How to become a problem solver

Problem solving and decision making are non-negotiable in the work environment. It does not matter which niche you are in, how many clients you have, or what your turnover is. You will need to solve problems. Whether they are your own internal hurdles or the complex challenges your clients pay you to handle, your ability to fix things determines your value.

If you want to move from being a task taker to a strategic partner, you need to sharpen this skill. If you are currently enrolled in the VA Momentum Course, you will know that efficiency is built on effective resolution. Here is how you become a better problem solver.

1. Gain clarity on the problem

The first step is to get clear on exactly what the issue is. It is far too easy to let a single setback snowball into a global crisis. Stop saying I will never understand this or I always run into problems. Narrow it down. Are you dealing with the root cause, or are you just firefighting the side effects?

2. Does it actually need solving?

Some issues are only problems because we perceive them that way. Procrastination is a classic example. If you find that a looming deadline is exactly what gives you the motivation to produce your best work, and you always deliver on time, is it a problem or just your process? Stop wasting time fixing things that are not actually broken.

3. Keep an open mind

Sit down and brainstorm every possible solution without over-thinking them. Do not cross-examine your ideas immediately. Once you have a list, you can then look at the details to see which options are actually feasible and cost effective.

4. Have reasonable expectations

You must be realistic. There will always be constraints, whether that is a lack of budget, limited hours, or a gap in your current skill set. Acknowledge these limitations early. If your ideal solution is out of reach, find an agreeable middle ground that keeps the wheels turning.

5. Plan the implementation

Do not rush in blindly. Take the time to plan how you will roll out your solution. A good problem solver looks for potential secondary problems that might arise from the fix itself. Anticipate the fallout before you start.

6. Act on it

Planning and brainstorming are useless without execution. You can tweak and refine for weeks, but eventually, you have to get started. Great problem solvers know when the talking has to stop and the action has to begin.

7. You do not have to be right

Drop the ego. You do not have to be the one with the right answer; you just need a solution that works. It does not matter where the idea came from or who gets the credit. If it solves the problem for you or your client, it is the right result.

The Problem Solver Checklist

Use this checklist the next time you face a hurdle to ensure you are thinking like a business owner, not a hobbyist.

• Identify the core: Have I stripped away the drama to find the actual root cause?

• Validate the need: Will solving this actually improve my business or my client’s results?

• Brainstorm freely: Have I listed at least three ways to fix this without judging them yet?

• Check constraints: Is my chosen solution realistic given my current budget and time?

• Risk assessment: What is the worst thing that could happen if I implement this fix?

• Set a deadline: When will I stop planning and start doing?

• Release the ego: Am I choosing this path because it is right, or because it was my idea?

Do you consider yourself a good problem solver? What steps do you take when a project hits a snag? Share your experiences in the comments below.