-Solving Skills? Definition and Examples

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Why do employers hire employees? To help them solve problems. Whether you’re a financial analyst deciding where to invest your firm’s money, or a marketer trying to figure out which channel to direct your efforts, companies hire people to help them find solutions. Problem-solving is an essential and marketable soft skill in the workplace. 

So, how can you improve your problem-solving and show employers you have this valuable skill? In this guide, we’ll cover:

Problem-Solving Skills Definition

Why are problem-solving skills important, problem-solving skills examples, how to include problem-solving skills in a job application, how to improve problem-solving skills, problem-solving: the bottom line.

Problem-solving skills are the ability to identify problems, brainstorm and analyze answers, and implement the best solutions. An employee with good problem-solving skills is both a self-starter and a collaborative teammate; they are proactive in understanding the root of a problem and work with others to consider a wide range of solutions before deciding how to move forward. 

Examples of using problem-solving skills in the workplace include:

• Researching patterns to understand why revenue decreased last quarter
• Experimenting with a new marketing channel to increase website sign-ups
• Brainstorming content types to share with potential customers
• Testing calls to action to see which ones drive the most product sales
• Implementing a new workflow to automate a team process and increase productivity

Problem-solving skills are the most sought-after soft skill of 2022. In fact, 86% of employers look for problem-solving skills on student resumes, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers Job Outlook 2022 survey . 

It’s unsurprising why employers are looking for this skill: companies will always need people to help them find solutions to their problems. Someone proactive and successful at problem-solving is valuable to any team.

“Employers are looking for employees who can make decisions independently, especially with the prevalence of remote/hybrid work and the need to communicate asynchronously,” Eric Mochnacz, senior HR consultant at Red Clover, says. “Employers want to see individuals who can make well-informed decisions that mitigate risk, and they can do so without suffering from analysis paralysis.”

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Problem-solving includes three main parts: identifying the problem, analyzing possible solutions, and deciding on the best course of action.

>>MORE: Discover the right career for you based on your skills with a career aptitude test .

Research is the first step of problem-solving because it helps you understand the context of a problem. Researching a problem enables you to learn why the problem is happening. For example, is revenue down because of a new sales tactic? Or because of seasonality? Is there a problem with who the sales team is reaching out to? 

Research broadens your scope to all possible reasons why the problem could be happening. Then once you figure it out, it helps you narrow your scope to start solving it. 

Analysis is the next step of problem-solving. Now that you’ve identified the problem, analytical skills help you look at what potential solutions there might be.

“The goal of analysis isn’t to solve a problem, actually — it’s to better understand it because that’s where the real solution will be found,” Gretchen Skalka, owner of Career Insights Consulting, says. “Looking at a problem through the lens of impartiality is the only way to get a true understanding of it from all angles.”

Decision-Making

Once you’ve figured out where the problem is coming from and what solutions are, it’s time to decide on the best way to go forth. Decision-making skills help you determine what resources are available, what a feasible action plan entails, and what solution is likely to lead to success.

On a Resume

Employers looking for problem-solving skills might include the word “problem-solving” or other synonyms like “ critical thinking ” or “analytical skills” in the job description.

“I would add ‘buzzwords’ you can find from the job descriptions or LinkedIn endorsements section to filter into your resume to comply with the ATS,” Matthew Warzel, CPRW resume writer, advises. Warzel recommends including these skills on your resume but warns to “leave the soft skills as adjectives in the summary section. That is the only place soft skills should be mentioned.”

On the other hand, you can list hard skills separately in a skills section on your resume .

Forage Resume Writing Masterclass

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In a Cover Letter or an Interview

Explaining your problem-solving skills in an interview can seem daunting. You’re required to expand on your process — how you identified a problem, analyzed potential solutions, and made a choice. As long as you can explain your approach, it’s okay if that solution didn’t come from a professional work experience.

“Young professionals shortchange themselves by thinking only paid-for solutions matter to employers,” Skalka says. “People at the genesis of their careers don’t have a wealth of professional experience to pull from, but they do have relevant experience to share.”

Aaron Case, career counselor and CPRW at Resume Genius, agrees and encourages early professionals to share this skill. “If you don’t have any relevant work experience yet, you can still highlight your problem-solving skills in your cover letter,” he says. “Just showcase examples of problems you solved while completing your degree, working at internships, or volunteering. You can even pull examples from completely unrelated part-time jobs, as long as you make it clear how your problem-solving ability transfers to your new line of work.”

Learn How to Identify Problems

Problem-solving doesn’t just require finding solutions to problems that are already there. It’s also about being proactive when something isn’t working as you hoped it would. Practice questioning and getting curious about processes and activities in your everyday life. What could you improve? What would you do if you had more resources for this process? If you had fewer? Challenge yourself to challenge the world around you.

Think Digitally

“Employers in the modern workplace value digital problem-solving skills, like being able to find a technology solution to a traditional issue,” Case says. “For example, when I first started working as a marketing writer, my department didn’t have the budget to hire a professional voice actor for marketing video voiceovers. But I found a perfect solution to the problem with an AI voiceover service that cost a fraction of the price of an actor.”

Being comfortable with new technology — even ones you haven’t used before — is a valuable skill in an increasingly hybrid and remote world. Don’t be afraid to research new and innovative technologies to help automate processes or find a more efficient technological solution.

Collaborate

Problem-solving isn’t done in a silo, and it shouldn’t be. Use your collaboration skills to gather multiple perspectives, help eliminate bias, and listen to alternative solutions. Ask others where they think the problem is coming from and what solutions would help them with your workflow. From there, try to compromise on a solution that can benefit everyone.

If we’ve learned anything from the past few years, it’s that the world of work is constantly changing — which means it’s crucial to know how to adapt . Be comfortable narrowing down a solution, then changing your direction when a colleague provides a new piece of information. Challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone, whether with your personal routine or trying a new system at work.

Put Yourself in the Middle of Tough Moments

Just like adapting requires you to challenge your routine and tradition, good problem-solving requires you to put yourself in challenging situations — especially ones where you don’t have relevant experience or expertise to find a solution. Because you won’t know how to tackle the problem, you’ll learn new problem-solving skills and how to navigate new challenges. Ask your manager or a peer if you can help them work on a complicated problem, and be proactive about asking them questions along the way.

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Step 1 of 3

Companies always need people to help them find solutions — especially proactive employees who have practical analytical skills and can collaborate to decide the best way to move forward. Whether or not you have experience solving problems in a professional workplace, illustrate your problem-solving skills by describing your research, analysis, and decision-making process — and make it clear that you’re the solution to the employer’s current problems. 

Image Credit: Christina Morillo / Pexels 

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Making the Difference: Problem Solving vs Decision Making

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Do you ever find yourself stuck between a rock and hard place, unable to decide what the best course of action is?

I have. Whether it’s what desk to put in our new conservatory space (and I’ll tell you what we ended up deciding later), or who to invite to meetings, or managing to order everyone else’s food and then getting so overwhelmed with having made decisions all day for all the people that I couldn’t choose anything for myself.

I left the café with nothing for me and ended up with a couple of slices of peanut butter toast at home.

Making decisions can be difficult for even the most experienced project managers. But before making any decision, it’s important to understand the difference between problem solving and decision making.

Ready to get into it?

Problem solving involves diagnosing issues that arise during projects while decision making requires taking appropriate steps based on those diagnoses. While they may appear similar at first glance, there are key differences in how each process should be approached – understanding these differences will help you make more informed decisions!

Let’s explore both processes as well as their similarities and differences.

What is problem solving?

You’ve been solving problems since you were a baby: how to stand up, how to get your socks off, how to get your parents to bring you your favorite sippy cup.

As an adult, we solve problems every day at work and at home.

So it probably sounds a bit odd to want to define problem solving before we go any further. Surely we all know what we are talking about as we do it all the time?

Humor me. Problem solving is the process of identifying and analyzing a problem, generating potential solutions, and selecting the best solution to address the issue. It involves breaking down complex problems into smaller components and then finding ways to solve them.

The problem solving process

If you think that description sounds linear, then you’d be right. Problem solving fits neatly into a process, one that we don’t even know we’re following most of the time.

The problem solving process typically consists of four steps:

• Identify the problem
• Generate possible solutions
• Evaluate each option
• Select an appropriate course of action.

That does make it sound easy. Wicked problems need a slightly different approach (PMI has a problem solving training course that is brilliant and will help with that).

But for now, let’s stick with a high-level approach that works for most problems.

1. Identify the problem

First, it’s important to understand what caused the issue in order to determine how best to resolve it.

You’d be surprised at how many managers don’t bother to find the root cause of the problem to truly understand it. Use techniques like the 5 Whys or an Ishikawa diagram to dig down into what the problem actually is.

2. Generate possible solutions

Brainstorming is one way to come up with different ideas for potential solutions. You could also interview experts, review lessons learned or innovative solutions from previous projects, research what the rest of your industry is doing or consult customers on what they’d like to see. There are no silly ideas at this point!

Choose the creative approach that gets you a range of options to review.

Read next: How to improve problem solving with lessons learned.

3. Evaluate each option

Once you have several options to consider, you can evaluate each one based on its effectiveness and cost before deciding which one is most suitable for your situation.

Use pairwise prioritisation, multi-criteria decision making or analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to help with the evaluation.

4. Select an appropriate course of action

Now you’ve got all the options for solving your problem, you can actually solve it by choosing a course of action that will sort it out. This is where decision making comes in. in this step you make the decision.

Finally, implement your chosen solution and monitor its progress over time so that any necessary adjustments can be made as needed.

Benefits of problem solving skills

There are many benefits associated with having effective problem solving skills.

These include improved decision making abilities (more on that in a minute), increased creativity, better communication skills, greater confidence when faced with challenging situations, enhanced ability to think critically, more efficient use of resources, improved relationships between colleagues or team members due to shared understanding of goals and increased productivity levels due to fewer mistakes being made during projects or tasks.

(Breathe. That was a long sentence, sorry.)

All these advantages make problem solving an invaluable skill in both personal life and professional life scenarios.

What is decision making?

Basically, decision making is the process of selecting a course of action from a number of alternatives. It involves gathering information, weighing options, and choosing the best option for achieving a desired outcome.

But how is that different to problem solving?

Decision making is the process of doing Step 4 of the problem solving process. It’s the choice making, option selection, conclusion of the analysis and thinking.

It’s decisive (duh), purposeful, specific. It removes the ambiguity of the ‘what do we do?’ and helps the team move towards the ‘OK, how do we do that?’

It brings action to a situation.

The decision making process

There is a simple method for decision making too, although the actual decision itself might be tough to make.

• Identify that a decision is required
• Ensure you have the data to make the decision
• Make the decision
• Tell whoever needs to implement the decision

1. Identify that a decision is required

The decision-making process typically begins with identifying what decision needs to be made. Are you making the right decision, or is there something else, deeper, different that is really what’s required?

In this step you also want to identify who is making the decision. That could be your project sponsor, a panel, you by yourself, a committee or whoever. Getting this step clear saves headaches later.

2. Ensure you have the data to make the decision

Do you have all the info you need to make the decision? If not, get it.

When decisions are made quickly but thoughtfully, they can save time and resources while still producing quality results.

Major decisions need more time spent on this step to make sure you understand all the variables.

3. Make the decision

After considering all potential solutions, it’s time to make a choice based on what will yield the best results for everyone involved.

This is the hard part: make the decision! The person or people responsible for this should weigh up the data and use their professional judgement to choose the right course of action. Decision trees can be useful here to avoid unconscious bias (or conscious bias!).

Obviously this is harder for complex decisions. What vendor to choose for a 3-year outsourcing arrangement is harder to decide than what venue to book for a team away day.

4. Tell whoever needs to implement the decision

Great – you’ve made the call and know what to do, but does the rest of the team? Don’t keep the decision to yourself!

Make sure whoever needs to know the next steps is aware that the decision has been made so they can implement it and take the right action.

Having confidence in decisions leads to greater trust between team members and better collaboration overall, which can lead to improved project outcomes over time. Well-made decisions often create opportunities for growth within teams by allowing them to learn from their mistakes as well as their successes along the way.

