Problem solving skills: what are they and how can you improve them?

Problem solving can be a great skill to have in day-to-day life, as well as in the workplace. It can demonstrate the ability to handle any issues or challenges that are thrown your way.

In this guide, we’ll cover what problem solving skills are and why they are essential for your career development. We’ll also provide you with some tips on how to improve your problem solving skills in six simple steps.

Get creative in finding solutions with Adobe Express.

What are problem solving skills?

Problem solving refers to the process of finding practical solutions to issues or problems that arise. At work, this can look like identifying solutions to any challenges the company, yourself or your fellow colleagues face. A receptionist is a great example of problem solving as they are responsible for handling and finding solutions to customer complaints.

Of course, problem solving isn’t tied to a single profession. It is a type of ‘soft skill’ or ‘transferable skill’ that is applicable to most industries. For example, problem solving skills can come in handy in all sorts of fields, from human resources to social media marketing.

Why are problem solving skills important in the workplace?

Problem solving skills are important in the workplace for several reasons. They can demonstrate an ability to:

• Handle difficult or unexpected situations. Problem solving skills can help you find practical solutions when faced with a challenge.
• Adapt to changing circumstances. Use your quick thinking to assess new circumstances and adapt accordingly.
• Manage stressful situations. Problem solving lets you focus on finding a rational solution rather than dwelling on the issue and getting distracted by it.
• Handle conflict. If you have an issue with a colleague, client or customer, you can use these skills to find a mutually acceptable solution to conflict.
• Manage your time better. Being able to solve problems can help you uncover strategies for working more efficiently.
• Work under pressure. Problem solving can help you organise and prioritise tasks during challenging or busy periods.
• Take calculated risks. Problem solving promotes the ability to explore new ideas and more efficient ways of working which can pay off in the long run.

Problem solving skills can also lead to better career opportunities and professional development as employers tend to value this ability. So, it’s a good idea to make sure problem solving skills are listed on your CV.

6 problem solving skills examples.

While problem solving is a skill of its own, it can often be associated with a subset of other skills. Including:

Research.

Research is essential when solving problems. It often involves analysing information from different sources and using this knowledge to find the most appropriate solutions.

Analysis.

Analytical thinking can help us evaluate a problem to make informed decisions. For example, it can help us assess any risks involved and distinguish between ineffective and effective solutions.

Communication.

Communication is a vital part of problem solving, especially when others are involved. For example, once you’ve identified a solution to the problem, you’ll need to effectively communicate this to others.

Collaboration.

Sometimes finding a solution to a problem involves working as part of a team. Thus, collaboration is an important skill to have as it can demonstrate an ability to collaborate and work with others.

Resilience.

Resilience can help you handle and bounce back from difficult situations. It can help you regulate your emotions by thinking critically and coming up with practical solutions rather than just giving up.

Adaptability.

Being able to adjust to change is another important skill to have. For example, if a particular solution isn’t working, adaptability can help you find a more suitable solution instead.

How to improve your problem solving skills in six steps.

You can develop your skillset at any stage of your career – whether you’re a student, graduate, or expert in your field of employment. Not sure where to start? We’ve pulled together a handy step-by-step guide on how to improve your problem solving skills.

1. Brainstorm with colleagues to come up with new solutions.

Sometimes it can be difficult for us to generate solutions to problems, especially if we feel like we’ve exhausted all our options. That’s why it can often be helpful to look at things from a different perspective. This may involve brainstorming with colleagues to gain additional insights and working together to come up with new, innovative solutions.

2. Look for ways to improve internal processes.

A great way to exercise and improve your problem solving skills is to look for ways to improve internal processes. While there may not be anything wrong with the current way your organisation approaches things, you may want to trial smarter, more efficient ways of working.

3. Test your problem solving skills outside of the workplace.

Problem solving doesn’t have to be tied to work. A great way to improve your problem solving skills is to test them outside of the workplace. Think logic puzzles, games and crossword. Escape rooms can also be a fun way to develop your problem solving and collaboration skills as you’ll have to work with other players to find clues and solve puzzles to win the game.

4. Improve your technical skills.

Technical skills are the ‘hard skills’ you need to carry out certain job roles and tasks. This can often include proficiency in specific software applications, language skills or an understanding of how to use a certain tool or machine. Brushing up on your technical skills can be a great way to get better at problem solving in your specific field.

5. Ask questions.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Asking lots of questions can help you better understand the context and details of a particular problem so you can find the most appropriate solutions. Questions can also be a great way to stimulate thinking as they can help you explore different perspectives and possibilities.

6. Learn from others.

You may work with people who are naturally good at problem solving. Thus, observing these colleagues solve problems can be a great way to help strengthen your own skills. You may also wish to ask them for tips or advice on their techniques or how they approach things.

Free problem solving worksheets from Adobe Express.

How Adobe Express can help boost your problem solving skills.

Looking to enhance your problem solving even more? Adobe Express offers a range of tools and templates to help you test your skills and develop your ability to problem solve. Try out some of the free features below:

1. Break down the problem with a spider diagram or mind map.

Mind maps, spider diagrams and other concept maps are useful tools for problem solving. Create your own with Adobe Express to help work through any problems you face. Simply place the issue at the centre, then annotate with potential solutions, consequences and any additional requirements you might need to factor in to solve this problem.

2. Build your own case studies.

Successfully solved a problem at work? Why not turn it into a simple case study, so others can learn from your own experiences? It also means you have something to refer back to if a similar problem arises in the future.

You could use a presentation template to build out the case, with visual elements like charts, graphs and icons to illustrate the scenario and the steps you took to solve it.

3. Use existing frameworks to help find solutions.

There are plenty of problem-solving methods you can utilise in your day-to-day, from mental processes to visual infographics. For instance, if you’re looking to make a change to a business process, you could use a SWOT analysis template to layout the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. This could help you identify where the problem might lay – and in turn, how you might solve it.

4. Put your problem solving skills to the test.

Worksheets are a simple way to test yours and your coworkers’ problem solving skills. Make your own worksheet with different problem scenarios, then see how you navigate the issue as a team. You can include:

• A problem statement.
• Useful frameworks to refer to.
• Space to analyse potential causes and solutions.
• An action plan template to complete.

5. Turn your upskilling into a game.

If you’re part of a wider team, you could host your own workshop on problem solving to help upskill other people. Build a presentation deck to run through at the start, then introduce different scenarios for participants to work through. You could even turn it into a game, with digital badges or certificates for those that showcase the most effective problem-solving skills.

Not only does this help your entire team learn in a fun and engaging way, but it also puts your own skills to the test through teaching.

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Good to know.

How do I say I have problem solving skills in my CV?

You can list problem solving as a type of ‘soft skill’ on your CV. Soft skills are general traits that are not specific to a job but can help you thrive and grow in the workplace. Stand out from the crowd with professional CV templates from Adobe Express that showcase your problem solving expertise.

What is the first step to solving a problem?

The first step to solving a problem involves defining the problem. For example, you’ll need to understand what the issue is and the route cause. This way you can devise an appropriate strategy to address the problem and determine a desired outcome.

Is Adobe Express free?

Yes, our free plan offers many core features including thousands of templates, photo editing and effects, animation, and 5 GB of storage. See our  pricing page for details and to compare plans.