CREATIVE
THINKING
How to Develop
Great Ideas

PROBLEM SOLVING:
BASIC SKILLS

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Understand what we mean by a
problem.
2. Recognize some types of problems.
3. Identify the process of the problem.

1. What do we mean by a 'problem'?
2. Types of Problems
3. The problem solving process
Chapter Contents

5.1 What do we mean by
a 'problem'?
In terms of critical thinking skills, a problem is
defined as a question or situation that calls for a
solution. That means when you are faced with a
problem, you must take action or make decisions that
will lead to resolution of that problem. Using this
definition, problems that occur in the form of a
question are typically those that do not have one
straightforward answer. you might be asked, “Why
are you voting for candidate X instead of candidate
Y?

 How do you go about defining the real problem?
There are a few of things to keep in mind.
 Get the information you need, even if you have to
ask for it.
 Don’t be tricked into solving offshoots, or other
consequences, of your problem instead of the
problem itself.
 Do not be overwhelmed when you are faced with
what looks like, a giant problem.

5.2 Types of Problems
Once you recognize that a problem exists, but before
you begin to solve it, you should determine the type of
problem as it relates to a timeframe and your personal
priorities. There are two criteria to use in your
determination: severity and importance.

Severe Problems
These problems may be identified by the following
characteristics:
■ require immediate solutions
■ may call for the involvement of others who have
more expertise than you
■ result in increasingly drastic consequences the
longer they remain unsolved

Important Problems
Problems are viewed as important or unimportant
in relation to one another, and according to
personal priorities. When you are faced with a
number of problems, you must evaluate them in
terms of priority so that you are not dealing with
minor issues first, and leaving the more important
ones to go unattended until the last minute.
Prioritizing means looking at each problem or
issue, and ranking it in terms of importance.

5.3 The problem solving process
In order to effectively manage and run a
successful organization, leadership must guide
their employees and develop problem-solving
techniques. Finding a suitable solution for issues
can be accomplished by following the basic
four-step problem-solving process and
methodology outlined below.

1. Define the problem
 Differentiate fact from opinion
 Specify underlying causes
 Consult each faction involved for information
 State the problem specifically
 Identify what standard or expectation is violated
 Determine in which process the problem lies
 Avoid trying to solve the problem without data

2. Generate alternative solutions
 Postpone evaluating alternatives initially
 Include all involved individuals in the
generating of alternatives
 Specify alternatives consistent with
organizational goals
 Specify short- and long-term alternatives
 Brainstorm on others' ideas
 Seek alternatives that may solve the problem

3. Evaluate and select an
alternative
 Evaluate alternatives relative to a target
standard
 Evaluate all alternatives without bias
 Evaluate alternatives relative to established
goals
 Evaluate both proven and possible outcomes
 State the selected alternative explicitly

4. Implement and follow up on the
solution
 Plan and implement a pilot test of the chosen
alternative
 Gather feedback from all affected parties
 Seek acceptance or consensus by all those
affected
 Establish ongoing measures and monitoring
 Evaluate long-term results based on final
solution