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15 Problem-Solving Approaches Every Employee Should Know
Problem-solving is a critical skill for every employee. Challenges are often complex and require clear thinking, structured analysis, and effective solutions. Whether a daily operational activity or perhaps a long-term strategic concern, any successful problem-solving first involves the clear definition of the problem, followed by employing certain proven techniques through which the problem—or its root cause—can be disclosed and resolved.
If your teams do not have a systematic approach to solving the problems, even the simplest issues may harass their growth into setbacks. When applied properly, the techniques will empower employees to solve problems with collaboration efficiently, which in turn contributes to productivity and morale.
In this blog we will explore 15 problem-solving strategies that are practical and will assist employees and teams in being more productive, making better decisions, and confidently tackling challenges in the workplace.
Key Takeaways
Understand the importance of structured problem-solving in the workplace.
Learn 15 proven techniques to approach challenges with clarity and confidence.
Apply real-world techniques like the 5 Whys, Pareto Analysis, and SWOT.
Build leadership credibility through confident problem resolution.
Foster a culture of proactive thinking and continuous improvement.
Align employee skill sets with organisational goals using AITD’s tailored training.
Why Problem-Solving Skills Matter in the Workplace?
Problem-solving is the foundation of continuous improvement and innovation. It is the process that helps companies adapt, seize opportunities, and overcome challenges.
Problem-solving serves as a growth enabler for this capability by enhancing workflows, cutting costs, removing bottlenecks, and making better decisions. Basically, problem-solving is the combination of analysis, creative insight, data assessment, and decision-making toward an action.
What Constitutes Effective Problem Solving?
An effective problem-solving session does not jump to the first idea that comes to mind. Sometimes, however, that very approach leads to bad results. Problem-solving should rather be considered a well-structured process—a set of steps that, when logically applied, increase the chances of reaching the number of best possible solutions.
Did You Know?
A survey by Wonderlic found 93% of employers value problem-solving skills when hiring.
The 6-Step Problem-Solving Process
1. Define the Problem
Clarify what really seems to be going wrong. Brainstorm with all stakeholders to distinguish facts from opinions.
2. List All Possible Solutions
Do not evaluate during brainstorming. Mix short- and long-term solutions, and have diverse team members bring fresh ideas to the table.
3. Observe the proposed options.
For instance, analysing the cost involved and the feasibility and whether they meet organisational goals—the last is done with decision matrices for the objectivity of the process.
4. Select the Best-Fit Solution
The solution is selected with preference given to one that addresses the root cause and provides lasting value. Sometimes the best solution is a hybrid of different ideas.
5. Develop an Implementation Plan
Draft the plan for the solution implementation, including timings, owners, and testing plans, as well as the definition for success on a higher level in KPIs.
6. Communicate with clear instructions.
Communicate the what, why, and how of your decision to all relevant teams and buy-in through open and transparent communication.
15 Proven Problem-Solving Approaches for the Workplace
Here are 15 essential techniques for every employee:
1. Clearly Define the Problem
Start with clarity: Gather information, ask questions, and make sure you understand the situation before any conclusions are drawn.
Analogy: Just like in solving a puzzle, one must learn about all the pieces in order to see the whole picture.
2. Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
Go deep—not wide: Treat the cause, not just the symptoms.
Preventing recurrence: treating the main problem means you have ensured your solution lasts.
Analogy: Don’t just mop up the water—find and fix the leaky pipe.
3. Brainstorming
Nurture nonconformity: Your team should come together to generate as wide a range of solutions as possible.
Generate quantity: will help to reach quality.
Analogy: Like hunting for treasure—you need to explore multiple directions to find gold.
4. SWOT Analysis
The SWOT analysis: Analyse through SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) to assess the full picture.
Strategic advantage: use the information to reduce risk and increase success.
Analogy: It’s like journey planning, where all routes should be analysed for pros and cons before choosing one.
5. Five Whys
Ask “Why?” five times: that is how to drill down to the real cause from the repeated questioning of the issue.
Uncover layers that are hidden.
Analogy: Like peeling an onion, once peeled, it produces more insight.
Sakichi Toyoda: “By asking five times ‘why’, one can discover the true nature of problems and their solutions.”
6. Six Thinking Hats
Six different lenses: logic, emotion, caution, optimism, creativity, and control.
Facilitates thinking as a whole for balanced decision-making.
Analogy: Like examining a diamond from all angles to assess its brilliance.
7. Trial and Error
Testing, observing, learning, and repeating: This works best when a solution does not have obvious solutions.
