In the workforce, when you get down to the truth of the matter, we are paid to solve problems.
Yet, why is is that there is often no specific training provided to workers on the "methodology" of Problem Solving?
Here's a simple, straightforward approach that works in most cases...
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When you encounter a problem, there are four basic steps involved in getting an answer or solution.
They are:
1. Find out what you already know
a. Look at the problem.
b. Have you ever had a similar problem before?
c. If so, how is this problem similar and how is it different?
d. What facts do you have?
e. What do you know that is stated in the problem?
2. Choose a strategy
a. How have you solved a similar problem in the past?
b. What strategies do you know?
c. Try a strategy that seems as if it will work.
d. If it doesn’t work, it may lead you to another that will work.
3. Solve the problem
4. Reflect
a. Reread the question.
b. Did you answer the question that was asked?
c. Is your answer reasonable?
d. If it is a math problem, is your answer in the right units?
e. Check your work if possible.
f. Is there another answer that seems more reasonable than the one you got?
g. If so, be sure you can rule out the other answer.
