7 Problem-Solving Skills That Can Help You Be a More Successful Manager

Managers regularly use problem-solving skills to oversee the day-to-day operations of a particular department and sometimes a whole company. Managers with good problem-solving skills can help ensure companies run smoothly and prosper.

If you're a current manager or are striving to become one, read this guide to discover what problem-solving skills are and why it's important for managers to have them. Learn the steps of the problem-solving process, and explore seven skills that can help make problem-solving easier and more effective.

What is problem-solving?

Problem-solving is both an ability and a process. As an ability, problem-solving can help resolve issues in different environments, such as home, school, abroad, and social situations. As a process, problem-solving involves a series of steps for finding solutions to questions or concerns that arise throughout life.

The importance of problem-solving for managers

Managers deal with problems regularly, whether supervising a staff of two or 100. Workplaces can benefit in several ways when people solve problems quickly and effectively. These include:

• Greater creativity

• Higher productivity

• Increased job fulfillment

• Satisfied clients or customers

• Better cooperation and cohesion

• Improved environments for employees and customers

7 skills that make problem-solving easier

Companies depend on managers who can solve problems adeptly. Although problem-solving is a skill in its own right, a subset of seven skills can help make it easier. These include analysis, communication, emotional intelligence, resilience, creativity, adaptability, and teamwork.

1. Analysis

As a manager, you'll solve each problem by assessing the situation first. Then, you’ll use analytical skills to distinguish between ineffective and effective solutions.

2. Communication

Effective communication plays a significant role in problem-solving, particularly when others are involved. Some skills that can help enhance communication at work include active listening, speaking with an even tone and volume, and supporting verbal information with written communication.

3. Emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognise and manage emotions in any situation. People with emotional intelligence usually solve problems calmly and systematically, which often yields better results.

4. Resilience

Emotional intelligence and resilience are closely related traits. Resiliency is the ability to cope quickly and bounce back from difficult situations. Those who possess resilience can often accurately interpret people and situations, which can be incredibly advantageous when difficulties arise.

5. Creativity 

When brainstorming solutions to problems, creativity can help you to think outside the box. Problem-solving strategies can be enhanced with the application of creative techniques. You can use creativity to:

• Approach problems from different angles

• Improve your problem-solving process

• Spark creativity in your employees and peers

6. Adaptability

Adaptability is the capacity to adjust to change. When a particular solution doesn't work, an adaptable person can revisit the concern to think up another one without getting frustrated.

7. Teamwork

Finding a solution to a problem regularly involves working in a team. Good teamwork requires being comfortable working with others and collaborating with them, which can result in better problem-solving overall.

Steps of the problem-solving process

Effective problem-solving involves five essential steps. One way to remember them is through the IDEAL model, created in 1984 by psychology professors John D. Bransford and Barry S. Stein. The steps to solving problems in this model include identifying a problem, defining the goals you hope to achieve, exploring potential solutions, choosing and acting on it, and looking at (or evaluating) the outcome [1].

1. Identify the problem and root out its cause.

To solve a problem, you must first admit that one exists to find its root cause. Finding the cause of the problem may involve asking questions like:

• Can the problem be solved?

• How big of a problem is it?

• Why do I think the problem is occurring?

• What are some things I know about the situation?

• What are some things I don't know about the situation?

• Are there any people who contributed to the problem?

• Are there materials or processes that contributed to the problem?

• Are there any patterns I can identify?

2. Define the goals you hope to achieve.

Every problem is different. The goals you hope to achieve when problem-solving depends on the scope of the problem. Some examples of goals you might set include:

• Gather as much factual information as possible.

• Brainstorm many different strategies to come up with the best one.

• Be flexible when considering other viewpoints.

• Articulate clearly and encourage questions so everyone involved is on the same page.

• Be open to other strategies if the chosen strategy doesn't work.

• Stay positive throughout the process.

3. Explore potential solutions.

Once you've defined the goals you hope to achieve when problem-solving, it's time to start the process. This involves steps that often include fact-finding, brainstorming, prioritising solutions, and assessing the cost of top solutions in terms of time, labour, and money.

4. Choose a solution and act on it.

Evaluate the pros and cons of each potential solution and choose the one most likely to solve the problem within your given budget, abilities, and resources. Once you choose a solution, it's important to commit to it and see it through. Draw up a plan of action for implementation and share it clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with all involved parties. Make sure everyone understands their role for a successful conclusion.

5. Look at (or evaluate) the outcome.

Evaluation offers insights into your current situation and future problem-solving. When evaluating the outcome, ask yourself questions like:

• Did the solution work?

• Will this solution work for other problems?

• What changes would you have made?

• Would another solution have worked better?

Improve your problem-solving skills.

Problem-solving is an important skill for managers, and it involves analysing the situation, communicating effectively, and coming up with creative solutions. As a current or future manager looking to build your problem-solving skills, it is often helpful to take a professional course. Consider Improving Communication Skills offered by the University of Pennsylvania on Coursera. You'll learn how to boost your ability to persuade, ask questions, negotiate, apologise, and more. 

You might also consider taking Emotional Intelligence: Cultivating Immensely Human Interactions, offered by the University of Michigan on Coursera. You'll explore the interpersonal and intrapersonal skills common to people with emotional intelligence and learn how emotional intelligence is connected to team success and leadership.