Iterative learning: leads to refinement.
Analogy: It is like putting in puzzle pieces until one fits perfectly.
8. The 80/20 Rule: Pareto Principle
Focus on the 20% of causes that deliver 80% of results.
Maximise impact with minimal effort.
Analogy: do the corners of a puzzle first; these give the structure to the rest.
9. Analogical Thinking
When solving a current problem, use the solution from similar previous problems.
Make an attempt to approach one’s solution in terms of what one already knows.
Analogy: Solving a new riddle by using a previously solved one as a reference.
Did You Know?
Poor problem-solving skills contribute to 70% of failed projects in big organisations & 30% other factors. This includes problems like delayed risk spotting, unclear goals, and not thinking creatively in tough times.
10. Decision Matrix
Allows the evaluation of multiple options by assigning weighting criteria to make the comparison.
Objectivity: improves confidence in decisions.
Analogy: If you want to compare ratings, distance, and price to choose a restaurant.
11. The GROW model
Set a Goal: assess reality, explore options, and determine the will to act.
It provides support in the most popular coaching and development contexts.
Analogy: Like mapping a road trip; knowing where you are, where you are going, and how to reach that destination.
12. SCAMPER Technique
Substitute, combine, adapt, modify, put to another use, eliminate, and rearrange.
This is a creative booster that challenges anyone’s way of thinking.
Analogy: It is the greatest process for innovation and product development.
13. Lateral Thinking
Get out of traditional logical thinking: Think in a non-linear, imaginative way.
Disrupt and redefine assumptions to generate a new idea.
Analogy: Like zig-zagging to find your way through a maze instead of following the old path.
14. Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa)
Visually display the possible causes that can cause a problem.
Identify categories for root causes (people, processes, materials, etc.).
Analogy: Like examining a skeleton of an issue to get to its core.
15. Force Field Analysis
Weigh out forces that drive a decision against those that restrain or act against a decision.
Helps to determine feasibility and preparedness.
Analogy: Like a game of tug-of-war—success comes from increasing your pull or reducing opposition.
Research Insight:
In a survey of 156 CEOs, presidents, and business leaders by The Predictive Index.
37% of CEOs identified “finding the right talent” as their biggest challenge.
28% of CEOs cited both “building better operational processes” and “aligning my employees with our strategy” as major challenges.
Do Your Employees Have The Right Tools For Complex Workplace Problems?
Explore the 15 TechniquesHow AITD Can Help Your Organisation Excel?
Learning different problem-solving techniques is key for employees to do well in their roles. By using both creative and analytical ways, people and teams can identify problems, find new solutions, and make significant changes to face challenges and help their teams succeed.
At the Amity Institute of Training and Development (AITD), mastering problem-solving is not only a skill but a superpower. AITD prides itself on redefining and coaching modern-day professionals and teams in the best techniques for innovative problem-solving and problem-solving coaching models.
Become a Workplace Problem-Solving Hero with AITD
Whether you’re preparing team leads or building problem-solving capacity across departments, AITD’s workshops and customised programs will help you:
Build confident, solution-orientated teams.
Improve critical thinking and decision-making.
Solve problems with structure, speed, and impact.
Empower your team with the tools to succeed. Connect with AITD today and lead with clarity and confidence.
How Do Successful Companies Approach High-Stakes Problem-Solving?
Learn Their Secrets
Namit
Namit Chauhan is a skilled professional with experience in digital marketing, content creation, and business administration. He holds an MBA in IT & Finance from Amity University and a BBA in International Business. He has demonstrated abilities in developing and executing marketing campaigns, creating engaging content, and contributing to organisational goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to commonly asked questions about Amity.
What is problem-solving?
Problem-solving refers to the process of defining a problem, determining its cause, generating and evaluating potential solutions, and implementing the best course of action. It requires critical thinking, creativity, and decision-making.
Why are problem-solving skills important for employees?
Problem-solving skills are required across industries. The more critically and creatively the employees think, the more efficiently they will find and solve problems, which saves much time and resources for the organisation. Those skills are also very helpful in team and organisation growth.
How can problem-solving skills benefit the workplace?
Strong problem-solving skills are key for employees to take on bigger roles. This is because they show they can think critically and make good decisions. They bring solutions to the organisation.
How can employees try to learn about problem-solving techniques?
AITD has bespoke programs for training employees in hundreds of problem-solving techniques and programming. Keep up with AITD to get the resources and knowledge to be a problem-solving hero at work.
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