Similarities between problem solving and decision making

Problem solving and decision making sound very similar, right?

Well, that is true. Both processes involve gathering information, analyzing it, and coming up with solutions or courses of action. They both require critical thinking skills to identify potential solutions or options that are most likely to be successful.

The processes use a similar flow

Both processes involve identifying a problem or issue, researching possible solutions, evaluating those solutions based on criteria such as cost-effectiveness or feasibility, selecting an option from among the available choices, implementing the chosen solution, and you’d also want to monitor its effectiveness over time.

The process can be iterative if necessary; if one solution does not work out as expected then another may need to be tried until a satisfactory outcome is achieved.

They both produce a satisfactory solution

Problem solving and decision making usually lead to some kind of action being taken in order to address a given issue or situation. Problem solving often involves finding creative solutions for complex problems, while decision making typically entails selecting a course of action from several possibilities after carefully evaluating each option’s advantages and disadvantages.

But ultimately, the goal is for something positive (or at least neutral) to come out of the helpful process so that whatever challenge was initially presented can be effectively addressed.

Despite being so similar you could pretty much interchange them in some circumstances, there are some differences.

Differences between problem solving and decision making

Although they have similarities in terms of the process used to come up with a solution, their goals differ significantly.

Process goals are different

The goal of problem solving is to find a solution to an existing issue. It involves identifying the cause of a problem and then finding ways to address it. Problem solving often requires input from multiple stakeholders who can provide different perspectives on how best to solve the issue at hand.

On the other hand, decision making focuses on choosing the best option from multiple alternatives. This could include selecting between competing products or services or deciding which strategy will be most effective for achieving certain objectives.

In other words: decision making doesn’t necessarily mean there is a problem. We make decisions every day about small things and big things, but they aren’t all problems that need the creative step of solutioning.

Sometimes a decision just needs to be taken and the options are clearly known.

They require different stakeholders

Another key difference between problem solving and decision making is that while problem solving typically requires input from multiple stakeholders, decision making is usually done by one individual or group who has access to all relevant information needed for the decision-making process.

To give you an example. Let’s say on a technical project the development team hit a problem. They have to bring in various subject matter experts to research and identify the parameters involved. They consult, brainstorm and debate. It’s a group effort, and it’s likely to end in a solution.

However, if I need my project sponsor to choose between two risk treatments, I’ll take him my recommendation and a summary of options and he’ll simply choose. Done.

Decisions are made based on what is known about a situation rather than relying on external opinions or advice when trying to make an informed choice about what course of action should be taken next.

They produce different results

The nature of both processes also differs in terms of the types of solutions they produce. Problem solving typically results in creative solutions that can be implemented over time, while decision making produces immediate choices from among existing alternatives without necessarily creating something new or unique.

Both processes involve the identification of a problem or issue, the collection of information to evaluate possible solutions, and an analysis of potential outcomes. The main difference between them is in their goals: problem solving seeks to identify the root cause of an issue and develop a solution that will address it; decision making focuses on selecting from among available options.

Both processes require careful consideration of facts and opinions before any action is taken. Problem solving often involves more people than decision making as it requires collaboration to identify underlying causes and brainstorm potential solutions. Decision makers may consult with others for input but ultimately make decisions independently based on their own judgment.

Still got a question?

What is the difference between decision and decision making.

A decision is the act of making a choice between two or more alternatives. Decision making is the process by which decisions are made. It involves gathering information, analyzing data, evaluating alternatives and choosing a course of action based on this analysis. The outcome of the process is the decision. The decision-making process also includes monitoring progress to ensure that goals are being met and taking corrective action if needed.

What is the importance of problem-solving and decision making?

Problem-solving and decision making are essential skills for project managers and managers in general. The processes keep work moving by making sure problems get solved and decisions get made so team members are not blocked from finishing their tasks.

What are the steps in problem-solving and decision making?

Problem-solving and decision making involve a series of steps that can help ensure the best possible outcome. The first step is to identify the problem or opportunity, then analyze it by gathering relevant information and evaluating potential solutions. After considering all options, select an appropriate solution and develop an action plan for implementation. Finally, monitor progress to ensure success and make necessary adjustments along the way. By following these steps, project managers can effectively manage projects while minimizing risks and maximizing results.

Before you go…

Sometimes there isn’t a right decision – it’s simply important to make a decision. As for the desk, in the end, we used a piece of furniture we already had upstairs and didn’t buy one at all.

I spent a morning measuring and researching options, and I’ll never get that time back, but that’s OK.

As a leader, you should be skilled at solving problems and making decisions, and the processes that support them. However, you don’t have to be doing all the solving and making all the calls yourself. As long as you facilitate the process and get the right people in the room, you can step back and let the experts do their thing.

Let the right people do the work and create an environment where your projects move forward because everyone’s got what they need to keep things moving.

Project manager, author, mentor

Elizabeth Harrin is a Fellow of the Association for Project Management in the UK. She holds degrees from the University of York and Roehampton University, and several project management certifications including APM PMQ. She first took her PRINCE2 Practitioner exam in 2004 and has worked extensively in project delivery for over 20 years. Elizabeth is also the founder of the Project Management Rebels community, a mentoring group for professionals. She's written several books for project managers including Managing Multiple Projects .

Problem-solving skills and how to improve them (with examples)

What’s life without its challenges? All of us will at some point encounter professional and personal hurdles. That might mean resolving a conflict with coworkers or making a big life decision. With effective problem solving skills, you’ll find tricky situations easier to navigate, and welcome challenges as opportunities to learn, grow and thrive. 

In this guide, we dive into the importance of problem solving skills and look at examples that show how relevant they are to different areas of your life. We cover how to find creative solutions and implement them, as well as ways to refine your skills in communication and critical thinking. Ready to start solving problems? Read on.

What is problem solving? 

Before we cover strategies for improving problem solving skills, it’s important to first have a clear understanding of the problem solving process. Here are the steps in solving a problem:

• Recognise the issue you are facing 
• Take a look at all the information to gain insights
• Come up with solutions
• Look at the pros and cons of each solution and how it might play out
• Plan, organise and implement your solution
• Continuously assess the effectiveness of the solution and make adjustments as needed

Problem solving skills

There’s more to problem solving than coming up with a quick fix. Effective problem solving requires wide range of skills and abilities, such as:

• Critical thinking: the ability to think logically, analyse information and look at situations from different perspectives.
• Creativity: being able to come up with innovative, out-of-the-box solutions.
• Decision-making:  making informed choices by considering all the available information.
• Communication:  being able to express ideas clearly and effectively.
• Analytical skills: breaking down complex problems into smaller parts and examining each one.
• Time management:  allocating time and resources effectively to address problems.
• Adaptability: being open to change and willing to adjust strategies.
• Conflict resolution:  skillfully managing conflicts and finding solutions that work for all.

Examples of problem solving skills

Problem solving skills in the workplace are invaluable, whether you need them for managing a team, dealing with clients or juggling deadlines. To get a better understanding of how you might use these skills in real-life scenarios, here are some problem solving examples that are common in the workplace.

• Analytical thinking

Analytical thinking is something that comes naturally to some, while others have to work a little harder. It involves being able to look at problem solving from a logical perspective, breaking down the issues into manageable parts. 

Example scenarios of analytical thinking

Quality control: in a manufacturing facility, analytical thinking helps identify the causes of product defects in order to pinpoint solutions.

Market research: marketing teams rely on analytical thinking to examine consumer data, identify market trends and make informed decisions on ad campaigns.

• Critical thinking

Critical thinkers are able to approach problems objectively, looking at different viewpoints without rushing to a decision. Critical thinking is an important aspect of problem solving, helping to uncover biases and assumptions and weigh up the quality of the information before making any decisions. 

Example scenarios of critical thinking

• Strategic planning:  in the boardroom, critical thinking is important for assessing economic trends, competitor threats and more. It guides leaders in making informed decisions about long-term company goals and growth strategies.
• Conflict resolution: HR professionals often use critical thinking when dealing with workplace conflicts. They objectively analyse the issues at hand and find an appropriate solution.

Decision-making

Making decisions is often the hardest part of problem solving. How do you know which solution is the right one? It involves evaluating information, considering potential outcomes and choosing the most suitable option. Effective problem solving relies on making well-informed decisions.

Example scenarios of decision-making

• Budget allocation: financial managers must decide how to allocate resources to various projects or departments. 
• Negotiation:  salespeople and procurement professionals negotiate terms, pricing and agreements with clients, suppliers and partners.

Research skills

Research skills are pivotal when it comes to problem solving, to ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. These skills involve searching for relevant data, critically evaluating information sources, and drawing meaningful conclusions. 

Example scenarios of research skills

• Product development: a tech startup uses research skills to conduct market research to identify gaps and opportunities in the market. 
• Employee engagement:  an HR manager uses research skills to conduct employee surveys and focus groups.

A little creative flair goes a long way. By thinking outside the box, you can approach problems from different angles. Creative thinking involves combining existing knowledge, experiences and perspectives in new and innovative ways to come up with inventive solutions. 

Example scenarios of creativity

• Cost reduction: creative problem solvers within a manufacturing company might look at new ways to reduce production costs by using waste materials.
• Customer experience: a retail chain might look at implementing interactive displays and engaging store layouts to increase customer satisfaction and sales.

Collaboration

It’s not always easy to work with other people, but collaboration is a key element in problem solving, allowing you to make use of different perspectives and areas of expertise to find solutions.

Example scenarios

• Healthcare diagnosis: in a hospital setting, medical professionals collaborate to diagnose complex medical cases.
• Project management: project managers coordinate efforts, allocate resources and address issues that may arise during a project's lifecycle.

Conflict Resolution

Being able to mediate conflicts is a great skill to have. It involves facilitating open communication, understanding different perspectives and finding solutions that work for everyone. Conflict resolution is essential for managing any differences in opinion that arise.

Example scenarios of conflict resolution

• Client dispute: a customer might be dissatisfied with a product or service and demand a refund. The customer service representative addresses the issue through active listening and negotiation to reach a solution.
• Project delay: a project manager might face resistance from team members about a change in project scope and will need to find a middle ground before the project can continue.

Risk management

Risk management is essential across many workplaces. It involves analysing potential threats and opportunities, evaluating their impact and implementing strategies to minimise negative consequences. Risk management is closely tied to problem solving, as it addresses potential obstacles and challenges that may arise during the problem solving process.

Example scenarios of risk management

• Project risk management: in a construction project, risk management involves identifying potential delays, cost overruns and safety hazards. Risk mitigation strategies are developed, such as scheduling buffers and establishing safety protocols. 
• Financial risk management: in financial institutions, risk management assesses and manages risks associated with investments and lending.

Communication

Effective communication is a skill that will get you far in all areas of life. When it comes to problem solving, communication plays an important role in facilitating collaboration, sharing insights and ensuring that all stakeholders have the same expectations. 

Example scenarios of communication

• Customer service improvement:  in a retail environment, open communication channels result in higher customer satisfaction scores.
• Safety enhancement:  in a manufacturing facility, a robust communication strategy that includes safety briefings, incident reporting and employee training helps minimise accidents and injuries.

How to improve problem solving skills 

Ready to improve your problem solving skills? In this section we explore strategies and techniques that will give you a head start in developing better problem solving skills. 

Adopt the problem solving mindset

Developing a problem solving mindset will help you tackle challenges effectively . Start by accepting problems as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than as obstacles or setbacks. This will allow you to approach every challenge with a can-do attitude.

Patience is also essential, because it will allow you to work through the problem and its various solutions mindfully. Persistence is also important, so you can keep adapting your approach until you find the right solution.

Finally, don’t forget to ask questions. What do you need to know? What assumptions are you making? What can you learn from previous attempts? Approach problem solving as an opportunity to  acquire new skills . Stay curious, seek out solutions, explore new possibilities and remain open to different problem solving approaches.

Understand the problem

There’s no point trying to solve a problem you don’t understand. To analyse a problem effectively, you need to be able to define it. This allows you to break it down into smaller parts, making it easier to find causes and potential solutions. Start with a well-defined problem statement that is precise and specific. This will help you focus your efforts on the core issue, so you don’t waste time and resources on the wrong concerns.

