Problem Solving – Definition, Process, and Examples

Problem solving is one of the important points that must be understood in a company or organization. There are various kinds of individuals in various divisions, so that conflicts and problems can arise at any time. Problem solving is a method that helps someone understand how to solve problems optimally.

This is one of the important soft skills needed by someone, including employees in the company. Especially for a leader and manager in almost every profession, this ability is very useful when one has to make decisions when faced with difficult and useless situations and problems in the workplace.

Understanding Problem Solving

Problem solving is a way of identifying and finding effective solutions to overcome the problems at hand. Basically, this ability is related to various other abilities such as listening, analyzing, researching, creativity, communication, teamwork and decision making skills.

According to Oemar Hamalik, the meaning of problem solving is a mental and intellectual process in finding problems. Then solve problems based on accurate data and information, so as to be able to draw conclusions carefully and quickly. This, in fact, what the main goal of solving this problem is.

Problem Solving Process

According to the understanding of problem solving, this ability is related to various skills ranging from listening, analyzing, researching, creativity, communication, teamwork and decision making. There are various approaches that can be taken to solve problems, but in general there are four basic stages of problem solving.

Define Problem

Defining the problem does not mean only looking at the visible symptoms, but also analyzing the real key to the problem. There are many things that become the background and influence of a problem. So at this stage it is important to look at the problem from various perspectives.

Understand that it must be resolved immediately if problems arise, minimizing bias that may arise. Therefore, someone must provide supporting information so that the problem identification process can run more smoothly.

Identification of problems

Identification of the problem and the information that has been collected, this problem solving process is very important. The goal is to divide the important aspects to be separated, in addition so as not to bring up mixed elements. This method has proven to be effective because it creates a more organized process so that the discovery of solutions becomes faster.

In doing this, creativity and the ability to think critically and logically are needed, you can compare alternatives and then consider the various possibilities that exist. This stage is also known as developing alternative solutions.

Determine the Best Solution

The purpose of problem solving is to find the best solution to a problem, because after thinking about the available alternatives. Trying to determine which solution is the most appropriate by considering which solution will be implemented and not have the potential to cause other problems.

Going through this stage may take longer, because indeed finding several solutions to problems that arise is exhausting. It is necessary to look at both sides of each solution in order to get the best.

Do an Evaluation

Conducting evaluation is the most decisive stage of the problem solving process, in this case a person is required to develop a strategy, distribute it to team members and follow up on the solutions that have been decided. In addition, it must also collect input from various parties involved, then evaluate the long-term results of implementing the solution.

Example of Problem Solving

An example of this problem-solving ability appears most often in job interviews, where candidates are usually asked to complete several scenario-based questions that can be answered such as how to handle situations in the past. Then how to manage problems that arise in the following work examples of questions.

Applicants are asked to schedule a project that must be completed quickly, but is unable to complete the job. Because it requires information from other colleagues who cannot be contacted at this time, how can applicants deal with and solve this problem.

The answer is reassessing from the situation whether there are other elements of the project that are can be done until the co-workers return. If there is, you can work on it first, if not, you should try to contact the person concerned or another employee in the office who can help.

To be able to solve problems at work, for example, a lot of knowledge is needed because it is one way to improve problem solving abilities. Expanding technical knowledge in the field of work involved, strong knowledge certainly makes the problems at hand easier.

This is a brief explanation of what problem solving is, the process it takes and examples in life. At Sampoerna University, students will learn how to face global challenges and one of them has the best problem solving understanding in dealing with every situation.

Sampoerna University is more than just a campus — it is a learning community that prepares students to succeed both academically and professionally. Here, students will not only learn and acquire academic skills—they will be challenged to think, do, and grow for the better. With existing programmes, students are guaranteed to have better skills and credentials that will open the doors to national or international careers once they graduate.

For more information about Sampoerna University, click on the following link.

Reference
Wikipedia