{"id":8932,"date":"2021-06-28T16:50:20","date_gmt":"2021-06-28T21:50:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flevy.com\/blog\/?p=8932"},"modified":"2024-06-28T18:38:43","modified_gmt":"2024-06-28T23:38:43","slug":"6-mindset-traits-of-great-problem-solvers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flevy.com\/blog\/6-mindset-traits-of-great-problem-solvers\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Mindset Traits of Great Problem Solvers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-8939\" src=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Stock-image-1-Problem-Solving-Mindset-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Stock-image-1-Problem-Solving-Mindset-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/flevy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Stock-image-1-Problem-Solving-Mindset-768x1150.jpg 768w, https:\/\/flevy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Stock-image-1-Problem-Solving-Mindset-684x1024.jpg 684w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/topic\/problem-solving\">Problem Solving<\/a> is a fundamental life skill indispensable for survival of an individual.\u00a0 It is honed in every person to varying degrees.\u00a0 It is especially a useful skill to embody <a href=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/browse\/stream\/leadership\">Leadership Development<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Problem Solving skill can be taught and learnt.<\/p>\n<p>MIT defines Problem Solving as:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>The process of identifying a problem, developing possible solution paths, and taking the appropriate course of action.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Problem Solving is a process that can be approached using various strategies but each Strategy usually follows the same theme, consisting of:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Identifying the Root Cause of the Problem.<\/li>\n<li>Logically Analyzing all the Details of the Problem.<\/li>\n<li>Formulating a Solution.<\/li>\n<li>Effectively Communicating and taking Action.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Problem Solving Strategies consist of steps that help identify the Problem and choose the best solution. \u00a0There are 2 basic types of Strategies:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Algorithmic Strategies<\/strong> \u2013 customary step-by-step instructions to solving Problems. For example, in algebra: multiply and divide before adding or subtracting.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Heuristic Strategies<\/strong> \u2013 general guides used to identify possible solutions.\u00a0 An example would be IDEAL\u2014Identify Problem, Define Context, Explore Strategies, Act on solution, and Learn.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>A certain Mindset is required to be developed for becoming a great Problem Solver.\u00a0 There are 6 traits experts have identified that shape the Mindset of a great Problem Solver.\u00a0 A great Problem Solver will always:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Be Constantly Curious.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Be an Imperfectionist.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Adopt a Dragonfly-eye View.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Pursue Occurrent Behavior.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Leverage Collective Intelligence.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Practice Show and Tell.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/browse\/flevypro\/problem-solving-mindsets-5560\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8937\" src=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Slide-deck-image-Problem-Solving-Mindset.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1002\" height=\"752\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Slide-deck-image-Problem-Solving-Mindset.png 1002w, https:\/\/flevy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Slide-deck-image-Problem-Solving-Mindset-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/flevy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Slide-deck-image-Problem-Solving-Mindset-768x576.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1002px) 100vw, 1002px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Problem Solving Mindset is valuable for any person especially professionals, particularly an entrepreneur, manager, or someone in the leadership role in an organization.\u00a0 A team of skillful problem solvers can become a notable source of <a href=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/topic\/competitive-advantage\">Competitive Advantage<\/a> for an organization.<\/p>\n<p>Let us delve a little deeper into some of the Mindsets that make great Problem Solvers.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Be Constantly Curious<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Innate human partialities frequently blind us to a range of solutions too early in the Problem Solving Process. \u00a0Superior and increasingly creative solutions arise from being Curious about the wide-ranging possible answers.\u00a0 Very young children embody this trait.\u00a0 They are resolute in figuring things out hence their never-ending and high-energy inquisitiveness.<\/p>\n<p>Improved results are generated by accepting uncertainty, constantly asking questions like why is this solution better, or why not the other one?<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Be an Imperfectionist<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Absolute knowledge is virtually non-existent, especially for Complex Business and Societal Problems.\u00a0 Accepting that our knowledge is Imperfect can bring about more effective Problem Solving.\u00a0 Constant revision based on new evidence is key to good Problem Solving.\u00a0 This is possible when we begin by confronting solutions that imply certainty.\u00a0 And, this brings out tacit assumptions about probabilities and makes it easier to assess alternatives.<\/p>\n<p>Most Problem Solving involves a great deal of trial and error.\u00a0 We form hypotheses, dive into data for validation, and either refine our premise or discard it.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Adopt a Dragonfly-eye view<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The purpose is to gaze beyond the usual arrangement into which our pattern-recognizing brains want to gather perceptions. \u00a0This facilitates identification of obscured opportunities and threats.<\/p>\n<p>A good example of this is the approach experts took to tackle a major public health threat.\u00a0 They framed the Problem in larger social context\u2014taking the Dragonfly-eye view\u2014garnering wider support and success.