Strategies for problem analysis

• Start with the problem statement and ask ‘Why?’ multiple times to dig deeper.
• Gather relevant data and information related to the problem. 
• Include those affected by the problem in the analysis process.
• Compare the current problem with similar situations or cases to gain valuable insights.
• Use simulations to explore potential outcomes of different solutions.
• Continuously gather feedback during the problem solving process. 

Develop critical thinking and creativity skills

Critical thinking and creativity are both important when it comes to looking at the problem objectively and thinking outside the box. Critical thinking encourages you to question assumptions, recognise biases and seek evidence to support your conclusions. Creative thinking allows you to look at the problem from different angles to reveal new insights and opportunities.

Enhance research and decision-making skills

Research and decision-making skills are pivotal in problem solving as they enable you to gather relevant information, analyse options and choose the best course of action. Research provides the information and data needed, and ensures that you have a comprehensive understanding of the problem and its context. Effective decision-making is about selecting the solution that best addresses the problem.

Strategies to improve research and decision-making skills

• Clearly define what you want to achieve through research.
• Use a variety of sources, including books, articles, research papers, interviews, surveys and online databases.
• Evaluate the credibility and reliability of your information sources.
• Incorporate risk assessment into your decision-making process. 
• Seek input from experts, colleagues and mentors when making important decisions. 
• After making decisions, reflect on the outcomes and lessons learned. Use this to improve your decision-making skills over time.

Strengthen collaboration skills

Being able to work with others is one of the most important skills to have at work. Collaboration skills enable everyone to work effectively as a team, share their perspectives and collectively find solutions. 

Tips for improving teamwork and collaboration

• Define people’s roles and responsibilities within the team. 
• Encourage an environment of open communication where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas.
• Practise active listening by giving full attention to others when they speak. 
• Hold regular check-in sessions to monitor progress, discuss challenges and make adjustments as needed.
• Use collaboration tools and platforms to facilitate communication and document progress. 
• Acknowledge and celebrate team achievements and milestones. 

Learn from past experiences

Once you’ve overcome a challenge, take the time to look back with a critical eye. How effective was the outcome? Could you have tweaked anything in your process? Learning from past experiences is important when it comes to problem solving. It involves reflecting on both successes and failures to gain insights, refine strategies and make more informed decisions in the future. 

Strategies for learning from past mistakes

• After completing a problem solving effort, gather your team for a debriefing session. Discuss what went well and what could have been better.
• Conduct a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) of resolved problems. 
• Evaluate the outcomes of past solutions. Did they achieve the desired results? 
• Commit to continuous learning and improvement. 

Leverage problem solving tools and resources

Problem-solving tools and resources are a great help when it comes to navigating complex challenges. These tools offer structured approaches, methodologies and resources that can streamline the process. 

Tools and resources for problem solving

• Mind mapping:  mind maps visually organise ideas, concepts and their relationships. 
• SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) Analysis:  helps in strategic planning and decision-making.
• Fishbone diagram (Ishikawa Diagram): this tool visually represents the potential root causes of a problem, helping you identify underlying factors contributing to an issue.
• Decision matrices:  these assist in evaluating options by assigning weights and scores to criteria and alternatives.
• Process flowcharts:  these allow you to see the steps of a process in sequence, helping identify where the problem is occuring.
• Decision support software:  software applications and tools, such as data analytics platforms, can help in data-driven decision-making and problem solving.
• Online courses and training: allow you to acquire new skills and knowledge.

Regular practice

Practice makes perfect! Using your skills in real life allows you to refine them, adapt to new challenges and build confidence in your problem solving capabilities. Make sure to try out these skills whenever you can.

Practical problem solving exercises 

• Do puzzles, riddles and brainteasers regularly. 
• Identify real-life challenges or dilemmas you encounter and practice applying problem solving techniques to these situations.
• Analyse case studies or scenarios relevant to your field or industry. 
• Regularly review past problem solving experiences and consider what you learned from them. 
• Attend workshops, webinars or training sessions focused on problem solving. 

How to highlight problem solving skills on a resumé

Effectively showcasing your problem solving skills on your resumé is a great way to demonstrate your ability to address challenges and add value to a workplace. We'll explore how to demonstrate problem solving skills on your resumé, so you stand out from the crowd.

Incorporating problem solving skills in the resumé summary

A resumé summary is your introduction to potential employers and provides an opportunity to succinctly showcase your skills. The resumé summary is often the first section employers read. It offers a snapshot of your qualifications and sets the tone for the rest of your resumé.

Your resumé summary should be customised for different job applications, ensuring that you highlight the specific problem solving skills relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Example 1: Project manager with a proven track record of solving complex operational challenges. Skilled in identifying root causes, developing innovative solutions and leading teams to successful project completion.

Example 2:  Detail-oriented data analyst with strong problem solving skills. Proficient in data-driven decision-making, quantitative analysis and using statistical tools to solve business problems.

Highlighting problem solving skills in the experience section

The experience section of your resumé presents the perfect opportunity to demonstrate your problem solving skills in action. 

• Start with action verbs: begin each bullet point in your job descriptions with strong action verbs such as, analysed, implemented, resolved and optimised.
• Quantify achievements: use numbers and percentages to illustrate the impact of your solutions. For example: Increased efficiency by 25% by implementing a new workflow process.
• Emphasise challenges: describe the specific challenges or problems you faced in your roles. 
• Solution-oriented language: mention the steps you took to find solutions and the outcomes achieved.

Including problem solving skills in the skills section

The skills section of your resumé should showcase your top abilities, including problem solving skills. Here are some tips for including these skills.

• Use a subsection:  within your skills section, you could create a subsection specifically dedicated to problem solving skills – especially if the role calls for these skills.
• Be specific: when listing problem solving skills, be specific about the types of role-related problems you can address. 
• Prioritise relevant skills:  tailor the list of problem solving skills to match the requirements of the job you're applying for. 

Examples of problem solving skills to include:

• Creative problem solving
• Decision making
• Root cause analysis
• Strategic problem solving
• Data-driven problem solving
• Interpersonal conflict resolution
• Adaptability
• Communication skills
• Problem solving tools
• Negotiation skills

Demonstrating problem solving skills in project sections or case studies

Including a dedicated section for projects or case studies in your resumé allows you to provide specific examples of your problem solving skills in action. It goes beyond simply listing skills, to demonstrate how you are able to apply those skills to real-world challenges.

Example – Data Analysis

Case Study: Market Expansion Strategy

• Challenge:  the company was looking to expand into new markets but lacked data on consumer preferences and market dynamics.
• Solution: conducted comprehensive market research, including surveys and competitor analysis. Applied this research to identify target customer segments and developed a data-driven market-entry strategy.
• Result:  successfully launched in two new markets, reaching our target of 30% market share within the first year.

Using problem solving skills in cover letters

A well-crafted cover letter is your first impression on any potential employer. Integrating problem solving skills can support your job application by showcasing your ability to address challenges and contribute effectively to their team. Here’s a quick run-down on what to include:

• Begin your cover letter by briefly mentioning the position you're applying for and your enthusiasm for it.
• Identify a specific challenge or issue that the company may be facing, to demonstrate your research and understanding of their needs.
• Include a brief story or scenario from your past experiences where you successfully applied problem solving skills to address a similar challenge. 
• Highlight the positive outcomes or results achieved through your problem solving efforts. 
• Explain how your skills make you the ideal person to address their specific challenges.

Problem solving skills are essential in all areas of life, enabling you to overcome challenges, make informed decisions, settle conflicts and drive innovation. We've explored the significance of problem solving skills and how to improve, demonstrate and leverage them effectively. It’s an ever-evolving skill set that can be refined over time. 

By actively incorporating problem solving skills into your day-to-day, you can become a more effective problem solver at work and in your personal life as well.

What are some common problem solving techniques?

Common problem solving techniques include brainstorming, root cause analysis, SWOT analysis, decision matrices, the scientific method and the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle. These techniques offer structured approaches to identify, analyse and address problems effectively.

How can I improve my critical thinking skills?

Improving critical thinking involves practising skills such as analysis, evaluation and problem solving. It helps to engage in activities like reading, solving puzzles, debating and self-reflection.

What are some common obstacles to problem solving?

Common obstacles to problem solving include biases, lack of information or resources, and resistance to change. Recognising and addressing these obstacles is essential for effective problem solving.

How can I overcome resistance to change when implementing a solution?

To overcome resistance to change, it's essential to communicate the benefits of the proposed solution clearly, involve stakeholders in the decision-making process, address concerns and monitor the implementation's progress to demonstrate its effectiveness.

How can problem solving skills benefit my career?

Problem solving skills are highly valuable in a career as they enable you to navigate challenges, make informed decisions, adapt to change and contribute to innovation and efficiency. These skills enhance your professional effectiveness and can lead to career advancement and increased job satisfaction.

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Improve Your Decision-Making Process: Problem Solving Examples in the Workplace

Being able to solve problems and make decisions quickly and effectively are essential skills in both personal and professional life. However, not everyone is good at problem solving and decision-making. The best decision makers employ the same basic approach to identifying and solving problems, incorporating one or more of the approaches discussed below.

According to Career Builder , there are typically four stages to problem solving:

• Define the Problem. This stage involves identifying the issue to come up with a detailed idea of what’s wrong.
• Brainstorm Alternatives. This critical stage of problem solving involves a balance of logical thinking and creativity to assess and compare alternatives.
• Choose the Best Strategy. Carefully consider all options and decide which strategy is the best for your organization’s particular issue.
• Implement Your Solution. This is the critical peak of the problem solving process.

Problem Solving Processes

Some experts argue that there are two main approaches to problem solving when making a decision: You can either rely on your insight (your “gut” feeling) or analyze the situation. One study suggests that the former is the most effective approach:

“Insight solutions have superior accuracy because they emerge into consciousness in an all-or-nothing fashion when the unconscious solving process is complete, whereas analytic solutions can be guesses based on conscious, prematurely terminated, processing.

However, not all experts agree. According to Big Think expert, theoretical physicist, and author Geoffrey West , a mix of reductive analysis and systems thinking is the best way to create solutions. In his expert class “Systems Thinking 101: A New Approach to Problem-Solving,” West says:

“So, we have to sort of… not necessarily abandon, but we have to at least supplement and complement traditional reductionistic thinking with a more holistic, integrated, systematic view where we see the system as a whole and start to think of its collective characteristics.”

Integrate Interdisciplinary Innovation in Problem Solving

Big Think expert and Creative Commons CEO Joi Ito , who served as the director at MIT’s Media Lab and championed the institution’s interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving, believes the greatest asset to problem solving is learning as much as possible about a diverse group of subjects. While many professionals are highly specialized in one field or area, this approach emphasizes the need to “deep dive” and learn about a number of subjects. Gaining this varied knowledge can help employees better understand the nuances of a given field and collaborate where necessary with key experts.

Maintain Transient Diversity to Include Different Perspectives

Maintaining diversity of thought is an essential component in the success of an organization’s decision-making process. However, there is a caveat: If people are “dug in” to their divergent opinions and are unwilling to consider other perspectives, it creates other issues. According to Big Think expert, game theorist, and author Kevin Zollman , groups require the flexibility of transient diversity. The idea is to create groups of people who have personalities that are diverse but are not stubbornly set in their ways:

“They’re diverse enough so that in the beginning they don’t all jump on board with one solution too quickly, but they’re not so set in their ways that when the best solution comes up they can’t all jump on board with that one.”

How Leaders Solve Problems in the Workplace

Some business leaders choose to approach decision making and problem solving by seeking out dissenting opinions from employees. For example, John Mackey, the CEO of Whole Foods, shared in a Big Think interview that he has employed this approach to learning from his employees’ divergent opinions so he can find and address flaws in each solution and come to a decision more easily. This process allows him to address issues more efficiently and also gain buy-in from the rest of the organization’s leadership. Another Big Think expert, Robert S. Kaplan, who serves as president and chief executive of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, says that leaders need to be willing to let go of their pride and ask for advice from employees and subordinates. This approach provides vital insight and unexpected perspectives that can help leaders correct blind spots in their decision making process.

