6 Mindset Traits of Great Problem Solvers

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Problem Solving is a fundamental life skill indispensable for survival of an individual.  It is honed in every person to varying degrees.  It is especially a useful skill to embody Leadership Development.

Problem Solving skill can be taught and learnt.

MIT defines Problem Solving as:

The process of identifying a problem, developing possible solution paths, and taking the appropriate course of action.

Problem Solving is a process that can be approached using various strategies but each Strategy usually follows the same theme, consisting of:

• Identifying the Root Cause of the Problem.
• Logically Analyzing all the Details of the Problem.
• Formulating a Solution.
• Effectively Communicating and taking Action.

Problem Solving Strategies consist of steps that help identify the Problem and choose the best solution.  There are 2 basic types of Strategies:

1. Algorithmic Strategies – customary step-by-step instructions to solving Problems. For example, in algebra: multiply and divide before adding or subtracting.
2. Heuristic Strategies – general guides used to identify possible solutions.  An example would be IDEAL—Identify Problem, Define Context, Explore Strategies, Act on solution, and Learn.

A certain Mindset is required to be developed for becoming a great Problem Solver.  There are 6 traits experts have identified that shape the Mindset of a great Problem Solver.  A great Problem Solver will always:

1. Be Constantly Curious.
2. Be an Imperfectionist.
3. Adopt a Dragonfly-eye View.
4. Pursue Occurrent Behavior.
5. Leverage Collective Intelligence.
6. Practice Show and Tell.

Problem Solving Mindset is valuable for any person especially professionals, particularly an entrepreneur, manager, or someone in the leadership role in an organization.  A team of skillful problem solvers can become a notable source of Competitive Advantage for an organization.

Let us delve a little deeper into some of the Mindsets that make great Problem Solvers.

Be Constantly Curious

Innate human partialities frequently blind us to a range of solutions too early in the Problem Solving Process.  Superior and increasingly creative solutions arise from being Curious about the wide-ranging possible answers.  Very young children embody this trait.  They are resolute in figuring things out hence their never-ending and high-energy inquisitiveness.

Improved results are generated by accepting uncertainty, constantly asking questions like why is this solution better, or why not the other one?

Be an Imperfectionist

Absolute knowledge is virtually non-existent, especially for Complex Business and Societal Problems.  Accepting that our knowledge is Imperfect can bring about more effective Problem Solving.  Constant revision based on new evidence is key to good Problem Solving.  This is possible when we begin by confronting solutions that imply certainty.  And, this brings out tacit assumptions about probabilities and makes it easier to assess alternatives.

Most Problem Solving involves a great deal of trial and error.  We form hypotheses, dive into data for validation, and either refine our premise or discard it.

Adopt a Dragonfly-eye view

The purpose is to gaze beyond the usual arrangement into which our pattern-recognizing brains want to gather perceptions.  This facilitates identification of obscured opportunities and threats.

A good example of this is the approach experts took to tackle a major public health threat.  They framed the Problem in larger social context—taking the Dragonfly-eye view—garnering wider support and success.  Confronted with a complex social map and a ballooning infection rate, the Problem was tackled by widening its definition.  The frame was shifted from a traditional epidemiological transmission model at known hotspots to one where, another affliction of a particular sub-set of the impacted population was targeted because it was more relatable.  The major public health threat was made into a sub-set of the larger issue.  The solution was implemented in 600 communities and was eventually ascribed with preventing more than 600,000 infections.

Developing a Problem Solving Mindset

There are also specific, prescriptive steps we can take to foster a problem-solving mindset. The slide below outlines a structured 6-step process that starts with embracing the problem, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and understanding the issue at hand. This sets a solid foundation for effective problem-solving and prepares us mentally to tackle challenges head-on.

Adopting a problem solving mindset equips individuals–particularly entrepreneurs–and organizations with the ability to navigate challenges more effectively and efficiently, fostering resilience and adaptability. It encourages proactive thinking and continuous improvement, leading to innovative solutions and sustainable success. This mindset further enhances decision-making skills and promotes a positive, solution-oriented culture.

By following these 6 steps, we can develop a robust problem solving mindset that aids in managing challenges and exploring new opportunities, ultimately keeping our environment—whether at work or otherwise—under control while seeking fresh prospects.

There are also other problem solving and structured thinking frameworks we can utilize to tackle different types of problems, from strategic to operational. Examples include 8D, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), MECE, among others.

Interested in learning more about Problem Solving Mindsets? You can download an editable PowerPoint on Problem Solving Mindsets here on the Flevy documents marketplace.

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