Soft Skills Matter: Problem Solving
The last post in our soft skills series (Soft Skills Matter: Communication), explored how important effective communication is in the energy sector. Effective communication plays a huge role in building strong relationships with clients, colleagues, suppliers, and others.
Another important soft skill we want to look at is problem solving. In an article titled “9 Keys to Solving Problems in Business Quickly and Effectively,” Inc. Magazine calls problem solving a “learnable trait.” The article later states that “… success is often defined as the ability to solve problems. In many cultures, this is called street smarts, and it’s valued even more than book smarts. The best business professionals have both.”
Problem Solving in Action
Business strategy was a required course for anyone graduating from our university’s school of business. This senior level class involved students dividing into “companies” that would then develop manufacturing, marketing, and finance strategies. The highlight of each week was when each team submitted their sheet of decisions. These decisions were then fed into a computer system to determine company rankings.
Halfway through the semester, I recognized that the “company” I was leading was middle of the pack and would struggle to make it to the first place by year end. Not wanting to accept the current position, I actively went into problem solving mode.
The following week another classmate and I approached the professor with a new strategy. We wanted to merge companies. Merging companies had never been done before in this class and took some finagling within the system. After listening to our idea, the professor gave me a strange look, then grinned.
When the semester ended, two teams were tied in that class, another feat that had never happened. Two teams – and one of them was mine – received the “Top Company” ranking.
Problem Solving Defined
According to Indeed.com, problem solving is “the ability to handle difficult or unexpected situations in the workplace as well as complex business challenges.” While my situation was merely a classroom exercise, it was difficult at the time and definitely unexpected.
Problem Solving Skills
What skills are part of problem solving? Forbes Advisors provided this list of skills:
- Critical Thinking
- Analysis
- Initiative
Critical Thinking Defined
Business.com describes critical thinking as a “vital soft skill” while the U.S. Department of Labor classifies it as an important part of essential workplace skills. The American Psychological Association says critical thinking is a form of directed, problem-focused thinking where you test ideas or possible solutions.
Analysis Defined
Merriam Webster defines analysis as “a detailed examination of anything complex in order to understand its nature or to determine its essential features.” Both critical thinking and analysis deal with complex situations or issues.
The first two skills in problem solving deal with the ability assess the situation and generate some form of action plan. However, neither of these skills can actually solve a problem. Solving a problem requires taking action. This is where initiative enters.
Initiative Defined
Going back to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, we see initiative defined as “an introductory step” and “energy or aptitude displayed in initiation of action.” The willingness to take that first step or put a plan into motion, that is initiative.
Problem Solving Matters!
Solving a problem involves the ability to truly understand an issue, analyze the possible solutions, and then be willing to take the necessary actions to put a plan into motion. Having one or two of these skills can be very helpful, but every business needs the complete package – either with one or more people – to truly address problems and challenges that arise.
When we partner with clients, Twin Feathers brings a team with well-developed problem solving skills to help our clients face challenges – both those anticipated and the unexpected. Watch for future entries in our Soft Skills Matter series, as we explore other skills like flexibility, creativity, and work ethic.
Soft Skills Matter: Problem Solving
By JD Buss