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Turn your team into skilled problem solvers with these problem-solving strategies

Picture this, you're handling your daily tasks at work and your boss calls you in and says, "We have a problem." 

Unfortunately, we don't live in a world in which problems are instantly resolved with the snap of our fingers. Knowing how to effectively solve problems is an important professional skill to hone. If you have a problem that needs to be solved, what is the right process to use to ensure you get the most effective solution?

In this article we'll break down the problem-solving process and how you can find the most effective solutions for complex problems.

What is problem solving? 

Problem solving is the process of finding a resolution for a specific issue or conflict. There are many possible solutions for solving a problem, which is why it's important to go through a problem-solving process to find the best solution. You could use a flathead screwdriver to unscrew a Phillips head screw, but there is a better tool for the situation. Utilizing common problem-solving techniques helps you find the best solution to fit the needs of the specific situation, much like using the right tools.

Decision-making tools for agile businesses

In this ebook, learn how to equip employees to make better decisions—so your business can pivot, adapt, and tackle challenges more effectively than your competition.

4 steps to better problem solving

While it might be tempting to dive into a problem head first, take the time to move step by step. Here’s how you can effectively break down the problem-solving process with your team:

1. Identify the problem that needs to be solved

One of the easiest ways to identify a problem is to ask questions. A good place to start is to ask journalistic questions, like:

Who : Who is involved with this problem? Who caused the problem? Who is most affected by this issue?

What: What is happening? What is the extent of the issue? What does this problem prevent from moving forward?

Where: Where did this problem take place? Does this problem affect anything else in the immediate area? 

When: When did this problem happen? When does this problem take effect? Is this an urgent issue that needs to be solved within a certain timeframe?

Why: Why is it happening? Why does it impact workflows?

How: How did this problem occur? How is it affecting workflows and team members from being productive?

Asking journalistic questions can help you define a strong problem statement so you can highlight the current situation objectively, and create a plan around that situation.

Here’s an example of how a design team uses journalistic questions to identify their problem:

Overarching problem: Design requests are being missed

Who: Design team, digital marketing team, web development team

What: Design requests are forgotten, lost, or being created ad hoc.

Where: Email requests, design request spreadsheet

When: Missed requests on January 20th, January 31st, February 4th, February 6th

How : Email request was lost in inbox and the intake spreadsheet was not updated correctly. The digital marketing team had to delay launching ads for a few days while design requests were bottlenecked. Designers had to work extra hours to ensure all requests were completed.

In this example, there are many different aspects of this problem that can be solved. Using journalistic questions can help you identify different issues and who you should involve in the process.

2. Brainstorm multiple solutions

If at all possible, bring in a facilitator who doesn't have a major stake in the solution. Bringing an individual who has little-to-no stake in the matter can help keep your team on track and encourage good problem-solving skills.

Here are a few brainstorming techniques to encourage creative thinking:

Brainstorm alone before hand: Before you come together as a group, provide some context to your team on what exactly the issue is that you're brainstorming. This will give time for you and your teammates to have some ideas ready by the time you meet.

Say yes to everything (at first): When you first start brainstorming, don't say no to any ideas just yet—try to get as many ideas down as possible. Having as many ideas as possible ensures that you’ll get a variety of solutions. Save the trimming for the next step of the strategy. 

Talk to team members one-on-one: Some people may be less comfortable sharing their ideas in a group setting. Discuss the issue with team members individually and encourage them to share their opinions without restrictions—you might find some more detailed insights than originally anticipated.

Break out of your routine: If you're used to brainstorming in a conference room or over Zoom calls, do something a little different! Take your brainstorming meeting to a coffee shop or have your Zoom call while you're taking a walk. Getting out of your routine can force your brain out of its usual rut and increase critical thinking.

3. Define the solution

After you brainstorm with team members to get their unique perspectives on a scenario, it's time to look at the different strategies and decide which option is the best solution for the problem at hand. When defining the solution, consider these main two questions: What is the desired outcome of this solution and who stands to benefit from this solution? 

Set a deadline for when this decision needs to be made and update stakeholders accordingly. Sometimes there's too many people who need to make a decision. Use your best judgement based on the limitations provided to do great things fast.

4. Implement the solution

To implement your solution, start by working with the individuals who are as closest to the problem. This can help those most affected by the problem get unblocked. Then move farther out to those who are less affected, and so on and so forth. Some solutions are simple enough that you don’t need to work through multiple teams.

After you prioritize implementation with the right teams, assign out the ongoing work that needs to be completed by the rest of the team. This can prevent people from becoming overburdened during the implementation plan . Once your solution is in place, schedule check-ins to see how the solution is working and course-correct if necessary.

Implement common problem-solving strategies

There are a few ways to go about identifying problems (and solutions). Here are some strategies you can try, as well as common ways to apply them:

Trial and error

Trial and error problem solving doesn't usually require a whole team of people to solve. To use trial and error problem solving, identify the cause of the problem, and then rapidly test possible solutions to see if anything changes. 

This problem-solving method is often used in tech support teams through troubleshooting.

The 5 whys problem-solving method helps get to the root cause of an issue. You start by asking once, “Why did this issue happen?” After answering the first why, ask again, “Why did that happen?” You'll do this five times until you can attribute the problem to a root cause. 

This technique can help you dig in and find the human error that caused something to go wrong. More importantly, it also helps you and your team develop an actionable plan so that you can prevent the issue from happening again.

Here’s an example:

Problem: The email marketing campaign was accidentally sent to the wrong audience.

“Why did this happen?” Because the audience name was not updated in our email platform.

“Why were the audience names not changed?” Because the audience segment was not renamed after editing. 

“Why was the audience segment not renamed?” Because everybody has an individual way of creating an audience segment.

“Why does everybody have an individual way of creating an audience segment?” Because there is no standardized process for creating audience segments. 

“Why is there no standardized process for creating audience segments?” Because the team hasn't decided on a way to standardize the process as the team introduced new members. 

In this example, we can see a few areas that could be optimized to prevent this mistake from happening again. When working through these questions, make sure that everyone who was involved in the situation is present so that you can co-create next steps to avoid the same problem. 

A SWOT analysis

A SWOT analysis can help you highlight the strengths and weaknesses of a specific solution. SWOT stands for:

Strength: Why is this specific solution a good fit for this problem? 

Weaknesses: What are the weak points of this solution? Is there anything that you can do to strengthen those weaknesses?

Opportunities: What other benefits could arise from implementing this solution?

Threats: Is there anything about this decision that can detrimentally impact your team?

As you identify specific solutions, you can highlight the different strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of each solution. 

This particular problem-solving strategy is good to use when you're narrowing down the answers and need to compare and contrast the differences between different solutions. 

Even more successful problem solving

After you’ve worked through a tough problem, don't forget to celebrate how far you've come. Not only is this important for your team of problem solvers to see their work in action, but this can also help you become a more efficient, effective , and flexible team. The more problems you tackle together, the more you’ll achieve. 

Looking for a tool to help solve problems on your team? Track project implementation with a work management tool like Asana .

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Tackling Workplace Challenges: How to Improve Your Problem-Solving Skills

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Picture this: you’re in the middle of your workday, and suddenly, a problem arises. Maybe it’s a miscommunication between team members, a tight deadline that’s getting closer, or an unhappy customer you need to appease.

Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

The thing is, facing challenges at work is pretty much inevitable. But what sets successful professionals apart is their knack for tackling these issues head-on with a problem-solving mindset.

You see, being a great problem solver is a game-changer in any work environment. It helps us navigate through obstacles, come up with creative solutions, and turn potential setbacks into opportunities for growth.

In this article, we will dive into some common workplace problems and explore real-life examples of problem-solving scenarios.

We’ll also share practical solutions and strategies that you can use to tackle these challenges, ultimately empowering you to become a more effective problem solver and team player.

Common Workplace Problems Businesses Experience

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of problem-solving scenarios, let’s take a quick look at some of the most common workplace problems that almost every professional encounters at some point in their career.

By understanding these challenges, we’ll be better equipped to recognize and address them effectively.

Communication breakdowns

Miscommunications and misunderstandings can happen to the best of us. With team members working together, sometimes remotely or across different time zones, it’s not surprising that communication breakdowns can occur. These issues can lead to confusion, missed deadlines, and even strained relationships within the team if left unaddressed.

Some examples of communication breakdowns include:

• Unclear instructions
• Lack of updates on project progress
• Messages lost in a sea of emails

Fostering open communication channels and utilizing collaboration tools can help teams stay connected and informed.

Conflicting priorities and resource allocation

With limited resources and multiple projects competing for attention, it can be challenging to determine which tasks should take precedence. Juggling conflicting priorities and allocating resources efficiently is a common workplace problem that can result in decreased productivity and increased stress if not managed properly.

For example, two high-priority projects might be scheduled simultaneously, leaving team members stretched thin and struggling to meet deadlines. Developing a clear project prioritization framework and regularly reviewing priorities can help teams stay focused and manage their resources effectively.

Employee performance issues

It’s not unusual for team members to face performance-related challenges occasionally. Employee performance issues can affect team productivity and morale, whether it’s due to a lack of skills, motivation, or other factors. Identifying and addressing these concerns early on is crucial for maintaining a high-performing and engaged team.

For instance, employees may struggle to keep up with their workload due to a skills gap or personal issues. Providing coaching, training, and support can help employees overcome performance challenges and contribute positively to the team’s success.

Customer satisfaction challenges

Meeting customer expectations and delivering exceptional service are goals for most organizations. However, addressing customer satisfaction challenges can be tricky, especially when dealing with diverse customer needs, tight deadlines, or limited resources.

Ensuring a customer-centric approach to problem-solving can help overcome these obstacles and keep your customers happy.

For example, a product might not meet customer expectations, resulting in negative feedback and returns. By actively listening to customer concerns, involving them in the solution process, and implementing improvements, organizations can turn customer dissatisfaction into opportunities for growth and enhanced customer loyalty.

Adapting to change

Change is inevitable in the modern workplace, whether due to new technology, evolving market conditions, or organizational restructuring. Adapting to change can be difficult for some team members, leading to resistance or fear of the unknown.

Embracing a flexible mindset and developing strategies to cope with change is essential for maintaining a productive and resilient work environment.

For instance, a company might introduce new software that requires employees to learn new skills, causing anxiety and frustration. By providing training, resources, and support, leaders can help team members adapt to change more effectively and even become champions of new initiatives.

How to Identify Workplace Problems

A problem-free workplace doesn’t exist.

Even if you run a well-oiled machine with many happy employees, it’s still a good idea to proactively search for any problems.

The earlier you can get ahead of issues, the easier it will be to put things right and avoid any breakdowns in productivity. Here’s how you can go about that:

Recognizing the Signs of Potential Issues

Before diving into problem-solving strategies, it’s essential first to identify the workplace problems that need attention.

Look out for signs that could indicate potential issues, such as decreased productivity and efficiency, increased employee turnover or dissatisfaction, frequent miscommunications, and conflicts, or declining customer satisfaction and recurring complaints. These red flags might signal underlying problems that require your attention and resolution.

Proactive Problem Identification Strategies

To stay ahead of potential issues, it’s crucial to adopt a proactive approach to problem identification. Open communication channels with your team members and encourage them to share their concerns, ideas, and feedback.

Regular performance reviews and feedback sessions can also help identify areas for improvement or potential problems before they escalate.

Fostering a culture of transparency and trust within the organization makes it easier for employees to voice their concerns without fear of retribution. Additionally, utilizing data-driven analysis and performance metrics can help you spot trends or anomalies that may indicate underlying problems.

Seeking Input from Various Sources

When identifying workplace problems, gathering input from various sources is crucial to ensure you’re getting a comprehensive and accurate picture of the situation. Employee surveys and suggestion boxes can provide valuable insights into potential issues.

At the same time, team meetings and brainstorming sessions can stimulate open discussions and creative problem-solving.

Cross-departmental collaboration is another effective way to identify potential problems, enabling different teams to share their perspectives and experiences. In some cases, it might be helpful to seek external expert consultations or benchmark against industry standards to gain a broader understanding of potential issues and identify best practices for resolving them.

