Good problem solvers use a combination of intuition and logic to come up with their solutions. Intuition has more to do with the emotional and instinctive side of us and logic is more related to our cognition and thinking. Good problem solvers use both of these forces to get as much information as they can to come up with the best possible solution. In addition, they are reasonably open minded but logically skeptical. There are some traits experts have identified that shape the Mindset of a great Problem Solver. A great Problem Solver will always:
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.
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.
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.
Reasonable Expectations
Good problem solvers have reasonable expectations as to what the solution would be. They understand that there are many elements effecting a situation and that idealistic ways of thinking and going about solving a problem will be counterproductive.
Collaboration
A good problem solver can work well with others. It’s important to understand that in order to come up with the best possible solution, you need to allow ideas and input from other people. A good problem solver is not threatened by the help of others, but instead is open to learning from people and focusing on the goal of finding the right solution. Having a team to collaborate alongside, helps solve problems more efficiently in all aspects of your work-life.
