Problem Solving

99 problems but a choice of training provider ain’t one!

Being an effective problem solver is a core skill in any line of work. Whether it’s a small issue or a complex dilemma that you’re trying to tackle, understanding how to solve problems efficiently and effectively gives you an advantage both in the workplace and in everyday life.

People who are proficient at problem solving don’t just rely on gut instinct, hunches and imagination. Rather, they’ve built up a repertoire of skills, strategies and processes. They have also developed the ability to identify which problem solving approach – or combination of approaches – will work best to navigate a given situation.

In other words, being highly effective at solving problems isn’t a natural talent – it’s a skill that anyone can learn. And it’s well worth the effort: the World Economic Forum lists problem solving in its top 5 skills needed for the future of work and society.

What is problem solving?

The problem solving process centres around finding solutions to often complex challenges and then developing ways to act upon them. It leans on creative thinking skills but is solution-focused from the very beginning.

It’s applicable across every business function. People who have developed these new skills have a greater likelihood of success with their ability to identify and develop solutions to complex problems, on the job.

These folk are in demand by employers as with training and techniques they can be confident to effectively help solve problems, challenges and issues around topics beyond the obvious including:

• How to innovate
• The need to become more ‘green’
• Difficulties attracting top talent
• Sales slumps
• New product launches
• Lack of stakeholder engagement
• Budgetary or regulatory constraints that are stifling ideas
• Reputational challenges
• There are a million other common concerns that can threaten to derail a business unless actionable answers are found.

Given that improved problem-solving skills can so clearly help every single department to function better as well as support career development, we wholeheartedly believe that training in this field is essential for everyone – not just those who might consider themselves ‘creatives’ or have the word creative in their job title.

Loved the theory, the examples & practical tools

Why is problem solving important?

Complex problems, by their very nature, are not easily solved. Because of this, when faced with a difficult challenge companies often fall back on the ‘head in the sand’ routine. Procrastination sets in because business leaders simply don’t have the skill-set to find an effective solution.

The consequences, of course, can be disastrous. You might have heard the managerial buzzword about the current world order – VUCA – standing for volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity.

• Volatility – the challenge is unexpected, e.g. natural disaster
• Uncertainty – when situation is unpredictable
• Complexity – the situation has many interconnected parts or variables. A ‘wicked’ problem.
• Ambiguity – you face ‘unknown, unknowns’

Each of these different categories can throw up challenges for whatever business you are working in – which is why learning advanced problem-solving skills is so important.

And it’s within everyone’s grasp, as the BBC recently reported in an article that explained how we can all programme our brains to think of ‘genius’ solutions.

Develop your problem-solving skills

Learn how to problem solve with Now Go Create

Alongside our popular creativity courses – which range from beginners’ courses to in-depth creativity training and online courses – Now Go Create has some of the most effective problem-solving courses available in the UK.

These are typically offered face to face or online for businesses who want to upskill their teams, and who want us to work with anything from five to 250 delegates! We also run open problem solving training courses online, which are a great way for anyone with an interest in the subject to sharpen their skills.

All of our problem solving courses are also available online – we run live classes and can tailor a schedule to suit your needs. We offer affordable on-demand training modules that you can take at your own pace, too.

Looking for ways to build a better creative skills team, confidently equipped to deal with whatever the world throws at them? Get in touch now!