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The SkillsYouNeed Guide to Interpersonal Skills

Making decisions and solving problems are two key areas in life, whether you are at home or at work. Whatever you’re doing, and wherever you are, you are faced with countless decisions and problems, both small and large, every day.

Many decisions and problems are so small that we may not even notice them. Even small decisions, however, can be overwhelming to some people. They may come to a halt as they consider their dilemma and try to decide what to do.

Small and Large Decisions

In your day-to-day life you're likely to encounter numerous 'small decisions', including, for example:

Tea or coffee?

What shall I have in my sandwich? Or should I have a salad instead today?

What shall I wear today?

Larger decisions may occur less frequently but may include:

Should we repaint the kitchen? If so, what colour?

Should we relocate?

Should I propose to my partner? Do I really want to spend the rest of my life with him/her?

These decisions, and others like them, may take considerable time and effort to make.

The relationship between decision-making and problem-solving is complex. Decision-making is perhaps best thought of as a key part of problem-solving: one part of the overall process.

Our approach at Skills You Need is to set out a framework to help guide you through the decision-making process. You won’t always need to use the whole framework, or even use it at all, but you may find it useful if you are a bit ‘stuck’ and need something to help you make a difficult decision.

Decision Making

Effective Decision-Making

This page provides information about ways of making a decision, including basing it on logic or emotion (‘gut feeling’). It also explains what can stop you making an effective decision, including too much or too little information, and not really caring about the outcome.

A Decision-Making Framework

This page sets out one possible framework for decision-making.

The framework described is quite extensive, and may seem quite formal. But it is also a helpful process to run through in a briefer form, for smaller problems, as it will help you to make sure that you really do have all the information that you need.

Problem Solving

Introduction to Problem-Solving

This page provides a general introduction to the idea of problem-solving. It explores the idea of goals (things that you want to achieve) and barriers (things that may prevent you from achieving your goals), and explains the problem-solving process at a broad level.

The first stage in solving any problem is to identify it, and then break it down into its component parts. Even the biggest, most intractable-seeming problems, can become much more manageable if they are broken down into smaller parts. This page provides some advice about techniques you can use to do so.

Sometimes, the possible options to address your problem are obvious. At other times, you may need to involve others, or think more laterally to find alternatives. This page explains some principles, and some tools and techniques to help you do so.

Having generated solutions, you need to decide which one to take, which is where decision-making meets problem-solving. But once decided, there is another step: to deliver on your decision, and then see if your chosen solution works. This page helps you through this process.

‘Social’ problems are those that we encounter in everyday life, including money trouble, problems with other people, health problems and crime. These problems, like any others, are best solved using a framework to identify the problem, work out the options for addressing it, and then deciding which option to use.

This page provides more information about the key skills needed for practical problem-solving in real life.

Further Reading from Skills You Need

The Skills You Need Guide to Interpersonal Skills eBooks.

Develop your interpersonal skills with our series of eBooks. Learn about and improve your communication skills, tackle conflict resolution, mediate in difficult situations, and develop your emotional intelligence.

Guiding you through the key skills needed in life

As always at Skills You Need, our approach to these key skills is to provide practical ways to manage the process, and to develop your skills.

Neither problem-solving nor decision-making is an intrinsically difficult process and we hope you will find our pages useful in developing your skills.

Start with: Decision Making Problem Solving

See also: Improving Communication Interpersonal Communication Skills Building Confidence

Problem Solving and Decision Making - Two Essential Skills of a Good Leader

Problem solving and decision making are two fascinating skillsets. We call them out as two separate skills – and they are – but they also make use of the same core attributes.

They feed on a need to communicate well, both through questioning and listening, and be patient and not rushing both processes through. Thus, the greatest challenge any leader faces when it comes to solving problems and decision making is when the pressure of time comes into play. But as Robert Schuller highlights in his quote, allowing problem-solving to become the decision means you’ll never break free from the problem.

“Never bring the problem-solving stage into the decision-making stage. Otherwise, you surrender yourself to the problem rather than the solution.”—Robert H. Schuller

So how does a leader avoid this trap? How do they ensure the problem solving doesn’t become the be-all and end-all?

The 7 steps of Effective Problem Solving and Decision Making

A vital hurdle every leader must overcome is to avoid the impulsive urge to make quick decisions . Often when confronted with a problem, leaders or managers fall back in past behaviours. Urgency creates pressure to act quickly as a result, the problem still exists, just side-lined until it rears its ugly head again.

Good problem solving opens opportunity. A notable example of this is the first principles thinking executed by the likes of Elon Musk and others. Understanding the fundamentals blocks of a process and the problem it’s creating can lead to not just the problem but accelerate beyond it.

So, to avoid the trap, and use problem solving and decision making effectively , you should embody yourself with the following seven steps.

1.      What is the problem?

Often, especially in time-critical situations, people don’t define the problem. Some label themselves as fire-fighters, just content with dowsing out the flames. It is a reactionary behaviour and one commonplace with under-trained leaders. As great as some fire-fighters are, they can only put out so many fires at one time, often becoming a little industry.

The better approach is to define the problem, and this means asking the following questions:

• What is happening? ( What makes you think there is a problem?)
• Where is it taking place?
• How is it happening?
• When is it happening?
• Why is it happening?
• With whom is it happening? (This isn’t a blame game…all you want to do is isolate the problem to a granular level.)
• Define what you understand to be the problem in writing by using as few sentences as possible. (Look at the answers to your what, where, why, when, and how questions.)

2.      What are the potential causes?

Having defined the problem it is now time to find out what might be causing the problem. Your leadership skills: your communication skills need to be strong, as you look to gather input from your team and those involved in the problem.

Key points:

• Talk to those involved individually. Groupthink is a common cause of blindness to the problem, especially if there is blame culture within the business.
• Document what you’ve heard and what you think is the root cause is.
• Be inquisitive. You don’t know what you don’t know, so get the input of others and open yourself up to the feedback you’ll need to solve this problem.

3.      What other ways can you overcome the problem?

 Sometimes, getting to the root cause can take time. Of course, you can’t ignore it, but it is important to produce a plan to temporarily fix the problem. In business, a problem will be costing the business money, whether it be sales or profit. So, a temporary fix allows the business to move forward, providing it neutralises the downside of the original problem.

4.      How will you resolve the problem?

At this stage, you still don’t know what the actual problem is. All you have is a definition of the problem which is a diagnosis of the issue. You will have the team’s input, as well as your opinions as to what the next steps should be.

If you don’t, then at this stage you should think about reassessing the problem. One way forward could be to become more granular and adopt a first-principles approach.

• Break the problem down into its core parts
• What forms the foundational blocks of the system in operation?
• Ask powerful questions to get to the truth of the problem
• How do the parts fit together?
• What was the original purpose of the system working in this way?
• Name and separate your assumptions from the facts
• Remind yourself of the goal and create a new solution

Solve hard problems with inversion

Another way is to invert the problem using the following technique:

1. Understand the problem

Every solution starts with developing a clear understanding of what the problem is. In this instance, some clarity of the issue is vital.

2. Ask the opposite question

Convention wisdom means we see the world logically. But what if you turned the logical outcome on its head. Asking the opposite questions brings an unfamiliar perspective.

3. Answer the opposite question

It seems a simple logic, but you can’t just ask the opposite question and not answer it. You must think through the dynamics that come from asking the question. You're looking for alternative viewpoints and thoughts you've not had before.

4. Join your answers up with your original problem

This is where solutions are born. You’re taking your conventional wisdom and aligning it with the opposite perspective. So often the blockers seen in the original problem become part of the solution.

5.      Define a plan to either fix the problem permanently or temporarily

You now know the problem. You understand the fix, and you are a position to assess the risks involved.

Assessing the risks means considering the worst-case scenarios and ensuring you avoid them. Your plan should take into the following points:

• Is there any downtime to implementing the solution? If so, how long, and how much will it cost? Do you have backup systems in place to minimise the impact?
• If the risk is too great, consider a temporary fix which keeps current operations in place and gives you time to further prepare for a permanent fix.
• Document the plan and share it with all the relevant stakeholders. Communication is key.

Here we see the two skills of problem solving and decision making coming together. The two skills are vital to managing business risks as well as solving the problem.

6.      Monitor and measure the plan

Having evolved through the five steps to this stage, you mustn’t take your eye off the ball as it were.

• Define timelines and assess progress
• Report to the stakeholders, ensuring everyone is aware of progress or any delays.
• If the plan doesn’t deliver, ask why? Learn from failure.

7.      Have you fixed the problem?

Don’t forget the problem you started with. Have you fixed it? You might find it wasn’t a problem at all. You will have learnt a lot about the part of the business where the problem occurred, and improvements will have taken place.

Use the opportunity to assess what worked, what didn’t, and what would have helped. These are three good questions to give you some perspective on the process you’ve undertaken.

Problem solving and decision making in unison

Throughout the process of problem solving, you’re making decisions. Right from the beginning when the problem first becomes clear, you have a choice to either react – firefight or to investigate. This progresses as move onto risk assessing the problem and then defining the solutions to overcome the issue.

Throughout the process, the critical element is to make decisions with the correct information to hand. Finding out the facts, as well as defeating your assumptions are all part of the process of making the right decision.

Problem solving and decision making – a process 

Problem solving isn’t easy. It becomes even more challenging when you have decisions to make. The seven steps I’ve outlined will give you the ability to investigate and diagnose the problem correctly.

• What is the problem?
• What are the potential causes?
• What other ways can you overcome the problem?
• How will you resolve the problem?
• Define a plan to either fix the problem permanently or temporarily.
• Monitor and measure the plan.
• Have you fixed the problem?

Of course, this logical step by step process might not enable you to diagnose the issue at hand. Some problems can be extremely hard, and an alternative approach might help. In this instance, first principles thinking or using the power of inversion are excellent ways to dig into hard problems. Problem solving and decision making are two skills every good leader needs. Using them together is an effective way to work.

Decision Growth Made Easy

Related articles.

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How Thinking in Patterns Will Make You Think Better

Fact-Based Decision Making: The Key to Making Progress as a Creator

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This is how effective teams navigate the decision-making process

Zero Magic 8 Balls required.

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Flipping a coin. Throwing a dart at a board. Pulling a slip of paper out of a hat.

Sure, they’re all ways to make a choice. But they all hinge on random chance rather than analysis, reflection, and strategy — you know, the things you actually need to make the big, meaty decisions that have major impacts.

So, set down that Magic 8 Ball and back away slowly. Let’s walk through the standard framework for decision-making that will help you and your team pinpoint the problem, consider your options, and make your most informed selection. Here’s a closer look at each of the seven steps of the decision-making process, and how to approach each one. 

