Problem solving & critical thinking

Problem solving and critical thinking refers to the ability to use knowledge, facts, and data to effectively solve problems. This doesn’t mean you need to have an immediate answer, it means you have to be able to think on your feet, assess problems and find solutions.

It refers to the ability to analyze information objectively and make a reasoned judgment. ... Good critical thinkers can draw reasonable conclusions from a set of information and discriminate between useful and less useful details to solve a problem or make a decision.

“‘If I had an hour to solve a problem and my life depended on the solution, I would spend the first 55 minutes determining the proper question to ask, for once I know the proper question, I could solve the problem in less than five minutes.’ — Albert Einstein”

Everyone experiences problems from time to time. Some of our problems are big and complicated, while

others may be more easily solved. There is no shortage of challenges and issues that can arise on the job.

Whether in an office or on a construction site, experiencing difficulties with the tasks at hand or with co-

workers, the workplace presents ongoing challenges on a daily basis. Whether these problems are large or

small, they need to be dealt with constructively and fairly. Having the necessary skills to identify solutions to

problems is one of the skills that employers look for in employees.

Employers say they need a workforce

fully equipped with skills beyond the

basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic

to grow their businesses. These skills

include critical thinking and problem

solving, according to a 2010 Critical

Skills Survey by the American

Management Association and others.

Problem solving and critical thinking refers to the ability to use

knowledge, facts, and data to effectively solve problems. This

doesn’t mean you need to have an immediate answer, it means

you have to be able to think on your feet, assess problems and

find solutions. The ability to develop a well thought out solution

within a reasonable time frame, however, is a skill that

employers value greatly.

Employers want employees who can work through problems on their own or as an effective member of a

team. Ideal employees can think critically and creatively, share thoughts and opinions, use good judgment,

and make decisions. As a new employee, you may question why an organization follows certain steps to

complete a task. It may seem to you that one of the steps could be eliminated saving time, effort, and

money. But you may be hesitant to voice your opinion. Don’t be; employers are usually appreciative when

new employees are able to offer insight and fresh perspective into better and more efficient ways of doing

things. It is important to remember, however, that as someone new to the organization, you may not always

have the full picture, and thus there may be factors you are unaware of that dictate that things be done in a

particular way. Another important thing to remember is that when you are tasked with solving a problem, you

don’t always need to answer immediately.

The activities in this section focus on learning how to solve problems in a variety of ways in the workplace.

Participants will hear about how to properly tell the difference among criticism, praise, and feedback and

reacting appropriately. The section will also review strategies for making ethical decisions, solving problems

on a team with others, and learning how to take into account others’ perceptions when assessing actions or

statements in the workplace.

A note to facilitators: Building self-determination skills, such as goal setting, decision-making, self-

advocacy, and problem solving should be included in career planning for all youth. Youth with disabilities

and/or other (perceived) barriers to employment and/or disconnected youth will tend to have a resiliency

not always experienced by their same aged peers – and not always easily seen or understood by themselves

or by adults. You are encouraged to use the activities in this section to help young people explore how the

obstacles they (or those they know) may face in life can pose an opportunity for developing and

demonstrating maturity, responsibility, and wisdom. Providing young people with safe opportunities to

explore how their personal resiliency can be used to develop enhanced problem solving and conflict

resolutions skills is a opportunity many adults may shy away from, but one that may ultimately be a gift.

By.Maryam Abid