TD Magazine Article
Member Benefit
5 Steps to Independent Problem Solving
Content
Relying on other people to fix your problems won’t promote your growth. So, learn to strengthen your problem-solving skills.
Relying on other people to fix your problems won’t promote your growth. So, learn to strengthen your problem-solving skills.
Tue Jun 01 2021
Content
Relying on other people to fix your problems won't promote your growth. So, learn to strengthen your problem-solving skills.
Relying on other people to fix your problems won't promote your growth. So, learn to strengthen your problem-solving skills.
Content
1. Define the real issue.
1. Define the real issue.
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When confronted with a problem, identify its root cause for a more complete picture of the issue—often there's more to it than what meets the eye.
When confronted with a problem, identify its root cause for a more complete picture of the issue—often there's more to it than what meets the eye.
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2. List all possible solutions.
2. List all possible solutions.
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When brainstorming solutions, list the pros and cons of each idea. Then use your list to identify the most feasible fixes.
When brainstorming solutions, list the pros and cons of each idea. Then use your list to identify the most feasible fixes.
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3. Get feedback on your top fixes.
3. Get feedback on your top fixes.
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Talk with an experienced co-worker about the solutions you are weighing—they can help you envision your ideas' good and bad outcomes and share additional insight.
Talk with an experienced co-worker about the solutions you are weighing—they can help you envision your ideas' good and bad outcomes and share additional insight.
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4. Tell your manager what solution you are favoring.
4. Tell your manager what solution you are favoring.
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If you lack complete confidence in your solution, discuss your thought process with your supervisor and ask whether your proposed fix is a good one.
If you lack complete confidence in your solution, discuss your thought process with your supervisor and ask whether your proposed fix is a good one.
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5. Fix the problem first, then report the results.
5. Fix the problem first, then report the results.
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Conversely, if you feel confident in your proposed fix, resolve the issue and then share the results with your manager during your standing meeting.
Conversely, if you feel confident in your proposed fix, resolve the issue and then share the results with your manager during your standing meeting.