Step 1: Identify the decision

Most of us are eager to tie on our superhero capes and jump into problem-solving mode — especially if our team is depending on a solution. But you can’t solve a problem until you have a full grasp on what it actually is .

This first step focuses on getting the lay of the land when it comes to your decision. What specific problem are you trying to solve? What goal are you trying to achieve? 

How to do it: 

• Use the 5 whys analysis to go beyond surface-level symptoms and understand the root cause of a problem.
• Try problem framing to dig deep on the ins and outs of whatever problem your team is fixing. The point is to define the problem, not solve it. 

⚠️ Watch out for: Decision fatigue , which is the tendency to make worse decisions as a result of needing to make too many of them. Making choices is mentally taxing , which is why it’s helpful to pinpoint one decision at a time. 

2. Gather information

Your team probably has a few hunches and best guesses, but those can lead to knee-jerk reactions. Take care to invest adequate time and research into your decision.

This step is when you build your case, so to speak. Collect relevant information — that could be data, customer stories, information about past projects, feedback, or whatever else seems pertinent. You’ll use that to make decisions that are informed, rather than impulsive.

• Host a team mindmapping session to freely explore ideas and make connections between them. It can help you identify what information will best support the process.
• Create a project poster to define your goals and also determine what information you already know and what you still need to find out. 

⚠️ Watch out for: Information bias , or the tendency to seek out information even if it won’t impact your action. We have the tendency to think more information is always better, but pulling together a bunch of facts and insights that aren’t applicable may cloud your judgment rather than offer clarity. 

3. Identify alternatives

Use divergent thinking to generate fresh ideas in your next brainstorm

Blame the popularity of the coin toss, but making a decision often feels like choosing between only two options. Do you want heads or tails? Door number one or door number two? In reality, your options aren’t usually so cut and dried. Take advantage of this opportunity to get creative and brainstorm all sorts of routes or solutions. There’s no need to box yourselves in. 

• Use the Six Thinking Hats technique to explore the problem or goal from all sides: information, emotions and instinct, risks, benefits, and creativity. It can help you and your team break away from your typical roles or mindsets and think more freely.
• Try brainwriting so team members can write down their ideas independently before sharing with the group. Research shows that this quiet, lone thinking time can boost psychological safety and generate more creative suggestions .

⚠️ Watch out for: Groupthink , which is the tendency of a group to make non-optimal decisions in the interest of conformity. People don’t want to rock the boat, so they don’t speak up. 

4. Consider the evidence

Armed with your list of alternatives, it’s time to take a closer look and determine which ones could be worth pursuing. You and your team should ask questions like “How will this solution address the problem or achieve the goal?” and “What are the pros and cons of this option?” 

Be honest with your answers (and back them up with the information you already collected when you can). Remind the team that this isn’t about advocating for their own suggestions to “win” — it’s about whittling your options down to the best decision. 

How to do it:

• Use a SWOT analysis to dig into the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the options you’re seriously considering.
• Run a project trade-off analysis to understand what constraints (such as time, scope, or cost) the team is most willing to compromise on if needed. 

⚠️ Watch out for: Extinction by instinct , which is the urge to make a decision just to get it over with. You didn’t come this far to settle for a “good enough” option! 

5. Choose among the alternatives

This is it — it’s the big moment when you and the team actually make the decision. You’ve identified all possible options, considered the supporting evidence, and are ready to choose how you’ll move forward.

However, bear in mind that there’s still a surprising amount of room for flexibility here. Maybe you’ll modify an alternative or combine a few suggested solutions together to land on the best fit for your problem and your team. 

• Use the DACI framework (that stands for “driver, approver, contributor, informed”) to understand who ultimately has the final say in decisions. The decision-making process can be collaborative, but eventually someone needs to be empowered to make the final call.
• Try a simple voting method for decisions that are more democratized. You’ll simply tally your team’s votes and go with the majority. 

⚠️ Watch out for: Analysis paralysis , which is when you overthink something to such a great degree that you feel overwhelmed and freeze when it’s time to actually make a choice. 

6. Take action

Making a big decision takes a hefty amount of work, but it’s only the first part of the process — now you need to actually implement it. 

It’s tempting to think that decisions will work themselves out once they’re made. But particularly in a team setting, it’s crucial to invest just as much thought and planning into communicating the decision and successfully rolling it out. 

• Create a stakeholder communications plan to determine how you’ll keep various people — direct team members, company leaders, customers, or whoever else has an active interest in your decision — in the loop on your progress.
• Define the goals, signals, and measures of your decision so you’ll have an easier time aligning the team around the next steps and determining whether or not they’re successful. 

⚠️Watch out for: Self-doubt, or the tendency to question whether or not you’re making the right move. While we’re hardwired for doubt , now isn’t the time to be a skeptic about your decision. You and the team have done the work, so trust the process. 

7. Review your decision

9 retrospective techniques that won’t bore your team to tears.

As the decision itself starts to shake out, it’s time to take a look in the rearview mirror and reflect on how things went.

Did your decision work out the way you and the team hoped? What happened? Examine both the good and the bad. What should you keep in mind if and when you need to make this sort of decision again? 

• Do a 4 L’s retrospective to talk through what you and the team loved, loathed, learned, and longed for as a result of that decision.
• Celebrate any wins (yes, even the small ones ) related to that decision. It gives morale a good kick in the pants and can also help make future decisions feel a little less intimidating.

⚠️ Watch out for: Hindsight bias , or the tendency to look back on events with the knowledge you have now and beat yourself up for not knowing better at the time. Even with careful thought and planning, some decisions don’t work out — but you can only operate with the information you have at the time. 

Making smart decisions about the decision-making process

You’re probably picking up on the fact that the decision-making process is fairly comprehensive. And the truth is that the model is likely overkill for the small and inconsequential decisions you or your team members need to make.

Deciding whether you should order tacos or sandwiches for your team offsite doesn’t warrant this much discussion and elbow grease. But figuring out which major project to prioritize next? That requires some careful and collaborative thought. 

It all comes back to the concept of satisficing versus maximizing , which are two different perspectives on decision making. Here’s the gist:

• Maximizers aim to get the very best out of every single decision.
• Satisficers are willing to settle for “good enough” rather than obsessing over achieving the best outcome.

One of those isn’t necessarily better than the other — and, in fact, they both have their time and place.

A major decision with far-reaching impacts deserves some fixation and perfectionism. However, hemming and hawing over trivial choices ( “Should we start our team meeting with casual small talk or a structured icebreaker?” ) will only cause added stress, frustration, and slowdowns. 

As with anything else, it’s worth thinking about the potential impacts to determine just how much deliberation and precision a decision actually requires. 

Decision-making is one of those things that’s part art and part science. You’ll likely have some gut feelings and instincts that are worth taking into account. But those should also be complemented with plenty of evidence, evaluation, and collaboration.

The decision-making process is a framework that helps you strike that balance. Follow the seven steps and you and your team can feel confident in the decisions you make — while leaving the darts and coins where they belong.

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In This Article Expand or collapse the "in this article" section Problem Solving and Decision Making

Introduction.

• General Approaches to Problem Solving
• Representational Accounts
• Problem Space and Search
• Working Memory and Problem Solving
• Domain-Specific Problem Solving
• The Rational Approach
• Prospect Theory
• Dual-Process Theory
• Cognitive Heuristics and Biases

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Problem Solving and Decision Making by Emily G. Nielsen , John Paul Minda LAST MODIFIED: 26 June 2019 DOI: 10.1093/obo/9780199828340-0246

Problem solving and decision making are both examples of complex, higher-order thinking. Both involve the assessment of the environment, the involvement of working memory or short-term memory, reliance on long term memory, effects of knowledge, and the application of heuristics to complete a behavior. A problem can be defined as an impasse or gap between a current state and a desired goal state. Problem solving is the set of cognitive operations that a person engages in to change the current state, to go beyond the impasse, and achieve a desired outcome. Problem solving involves the mental representation of the problem state and the manipulation of this representation in order to move closer to the goal. Problems can vary in complexity, abstraction, and how well defined (or not) the initial state and the goal state are. Research has generally approached problem solving by examining the behaviors and cognitive processes involved, and some work has examined problem solving using computational processes as well. Decision making is the process of selecting and choosing one action or behavior out of several alternatives. Like problem solving, decision making involves the coordination of memories and executive resources. Research on decision making has paid particular attention to the cognitive biases that account for suboptimal decisions and decisions that deviate from rationality. The current bibliography first outlines some general resources on the psychology of problem solving and decision making before examining each of these topics in detail. Specifically, this review covers cognitive, neuroscientific, and computational approaches to problem solving, as well as decision making models and cognitive heuristics and biases.

General Overviews

Current research in the area of problem solving and decision making is published in both general and specialized scientific journals. Theoretical and scholarly work is often summarized and developed in full-length books and chapter. These may focus on the subfields of problem solving and decision making or the larger field of thinking and higher-order cognition.

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Critical Thinking and Decision-Making  - What is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking and decision-making  -, what is critical thinking, critical thinking and decision-making what is critical thinking.

Critical Thinking and Decision-Making: What is Critical Thinking?

Lesson 1: what is critical thinking, what is critical thinking.

Critical thinking is a term that gets thrown around a lot. You've probably heard it used often throughout the years whether it was in school, at work, or in everyday conversation. But when you stop to think about it, what exactly is critical thinking and how do you do it ?

Watch the video below to learn more about critical thinking.

Simply put, critical thinking is the act of deliberately analyzing information so that you can make better judgements and decisions . It involves using things like logic, reasoning, and creativity, to draw conclusions and generally understand things better.

This may sound like a pretty broad definition, and that's because critical thinking is a broad skill that can be applied to so many different situations. You can use it to prepare for a job interview, manage your time better, make decisions about purchasing things, and so much more.

The process

As humans, we are constantly thinking . It's something we can't turn off. But not all of it is critical thinking. No one thinks critically 100% of the time... that would be pretty exhausting! Instead, it's an intentional process , something that we consciously use when we're presented with difficult problems or important decisions.

Improving your critical thinking

In order to become a better critical thinker, it's important to ask questions when you're presented with a problem or decision, before jumping to any conclusions. You can start with simple ones like What do I currently know? and How do I know this? These can help to give you a better idea of what you're working with and, in some cases, simplify more complex issues.  

Real-world applications

Let's take a look at how we can use critical thinking to evaluate online information . Say a friend of yours posts a news article on social media and you're drawn to its headline. If you were to use your everyday automatic thinking, you might accept it as fact and move on. But if you were thinking critically, you would first analyze the available information and ask some questions :

• What's the source of this article?
• Is the headline potentially misleading?
• What are my friend's general beliefs?
• Do their beliefs inform why they might have shared this?

After analyzing all of this information, you can draw a conclusion about whether or not you think the article is trustworthy.