Problem-Solving Scenario Examples and Solutions

Let’s dive into some real-life problem-solving scenarios, exploring the challenges and their practical solutions. We’ll discuss communication issues, conflicting priorities, employee performance, customer satisfaction, and managing change.

Remember, every situation is unique; these examples are just a starting point to inspire your problem-solving process.

Scenario 1: Resolving communication issues within a team

• Identifying the root causes: Let’s say your team has been missing deadlines and experiencing confusion due to poor communication. The first step is identifying the root causes, such as ineffective communication tools, unclear instructions, or a lack of regular updates.
• Implementing effective communication strategies: Implement strategies to improve communication. For example, consider adopting collaboration tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams to streamline communication, establish clear channels for updates, and create guidelines for concise and transparent instructions.
• Encouraging a culture of openness and feedback: Cultivate a team culture that values openness and feedback. Encourage team members to voice concerns, ask questions, and share ideas. Regularly hold check-ins and retrospectives to discuss communication challenges and opportunities for improvement.

Scenario 2: Balancing conflicting priorities and resource constraints

• Evaluating project requirements and resources: In this scenario, you’re juggling two high-priority projects with limited resources. Start by evaluating each project’s requirements, resources, and potential impact on the organization.
• Prioritization techniques and delegation: Use prioritization techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix or MoSCoW method to rank tasks and allocate resources accordingly. Delegate tasks efficiently by matching team members’ skills and expertise with project requirements.
• Continuous monitoring and adjustment: Regularly monitor project progress and adjust priorities and resources as needed. Keep stakeholders informed about changes and maintain open lines of communication to ensure alignment and avoid surprises.

Scenario 3: Addressing employee performance concerns

• Identifying performance gaps: When an employee’s performance is below expectations, identify the specific areas that need improvement. Is it a skills gap, lack of motivation, or external factors like personal issues?
• Providing constructive feedback and support: Provide clear, constructive feedback to the employee, highlighting areas for improvement and offering support, such as training, coaching, or mentorship.
• Developing performance improvement plans: Collaborate with the employee to develop a performance improvement plan , outlining specific goals, timelines, and resources. Regularly review progress and adjust the plan as needed.

Scenario 4: Improving customer satisfaction

• Analyzing customer feedback and pain points: In this scenario, customers are dissatisfied with a product, resulting in negative feedback and returns. Analyze customer feedback to identify common pain points and areas for improvement.
• Implementing customer-centric solutions: Work with your team to develop and implement solutions that address customer concerns, such as enhancing product features or improving customer support.
• Monitoring progress and iterating for success: Regularly monitor customer satisfaction levels and gather feedback to assess the effectiveness of your solutions. Iterate and improve as needed to ensure continuous progress toward higher customer satisfaction.

Scenario 5: Managing change and uncertainty

• Assessing the impact of change on the organization: When faced with change, such as the introduction of new software, assess the potential impact on the organization, including the benefits, challenges, and required resources.
• Developing a change management plan: Create a comprehensive change management plan that includes communication strategies, training, and support resources to help team members adapt to the change.
• Fostering resilience and adaptability among team members: Encourage a culture of resilience and adaptability by providing ongoing support, celebrating small wins, and recognizing the efforts of team members who embrace and champion the change.

Scenario 6: Navigating team conflicts

• Identifying the sources of conflict: When conflicts arise within a team, it’s crucial to identify the underlying issues, such as personality clashes, competing interests, or poor communication.
• Facilitating open discussions and mediation: Arrange a meeting with the involved parties to discuss the conflict openly and objectively. Consider using a neutral third party to mediate the conversation, ensuring everyone’s perspective is heard and understood.
• Developing and implementing conflict resolution strategies: Work together to develop strategies for resolving the conflict, such as setting clear expectations, improving communication, or redefining roles and responsibilities. Monitor progress and adjust strategies as needed to ensure long-term resolution.

Scenario 7: Overcoming deadline pressure and time management challenges

• Assessing project progress and priorities: If a team is struggling to meet deadlines, assess project progress and review priorities. Identify tasks that are behind schedule, and determine if any can be reprioritized or delegated.
• Implementing time management techniques: Encourage the team to adopt effective time management techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique or time blocking, to maximize productivity and stay focused on tasks.
• Adjusting project scope and resources as needed: In some cases, it may be necessary to adjust the project scope or allocate additional resources to ensure successful completion. Communicate any changes to stakeholders and maintain transparency throughout the process.

Scenario 8: Tackling low employee morale and engagement

• Identifying the causes of low morale: When faced with low employee morale, it’s essential to identify the contributing factors, such as lack of recognition, insufficient growth opportunities, or unrealistic expectations.
• Implementing targeted initiatives to boost morale: Develop and implement initiatives to address these factors, such as offering regular feedback and recognition, providing professional development opportunities, or reassessing workload and expectations.
• Monitoring and adjusting efforts to improve engagement: Regularly monitor employee morale and engagement through surveys or informal conversations. Adjust your initiatives to ensure continuous improvement and maintain a positive work environment.

Developing Problem-Solving Skills in the Workplace

As we’ve seen, problem-solving is a crucial skill for navigating the myriad challenges that can arise in the workplace. To become effective problem solvers, you must develop hard and soft skills that will allow you to tackle issues head-on and find the best solutions.

Let’s dive into these skills and discuss how to cultivate them in the workplace.

Soft Skills

Soft skills are non-technical, interpersonal abilities that help you interact effectively with others, navigate social situations, and perform well in the workplace. They are often referred to as “people skills” or “emotional intelligence” because they involve understanding and managing emotions and building relationships with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.

Soft skills are typically learned through life experiences and personal development rather than formal education or training.

Examples of soft skills include:

• Critical thinking: Critical thinking is the ability to analyze a situation objectively, considering all relevant information before making a decision. To develop this skill, practice asking open-ended questions, challenging assumptions, and considering multiple perspectives when approaching a problem.
• Effective communication: Strong communication skills are vital for problem-solving, as they enable you to express your ideas clearly and listen actively to others. To improve your communication skills, focus on being concise, empathetic, and open to feedback. Remember that nonverbal communication, such as body language and tone, can be just as important as the words you choose.
• Collaboration and teamwork: Problem-solving often requires collaboration, as multiple minds can bring diverse perspectives and fresh ideas to the table. Foster a sense of teamwork by being open to others’ input, sharing knowledge, and recognizing the contributions of your colleagues.
• Emotional intelligence: The ability to recognize and manage your emotions, as well as empathize with others, can significantly impact your problem-solving abilities. To cultivate emotional intelligence, practice self-awareness, self-regulation, and empathy when dealing with challenges or conflicts.
• Adaptability and resilience: In a constantly changing work environment, the ability to adapt and bounce back from setbacks is essential. Develop your adaptability and resilience by embracing change, learning from failure, and maintaining a growth mindset.

Hard Skills

Hard skills, on the other hand, are specific, teachable abilities that can be acquired through formal education, training, or on-the-job experience. These skills are typically technical, industry-specific, or job-related and can be easily quantified and measured.

Hard skills are often necessary for performing specific tasks or operating specialized tools and equipment.

Examples of hard skills include:

• Project management: Effective problem-solving often involves managing resources, timelines, and tasks. Improve your project management skills by learning popular methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum, or Waterfall), setting clear goals, and monitoring progress.
• Data analysis and interpretation: Many problems require data analysis to identify trends, patterns, or insights that inform decision-making. Strengthen your data analysis skills by familiarizing yourself with relevant tools and software, such as Excel or Tableau, and practicing critical thinking when interpreting results.
• Technical proficiency: Depending on your industry, various technical skills may be crucial for problem-solving. Stay current with your field’s latest tools, technologies, and best practices by participating in workshops, online courses, or industry events.
• Decision-making: Strong decision-making skills are vital for problem-solving, as they enable you to evaluate options and choose the best course of action. Develop your decision-making abilities by learning about decision-making models (e.g., SWOT analysis, cost-benefit analysis, or decision trees) and applying them in real-life situations.

Both types of skills—soft and hard—play a crucial role in achieving success in the workplace, as they work together to create a well-rounded and highly effective employee. When combined, these skills enable individuals to excel in their roles and contribute significantly to their organization’s performance and productivity.

Boosting Your Problem-Solving Skills in the Workplace

Boosting your problem-solving skills in the workplace is essential for success, personal growth, and increased productivity.

To effectively improve these skills, consider the following strategies:

• Cultivate a growth mindset by embracing challenges as learning opportunities, being open to feedback, and believing in your ability to develop and improve.
• Enhance critical thinking and creativity by objectively analyzing information, considering multiple perspectives, and brainstorming innovative solutions.
• Develop effective communication skills, including active listening and clear articulation of your thoughts, to facilitate collaboration and problem-solving.
• Foster empathy and emotional intelligence to understand others’ emotions, perspectives, and needs, which can help you devise better solutions.
• Learn from experienced colleagues, study successful problem-solving strategies, and participate in professional development courses or workshops to gain new insights and techniques.
• Adopt a systematic approach to problem-solving by defining the problem, gathering and analyzing relevant information, generating and evaluating potential solutions, and implementing the chosen solution while monitoring its effectiveness.
• Stay organized and manage your time effectively by prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance and breaking complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts.
• Embrace change, be resilient and adaptable, and learn from failures and setbacks to stay flexible and open to new ideas.

By dedicating time and effort to improving these aspects of your problem-solving skills, you can become a more effective problem-solver, contributing positively to your workplace and enhancing your career prospects.

Problems in the workplace will continuously develop and evolve over time if left unaddressed. Proactively dealing with these issues is the most effective method to ensure a positive and productive work environment.

By honing your problem-solving skills, embracing a growth mindset, and fostering open communication, you can tackle challenges head-on and prevent minor issues from escalating into significant obstacles.

Remember, staying proactive, adaptable, and continuously refining your problem-solving strategies is crucial for professional success and personal growth in the ever-changing world of work.

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31 examples of problem solving performance review phrases

Jump to section

You're doing great

You should think of improving

Tips to improve

Use these practical examples of phrases, sample comments, and templates for your performance review , 360-degree feedback survey, or manager appraisal.

The following examples not only relate to problem-solving but also conflict management , effective solutions, selecting the best alternatives, decision making , problem identification, analyzing effectively, and generally becoming an effective problem-solving strategist. Start using effective performance review questions to help better guide your workforce's development. 

Problem solving appraisal comments: you're doing great

• You always maintain an effective dialogue with clients when they have technical problems. Being clear and articulate makes sure our customers' faults are attended to promptly.
• You constantly make sure to look beyond the obvious you never stop at the first answer. You’re really good at exploring alternatives. Well done!
• Keeping the supervisors and managers informed of status changes and requests is important. You’re really good at communicating the changes to the projects at all times. Keep it up!
• You stay cool and collected even when things aren’t going according to plan or up in the air. This is a great trait to possess. Well done!
• You’re excellent at giving an honest and logical analysis. Keep it up! Effectively diagnosing complex problems and reaching sustainable solutions is one of your strong points.
• Your ability to ability to make complex systems into simple ones is truly a unique skill to possess. Well done!
• You often identify practical solutions to every roadblock. You’re a real asset to the team! Great job.
• You always listen actively and attentively to make sure you understand what the exact problem is and you come up with solutions in an effective manner.
• You have an amazing ability to clearly explain options and solutions effectively and efficiently. Well done!
• When driving projects, you can shift to other areas comfortably and easily. making sure the project runs smoothly. Great job!

Problem solving performance review phrases: you should think of improving

• You always seem too overwhelmed when faced with multiple problems. Try to think of ways to make problems more manageable so that they can be solved in a timely and effective manner.
• Avoiding conflicts constantly with people is not a good idea as you will only build up personal frustration and nothing will be done to remedy the situation. Try to face people when there are problems and rectify problems when they occur.
• Don’t allow demanding customers to rattle your cage too much. If they become too demanding, take a step back, regulate your emotions , and try to make use of online support tools to help you rectify problems these tools can help a lot!
• It’s necessary that you learn from your past mistakes . You cannot keep making the same mistakes , as this is not beneficial to the company.
• You tend to ask the same questions over and over again. Try to listen more attentively or take notes when colleagues are answering!
• Providing multiple solutions in an indirect and creative approach will allow you to be more effective at problem-solving . if you struggle with this typically through viewing the problem in a new and unusual light.
• You fail to provide staff with the appropriate amount of structure and direction. They must know the direction you wish them to go in to achieve their goals .
• You need to be able to recognize repetitive trends to solve problems promptly.
• You tend to have problems troubleshooting even the most basic of questions. As a problem solver and customer support person, it’s imperative that you can answer these questions easily.
• Read through your training manual and make sure you fully understand it before attempting questions again.

