How to Solve Complex Problems

The demand for professionals with the ability to solve complex problems is growing, as technology rapidly transforms a wide range of professional areas, and society in general. Luckily, plenty of mechanisms, including an online diagram tool, are available to help you complete your tasks.

Some skills are of constant concern for professionals across multiple areas. A lot of energy is directed towards expanding technical and specific knowledge according to held or desired positions, but some expertise is fundamental and widely sought after in the job market regardless of position or area of ​​activity.

The ability to solve complex problems is one of the most valued and sought-after skills by companies in the current market. It is one of the famous soft skills and competencies related to interpersonal aspects which are increasingly valued by hiring companies.

Anyone looking to prepare for both the current market and future developments needs to strengthen the ability to deal with uncertain scenarios, and adapt to changes.

Why does the market value solving complex problems?

This skill goes far beyond making decisions regarding simple day-to-day obstacles at work. It involves the ability to create solutions outside traditional methods, and unite well-defined processes to resolve issues that are not always particularly well-defined.

Solving highly complex problems means being able to analyze the issues in question clearly and objectively, like a diagnosis, and step away to think about them rationally, presenting new perspectives to solve them in a creative way.

It is no wonder that companies seek to form teams with people who have this ability, as they demonstrate a combination of creativity and strategic thinking in action: the perfect union of emotional and cognitive intelligence.

This skill allows professionals to stand out from the competition, improve processes and even develop products and services that meet the new demands of the public.

What are the key skills for solving complex problems?

While hard skills are usually learned through study and training, soft skills are linked to our experiences in general, whether professional or personal.

In the case of solving complex problems, depending on the model you use and the stage you are at in the process, one skill or another will be more important than the others.

How to develop this soft skill?

Solving complex problems involves using methods and strategies to seek solutions that are different from traditional ones. After all, what was valid in the past to deal with a situation may not fit today.

With the skill increasing in the job market, developing it is an important step for anyone who wants to grow in the professional field. That is why you need to prioritize the development of personal skills like this one. Below, you can find some tips that will help you to achieve your goal.

First, keep up the habit of learning – not only knowledge linked to your role or position, but also in other areas.

Try to include practices in your routine that stimulate creativity. Some companies offer training aimed at the development and training of this skill with practical application to the problems encountered in the market.

Get out of your comfort zone, and be persistent. Many people end up not exposing themselves to certain situations for fear of not doing well in more difficult jobs. Try to see this as an opportunity to develop critical and analytical thinking, expose your ideas and, in this way, improve this soft skill.

Try to work as a team

Working as a team is also helpful, and the collaborative input of others could make all the difference. The ideal is to bring together people from different areas and even different age groups, experiences and life stories.

Doing so should lead to a richer discussion, which stimulates creativity and promotes the exchange of knowledge and points of view – which is valuable, even for distinct problems which you need to solve at another time. 

However, for collaborations to work, you need to know how to listen to people and be flexible enough to accept ideas that are different from your own.

Sharing ideas is also an important exercise for developing this soft skill. Do not be afraid to share your thoughts with the team. Often, professionals are embarrassed to say something meaningless, but it may be just what is required for someone else to have the insight that resolves a complex problem.

Other tips for improving your skill 

First, try to understand the problem and analyze the causes of the unwanted situation. Many difficulties remain unsolved because they have not received enough attention. Once you identify the true nature of the problem, the right solution should follow soon after.

Ask yourself the most basic questions about the problem, and take the time to think about it with your team before trying to solve it.

Next, devise a range of interventions to achieve your end goal and get to the relevant points of the process. This can clarify a lot about the problem that you are trying to solve, and help to improve your skill.

Try to visualize the problem and weigh up the best solutions. Creating an image of the process can be a good idea, depending on the problem – draw a simple diagram without worrying about technical conventions to help you bring to mind the most complex problems in any area.

Implement a plan, think effectively and consider how resources can best be used to help the process. Finally, carry out an analysis to gain a better understanding of the problem being solved and developing a solution.

Developing the ability to solve complex problems can turn you into the talent that the market is looking for, regardless of your area. The world has changed, and focusing on how to find the best answers to deal with changing scenarios has become essential.

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