Critical thinking has a wide range of real-world applications . It can help you to make better decisions, become more hireable, and generally better understand the world around you.

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Overview of the Problem-Solving Mental Process

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Rachel Goldman, PhD FTOS, is a licensed psychologist, clinical assistant professor, speaker, wellness expert specializing in eating behaviors, stress management, and health behavior change.

• Identify the Problem
• Define the Problem
• Form a Strategy
• Organize Information
• Allocate Resources
• Monitor Progress
• Evaluate the Results

Frequently Asked Questions

Problem-solving is a mental process that involves discovering, analyzing, and solving problems. The ultimate goal of problem-solving is to overcome obstacles and find a solution that best resolves the issue.

The best strategy for solving a problem depends largely on the unique situation. In some cases, people are better off learning everything they can about the issue and then using factual knowledge to come up with a solution. In other instances, creativity and insight are the best options.

It is not necessary to follow problem-solving steps sequentially, It is common to skip steps or even go back through steps multiple times until the desired solution is reached.

In order to correctly solve a problem, it is often important to follow a series of steps. Researchers sometimes refer to this as the problem-solving cycle. While this cycle is portrayed sequentially, people rarely follow a rigid series of steps to find a solution.

The following steps include developing strategies and organizing knowledge.

1. Identifying the Problem

While it may seem like an obvious step, identifying the problem is not always as simple as it sounds. In some cases, people might mistakenly identify the wrong source of a problem, which will make attempts to solve it inefficient or even useless.

Some strategies that you might use to figure out the source of a problem include :

• Asking questions about the problem
• Breaking the problem down into smaller pieces
• Looking at the problem from different perspectives
• Conducting research to figure out what relationships exist between different variables

2. Defining the Problem

After the problem has been identified, it is important to fully define the problem so that it can be solved. You can define a problem by operationally defining each aspect of the problem and setting goals for what aspects of the problem you will address

At this point, you should focus on figuring out which aspects of the problems are facts and which are opinions. State the problem clearly and identify the scope of the solution.

3. Forming a Strategy

After the problem has been identified, it is time to start brainstorming potential solutions. This step usually involves generating as many ideas as possible without judging their quality. Once several possibilities have been generated, they can be evaluated and narrowed down.

The next step is to develop a strategy to solve the problem. The approach used will vary depending upon the situation and the individual's unique preferences. Common problem-solving strategies include heuristics and algorithms.

• Heuristics are mental shortcuts that are often based on solutions that have worked in the past. They can work well if the problem is similar to something you have encountered before and are often the best choice if you need a fast solution.
• Algorithms are step-by-step strategies that are guaranteed to produce a correct result. While this approach is great for accuracy, it can also consume time and resources.

Heuristics are often best used when time is of the essence, while algorithms are a better choice when a decision needs to be as accurate as possible.

4. Organizing Information

Before coming up with a solution, you need to first organize the available information. What do you know about the problem? What do you not know? The more information that is available the better prepared you will be to come up with an accurate solution.

When approaching a problem, it is important to make sure that you have all the data you need. Making a decision without adequate information can lead to biased or inaccurate results.

5. Allocating Resources

Of course, we don't always have unlimited money, time, and other resources to solve a problem. Before you begin to solve a problem, you need to determine how high priority it is.

If it is an important problem, it is probably worth allocating more resources to solving it. If, however, it is a fairly unimportant problem, then you do not want to spend too much of your available resources on coming up with a solution.

At this stage, it is important to consider all of the factors that might affect the problem at hand. This includes looking at the available resources, deadlines that need to be met, and any possible risks involved in each solution. After careful evaluation, a decision can be made about which solution to pursue.

6. Monitoring Progress

After selecting a problem-solving strategy, it is time to put the plan into action and see if it works. This step might involve trying out different solutions to see which one is the most effective.

It is also important to monitor the situation after implementing a solution to ensure that the problem has been solved and that no new problems have arisen as a result of the proposed solution.

Effective problem-solvers tend to monitor their progress as they work towards a solution. If they are not making good progress toward reaching their goal, they will reevaluate their approach or look for new strategies .

7. Evaluating the Results

After a solution has been reached, it is important to evaluate the results to determine if it is the best possible solution to the problem. This evaluation might be immediate, such as checking the results of a math problem to ensure the answer is correct, or it can be delayed, such as evaluating the success of a therapy program after several months of treatment.

Once a problem has been solved, it is important to take some time to reflect on the process that was used and evaluate the results. This will help you to improve your problem-solving skills and become more efficient at solving future problems.

A Word From Verywell​

It is important to remember that there are many different problem-solving processes with different steps, and this is just one example. Problem-solving in real-world situations requires a great deal of resourcefulness, flexibility, resilience, and continuous interaction with the environment.

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You can become a better problem solving by:

• Practicing brainstorming and coming up with multiple potential solutions to problems
• Being open-minded and considering all possible options before making a decision
• Breaking down problems into smaller, more manageable pieces
• Asking for help when needed
• Researching different problem-solving techniques and trying out new ones
• Learning from mistakes and using them as opportunities to grow

It's important to communicate openly and honestly with your partner about what's going on. Try to see things from their perspective as well as your own. Work together to find a resolution that works for both of you. Be willing to compromise and accept that there may not be a perfect solution.

Take breaks if things are getting too heated, and come back to the problem when you feel calm and collected. Don't try to fix every problem on your own—consider asking a therapist or counselor for help and insight.

If you've tried everything and there doesn't seem to be a way to fix the problem, you may have to learn to accept it. This can be difficult, but try to focus on the positive aspects of your life and remember that every situation is temporary. Don't dwell on what's going wrong—instead, think about what's going right. Find support by talking to friends or family. Seek professional help if you're having trouble coping.

Davidson JE, Sternberg RJ, editors.  The Psychology of Problem Solving .  Cambridge University Press; 2003. doi:10.1017/CBO9780511615771

Sarathy V. Real world problem-solving .  Front Hum Neurosci . 2018;12:261. Published 2018 Jun 26. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2018.00261

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

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7 important steps in the decision making process

The decision making process is a method of gathering information, assessing alternatives, and making a final choice with the goal of making the best decision possible. In this article, we detail the step-by-step process on how to make a good decision and explain different decision making methodologies.

We make decisions every day. Take the bus to work or call a car? Chocolate or vanilla ice cream? Whole milk or two percent?

There's an entire process that goes into making those tiny decisions, and while these are simple, easy choices, how do we end up making more challenging decisions? 

At work, decisions aren't as simple as choosing what kind of milk you want in your latte in the morning. That’s why understanding the decision making process is so important. 

What is the decision making process?

The decision making process is the method of gathering information, assessing alternatives, and, ultimately, making a final choice. 

Decision-making tools for agile businesses

In this ebook, learn how to equip employees to make better decisions—so your business can pivot, adapt, and tackle challenges more effectively than your competition.

The 7 steps of the decision making process

Step 1: identify the decision that needs to be made.

When you're identifying the decision, ask yourself a few questions: 

What is the problem that needs to be solved?

What is the goal you plan to achieve by implementing this decision?

How will you measure success?

These questions are all common goal setting techniques that will ultimately help you come up with possible solutions. When the problem is clearly defined, you then have more information to come up with the best decision to solve the problem.

Step 2: Gather relevant information

​Gathering information related to the decision being made is an important step to making an informed decision. Does your team have any historical data as it relates to this issue? Has anybody attempted to solve this problem before?

It's also important to look for information outside of your team or company. Effective decision making requires information from many different sources. Find external resources, whether it’s doing market research, working with a consultant, or talking with colleagues at a different company who have relevant experience. Gathering information helps your team identify different solutions to your problem.

Step 3: Identify alternative solutions

This step requires you to look for many different solutions for the problem at hand. Finding more than one possible alternative is important when it comes to business decision-making, because different stakeholders may have different needs depending on their role. For example, if a company is looking for a work management tool, the design team may have different needs than a development team. Choosing only one solution right off the bat might not be the right course of action. 

Step 4: Weigh the evidence

This is when you take all of the different solutions you’ve come up with and analyze how they would address your initial problem. Your team begins identifying the pros and cons of each option, and eliminating alternatives from those choices.

There are a few common ways your team can analyze and weigh the evidence of options:

Pros and cons list

SWOT analysis

Decision matrix

Step 5: Choose among the alternatives

The next step is to make your final decision. Consider all of the information you've collected and how this decision may affect each stakeholder. 

Sometimes the right decision is not one of the alternatives, but a blend of a few different alternatives. Effective decision-making involves creative problem solving and thinking out of the box, so don't limit you or your teams to clear-cut options.

One of the key values at Asana is to reject false tradeoffs. Choosing just one decision can mean losing benefits in others. If you can, try and find options that go beyond just the alternatives presented.

Step 6: Take action

Once the final decision maker gives the green light, it's time to put the solution into action. Take the time to create an implementation plan so that your team is on the same page for next steps. Then it’s time to put your plan into action and monitor progress to determine whether or not this decision was a good one. 

Step 7: Review your decision and its impact (both good and bad)

Once you’ve made a decision, you can monitor the success metrics you outlined in step 1. This is how you determine whether or not this solution meets your team's criteria of success.

Here are a few questions to consider when reviewing your decision:

Did it solve the problem your team identified in step 1? 

Did this decision impact your team in a positive or negative way?

Which stakeholders benefited from this decision? Which stakeholders were impacted negatively?

If this solution was not the best alternative, your team might benefit from using an iterative form of project management. This enables your team to quickly adapt to changes, and make the best decisions with the resources they have. 

Types of decision making models

While most decision making models revolve around the same seven steps, here are a few different methodologies to help you make a good decision.

​Rational decision making models

This type of decision making model is the most common type that you'll see. It's logical and sequential. The seven steps listed above are an example of the rational decision making model. 

When your decision has a big impact on your team and you need to maximize outcomes, this is the type of decision making process you should use. It requires you to consider a wide range of viewpoints with little bias so you can make the best decision possible. 

Intuitive decision making models

This type of decision making model is dictated not by information or data, but by gut instincts. This form of decision making requires previous experience and pattern recognition to form strong instincts.

This type of decision making is often made by decision makers who have a lot of experience with similar kinds of problems. They have already had proven success with the solution they're looking to implement. 

Creative decision making model

The creative decision making model involves collecting information and insights about a problem and coming up with potential ideas for a solution, similar to the rational decision making model. 

The difference here is that instead of identifying the pros and cons of each alternative, the decision maker enters a period in which they try not to actively think about the solution at all. The goal is to have their subconscious take over and lead them to the right decision, similar to the intuitive decision making model. 

This situation is best used in an iterative process so that teams can test their solutions and adapt as things change.

Track key decisions with a work management tool

Tracking key decisions can be challenging when not documented correctly. Learn more about how a work management tool like Asana can help your team track key decisions, collaborate with teammates, and stay on top of progress all in one place.