\u00a0 Confronted with a complex social map and a ballooning infection rate, the Problem was tackled by widening its definition. \u00a0The 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.\u00a0 The major public health threat was made into a sub-set of the larger issue.\u00a0 The solution was implemented in 600 communities and was eventually ascribed with preventing more than 600,000 infections.<\/p>\n<h2>Developing a Problem Solving Mindset<\/h2>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/browse\/flevypro\/problem-solving-mindsets-5560\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-14058\" src=\"http:\/\/flevy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/blog-problem-solving-mindset.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"1002\" height=\"752\" \/><\/a><br \/>\nAdopting a problem solving mindset equips individuals&#8211;particularly entrepreneurs&#8211;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.<\/p>\n<p>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\u2014whether at work or otherwise\u2014under control while seeking fresh prospects.<\/p>\n<p>There are also other problem solving and <a href=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/topic\/structured-thinking\">structured thinking frameworks<\/a> we can utilize to tackle different types of problems, from strategic to operational. Examples include <a href=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/topic\/8d\">8D<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/topic\/root-cause-analysis\">Root Cause Analysis (RCA)<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/browse\/marketplace\/mece-mutually-exclusive-collectively-exhaustive-principle-8820\">MECE<\/a>, among others.<\/p>\n<p>Interested in learning more about <a href=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/browse\/flevypro\/problem-solving-mindsets-5560\">Problem Solving Mindsets<\/a>? You\u00a0can download\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/browse\/flevypro\/problem-solving-mindsets-5560\">an editable PowerPoint on <strong>Problem Solving Mindsets<\/strong> here<\/a><u>\u00a0<\/u>on the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/browse\">Flevy documents marketplace<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Do You Find Value in This Framework?<\/h2>\n<p>You can download in-depth presentations on this and hundreds of similar business frameworks from the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/pro\/library\">FlevyPro Library<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/pro\">FlevyPro<\/a>\u00a0is trusted and utilized by 1000s of management consultants and corporate executives. Here\u2019s what some have to say:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cMy FlevyPro subscription provides me with the most popular frameworks and decks in demand in today\u2019s market.\u00a0 They not only augment my existing consulting and coaching offerings and delivery, but also keep me abreast of the latest trends, inspire new products and service offerings for my practice, and educate me in a fraction of the time and money of other solutions.\u00a0 I strongly recommend FlevyPro to any consultant serious about success.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Bill Branson, Founder at Strategic Business Architects<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cAs a niche strategic consulting firm, Flevy and FlevyPro frameworks and documents are an on-going reference to help us structure our findings and recommendations to our clients as well as improve their clarity, strength, and visual power.\u00a0 For us, it is an invaluable resource to increase our impact and value.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 David Coloma, Consulting Area Manager at Cynertia Consulting<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cFlevyPro has been a brilliant resource for me, as an independent growth consultant, to access a vast knowledge bank of presentations to support my work with clients.\u00a0 In terms of RoI, the value I received from the very first presentation I downloaded paid for my subscription many times over!\u00a0 The quality of the decks available allows me to punch way above my weight \u2013 it\u2019s like having the resources of a Big 4 consultancy at your fingertips at a microscopic fraction of the overhead.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Roderick Cameron, Founding Partner at SGFE Ltd<\/p><\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Problem Solving is a fundamental life skill indispensable for survival of an individual.\u00a0 It is honed in every person to varying degrees.\u00a0 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,&hellip;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/blog\/6-mindset-traits-of-great-problem-solvers\/\" rel=\"bookmark\"><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">6 Mindset Traits of Great Problem Solvers<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":110,"featured_media":8939,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"","neve_meta_content_width":0,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[408,81],"tags":[2425,2422,122,2424,2420,2423,1417,1434,657,2421,1634],"class_list":["post-8932","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-management-leadership","category-strategy","tag-6-problem-solving-mindsets","tag-algorithmic-strategies","tag-competitive-advantage","tag-dragonfly-eye-view","tag-great-problem-solvers","tag-heuristic-strategies","tag-leadership-development","tag-mindsets","tag-problem-solving","tag-problem-solving-strategies","tag-systematic-problem-solving"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/flevy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8932","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/flevy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/flevy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flevy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/110"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flevy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8932"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/flevy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8932\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14060,"href":"https:\/\/flevy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8932\/revisions\/14060"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flevy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8939"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/flevy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8932"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flevy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8932"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flevy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8932"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}