Performance review tips to improve problem solving

• Try to complain less about problems and come up with solutions to the problems more often. Complaining is not beneficial to progression and innovation.
• As a problem solver, it’s important to be able to handle multiple priorities under short deadlines.
• You need to be able to effectively distinguish between the cause and the symptoms of problems to solve them in an efficient and timely manner.
• Try to anticipate problems in advance before they become major roadblocks down the road.
• Try to view obstacles as opportunities to learn and thrive at the challenge of solving the problem.
• Remember to prioritize problems according to their degree of urgency. It's important that you spend the majority of your time on urgent tasks over menial ones.
• When putting plans into place, stick to them and make sure they are completed.
• When solving problems, try to allocate appropriate levels of resources when undertaking new projects. It is important to become as efficient and as effective as possible.
• Try to learn to pace yourself when solving problems to avoid burnout . You’re a great asset to the team and we cannot afford to lose at this point.
• Meeting regularly with your staff to review results is vital to the problem-solving process.
• Staff that has regular check-ins understand what it is that is required of them, what they are currently achieving, and areas they may need to improve. Try to hold one-on-one meetings every week.

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Madeline is a writer, communicator, and storyteller who is passionate about using words to help drive positive change. She holds a bachelor's in English Creative Writing and Communication Studies and lives in Denver, Colorado. In her spare time, she's usually somewhere outside (preferably in the mountains) — and enjoys poetry and fiction.

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174 Performance Feedback Examples (Reliability, Integrity, Problem Solving)

• Performance Feedback Phrases for Problem Solving Part 1
• Performance Feedback Phrases for Reliability Part 2
• Performance Feedback Phrases for Ethics Part 3
• Performance Review Examples: Additional Resources Part 4

Performance feedback is a critical part of any organization. It helps managers assess the effectiveness of their employees and identify areas for improvement. The purpose of performance feedback is to help the employee improve their skills and work better in the future.

In this article you will find performance review examples for the following skills:

• Problem Solving and Decision Making The performance review assesses an employee’s ability to analyze complex problems, evaluate options, and make sound decisions within a reasonable timeframe. Looks at how well they troubleshoot issues.
• Reliability and Dependability The performance review evaluates how consistent an employee is in completing responsibilities on time and meeting expectations. Considers aspects like attendance, punctuality, follow-through, and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Integrity and Ethics The performance review evaluates an employee’s character and ethics. Looks at trustworthiness, honesty, respect for company policies/procedures, maintaining confidentiality, treating others fairly, and conducting themselves professionally.

Each section below contains positive (“Meets or Exceeds Expectations”) and negative (“Below Expectations”) examples for the skills listed above. If you are looking for more performance review examples and phrases for different skills, check our main article here (click to open 2000+ Performance Review Phrases: The Complete List)

Part 1 Problem Solving and Decision Making

Meets or exceeds expectations.

✓ He is a person with good decision-making skills and can make sound fact based judgements.

✓ He is able to work out multiple alternative solutions and determine the most suitable choice.

✓ He is objective in considering facts or situations.

✓ He doesn’t allow individual emotions or feelings influence decisions.

✓ He is decisive in difficult situations.

✓ He is supportive and encourages others to work with him.

✓ He is skilled at analyzing any situation and working out a solution.

✓ He always defines a problem clearly and seeks out alternative solutions.

✓ He always thinks twice before making his decision.

✓ He consistently updates colleagues on what is going on within the company.

✓ He is prepared to tackle complex situations and always develops suitable solutions to offer to the managers.

✓ He always understands problem thoroughly and tries to find different solutions.

✓ He only makes a decision after considering it carefully.

✓ He provides the latest information relating to his job to everyone.

✓ He does not mind facing complicated situations and always finds appropriate solutions to offer.

✓ He is objective when considering a fact or situation.

✓ He is firm to not let the individual emotion and feeling affect on the made decision.

✓ He is able to make sound fact-based judgments.

✓ He is able to analyze any problem and find the best solution to any problem.

✓ He always analyzes an issue carefully and then looks for different ways to resolve that issue.

✓ He is ready to deal with complicated consequences. He has ability to find the most suitable solutions to submit to management.

✓ He thinks through potential resolutions to problems before making a rash judgment.

✓ He keeps management apprised of ongoing problems or issues that occur within the department.

✓ He is not afraid to respond to complex issues and provide recommendations to all levels of management.

✓ He is able to successfully analyze a problem and find an appropriate resolution.

✓ He clearly explains the problem and offers the users several different resolution options.

✓ His investigative skills has provided a key resource for a team focused on solving glitches. His ability to quickly assess a problem and identify potential solutions is key to his excellent performance.

✓ He examines a problem and quickly identifies potential solutions. He recommends the most suitable solution.

✓ He understands the testing process and how to discover a solution to a particular problem.

✓ He is one of the more technical employees we have on staff. He can quickly analyze a situation and discover practical solutions.

✓ He is adept at discovering potential solutions for problems.

Below Expectations

✗ He is too hesitant to make a decision.

✗ He applies overly complex and impractical approaches to solving problems.

✗ He fails to make short-lists of solutions recommended by direct units.

✗ He is often paralyzed and confused when facing tight deadlines to make decisions.

✗ He makes too many complaints about the content of the job.

✗ He tends to apply a narrow and rushed decision-making approach.

✗ He avoid conflicts at work in relation to the decision making process.

✗ He struggles to work out a solution to any difficult problem.

✗ He is uncomfortable when faced with any awkward problem.

✗ He easily loses focus when facing a complex situation.

✗ He fails to provide managers with the necessary information when a problem arises.

✗ He repeats his mistakes over and over again. He doesn’t know how to learn from failure.

✗ He is unable to find out a solution when facing a complicated situation.

✗ He cannot give managers the requisite information when an issue occurs.

✗ He makes mistakes again and again. John needs to learn the appropriate lessons from failure.

✗ He has difficulty coming up with resolution to difficult problems.

✗ He relies on others in heated situations.

✗ He loses his focus when problems arise.

✗ He is poor at communicating a problem’s status before it becomes a crisis.

✗ He can offer potential solutions to a problem but struggles to identify the best solution.

✗ She lacks the skill to analyze a problem to discuss the core issues.

✗ He resists further training in problem solving. He believes he is proficient, yet he is lacking in many areas.

✗ It is his responsibility, in his role, to solve problems. He seems slow and indecisive when presented with a major issue.

✗ He finds it hard to look for a solution to a difficult situation.

✗ He is impossible to submit needed information to the managers when he faces a complex situation.

Related: Problem Solving Skills: Performance Review Examples (1 – 5)

Part 2 Reliability and Dependability

✓ He is the go-to person if the task absolutely must be completed by a given time.

✓ He shows that he is a positive person who is willing to do whatever it takes to help.

✓ He is an important member of our team and will finish the task when it is required.

✓ He is willing to work overtime until the project is finished.

✓ He never fails to impress by performing well each day. We depend on him.

✓ He always finishes the jobs faithfully, He performs at or above all our expectations.

✓ He is loyal and trustworthy.

✓ He is one of our hardest workers. He demonstrates that he cares about his job, his coworkers, and the company.

✓ He consistently impresses us with her willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

✓ He is a very reliable employee.

✓ He is dependable and turns in good performance each day. He never fails to impress.

✓ He shows faithful commitment to getting the job done. He consistently performs at or above expectations.

✓ When we have a task that must be done, we turn to him. He has our trust because he’s proven he can get the job done.

✓ He is known for his dependability and willingness to do what it takes.

✓ He is willing to get her hands dirty with his employees to ensure the job gets completed on time.

✓ There are many times we have tasks that absolutely must be completed by a given time. He can be relied upon to get the task accomplished on time.

✓ He has been a reliable and valued member of team. His commitment to punctuality and attendance has contributed greatly to our team’s overall success.

✓ He displays exceptional performance day after day.

✓ He keeps his word under all circumstances.

✓ He does everything possible to maintain a strong and steady performance in all circumstances.

✓ He is unfazed by any obstacles, pressures or demands that would justifiably derail others.

✓ He can be counted on to give 100 percent under all circumstances.

✓ He keeps to his commitments and works with fellow employees to help them keep to theirs.

✓ He automatically works extra hours if that’s what it takes to get the job done right.

✓ He can be counted upon for steady performance.

✓ He consistently demonstrates solid performance in all aspects of his work.

✓ He handles projects conscientiously from start to finish.

✓ He is an asset to our team. If it needs to to completed, he will finish it.

✗ We cannot depend on him. If a task must be completed it is better assigned to someone else.

✗ He does not demonstrate a willingness to complete the job.

✗ He is never willing work overtime even if the jobs requires it.

✗ He shows no willingness to do what it takes to get the job done, especially in this economy.

✗ His reliability is in doubt. His work results are often poor and must be checked frequently.

✗ He tends to leave work for others to do; while most of his coworkers are willing to work late to finish the project.

✗ His productivity is not as good as that of his coworkers.

✗ He is very loyal but he cannot be depended on. He is an irresponsible person.

✗ He is usually reliable in his work, but there have been a few incidents where this was not the case.

✗ He is very loyal guy, but cannot be depended on.

✗ We need people who are willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. He is not one of those people.

✗ He does not demonstrate a concern for others perception of him or his job performance.

✗ His results are not as consistent as those of her coworkers.

✗ He is not reliable for his effort and does not demonstrate a willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job accomplished.

✗ He does not show a willingness to help his employees out even when production is behind. Since being promoted to supervisor, he has taken a hands off approach to the detriment of her team.

✗ He demands reliability from others, but not from himself.

✗ He has energy, drive, and performance levels that are inconsistent and unpredictable.

✗ He talks about deliverables, but does not consistently deliver.

✗ He disappoints employees who depend on him.

✗ He makes promises that he doesn’t keep.

✗ He guarantees that deadlines will be met, but consistently misses them.

✗ He is reliable when it suits him, he constantly needs to be reminded to do tasks he does not enjoy.

Related: Reliability: Performance Review Examples (1 – 5) and Dependability: Performance Review Examples (1 – 5)

Part 3 Integrity and Ethics

✓ He is very punctual and values the time of her colleagues and business partners. He has never been late to business meetings.

✓ He is a very honest person. He never abuses any company benefits for personal purposes.

✓ He is highly principled. He is a good manager who treats all employees equally, regardless of gender, age or any other factor.

✓ He has the ability to resolve disputes with clients and partners peacefully.

✓ He discourages gossip or other negative discourse at the workplace. He forms a good working climate.

✓ He is well-mannered and never criticizes his colleagues when they do something incorrectly. He helps to remedy the situation instead.

✓ He always complies with the dress code. His conduct is as proper and formal as his appearance.

✓ He is a skilled negotiator who follows corporate rules and studied techniques. His negotiation skills have had a positive impact on his career development.

✓ He has developed an effective system of encouraging and criticizing of her employees. His people-management is respected by the working community.

✓ He is one of the most moral employees. His firm stand on principles and ethics is to be commended.

✓ He follows all company policies. He abides by both the letter and the spirit of the rules.

✓ He is highly trustworthy. He shows high ideals about how he believes those around him should behave.

✓ He is someone we expect a lot out of and he consistently delivers. His daily work ethic is a standard which others should follow.

✓ He understands his legal responsibility to the company very well.

✓ His high standards of ethics are shown through all of his work on a daily basis.

✓ He maintains the highest standards of personal integrity.

✓ He displays exemplary behavior in every aspect of his work.

✓ He is highly regarded for his integrity both within and outside the company.

✓ He Is a true embodiment of the company’s values regarding integrity.

✓ He sets the standard for integrity.

✓ He Identifies the most worthy steps and then follows them.