Related resources

100+ teamwork quotes to motivate and inspire collaboration

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Work schedule types: How to find the right approach for your team

When to use collaboration vs. coordination

• © 2021

Decision Making And Problem Solving

A Practical Guide For Applied Research

• Sachi Nandan Mohanty   ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4939-0797 0

Department of Computer Engineering, College of Engineering Pune, Pune, India

You can also search for this editor in PubMed   Google Scholar

Offers real-life problem solving with case studies

Explores decision making during our current pandemic situation

Explains problem solving through group decision making for Industry 4.0

Discusses decision-making capabilities under the influence of altered mood states

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Table of contents (7 chapters)

Front matter, decision making under uncertainty and problem solving.

• Smriti Pathak, Roshan Lal Dewangan, Sachi Nandan Mohanty

Are Positive People More Flexible in Cognitive Processing? Addressing the Conceptual and Empirical Inconclusiveness

• Papri Nath, Rabindra Kumar Pradhan, Sachi Nandan Mohanty

A Review of Decision Making Using Multiple Criteria

• Mahendra Prasad Nath, Sachi Nandan Mohanty, Sushree Bibhuprada B. Priyadarshini

Mid-Brain Connective for Human Information Processing: A New Strategy for the Science of Optimal Decision Making

• Rashmi M. Shetkar, Sachi Nandan Mohanty

Need of Improving the Emotional Intelligence of Employees in an Organization for Better Outcomes

• R. S. M. Lakshmi Patibandla, V. Lakshman Narayana, Sachi Nandan Mohanty

Slow and Fast Thinking for Problem Solving Under Uncertainty

• Nilay Awasthi, Sachi Nandan Mohanty

Decision Making in Positive and Negative Prospects: Influence of Certainty and Affectivity

• Sachi Nandan Mohanty, Suneeta Satpathy

Back Matter

In Decision Making and Problem Solving: A Practical Guide for Applied Research, the author utilizes traditional approaches, tools, and techniques adopted to solve current day-to-day, real-life problems. The book offers guidance in identifying and applying accurate methods for designing a strategy as well as implementing these strategies in the real world. The book includes realistic case studies and practical approaches that should help readers understand how the decision making occurs and can be applied to problem solving under deep uncertainty. 

• Decision-making
• Problem Solving
• Information Processing

Sachi Nandan Mohanty

Book Title : Decision Making And Problem Solving

Book Subtitle : A Practical Guide For Applied Research

Editors : Sachi Nandan Mohanty

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-66869-3

Publisher : Springer Cham

eBook Packages : Behavioral Science and Psychology , Behavioral Science and Psychology (R0)

Copyright Information : The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021

Hardcover ISBN : 978-3-030-66868-6 Published: 16 March 2021

Softcover ISBN : 978-3-030-66871-6 Published: 17 March 2022

eBook ISBN : 978-3-030-66869-3 Published: 15 March 2021

Edition Number : 1

Number of Pages : XIII, 111

Number of Illustrations : 11 b/w illustrations, 11 illustrations in colour

Topics : Psychology, general , Cognitive Psychology , Emotion , Simulation and Modeling , Psychological Methods/Evaluation

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• Critical Thinking

Decision-making and Problem-solving

Appreciate the complexities involved in decision-making & problem solving.

Develop evidence to support views

Analyze situations carefully

Discuss subjects in an organized way

Predict the consequences of actions

Weigh alternatives

Generate and organize ideas

Form and apply concepts

Design systematic plans of action

A 5-Step Problem-Solving Strategy

Specify the problem – a first step to solving a problem is to identify it as specifically as possible.  It involves evaluating the present state and determining how it differs from the goal state.

Analyze the problem – analyzing the problem involves learning as much as you can about it.  It may be necessary to look beyond the obvious, surface situation, to stretch your imagination and reach for more creative options.

seek other perspectives

be flexible in your analysis

consider various strands of impact

brainstorm about all possibilities and implications

research problems for which you lack complete information. Get help.

Formulate possible solutions – identify a wide range of possible solutions.

try to think of all possible solutions

be creative

consider similar problems and how you have solved them

Evaluate possible solutions – weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each solution.  Think through each solution and consider how, when, and where you could accomplish each.  Consider both immediate and long-term results.  Mapping your solutions can be helpful at this stage.

Choose a solution – consider 3 factors:

compatibility with your priorities

amount of risk

practicality

Keys to Problem Solving

Think aloud – problem solving is a cognitive, mental process.  Thinking aloud or talking yourself through the steps of problem solving is useful.  Hearing yourself think can facilitate the process.

Allow time for ideas to "gel" or consolidate.  If time permits, give yourself time for solutions to develop.  Distance from a problem can allow you to clear your mind and get a new perspective.

Talk about the problem – describing the problem to someone else and talking about it can often make a problem become more clear and defined so that a new solution will surface.

Decision Making Strategies

Decision making is a process of identifying and evaluating choices.  We make numerous decisions every day and our decisions may range from routine, every-day types of decisions to those decisions which will have far reaching impacts.  The types of decisions we make are routine, impulsive, and reasoned.  Deciding what to eat for breakfast is a routine decision; deciding to do or buy something at the last minute is considered an impulsive decision; and choosing your college major is, hopefully, a reasoned decision.  College coursework often requires you to make the latter, or reasoned decisions.

Decision making has much in common with problem solving.  In problem solving you identify and evaluate solution paths; in decision making you make a similar discovery and evaluation of alternatives.  The crux of decision making, then, is the careful identification and evaluation of alternatives.  As you weigh alternatives, use the following suggestions:

Consider the outcome each is likely to produce, in both the short term and the long term.

Compare alternatives based on how easily you can accomplish each.

Evaluate possible negative side effects each may produce.

Consider the risk involved in each.

Be creative, original; don't eliminate alternatives because you have not heard or used them before.

An important part of decision making is to predict both short-term and long-term outcomes for each alternative.  You may find that while an alternative seems most desirable at the present, it may pose problems or complications over a longer time period.

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• Critically Evaluating the Logic and Validity of Information
• Recognizing Propaganda Techniques and Errors of Faulty Logic
• Developing the Ability to Analyze Historical and Contemporary Information
• Recognize and Value Various Viewpoints
• Appreciating the Complexities Involved in Decision-Making and Problem-Solving
• Being a Responsible Critical Thinker & Collaborating with Others
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• Read the Textbook
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• 10 Steps to Tests
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• Topics, Main Ideas, and Support
• Inferences and Conclusions
• Interpreting What You Read
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• Spelling and the Dictionary
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Decision Making and Problem Solving

Last updated on December 10, 2023 by Alex Andrews George

ClearIAS.com is dedicated to providing aspirants with essential tools to successfully navigate the UPSC Civil Services Prelims .

One such tool is the ability to think decisively, which is critical for effectively tackling the CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) Paper .

This blog will delve into the importance of decision-making and problem-solving skills, further illuminated through Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) examples with detailed solutions.

Table of Contents

Importance of Decision Making & Problem Solving

Decision making and problem-solving are pivotal skills tested in the CSAT paper . As future civil servants, aspirants need to develop these skills to address complex, multifaceted problems efficiently and ethically.

1. Decision Making

Decision making is the process of making choices by evaluating alternatives. It requires analytical and critical thinking skills, alongside an understanding of the implications and consequences of each option.

2. Problem Solving

Problem-solving entails identifying, analyzing, and resolving problems in a systematic manner. It often requires innovative thinking and the ability to apply learned concepts to novel situations.

Learn more from: ClearIAS Study Materials

MCQ Examples of Decision-Making Questions

Below are MCQ examples that demonstrate decision-making skills:

Scenario: An area is affected by severe flooding. You, as a district magistrate, have limited resources. Which of the following should be your immediate priority?

• A. Repairing roads
• B. Distributing food and water
• C. Rebuilding houses
• D. Organizing entertainment to lift people’s spirits

Answer: B. Distributing food and water

Solution: Immediate needs like food and water are crucial for survival in disaster scenarios, making them the top priority.

Scenario: You are working on a project with a tight deadline. Your team member is consistently delivering work late, affecting the timeline. What should be your immediate step?

• A. Report the member to higher authorities
• B. Remove the member from the team
• C. Discuss the issue with the member
• D. Ignore the issue and adjust the project timeline

Answer: C. Discuss the issue with the member

Solution: Communication is key in resolving team disputes. Before taking drastic measures, understanding the member’s perspective and finding a solution collaboratively is advisable.

Scenario: Your city is facing a significant rise in COVID-19 cases. As an officer, you are assigned to create awareness. Which approach is most effective?

• A. Distribute pamphlets
• B. Organize large public awareness events
• C. Implement awareness through social media and local networks
• D. Ignore the situation, assuming people are already aware

Answer: C. Implement awareness through social media and local networks

Solution: Social media and local networks provide wide reach without risking further spread through large gatherings.

Scenario: There is a proposal for a new dam which will provide water and electricity but will displace a local tribe. What should you consider first?

• A. Proceed with the construction immediately
• B. Reject the proposal outright
• C. Assess alternative solutions and engage with the tribe for their input
• D. Delay the decision indefinitely

Answer: C. Assess alternative solutions and engage with the tribe for their input

Solution: It is essential to balance development and the welfare of all stakeholders involved, necessitating a thorough assessment and inclusive decision-making process.

Scenario: As a civil servant, you receive two projects. Project A will benefit a large number of people slightly. Project B will significantly benefit a smaller group. Which project should be prioritized?

• A. Project A
• B. Project B

Answer: C. Both

Solution: Civil services work for the welfare of all. An ideal approach would be finding a way to implement both projects effectively, balancing the broader good with significant impact where needed.

Scenario: You have a limited budget for a healthcare initiative. What is the crucial factor to consider when deciding which health programs to fund?

• A. Popularity of the program
• B. Political backing
• C. Program’s potential impact on public health
• D. The novelty of the program

Answer: C. Program’s potential impact on public health

Solution: The primary consideration for any healthcare initiative should be its potential positive impact on public health, ensuring that it addresses the community’s most pressing health needs efficiently.

John needs to choose between two job offers. Offer A has a higher salary but is located in a city with a high cost of living. Offer B has a lower salary but is situated in a town with a lower cost of living. Which job offer should John choose?

• D. Cannot be determined

Answer: D. Cannot be determined

Solution : This question requires decision-making skills. Without knowing John’s priorities and values, the answer cannot be determined. Each offer has its pros and cons, and the decision rests on John’s personal preferences and circumstances.

MCQ Examples of Problem-Solving Questions

What is the next number in the series: 2, 6, 12, 20?

Answer: B. 30

Solution : This is a series problem. The series is progressing by adding consecutive even numbers (4, 6, 8, etc.). Thus, 20 + 10 = 30.

