One of the most essential life skills, both in personal lives and in the workplace, is the ability to solve problems effectively. In today’s world full of stress, tension and competition, the one who can look at every difficult situation as a problem that can be solved, emerges as a winner. People who are able to analyse the problems they see around themselves with a calm and open mind and come up with practical solutions to solve these problems, are the ones who go really far in life. Take any field, and you will see that the ones who have really made a difference are the ones who have faced and solved problems in a creative manner, whether it is Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam in nuclear science or Mother Teresa in social service, M. S. Dhoni in cricket or Steve Jobs in technology.
The Concise Oxford Dictionary defines a problem as, “a doubtful or difficult matter requiring a solution” or “something hard to understand or accomplish or deal with”. Problems always arise when we work to reach an objective or a goal. Problem-solving therefore refers to the actions taken to overcome the obstacles in the path of reaching the goal.
The art of problem-solving
Before starting to solve a problem, it is essential to first study the problem thoroughly. Albert Einstein says, “If I had an hour to solve a problem, I would spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about solutions.” Here are some useful questions to ask before starting the process of solving a problem: Is the problem real or just in someone’s mind? Is this problem actually an opportunity to do something better? Does the problem really need solving or will it get resolved with time? Have we failed to see the ‘bigger problem’? What is the root cause of the problem?
Problem-solving involves the following:
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
STICKING OUT YOUR NECK!
Maybe it's having the twins, my grandsons from New York, back home again, that reminded me of a conversation I had with them a couple of monsoons ago: \"What's that?\" asked one of them pointing to a huge shell on the ground.
Hippos can get airborne while running fast
Hippos weigh up to two tonnes, but these bulky creatures can go airborne for a period of time.
Tree bark plays a vital role in removing methane from the atmosphere
Trees are known for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thus benefiting the climate. New research shows that they offer one more benefit.
Lunar caves could shelter astronauts on the moon
Scientists have found an underground cave on the moon not far from where Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed 55 years ago.
Manasi Joshi
The Para-Badminton World Champion
International Day of Peace
In Search of Non-violence and Cease-fire
Non-Violent Communication
How to cope with conflict situations
FR ALOYSIUS G. REGO
A short-statured bearded figure glancing through a pair of spectacles, cane in hand, and head swinging with every step, was the most feared figure in the galleries of our school, St. Joseph's Collegiate, Allahabad.
The Architects of the Future
As we celebrate Teachers' Day on 5 September, students from St Charles School, Santacruz East, Mumbai, have come together to share their thoughts and perspectives on the challenges that teachers face in today's rapidly-changing educational landscape.
JUNG & KOOK
With music, stories and news of K-pop all over the place, on Instagram, Twitter, Thread and other social media platforms, and dozens of boy and girl bands emerging from South Korea, believe me when I say that K-pop is irresistible.
