Resilience speaks to our ability to recover quickly from hardships that we experience. Having strong problem-solving skills speaks to our ability to look at problems comprehensively, break them down into pieces, and find applicable solutions for them in a timely matter.
Problem-Solving Involves the following Five Steps (Lawrence, 2019):
- Identifying the problem
- Breaking the problem into more manageable parts
- Generating possible solutions
- Evaluating possible solutions for viability and selecting the most appropriate option to apply to the problem
- Monitoring the results of the applied solution and generating and applying a new solution if necessary
Applying to the Workforce
The link between the two is that a person with strong problem-solving skills becomes a person who is more resilient. This is because the better we are at evaluating and solving the problems that arise in our lives, the quicker we can recover from the issues we face. The ability to problem-solve helps us to quickly transition out of our circumstances and onto growth (Lawrence, 2019).
How to Develop Strong Problem-Solving Skills
In order to become more resilient, we must learn to strengthen our problem-solving skills so we can better deal with obstacles we may face. The following are ways to develop problem-solving skills in our lives.
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Ask Questions
Asking questions is one of the best ways to develop strong problem-solving skills because asking questions gets you to begin thinking critically. It is via critical thinking and asking analytical questions that one can truly get to the bottom of problems and begin developing solutions (B, 2020). Asking questions also ensures that the problem is accurately defined so that the correct issue can be addressed.
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Gather Information
It can be easy to assume we already have what we need or know all we need to solve problems and challenges that arise in our lives. However, that often fails to be true and leaves us ill-prepared and ill-informed. This means taking the time to consult additional persons and sources for information so that a strong foundation is laid for the problem to be accurately defined and then solved (Talwar, 2019).
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Flexibility & Adaptability
The ability to be flexible is an important skill to possess when it comes to problem-solving because many problems often require pivoting when it comes to the application stage. This means that as possible solutions are being weighed an even applied one may realize that selected options are not viable and need to go with other options to more effectively solve those problems (Talwar, 2019).
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Approach with Positivity
Often, we approach problems with apprehension and negativity. That hinders our ability to clearly and open-mindedly address an issue. When we have a positive outlook we can approach issues with optimism. That makes us more likely to actually find a viable solution. Believing that a challenge is an opportunity for growth and that a positive outcome can be achieved sets the tone for the ultimate outcome (B, 2020).
So, when we are better equipped to solve problems, we become people who are also more resilient. Having the skills we need to analyze issues, generate possible options, and apply solutions also helps us build the same skills that help us become more tolerant of difficulties and recover from the difficulties we face with speed.
Thus, active pursuit of activities and opportunities that will allow us to practice asking more questions, gathering information, being flexible, and approaching problems with positivity will help build better problem-solving skills and therefore enhance our resilience.
References:
B, Z. (2020, May 12). 6 ways to enhance your problem-solving skills effectively. https://www.liehack.org/articles/productivity/6-ways-to-enhance-your-problem-solving-skills.html
Lawrence, J. (2019, December 23). Resilience skills: 5 steps to effective problem-solving. Retrieved from https://in-equilibrium.co.uk/5-steps-to-effective-problem-solving/
Talwar, M. (2019, February 19). 5 ways to improve your problem-solving skills. Retrieved from https://social.hays.com/2017/08/16/5-ways-improve-problem-solving-skills/