If all Ps are Qs, and some Qs are Rs, which of the following must be true?

• A. All Ps are Rs
• B. Some Ps are Rs
• C. No Ps are Rs
• D. None of the above

Answer: D. None of the above

Solution : Without definite information, we cannot confirm any of the given options. It is possible that some Ps are Rs, but it is not necessarily true.

Three individuals have to be selected from a group of 6 people. How many different combinations are possible?

Answer: C. 20

Solution : This is a combination problem. The number of ways to choose 3 individuals from 6 is given by the combination formula: 6C3 = 6! / (3!*(6-3)!) = 20.

If a shirt costs Rs.40 after a 20% discount, what was its original price?

Answer: B. Rs.50

Solution : Let the original price be X. The shirt is sold for 80% of its original price after a 20% discount. So, 0.80X = Rs.40. Solving for X gives X = Rs.50.

A train covers a distance of 150 km in 2.5 hours. What is its average speed?

Answer: A. 60 km/h

Solution : Average speed is obtained by dividing the total distance by the total time taken. So, 150 km / 2.5 hours = 60 km/h.

How to study Decision Making and Problem Solving for CSAT?

Students may note that this article on Decision Making and Problem Solving is just an overview of the topic. There is a lot more to learn about Decision Making and Problem Solving in the CSAT paper.

We recommend the below sources to learn the subject.

• Join the ClearIAS CSAT Course .
• Join ClearIAS Prelims Test Series .
• Join ClearIAS Prelims cum Mains Course.
• Go through ClearIAS YouTube Classes on CSAT.
• Read books on CSAT .

Also read:   CSAT Course: UPSC Prelims Paper 2 Program

Decision-making and problem-solving are vital skills for the UPSC CSAT Prelims and for effective functioning as a civil servant .

As you have seen the decision-making and problem-solving section is not limited to scenario-based questions!

Aspirants should keep in mind that any questions which are problem-solving or decision-making in nature can be asked from this section.

Further, questions may not be limited to the Class X level, as is the case with the basic numeracy section or data interpretation.

Practising decision-making and problem-solving questions not only improves these skills but also boosts your confidence in tackling the diverse set of problems presented in the examination.

For more resources and practice questions, continue exploring ClearIAS.com. Happy studying!

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About Alex Andrews George

Alex Andrews George is a mentor, author, and social entrepreneur. Alex is the founder of ClearIAS and one of the expert Civil Service Exam Trainers in India.

He is the author of many best-seller books like 'Important Judgments that transformed India' and 'Important Acts that transformed India'.

A trusted mentor and pioneer in online training , Alex's guidance, strategies, study-materials, and mock-exams have helped many aspirants to become IAS, IPS, and IFS officers.

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7 Problem Solving Skills That Aren’t Just Buzzwords (+ Resume Example)

• Julia Mlcuchova , 
• Updated April 8, 2024 9 min read

Problem-solving skills are something everybody should include on their resume, yet only a few seem to understand what these skills actually are. If you've always felt that the term "problem-solving skills" is rather vague and wanted to know more, you've come to the right place.

In this article, we're going to explain what problem-solving skills really mean. We'll talk about what makes up good problem-solving skills and give you tips on how to get better at them. You'll also find out how to make your problem-solving abilities look more impressive to those who might want to hire you.

Sounds good, right? Curious to learn more? 

In this article we’ll show you:

• What are problem solving skills;
• Why are they important; 
• Specific problem solving skills examples;
• How to develop your problem solving skills;
• And, how to showcase them on your resume.

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

What are problem solving skills?

Why are problem solving skills important, the best 7 problem solving skills examples, how to develop problem solving skills, problem solving skills resume example, key takeaways: problem solving skills.

First of all, they're more than just a buzzword!

Problem-solving skills are a set of specific abilities that allow you to deal with unexpected situations in the workplace, whether it be job related or team related. 

It's a complex process that involves several “sub skills” or “sub steps,” namely:

• Recognizing and identifying the issue at hand.
• Breaking the problem down into smaller parts and analyzing how they relate to one another. 
• Creating potential solutions to the problem, evaluating them and picking the best one.  
• Applying the chosen solution and assessing its outcome. 
• Learning from the whole process to deal with future problems more effectively. 

As you can see, it's not just about solving problems that are right in front of us, but also about predicting potential issues and being prepared to deal with them before they arise.  

Despite what you may believe, problem-solving skills aren't just for managers . 

Think about it this way: Why do employers hire employees in the first place? To solve problems for them!

And, as we all know, problems don't discriminate. In other words, it doesn't matter whether you're just an intern, an entry-level professional, or a seasoned veteran, you'll constantly face some kind of challenges. And the only difference is in how complex they will get.

This is also reflected in the way employers assess suitability of potential job candidates. 

In fact, research shows that the ability to deal with unexpected complications is prioritized by an overwhelming 60% of employers across all industries, making it one of the most compelling skills on your resume.

So, regardless of your job description or your career level, you're always expected to find solutions for problems, either independently or as a part of a team. 

And that's precisely what makes problem-solving skills so invaluable and universal ! 

Wondering how good is your resume?

Find out with our AI Resume Checker! Just upload your resume and see what can be improved.

As we've said before, problem-solving isn't really just one single skill. 

Instead, your ability to handle workplace issues with composure depends on several different “sub-skills”. 

So, which specific skills make an employee desirable even for the most demanding of recruiters? 

In no particular order, you should focus on these 7 skills : 

• Analytical skills
• Research skills
• Critical thinking 
• Decision-making
• Collaboration
• Having a growth mindset

Let's have a look at each of them in greater detail!

#1 Analytical skills

Firstly, to truly understand complex problems, you need to break them down into more manageable parts . Then, you observe them closely and ask yourself: “ Which parts work and which don't,” How do these parts contribute to the problem as a whole,” and "What exactly needs to be fixed?” In other words, you gather data , you study it, and compare it - all to pinpoint the cause of the issue as closely as possible.

#2 Research skills

Another priceless tool is your research skills (sometimes relying on just one source of information isn't enough). Besides, to make a truly informed decision , you'll have to dig a little deeper. Being a good researcher means looking for potential solutions to a problem in a wider context. For example: going through team reports, customer feedback, quarterly sales or current market trends.  

#3 Critical thinking

Every employer wants to hire people who can think critically. Yet, the ability to evaluate situations objectively and from different perspectives , is actually pretty hard to come by. But as long as you stay open-minded, inquisitive, and with a healthy dose of skepticism, you'll be able to assess situations based on facts and evidence more successfully. Plus, critical thinking comes in especially handy when you need to examine your own actions and processes. 

 #4 Creativity

Instead of following the old established processes that don't work anymore, you should feel comfortable thinking outside the box. The thing is, problems have a nasty habit of popping up unexpectedly and rapidly. And sometimes, you have to get creative in order to solve them fast. Especially those that have no precedence. But this requires a blend of intuition, industry knowledge, and quick thinking - a truly rare combination. 

#5 Decision-making

The analysis, research, and brainstorming are done. Now, you need to look at the possible solutions, and make the final decision (informed, of course). And not only that, you also have to stand by it ! Because once the train gets moving, there's no room for second guessing. Also, keep in mind that you need to be prepared to take responsibility for all decisions you make. That's no small feat! 

#6 Collaboration

Not every problem you encounter can be solved by yourself alone. And this is especially true when it comes to complex projects. So, being able to actively listen to your colleagues, take their ideas into account, and being respectful of their opinions enables you to solve problems together. Because every individual can offer a unique perspective and skill set. Yes, democracy is hard, but at the end of the day, it's teamwork that makes the corporate world go round. 

#7 Having a growth mindset

Let's be honest, no one wants their work to be riddled with problems. But facing constant challenges and changes is inevitable. And that can be scary! However, when you're able to see these situations as opportunities to grow instead of issues that hold you back, your problem solving skills reach new heights. And the employers know that too!

Now that we've shown you the value problem-solving skills can add to your resume, let's ask the all-important question: “How can I learn them?”

Well…you can't. At least not in the traditional sense of the word. 

Let us explain: Since problem-solving skills fall under the umbrella of soft skills , they can't be taught through formal education, unlike computer skills for example. There's no university course that you can take and graduate as a professional problem solver. 

But, just like other interpersonal skills, they can be nurtured and refined over time through practice and experience. 

Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all approach, but the following tips can offer you inspiration on how to improve your problem solving skills:

• Cultivate a growth mindset. Remember what we've said before? Your attitude towards obstacles is the first step to unlocking your problem-solving potential. 
• Gain further knowledge in your specialized field. Secondly, it's a good idea to delve a little deeper into your chosen profession. Because the more you read on a subject, the easier it becomes to spot certain patterns and relations.  
• Start with small steps. Don't attack the big questions straight away — you'll only set yourself up for failure. Instead, start with more straightforward tasks and work your way up to more complex problems. 
• Break problems down into more digestible pieces. Complex issues are made up of smaller problems. And those can be further divided into even smaller problems, and so on. Until you're left with only the basics. 
• Don't settle for a single solution. Instead, keep on exploring other possible answers.
• Accept failure as a part of the learning process. Finally, don't let your failures discourage you. After all, you're bound to misstep a couple of times before you find your footing. Just keep on practicing. 

How to improve problem solving skills with online courses

While it’s true that formal education won’t turn you into a master problem solver, you can still hone your skills with courses and certifications offered by online learning platforms :

• Analytical skills. You can sharpen your analytical skills with Data Analytics Basics for Everyone from IBM provided by edX (Free); or Decision Making and Analytical Thinking: Fortune 500 provided by Udemy (＄21,74).
• Creativity. And, to unlock your inner creative mind, you can try Creative Thinking: Techniques and Tools for Success from the Imperial College London provided by Coursera (Free).
• Critical thinking. Try Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking Specialization from Duke University provided by Coursera (Free); or Logical and Critical Thinking offered by The University of Auckland via FutureLearn.  
• Decision-making. Or, you can learn how to become more confident when it's time to make a decision with Decision-Making Strategies and Executive Decision-Making both offered by LinkedIn Learning (1 month free trial).
• Communication skills . Lastly, to improve your collaborative skills, check out Communicating for Influence and Impact online at University of Cambridge. 

The fact that everybody and their grandmothers put “ problem-solving skills ” on their CVs has turned the phrase into a cliche. 

But there's a way to incorporate these skills into your resume without sounding pretentious and empty. Below, we've prepared a mock-up resume that manages to do just that.

FYI, if you like this design, you can use the template to create your very own resume. Just click the red button and fill in your information (or let the AI do it for you).

Problem solving skills on resume example

This resume was written by our experienced resume writers specifically for this profession.

Why this example works?