✓ He always opts for the reputable route when given a choice.

✓ He finds and implements commendable ways to handle any ethically challenging situation.

✓ His employees emulate the very high personal standards of integrity he sets.

✓ He consistently engages in meritorious behavior.

✓ He can be counted upon to act honorably in all situations.

✓ He fosters a climate of integrity in his department.

✓ He demonstrates the highest levels of integrity in all his dealings with employees.

✓ He always deals with customers with the highest levels of integrity.

✓ He has a strong sense of integrity that underlies all his dealings with vendors.

✓ He shows good intentions in all her workplace behaviors.

✓ He consistently takes the high road.

✓ He suitably counsels employees who engage in inappropriate behaviors.

✓ He has a strong sense of right and wrong. He consistently strives to do what’s right

✓ He maintains high standards of integrity across his department.

✓ He makes decisions that consistently reflect his strong commitment to acting reputably.

✓ He quickly dismisses less than exemplary options.

✗ He seems to be too focused on his appearance and following the dress code instead of working skills.

✗ His approach to respecting corporate ethics is too strict. The staff cannot show initiative in climate he has created.

✗ He is too restrained and does not encourage or compliment his personnel when he should.

✗ He fails to reprimand his employees even when they make serious mistakes in business negotiations.

✗ He goes into excessive details during business communications to make sure colleagues understands his point of view. It takes too much working time.

✗ His own high ethical approach and his faith in other people want to work ethically is often not justified.

✗ He values a mutually beneficial cooperation with his partners and maintains good relationships with them. He absolutely forgets about the necessary competitiveness, which is also important in business.

✗ He has created democratic and equal relationships with his employees but he should have been more demanding.

✗ He has occasionally made misleading statements that have needed to be corrected.

✗ He is often lax with regard to ethics in business dealings internationally. He must manage his employees to realize that international ethics must be more carefully considered.

✗ There are some accusations from customers that he been untruthful.

✗ He meets the letter of the law but frequently fails to respect the spirit as far as our ethics policy is concerned.

✗ Bending the rules is effectively breaking them in our line of work. He needs to be more cautious about sticking strictly to the rules as defined.

✗ He lets expedience take priority over integrity.

✗ He sets integrity aside when pursuing his goals.

✗ He tries to rationalize his less-than-meritorious behaviors.

✗ Integrity does not seem to rank particularly highly on his list of priorities.

✗ He always expects integrity from others, but doesn’t always display it himself.

✗ He demonstrates acceptable levels of integrity only intermittently.

✗ He has show several recent lapses in integrity.

✗ He violates company standards and expectations regarding employee integrity

✗ He has put the company at risk with his inappropriate actions.

✗ He engages in underhanded behaviors.

✗ Has taken actions that have caused his employees to question his integrity.

✗ He has generated complaints from customers because of issues with his integrity.

✗ He has been the cause of concern from vendors because of his integrity.

✗ He has cost the company customers and money because of his disingenuous behavior.

✗ He has engaged in questionable behaviors that have led to corporate embarrassment.

Related: Integrity: Performance Review Examples (1 – 5) and Ethics: Performance Review Examples (1 – 5)

Learn more:

How to Give Performance Feedback? Techniques and Examples (Positive, Negative, STAR Feedback)

How to Identify and Handle Employee Underperformance? 5 Proven Steps

How to Integrate an Effective Performance Management System?

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Understanding conceptual skills (With definitions, types, examples, and tips)

Management roles have changed a lot over the years, especially in Singapore's fast-paced business landscape. Higher-level managers now turn their companies' visions into actionable strategies. They make decisions balancing strategic objectives with calculated risks. They help their organisations adapt to changing trends for long-term growth. Good conceptual skills enable managers to perform these tasks competently.

If you aspire to be a successful manager, mastering conceptual skills is essential. These skills help you grasp high-level ideas and tackle challenging situations creatively. From managing projects to resolving conflicts , these skills can significantly enhance your leadership and managerial abilities.

In this article, we will discuss what conceptual skills are. You will learn how to develop them to get ahead in your career. The topics we will cover include:

What are conceptual skills?

Types of conceptual skills, why are conceptual skills important for people in management roles, examples of conceptual skills in the workplace, demonstrating conceptual skills in interviews, how to improve your conceptual skills.

Conceptual skills are the ability to think broadly, strategically, and creatively to make informed decisions and plans. They essentially involve seeing beyond immediate details. This helps understand how different elements fit together and how they can be utilised to achieve goals.

Conceptual skills are different from technical and human skills. Technical skills encompass practical abilities and expertise necessary to perform specific tasks in specialised fields. Human skills revolve around interpersonal relationships, communication, and leadership abilities. These are interpersonal skills and are crucial for teamwork and effective people management.

Conceptual skills include strategic planning, critical thinking, problem-solving and the ability to analyse complex situations. They are essential for leaders to navigate uncertainty and drive organisational success.

Examples of conceptual thinking in management scenarios:

• Strategic planning : Developing a long-term growth strategy for a company based on market trends and competitive analysis.
• Problem-solving : Identifying root causes of organisational inefficiencies and proposing systemic solutions.
• Conflict resolution : Understanding underlying issues in team conflicts and mediating to foster constructive outcomes.

Check out this conceptual skill list to find out how to become a conceptual manager:

Active listening skills

Active listening is the ability to pay attention to a speaker, understand what they mean, and respond appropriately. Listening skills include attention, empathy, patience, validation, nonverbal communication, and situational awareness.

Communication skills

This is the ability to convey information and ideas clearly and effectively. Examples include written communication, verbal communication, nonverbal communication, presentation skills, active listening, and asking the right questions.

Analytical skills

Analytical skills entail examining and interpreting data to understand relationships, patterns, and trends. Examples include research, data analysis, critical thinking, and creativity.

Problem-solving skills

Problem-solving skills enable you to identify issues and come up with effective solutions. Some skills that fall under problem-solving include logical thinking, critical thinking, multitasking, troubleshooting, and decision-making.

Creative thinking skills

Creative thinking skills involve thinking in new and original ways to solve complex issues. Examples include open-mindedness, strategic planning, collaboration, and idea formulation.

Abstract thinking skills

Abstract thinking allows you to interpret information beyond its literal meaning. Examples include creativity, mindfulness, counterfactual thinking, prediction, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking.

Decision-making skills

Decision-making involves choosing between different courses of action in a rational and informed way. Examples include problem-solving, creativity, logical thinking, leadership, critical thinking, collaboration, and intuition.

Leadership skills

Leadership skills enable guiding and motivating a team to achieve a desired outcome. Examples include team building, management, empathy, delegation, flexibility, and persuasion.

Managerial skills

Managerial skills are abilities required to lead a team to achieve specific objectives. Examples include communication, planning, decision-making, problem-solving, delegation, and motivation.

Conceptual skills are critical for leadership positions, especially in middle- and upper-management roles within Singapore. A manager should ensure each employee works towards the organisation's larger goals, always keeping the big picture in mind. With strong conceptual skills, you can identify challenges and use your analytical and abstract thinking to develop effective solutions that drive the company's success.

For example, if you are a manager overseeing a market research team, you might notice changes in the company's customer base in Singapore. Without the conceptual and analytical abilities to interpret this data, you could miss potential opportunities to reach new customers, resulting in lost business prospects for the company.

In addition, conceptual skills can enhance your ability to manage a team in Singapore. By combining conceptual and technical skills, you can identify how each team member contributes to the organisation's goals, facilitating more effective delegation. You can also use conceptual and interpersonal skills to address and resolve conflicts among team members, fostering a more positive work environment.

Conceptual skills and their role in decision-making

Conceptual skills help you identify issues early within your organisation. This foresight allows you to make decisions that benefit the company in the long run.

For instance, foreseeing a move towards sustainability, you might invest in eco-friendly technologies ahead of competitors. Your strong conceptual skills enable you to predict market shifts and make timely investments.

Decisions shaped by conceptual skills lead to sustainable growth and competitive advantage. By strategically positioning resources and anticipating future trends, you can maintain relevance and profitability over time.

For example, using your conceptual skills, you might predict customer preferences in your retail chain. You can adjust inventory accordingly, preventing overstocking and enhancing customer satisfaction. This proactive approach boosts sales and profitability.

Conceptual skills and their role in problem-solving

Conceptual skills help you form effective business strategies by allowing you to see the big picture. You can analyse complex situations, address core problems and leverage opportunities for growth.

By understanding industry trends and predicting future challenges, you can set your organisation’s vision and long-term goals. Conceptual skills enable you to think outside the box and come up with unique solutions. When faced with a difficult problem, you can generate creative ideas that others might not consider.

Leaders at Netflix for instance, used their conceptual skills to foresee the decline of physical media and the rise of digital content. They shifted the company's focus from DVD rentals to streaming services. This strategic pivot ensured their long-term success.

Business strategy development

A manager at a tech company observes a rising demand for smart home devices. Using conceptual skills, they devise a strategic approach to enter this market. They analyse trends, identify potential challenges, and create a plan to pivot the business model. This strategic decision opens new revenue streams and positions the company for future growth.

Organisational restructuring

In a manufacturing firm experiencing declining productivity, a leader uses conceptual skills to restructure the organisation. They identify inefficiencies across departments, streamline operations, and enhance productivity. This move optimises resources and strengthens the company's competitive position.

Crisis management

During a PR crisis caused by a product defect, a leader applies conceptual skills to navigate the company through turmoil. They develop a comprehensive crisis management strategy, including transparent communication, product recalls, and risk mitigation plans. This decisive action rebuilds trust and stabilises the company's reputation.

Innovative product development

A product manager at a consumer electronics company identifies a market need for eco-friendly gadgets. Using conceptual skills, they lead the development of a new product line that meets sustainability demands. Through feasibility studies and creative problem-solving, they successfully launch innovative products, enhancing market competitiveness and brand reputation.

Case studies of renowned leaders

Jeff Bezos (Amazon)

Jeff Bezos strategically used conceptual skills to expand Amazon beyond an online bookstore into a global e-commerce powerhouse . Anticipating market shifts and leveraging technological advancements, he transformed Amazon's business model and diversified its offerings.

Indra Nooyi (PepsiCo)

Indra Nooyi demonstrated strong conceptual skills by restructuring PepsiCo's product portfolio to focus on healthier options. Recognising consumer trends towards health and wellness, she led strategic initiatives that reshaped PepsiCo's brand identity and market position.

Showing your conceptual skills in job interviews can help you stand out from other job seekers. Follow these tips to land your next great opportunity:

Preparation strategies

Before an interview, you should prepare by analysing the job description thoroughly. This helps you understand where conceptual skills are most needed. Research the company's strategic direction and the challenges it faces. This understanding will enable you to prepare examples from your experience that show how your conceptual abilities align with the company's needs.

Answering interview questions effectively

Anticipate interview questions that may test your conceptual skills. Here are some examples:

Can you describe your problem-solving process?

Sample answer :

In addressing problems, I begin by clearly defining the issue at hand. I consult with relevant stakeholders to gather diverse perspectives and insights. After understanding the problem's context, I brainstorm possible solutions and assess their feasibility and potential impact. I prioritise the most viable option, implement it, and closely monitor the outcomes. I also make adjustments as necessary and document the process for future reference.

How do you make data-driven decisions?

I start by clearly defining the question or problem that needs to be addressed. Next, I collect relevant data from reliable sources, ensuring the information is accurate and comprehensive. I analyse the data using appropriate tools and techniques to uncover trends and patterns. Based on these insights, I formulate a decision, considering the data's strengths and limitations. I then implement the decision and monitor the outcomes to refine future decision-making processes.

Showcasing past experiences

During interviews, highlight past experiences where conceptual skills played a critical role. Discuss the specific challenges you encountered, the innovative approaches you implemented, and the outcomes achieved. Emphasise how these experiences contributed to your personal and professional growth.

Consider preparing a portfolio or other tangible evidence that demonstrates your conceptual skills. This could include case studies, projects, or strategic plans where you made significant contributions.

You can advance your career by enhancing your conceptual skills. Here are some steps to consider:

Develop a reading habit

Regular reading can significantly improve your conceptual skills. Seek out articles or books that challenge your abstract thinking abilities.

