Working World

Are you a problem-solver? Almost everybody is — if you believe the hype written on resumes. But are you really? Ask yourself:

1.    Do I look at problems as challenges and opportunities? A positive attitude goes a long way. Don’t forget: you are competent and capable.

2.    Do I carefully assess problems before coming up with possible solutions? Brainstorming with others can help you see more possibilities.

3.    Do I try to look at the situation from several different angles, not just the one that will be easiest for me or my team? Do I ask what has worked in the past and what hasn’t?

4.    Do I explore what the consequences might be for any action I take? Remember the rule of unintended consequences. No solution is perfect, and all will have some drawbacks.

5.    Do I implement the correct solution or do I simply savor the thought process? Do I continue to evaluate while I implement, making changes when needed?

6.    Do I take responsibility for success and failure?

Taking these steps will help with true problem-solving, and they can be applied to all types of situations and timeframes. You may have weeks to tackle a problem or, like a surgeon or air traffic controller, you may have only seconds. Still, even in an abbreviated form, these steps are vital to success.