• Firstly, the job description itself is neatly organized into bullet points .  
• Instead of simply listing soft skills in a skills section , you can incorporate them into the description of your work experience entry.  
• Also, the language here isn't vague . This resume puts each problem-solving skill into a real-life context by detailing specific situations and obstacles. 
• And, to highlight the impact of each skill on your previous job position, we recommend quantifying your results whenever possible. 
• Finally, starting each bullet point with an action verb (in bold) makes you look more dynamic and proactive.

To sum it all up, problem-solving skills continue gaining popularity among employers and employees alike. And for a good reason!

Because of them, you can overcome any obstacles that stand in the way of your professional life more efficiently and systematically. 

In essence, problem-solving skills refer to the ability to recognize a challenge, identify its root cause, think of possible solutions , and then implement the most effective one. 

Believing that these skills are all the same would be a serious misconception. In reality, this term encompasses a variety of different abilities , including:

In short, understanding, developing, and showcasing these skills, can greatly boost your chances at getting noticed by the hiring managers. So, don't hesitate and start working on your problem-solving skills right now!

Julia has recently joined Kickresume as a career writer. From helping people with their English to get admitted to the uni of their dreams to advising them on how to succeed in the job market. It would seem that her career is on a steadfast trajectory. Julia holds a degree in Anglophone studies from Metropolitan University in Prague, where she also resides. Apart from creative writing and languages, she takes a keen interest in literature and theatre.

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What is Decision Making? 7 Important Steps of Decision Making Process

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Decision-making is a fundamental aspect of our daily lives, influencing everything from the everyday choices of what to eat for breakfast to the complex deliberations that shape our careers and personal relationships. Whether it’s an individual pondering a personal decision or an organization strategizing its next move, making a decision is universal and vital.

In this article, we will discuss what decision-making is, what are the 7 steps of a decision-making process , and more.

Table of Content

What is Decision Making?

7 effective steps of decision-making, nature of decision-making, role of decision-making  , relationship between planning and decision-making.

Decision-making is an integral part of everyday life and a crucial component of management in organizations. It involves selecting the best action from various options by considering resources, outcomes, and personal preferences. This process includes identifying a situation, gathering and analyzing information, evaluating the pros and cons, and choosing a path forward. Decisions, whether made through rational analysis or instinct, significantly affect all involved parties.

Effective decision-making, which entails evaluating all possible outcomes and choosing the most beneficial one, is essential for personal, professional, and organizational success. Conversely, poor decisions can lead to losses and tarnish reputations. Thus, developing a structured approach to decision-making is vital for achieving favorable outcomes.

“Decision-making is the selection based on some criteria from two or more possible alternatives.“ – George R. Terry “A decision is an act of choice, wherein an executive form a conclusion about what must be done in a given situation. A decision represents a course of behaviour chosen from several possible alternatives.“ – D.E. Mc. Farland

1. Identifying the Decision

The initial step in decision-making is identifying the precise issue that needs resolution or the query that demands an answer. It’s essential to accurately define the decision at hand. Incorrectly identifying the problem or choosing an overly broad issue can derail your decision-making efforts from the get-go. For goals associated with the decision, ensure they are quantifiable and bound by time.

2. Collecting Relevant Information

Once the decision has been indetified, the next phase involves collecting relevant information to that decision. This includes an internal review to understand past successes and failures within your organization that relate to your decision. Additionally, acquiring information from external sources, such as academic research, market analysis, or possibly feedback from consulting services, is crucial. However, be wary of information overload, as it can overwhelm and complicate the decision-making process.

3. Exploring Possible Alternatives

Armed with the relevant data, it’s now time to outline potential solutions to your problem. Typically, there are several avenues to consider for achieving a goal. For instance, if the aim is to boost social media engagement, alternatives could range from investing in paid social ads, tweaking your organic social media tactics, or employing a blend of both strategies.

4. Evaluating the Alternatives

Having pinpointed several potential solutions, the next step involves assessing the merits and demerits of these alternatives. Review past instances of success within similar contexts, and analyze your organization’s past achievements and setbacks. Evaluate the risks associated with each option against the potential benefits.

5. Making a Choice

This stage is where the actual decision is made. Ideally, by this point, you’ve clearly identified the decision to be made, gathered all necessary information, and considered various possible directions. Now, you’re equipped to make an informed choice.

6. Implementing the Decision

With the decision made, it’s time to act. Formulate a plan to bring your decision to fruition. Create a detailed project plan based on your decision, assigning specific tasks to members of your team to execute the plan effectively.

7. Evaluating the Outcome

After a set period, which was determined in the first step, revisit your decision to evaluate its effectiveness. Did it address the problem? Did it achieve the intended goal? If the answer is yes, document the successful strategies for future reference. If not, take this as a learning opportunity to refine your decision-making process for future endeavors.

The nature of decision-making can be characterized by several key factors, including:

• Goal-oriented: Effective decision-making hinges on setting clear goals and selecting strategies to achieve them, while remaining unbiased and avoiding personal prejudices that may affect judgment.
• Dynamic Process: Decision-making is a dynamic process as it involves a time dimension and time lag. The techniques used for choice vary with the type of problem involved and the time available. 
• Continuous or ongoing process: It is a continuous and ongoing process as managers have to take a series of decisions.
• Intellectual or Rational process: As decisions are products of reasoning, deliberation and evaluation, decision-making is an intellectual and rational process.
• Set of Alternatives: Decision-making implies a set of alternatives as a decision problem arises only when there are two or more alternatives. No decision is to be made if there is only one alternative.                             

Thus, decision-making is generally a complex and dynamic process that requires taking decisions that give the best-desired outcomes and involves analyzing possibilities, taking risks into account, acquiring information, and working with others.

Making decisions plays a key part in the life of an individual and any organization. The accomplishment of personal and organizational objectives, enhanced performance, risk minimization, and success maintenance all depend on effective decision-making. Here are some key roles of decision-making:

• Strategic planning: Decision-making is an important element of strategic planning. It provides a framework for taking decisions that determine the goals or objectives of the organization.  
• Problem-solving: Decision-making helps individuals or organizations to identify all the possible solutions and decide the best course of action. It comprises evaluating the current situation, identifying the cause of the issue, balancing them, and selecting the best course of action.  
• Opportunity identification: Making decisions enables one to recognize and take advantage of opportunities. It allows for identifying potential advantages and determining if they are consistent with the objectives of the person or organization.
• Resource allocation: Decision-making is essential for allocating resources effectively, whether it is the allocation of budget, time, or personnel. It requires evaluating the available resources, determining the priorities, and allocating resources to the situation and goals of the organization.  
• Risk management: Decision-making is also important in managing risks. Decision makers must analyze the potential risks and benefits of different options and make decisions based on the analysis done.  
• Goal achievement: Effective decision-making is an important tool for achieving personal and organizational goals. It involves setting goals, determining courses of action to achieve those goals, and evaluating progress along the way.  
• Continuous improvement: Good decision-making requires continuous improvement. Organizations must evaluate their performance, determine where they can make improvements, and then decide what adjustments will best improve their functioning.  

Therefore, the general purpose of decision-making is to give people and organizations direction and advice so they may succeed by making decisions that are in line with their priorities.

Making decisions and planning are closely interrelated activities. Making decisions is frequently seen as the most important step in the planning process. This is because planning enables establishing objectives, choosing practicable courses of action, and evaluating potential outcomes, all of which are essential processes for making effective decisions.

Following are some ways in which planning and decision-making are related:

• Planning acts as a foundation for decision-making: Planning is the process of setting goals, determining resources, and creating a strategy that helps in the accomplishment of an organization’s goals. A plan acts as a framework for how to achieve the set objectives.  
• Decision-making is necessary for effective planning: Making decisions is essential to the planning process to choose the appropriate course of action for achieving the goals. Making choices regarding resources, priorities, deadlines, and other aspects is essential in creating a thorough and successful plan.
• Planning and decision-making are a constant process: Planning and decision-making are ongoing processes that require constant evaluation and revision. Decisions made during the planning phase may need to be revised as new information arises, and thus, planning may need to be adjusted based on the results of previous decisions.
• Planning provides a framework for decision-making during implementation: Making decisions is required to successfully carry out a strategy once it has been created. The plan offers a framework for choosing how to allocate resources and handle other problems.
• Both require collaboration and communication: Effective planning and decision-making also require a certain level of collaboration and communication. Planning often involves working together with managers, stakeholders, executives, etc. Similarly, decision-making also demands multiple opinions and perspectives be taken into account before choosing any course of action.  

Overall, planning and decision-making are repetitive processes that demand constant review and modification. To make sure that objectives are met, and resources are used efficiently, planning and decision-making must adapt according to the changing conditions and information.

In conclusion, the art of decision making is a critical skill that influences every facet of our lives, from personal choices to professional strategies. Mastering decision making involves understanding the balance between intuition and analysis, recognizing the impact of biases, and applying a structured approach to navigate through options.

Thus, cultivating strong decision-making skills is indispensable for anyone looking to navigate the challenges of the modern world with confidence and understanding.

What is Decision Making – FAQs

What is the decision-making means.

Decision-making is the process of choosing the best option from multiple alternatives to achieve a desired outcome. It involves identifying a problem, gathering information, evaluating options, and making a choice.

What are the 5 steps in decision-making?

The 5 steps in decision-making are: Identify the problem. Gather information. Evaluate alternatives. Make a decision. Implement and assess.

What is the significance of decision-making?

Decision-making is crucial for achieving goals, solving problems, and ensuring success in personal and organizational contexts.

What are the 7 elements of decision-making?

The 7 elements of decision-making are: Identify the decision. Gather information. Identify alternatives. Weigh evidence. Choose among alternatives. Take action. Review decision and consequences.

What are the five importance of decision-making?

The five importance of Decision-making are: Guides Goal Achievement: Decision-making directs efforts towards achieving personal and organizational goals efficiently. Problem Solving: It’s essential for addressing and resolving issues effectively. Resource Utilization: Optimizes the use of available resources to maximize outcomes. Facilitates Innovation: Encourages creative solutions and new ideas for growth and improvement. Risk Management: Helps in assessing and mitigating potential risks, leading to more informed and safer choices.

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Home / Management & Leadership / Advanced Problem Solving & Decision Making

An intensive professional development training course on

Advanced problem solving & decision making, analysis, design & leadership.

Why Choose this Training Course?