Volunteer to be a team leader

Take opportunities to lead your team. Setting practical goals and actively participating in brainstorming sessions and strategic meetings can hone your conceptual thinking.

Training and education

Explore online courses and workshops focused on conceptual skills. These programs can help you develop crucial abilities such as data analysis, decision-making, problem-solving, critical thinking, and abstract thinking, making you a more effective manager.

If you want to improve your conceptual skills to advance your career in Singapore, consider these steps:

• Develop a reading habit : Reading can help you build conceptual skills. Consider seeking out articles or books that challenge your abstract thinking abilities.
• Volunteer to be a team leader : When the opportunity arises, volunteering to lead your team is a great way to practise your conceptual skills. Set small and practical goals and participate in brainstorming sessions and strategic meetings.
• Training and education : Some online courses and workshops focus on conceptual skills, which are particularly valuable in Singapore's dynamic business environment. These programs help develop key competencies such as data analysis, decision-making, problem-solving, cost-benefit assessment, critical thinking, and abstract thinking. All of these skills are crucial for effective management in the region.

Conceptual skills are essential for leadership, managerial, and executive professionals. They enable you to analyse and understand complex concepts, use analytical and abstract thinking, and develop actionable strategies for long-term growth. These abilities can benefit an organisation and help you stand out from your colleagues or other job seekers. Read books and attend courses to improve your conceptual skills and advance your career continually .

Here are some questions people often ask about conceptual skills:

• What are examples of conceptual skills? ⁠ Examples of important conceptual skills include analytical, creative, and abstract thinking. They also include communication, problem-solving, decision-making, leadership, and managerial skills.
• Why are conceptual skills important for leadership roles? ⁠ A leader should do more than complete tasks and manage day-to-day operations. You also need to see the big picture and understand how your team's efforts contribute to the organisation's goals. You must solve problems and make decisions. Conceptual skills can help you perform all these functions more effectively.
• How can I develop my conceptual skills? ⁠ Some ways to conceptual skills them include reading texts about conceptual abilities, volunteering to become a leader, and attending courses and workshops.
• How do I demonstrate conceptual skills in a resume or cover letter? ⁠ You can highlight your conceptual skills in the work experience, achievements, skills, or summary section of your resume. If you want to include them, mention a time in your career when you used your conceptual abilities to overcome complex problems.
• How can an interviewer test your conceptual skills? ⁠ Your interviewer may assess your conceptual skills by asking questions about your analytical, abstract thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, or leadership abilities.
• How do I balance showcasing conceptual and practical skills in an interview? ⁠ If you want to showcase conceptual and practical skills in an interview, explain how the two types of skills complement each other. For instance, you can talk about how you use your conceptual abilities to analyse data but make decisions based on objective information rather than assumptions.
• What are common mistakes when trying to demonstrate conceptual skills? ⁠ Some of the common mistakes that job seekers make when demonstrating conceptual skills include using vague or irrelevant examples, not quantifying results, and failing to prepare for behavioural questions .
• What local resources can help improve my conceptual skills in Singapore? ⁠Consider enrolling in courses offered by Singapore Management University (SMU) or Nanyang Technological University (NTU). These institutions offer programs that can enhance your conceptual and strategic thinking skills.

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What are conceptual skills? (With definitions, types, examples, and tips)

Management roles have changed dramatically over the years. Higher-level managers are now responsible for turning their companies' visions into actionable strategies.

They also make decisions that require balancing strategic objectives with calculated risks. They help their organisations adapt to changing trends to achieve long-term growth.

Good conceptual skills enable you to perform all these tasks and responsibilities competently.

Conceptual skills help you understand high-level ideas. They also help you creatively approach challenging situations. Developing your conceptual skills can improve your leadership and managerial abilities.

Managers and leaders should gain an in-depth understanding of conceptual skills and their applications. These skills can be used in many ways, from managing projects to resolving conflicts .

We discuss conceptual skills and how to develop them to get ahead in your career. The topics we'll cover include:

What are conceptual skills?

Types of conceptual skills, why are conceptual skills important for people in management roles, examples of conceptual skills in the workplace, demonstrating conceptual skills in interviews, how to improve your conceptual skills.

Conceptual skills are soft skills that help you better understand abstract and complex situations. They help you see the big picture in scenarios and turn your ideas into actionable strategies.

For example, rather than diving headlong into a project, a conceptual manager first tries to determine its purpose and how it relates to the company. A conceptual leader can also understand how conflicts arise and act to resolve them.

Conceptual skills are different from technical and human skills. Technical skills relate to tass, such as machine welding or software programming. Human skills are abilities for interacting and building relationships with other people.

Conceptual skills focus on strategic planning and understanding ideas. Despite their differences, these three types of skills can complement each other.

Check out this conceptual skill list to find out how to become a conceptual manager:

1. Active listening skills

Active listening ipayingay attention to a speakerunderstandingnd what they mean, anrespondingnd appropriately. Listening skills include attention, empathy, patience, validation, nonverbal communication, and situational awareness.

2. Communication skills

A conceptual person can communicate information and ideas clearly and efficiently. Some examples of communication skills include written, verbal, and nonverbal communication, presentation skills, active listening, and asking the right questions.

3. Analytical skills

A skilled analyst can look at different aspects of a dataset or project to ensure they all contribute to the overall goal. Examples of conceptual and analytical skills include research, data analysis, critical thinking, and creativity.

4. Problem-solving skills

Problem-solving skills enable you to identify issues and come up with effective solutions. Some skills that fall under problem-solving include logical thinking, critical thinking, multitasking, troubleshooting, and decision-making.

5. Creative thinking skills

A creative thinker can find new ways to solve complex issues. Creative skills include open-mindedness, strategic planning, collaboration, and idea formulation.

6. Abstract thinking skills

Abstract thinking allows you to interpret information beyond its literal meaning. To become an abstract thinker, you need to develop abilities such as creativity, mindfulness, counterfactual thinking, prediction, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking.

7. Decision-making skills

Decision-making involves choosing actions in a rational and informed way. Some skills that can help you make better decisions include problem-solving, creativity, logical thinking, leadership, critical thinking, collaboration, and intuition.

8. Leadership skills

An effective leader guides a team to a desired outcome. Typical leadership skills include team building, management, empathy, delegation, flexibility, and persuasion.

9. Managerial skills

Managerial skills are abilities that lead your team to complete specific objectives. Examples include communication, planning, decision-making, problem-solving, delegation, and motivation.

Conceptual skills are critical for leadership positions, especially mid— and upper-management roles in Malaysia. A manager should ensure that each employee is working towards the organisation's larger goal. One must always keep the big picture in mind.

With strong conceptual skills, you can identify challenges and use your analytical and abstract thinking to develop effective solutions that help the company succeed.

Suppose you're the manager of a team that conducts market research. You notice that the company's customer base is changing. Without the conceptual and analytical abilities to make sense of the data, you cannot identify and reach out to potential new customers.

This can mean missed business opportunities for the company.

Conceptual skills can also help you manage your team. You can combine your conceptual and technical skills to determine how each team member can contribute to the organisation's goals, allowing you to delegate work more effectively.

You can also use conceptual and human skills to resolve conflicts between team members, which can improve the work environment.

Conceptual skills and their role in decision-making

Conceptual skills help you identify issues sooner than other people in the organisation. This allows you to think ahead and make decisions that can benefit the company in the long term.

Suppose the company is trying to adopt a new technology. You can use your conceptual abilities to process incoming information. This can help you determine the potential risks and challenges and make strategic decisions to ensure smooth implementation.

Conceptual skills and their role in problem-solving

Your conceptual skills can help the company overcome obstacles that may prevent it from reaching its goals.

For instance, if an unexpected problem occurs in a project, you can analyse the situation to determine its root cause. Then, you can then brainstorm solutions to get everything back on track.

Conceptual abilities can help you prepare your team to deal with unforeseen problems. This is essential for setting long-term organisational vision and goals.

Let's look at several conceptual skills examples in the workplace:

• Business strategy development : A marketing manager discovers that younger consumers are becoming more interested in the company's products. They create marketing materials to appeal to these consumers.
• Crisis management : An organisation faces a patent infringement lawsuit. A conceptual executive looks for evidence that the company isn't infringing and devises strategies such as negotiating licensing fees and preparing for a non-infringement defence.
• Innovative product development : A product development manager uses their conceptual ability to understand current consumer trends and preferences to create a new product that meets emerging market needs. They also conduct product feasibility research and anticipate potential challenges.

Showing your conceptual skills in job interviews can help you stand out from other job seekers. Follow these tips to land your next great opportunity:

1. Preparation strategies

Before an interview, you should review the job description. Find out how conceptual skills can be useful in the role. Research the company's strategic direction and the challenges it faces. Then, prepare examples where your conceptual abilities align with those needs.

2. Answering interview questions effectively

Anticipate interview questions that may test your conceptual skills. Here are some examples:

Can you describe your problem-solving process?

Answer: When faced with a problem, I first analyse the situation to identify the root cause. Then, I gather relevant information and data to develop potential solutions and weigh the pros and cons of each. Based on my analysis, I select the best solutions and implement them. I also keep track of the results to ensure their effectiveness.

How do you make data-driven decisions?

Answer: I begin by examining the problem or situation. Then, I gather and analyse relevant data to gain insights that can support my decision. I aim to make informed decisions based on the evidence I've collected. I'm also mindful of any potential limitations or biases in the data.

3. Showcasing past experiences

Look for opportunities to share past experiences where your conceptual skills proved pivotal. Describe the challenges you faced, the innovative solution you chose, and the results of your decisions. Also, talk about what you've learned and how you've grown from the experiences.

If you want to improve your conceptual skills to advance your career, consider these steps:

• Develop a reading habit : Reading can help you build conceptual skills. Consider seeking out articles or books that challenge your abstract thinking abilities.
• Volunteer to be a team leader : When the opportunity arises, volunteering to lead your team is a great way to practise your conceptual skills. Set small and practical goals and participate in brainstorming sessions and strategic meetings.
• Training and education : There are online courses and workshops that focus on conceptual skills. These programmes enable you to develop a wide range of skills that can make you a more effective manager. These skills include data analysis, decision-making, problem-solving, cost-benefit assessment, critical thinking, and abstract thinking.

Final thoughts

Conceptual skills are essential in leadership, management, and execution. They enable you to analyse and understand complex concepts, use analytical and abstract thinking, and develop actionable strategies for long-term growth.

These abilities can benefit an organisation and help you stand out from your colleagues or other job seekers. Read books and attend courses to improve your conceptual skills and advance your career continually.

Here are some questions people often ask about conceptual skills:

• What are examples of conceptual skills? ⁠Some examples of conceptual skills include analytical, creative, and abstract thinking. They also include communication, problem-solving, decision-making, leadership, and managerial skills.
• Why are conceptual skills important for leadership roles? ⁠ A leader should do more than complete tasks and manage day-to-day operations. You must also see the big picture and understand how your team's efforts contribute to the organisation's goals. You must solve problems and make decisions. Conceptual skills can help you perform all these functions more effectively.
• How can I develop my conceptual skills? ⁠ Some ways to improve your conceptual skills include reading texts about conceptual abilities, volunteering to become a leader, and attending courses and workshops.
• How do I demonstrate conceptual skills in a resume or cover letter? ⁠ You can highlight your conceptual skills in your resume's work experience, achievements, skills, or summary section. If you want to include them, mention a time in your career when you used your conceptual abilities to overcome complex problems.
• How can an interviewer test your conceptual skills? ⁠ Your interviewer may assess your conceptual skills by asking questions about your analytical, abstract thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, or leadership abilities.
• How do I balance showcasing conceptual and practical skills in an interview? ⁠ If you want to showcase conceptual and practical skills in an interview, explain how the two types of skills complement each other. For instance, you can talk about using your conceptual abilities to analyse data but make decisions based on objective information rather than assumptions.
• What are common mistakes when trying to demonstrate conceptual skills? ⁠ Some of the common mistakes that job seekers make when demonstrating conceptual skills include using vague or irrelevant examples, not quantifying results, and failing to prepare for behavioural questions. 

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