Leadership excellence is often characterised by the capacity to be decisive and taking the appropriate decisions at the right time. Modern theory visualises todays leader as a “design architect", who seeks to create a sustainable future in an uncertain world. This not only requires balancing personal opinions and the prevalent "collective wisdom", but also ensuring reasoned logical outcome are mindful of the emotional impact that decisions may generate. Decisions are never made in isolation, since we live in a world of global change and ever-increasing political instability, where actions will always impact others. It is therefore an organisational imperative that leaders have both a full understanding of the psychological dynamics and an array of tools and techniques that can facilitate good practice in decision making

This Creative Problem Solving for Innovative Leadership training course offers a step by step journey from problem identification to solution generation and additionally to evaluate creative techniques that challenge more traditional models of “outcome thinking”. It offers wide range of tools and techniques and insights into how leaders can inspire the creative process within themselves and their teams and the wider organisation. Delegates will leave energized and convinced of their creative potential. Decision making and problem solving represent the most important of all managerial and leadership activities; if you can make timely, well-considered and informed decisions, then you can lead your team and organisation to deserved success.

This AZTech training course will feature:

• The psychology of personality and how this influences the solutions we select.
• The application of whole brain thinking to the problem-solving process
• Generating innovative solutions to foster continuous improvement
• Assessing personal creativity and decision-making skills; challenging personal limitations
• Understanding the cognitive and interpersonal dynamics that underpin our thinking

What are the Goals?

By the end of this AZTech training course, participants will be able to:

• Select an apply pragmatic methods for effective problem solving and decision making
• Appreciate how values, bias and personality can impact solutions we create
• Utilise a structured approach to generate productive solutions
• Assess personal and organisational creativity and set an agenda for progression
• Explore and apply various problem-solving technique that generate creative solutions
• Develop the decisive skills that define competent and credible leadership

Who is this Training Course for?

This AZTech course is suitable to a wide range of professionals or anyone wishing to improve their communication, interpersonal, problem solving and decision-making skills. It will have specific appeal to:

• Professionals seeking to widen their cognitive thinking skills
• Team leaders keen to Utilise “collective wisdom” build skills collaborative practice
• Leaders who seek to challenge the culture of their organisation and ignite innovation
• Senior executive leaders challenged by the decision-making process
• Those new to who seek to harness diversity and foster collaboration

How will this Training Course be Presented?

This AZTech training course will present a variety of proven adult learning techniques to ensure maximum understanding, comprehension and retention of the information presented. The emphasis is on experiential learning and applying theory in a practical way to foster good practice. It will be a highly interactive programme that encourages delegates to share issues of concern and apply techniques to generate potential solutions that can be applied in their organisation. All activities are focused on making an immediate impact in practice and generate improvements in outcomes. This intervention is designed to accommodate all professionals but has a strong focus on leadership and the bigger picture of creativity in organisations.

The Course Content

Day one: decision making and problem solving – symbiotic partners .

• Leadership and the dynamics of decision making
• 21 st century Leadership - “decision architects” of future performance
• Impacting variables: values, bias and hubris in seeking ethical solutions
• Personality Type and cognitive preferences in decision making
• Psychometric assessment on your problem-solving preferences
• “Collective wisdom” a structured process for grounded solutions

Day Two: Applying Structured Techniques to Organisational Issues

• How well do I solve problems? outcomes and personal cognitive strengths
• Using the “whole brain” to make rational, informed and balanced decisions
• Flexibility on leadership and thinking; opening the mind to new ideas
• A structured model for problem solving; balancing logic and emotional responses
• Unexpected events that destroy equilibrium; the unpredictable factor
• Dynamic Tension, Decision Making, Newton’s Laws and the Management of Change

Day Three: The Quest for Continuous Improvement – A Journey not a Destination

• Encouraging creative problem solving for continuous improvement
• Appreciative Enquiry and a focus on positive dialogues
• Solution Focus methodology: a transformational tool for business dialogues
• Diagnostic tools for identifying and addressing organisational issues
• TRIZ: Applying techniques to innovate and improve process and product
• Capturing the creative capacity of the millennial generation

Day Four: Building Creative Capability in Self, Others and the Wider Organisation

• “How creative am I”? Challenging self-imposed assumptions
• Beware the creative introvert: the “ENIGMA” of the quiet, awkward individual
• Where do good ideas come from? “Imagineering”: current examples from technology
• “Curiosita ”: multiple intelligences and lessons from Leonardo da Vinci
• Fostering and facilitating organisational innovation
• Building the creative organisation: a menu for good leadership practice
• Creative leadership dialogues to influence, persuade and align your people

Day Five: The Creative Leader in the Innovative Organisation

• Leadership style, cognitive processes decision-making outcomes
• Enhancing Serendipity
• Ensuring alignment with corporate mission
• Assessing creativity in your organisation and identifying “roadblocks”
• Establishing "innovation champions"; a strategy for promoting innovation and change
• Designing a personal plan for innovation in the workplace

The Certificate

• AZTech Certificate of Completion for delegates who attend and complete the training course

In Partnership With

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Study: Monkeys are much smarter than we thought they were

I n a groundbreaking study published today in the journal Nature Neuroscience , researchers have discovered that monkeys, much like humans , are capable of complex deliberation and careful decision-making. 

This new finding challenges the long-held belief that humans alone possess the ability to think deeply about a problem and consider multiple factors such as costs, consequences, and constraints in order to arrive at optimal outcomes.

"Humans are not the only animals capable of slow and thoughtful deliberation," said study senior author Dr. William Stauffer from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. "Our work shows that monkeys have a rich mental state that renders them capable of intelligent thinking. It's a new paradigm for studying the neurophysiological basis for deliberative thought."

The study raises important questions about the nature of thought processes and decision-making in animals, and whether other species are also capable of engaging in the same level of complexity as humans. It also helps to shed light on the cognitive processes at work when we, as humans, make decisions about various aspects of our lives, such as who to spend time with or what to study in school.

Several decades ago, Dr. Daniel Kahneman, a Nobel Prize laureate, revolutionized the field of behavioral economics with his Prospect Theory. In his seminal book, "Thinking Fast and Slow," Dr. Kahneman posited that humans employ two distinct systems of thinking: one nearly instantaneous and automatic, and the other much slower and reliant on conscious logical reasoning that requires greater mental effort.

How the study was done

Dr. Kahneman referred to the first type of thinking as "slow" and the second as "fast." Slow, effortful thinking enables us to engage in complex activities such as writing music, developing scientific hypotheses, and balancing our checkbooks. Until now, it was believed that slow thinking was a uniquely human trait.

However, this latest research turns that notion on its head. By presenting monkeys with combinatorial optimization problems, which the researchers dubbed the "knapsack task," and rewarding the animals based on the value of their solutions, the study demonstrated that monkeys employed sophisticated mathematical reasoning and used efficient computational algorithms to tackle complex problems.

The scientists found that the animals' performance and speed of deliberation were dependent on the task's complexity, and that their solutions closely mirrored those generated by efficient computer algorithms specifically designed to solve the optimization problem.

"Results from this work will contribute neurophysiological evidence to enlighten centuries of discussions about dual process theories of the mind, the structure of thoughts, and the neurobiological basis of intuition and reasoning," wrote Stauffer in an accompanying research briefing.

Tao Hong of Carnegie Mellon University is the lead author of the paper. The study's findings not only provide valuable insights into the cognitive abilities of monkeys but also pave the way for a new paradigm in studying the neurophysiological basis for deliberative thought, with potential implications for better understanding the complex nature of decision-making across various species.

More about monkeys

Monkeys are a diverse group of primates that belong to the infraorder Simiiformes. They are divided into two major groups: New World monkeys, native to Central and South America, and Old World monkeys, native to Africa and Asia. Monkeys are known for their intelligence, social behavior, and adaptability to different environments.

Physical characteristics

Monkeys vary greatly in size and appearance, ranging from the tiny pygmy marmoset, which measures just 4.6-6.2 inches (12-16 cm) in length, to the large mandrill, which can reach up to 37 inches (94 cm) in length. 

Monkeys typically have forward-facing eyes, flat faces, and dexterous hands with opposable thumbs. Some species also have prehensile tails, which they use to grasp and manipulate objects or to hang from branches.

Most monkeys are omnivores, eating a diverse diet that includes fruits, leaves, seeds, insects, and small animals. Some species, like the howler monkey, primarily consume leaves, while others, like the capuchin monkey, have a more varied diet.

Social behavior

Monkeys are highly social animals that usually live in groups called troops. These troops can range in size from just a few individuals to hundreds of members. Social hierarchies are common in monkey troops, with dominant individuals enjoying benefits like better access to food and mating opportunities. Monkeys communicate through vocalizations, body language, and facial expressions, and they often engage in grooming behaviors to maintain social bonds.

Intelligence and tool use

Monkeys are known for their cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills, and in some cases, their use of tools. Capuchin monkeys, for example, have been observed using rocks to crack open nuts, while some macaques have been seen using sticks to extract insects from tree bark. 

Research has also shown that monkeys are capable of understanding basic arithmetic and recognizing themselves in mirrors, which is considered a sign of self-awareness.

Conservation

Many monkey species are threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and the illegal pet trade. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these primates and their habitats, including the establishment of protected areas, reintroduction programs, and education campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of monkey conservation.

In conclusion, monkeys are fascinating and intelligent creatures with complex social structures and diverse behaviors. As we continue to study these primates, we gain a greater understanding of their cognitive abilities and the evolutionary links between humans and other primates.

Other animals that demonstrate problem-solving ability

Yes, numerous animals demonstrate problem-solving abilities, indicating the presence of intelligence and cognitive skills across various species. Some examples of animals with notable problem-solving capabilities include:

Crows and other corvids

These birds are known for their exceptional problem-solving skills and have been observed using tools to access food. For instance, they can use sticks to extract insects from tree bark or crevices and even bend wires to create hooks for retrieving food from hard-to-reach places.

Elephants are highly intelligent animals capable of complex problem-solving. They have been observed using sticks and branches to swat flies or scratch hard-to-reach areas and can also recognize themselves in mirrors, suggesting self-awareness. Elephants have displayed the ability to cooperate and work together to solve problems, such as pulling a rope simultaneously to access food.

Dolphins are known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities. They have been observed using tools like sponges to protect their snouts while foraging on the ocean floor. Dolphins can also learn and understand complex commands and have been shown to recognize themselves in mirrors, indicating self-awareness.

These highly intelligent invertebrates have demonstrated remarkable problem-solving skills. Octopuses have been observed opening jars, navigating mazes, and escaping from enclosures by manipulating objects and their environment. Their impressive learning and memory capabilities make them formidable problem solvers.

Domesticated dogs have evolved alongside humans and have developed a range of problem-solving skills. They can learn commands, understand gestures, and follow human cues to solve problems, such as locating hidden objects or navigating obstacles. Some breeds, like border collies and poodles, are especially known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities.

Chimpanzees

As our closest living relatives, chimpanzees share many cognitive traits with humans. They have been observed using tools, such as sticks to extract termites from their mounds, and leaves as sponges to collect water. Chimpanzees also display complex social behaviors, such as cooperation and deception, which require problem-solving skills.

Rats are intelligent rodents that have shown the ability to solve problems and learn from their experiences. They can navigate complex mazes, recognize patterns, and demonstrate a rudimentary understanding of cause and effect. Rats have also been observed using tools and adapting their behavior based on previous experiences.

These examples illustrate that problem-solving abilities are not exclusive to humans and can be found across various animal species. Studying these animals and their cognitive skills can provide valuable insights into the evolution of intelligence and the diversity of problem-solving strategies in the animal kingdom.

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We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

If There Were A Problem-Solving Hall Of Fame, You Would Find These 30 Products There

They really do deserve an award for how great they are at making life easier.

BuzzFeed Staff

1. A handy dandy weeding tool so you can easily pluck up those unsightly plants without having to bend, pull, or kneel. 

Promising review: "This works so well in a lawn or garden. The trick is to make sure the soil isn't overly saturated but wet enough that you can easily sink in and pop weeds right out. I was so surprised at the larger weeds it could get out. However, sometimes, it cannot grab smaller weeds or pull them out entirely. Overall, very impressed and makes it fun to pull weeds." — lilo

Get it from Amazon for $42.79 .

2. A saline nasal gel to assist in restoring moisture to your dry, irritated nose. Between recovery from winter dryness and spring allergens in the air, this little under-$5 solution may just help you out.

Reviewers say this is also helpful if you use  CPAP machines  or if you  fly  (it helps deal with dry air on a plane).

Promising review:  "I don't like to talk about it, but every year, my nose becomes super dry to the point where I sometimes get a bloody nose. I usually use some squeeze saline, but it got so bad this year that I decided to get this gel. A dab on a finger or a swab and my nose is hydrated, moistened, and not dry as a desert. No winter bloody noses! It is very light, is not slimy or like Vaseline, and it does not have any smell." — Catherine

Get it from Amazon for $3.62 .

3. A pet hair remover  you simply swipe over surfaces covered in hair from your furry bestie. It saves more time (and is a heck of a lot easier) than fussing around with a vacuum and lint rollers!

Promising review: "Where has this been all my cat-loving life? Sticky rollers work fine for clothes, but this is the only product that has ever COMPLETELY removed all the cat hair from my bed. I have a long-haired, 20-pound tabby, and if you run your hands up his back a few times and fling the hair everywhere, it looks like it's snowing — he never stops shedding no matter what I do. After using the ChomChom, I can put on a black dress and roll around on my bed and not get a single hair on me. It's absolutely amazing. Everyone is getting one for Christmas, even if they don't have a pet. I don't care; it's THAT good." — DH

Get it from Amazon for $26.99+  (available in two colors).

4. A tattoo aftercare cream formulated with fatty-acid and antioxidant-rich ingredients to help moisturize and soothe newly inked skin. 

Mad Rabbit is a small biz that sells clean and natural tattoo skincare products and was featured on season 12 of Shark Tank !

Promising review: "Product was awesome. It rejuvenated a 5-year-old tattoo and made it look like new again. Mad Rabbit absorbed into the skin very easily without being greasy." — Janson Ward

Get it from Amazon for $18.98 (available in two scents). 

5. A producer container doubling as a colander for rinsing your favorite fruits and veggies and a keeper so they stay fresh in your fridge longer than they would in their original packaging.  

These containers are dishwasher-, microwave-, and freezer-safe!

Promising review: "I really wanted to see if this worked, so I purchased two packages of strawberries. I washed all the berries and let them dry thoroughly. I put half in my berry keeper box and the other in the plastic container from the store. My daughter had to ask for help with the new berry keeper; she had difficulty opening it and closing it sometimes. The berry keeper kept strawberries for 15 days, and the grocery store container only kept them for 6 days. Groceries aren't cheap, and I can use anything to prolong the life of my produce. Washed well in the dishwasher on the top rack . I'll be purchasing more of these attractive quality boxes . I need one for blueberries and grapes." — Toogreen

Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in three colors and various sets). 

6. A pair of Nippies — reviewer-loved pasties that boast ample coverage and actually stay in place. A true game changer.

Promising review: "I cannot tell you how much I LOVE these things. I had been using a cheaper pair of pasties, and these are a world apart from those. They cover everything really well and are super comfortable. I literally forget that they are on. I have worn them under really thin white shirts, and you can't see anything! I LOVE THESE SO MUCH. So much that I just bought another pair so that I'll never be without. " — Sara Reiland

BuzzFeed editor  Natalie Brown  swears by these pasties! Check out her Nippies review to learn more.

Get them from Amazon for $17.59+ (available in five colors, two sizes, and two styles).

7. Peach Slices acne spot dots  you can apply over a popped whitehead, let it sit for a few hours (or overnight!), and then bask in the amazement of the pore-clogging gunk it absorbed when you take it off. 

Peach Slices is a small biz that sells skincare products!

Promising review: "This brand is so affordable and works just the same as the more expensive brands. I go through them so quickly, so this is a plus! I'm generally a picker at my zits, but if I can get to one of these dots in time, I save my face a lot of irritation and pain . I wear them at night and sometimes during the day; it only takes about two to get rid of those pesky whiteheads, sometimes more for a big zit. They really suck everything out ." — Savannah Wilson

Get a pack of 30 from Amazon for $4.88 . 

8. A set of Shoe Slotz space saving units that'll take your collection of shoes from an overwhelming messy pile of who knows what to basically resembling the aisles of a DSW because you'll *gasp* actually be able to see your shoes. 

My colleague Sally Elshorafa swears by this for organizing shoes. Here's what she has to say:

" This product SAVED MY SHOES!  I have an awkward set of built-in shelves in my closet, and it was the only place I wanted to put my shoes. As you can see from the before pic (above), it was a big mess; my shoes were piled on top of each other and getting really dirty.  Traditional shoe caddies or boxes didn't really work because there's not much horizontal space, so I tried the  Shoe Slotz . It fixed the problem perfectly! Because the design smartly stacks one shoe on top of the other, you save 50% of the space you'd normally use to store your shoes." 

Get a pack of 10 from Amazon for $35.99 .

9. A Gold Bond Friction Defense stick for swiping over areas prone to chafing and hopefully helping stop it in its tracks. There's nothing worse than going for a walk and suffering the consequences of dreaded thigh rub afterwards.  

Promising review: "I just used it for five days in 90-degree-plus weather at Bonnaroo music festival in the middle of Tennessee on a farm in June with 100,000 people walking several miles, dancing, and sweating every day. I am happy to report that this product is a lifesaver. My thighs didn't chafe once, and I have big ones! I had to reapply once during the day. I strongly recommend buying this if you have large thighs and need relief from chafing. I couldn't wear dresses or skirts in the heat if I was walking anywhere, and now I live in them because of this stuff! Buy it! It works!" — Issac

Get it from Amazon for $6.26 .

10. A portable carpet and upholstery cleaner that boasts strong spray and suction, so cleaning stubborn stains will feel effortless. Messes left behind by pets or small children shouldn't mean permanently ruined carpets, furniture, or car interiors.

Promising review:  "This vacuum is amazing. I first heard of it on TikTok, where people were using it to clean their stairs, mattresses, car seats, etc., and from the videos, it already looked amazing. But considering how dirty my dining chair cushions were, I was a little bit apprehensive and skeptical. I purchased the item and used it on my chairs for the first time, and the results were AMAZING. Best vacuum I've ever used. I even bought a second one!" — Davina

Get it from Amazon for $122.49 .

11. A fruit and veggie divider to make quick work of cutting up berries, carrot and celery sticks, or any other produce you wanna snack on. Just here to help you save time! 

Promising review: "If you have toddlers, get it — especially if you're on the fence. I needed something for grapes, blueberries, blackberries, and other small fruits and veggies we go through so much. My breakfast was getting cold long before I was done cutting fruit for two toddlers. Most cutters only do one grape or berry, but this one can do several grapes and a small handful of blueberries. We will definitely be getting a lot of use out of it in this house." — Kindle Customer

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 . 

12. An aftercare oil that may help reduce the appearance of keloids, bumps, and scars associated with new and old piercings. 

Note: This product is not an overnight miracle. Apply this 2–3 times a day; be patient, and you may start to see the results.

Talk to your doctor before attempting to treat your keloid on your own, and learn more about keloids from  Cleveland Clinic .

Promising review: "This product is amazing! Truly a miracle product. I had an AWFUL keloid forming near my nose piercing about six weeks after getting it done, and it was getting bigger and more irritated by the day; nothing was helping. I bought this and started using it, and in less than two weeks, my huge keloid was completely gone!   I was definitely skeptical and a little nervous when it didn't seem to be getting noticeably smaller after a week, but then, the second week, it started totally disappearing,  so give it some time to work if your bump is on the larger side. If you remain patient and apply it twice a day, it should do the trick!" — Jordan Caprigno

Get it from Amazon for $12.85  (also available in multipacks).

13. A body scrub for buffing away red bumps. Use it one to two times a week for smoother skin — it's like a microdermabrasion treatment at a fraction of the cost and without having to leave the house. 

"I've had keratosis pilaris since I was a teenager (it's especially bad on my thighs), and after trying dozens of products to treat it with no luck, this magical product is the only thing that's truly worked for me . I usually use this once a week for maintenance, but in the winter if I notice a flare-ups and I get have drier, rougher, bumpier skin, I use this twice a week, and any flare-ups disappear within the week. I scrub it over my thighs and then actually let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off. I have notorious sensitive skin, and I've never had an issue with this before. It's truly the best product out there for any fellow KP sufferers out there! " — Ciera Velarde , former BuzzFeed editor

Get it from Amazon for  $12+  (available in three sizes). 

14. A lightweight  running belt that'll make it easy to bring important items like your phone, keys, headphones, and wallet with you out on your morning workout without having to actually hold them or wear a clunky fanny pack. 

Promising review: "I'm a runner, and a big problem in the past has been where to put the phone and other items! I do have another similar item that I can have for my longer runs, as it comes with two bottles, but for all my normal runs, this item is the best! After a few seconds, I forget it's even on! Haha, I highly recommend it for runners; it's a must-have! It will change your runs forever.  :) There are many pockets and a lot of different ways you can store it. I even tried to grab my bottle from my other one and see if it fit, and it worked great! It's very high quality, and it looks like it will last a really long time!" — Anjali

Get it from Amazon for $34+ (available in sizes XXS–XXL and 13 colors).

15. A genius  sandwich bread dispenser  reviewers say helps keep loaves of sandwich bread  fresher longer  (think: weeks) because it's time we finally put an end to that annoying moment of discovering green spots a few days after grocery shopping and having to throw away half the loaf. 

Buddeez is a family-owned small biz based in Missouri that sells home goods!

Promising review:  "The Buddeez Sandwich Bread Dispenser is great! It does exactly what it was intended for.  I live alone and I don't quite go through bread often enough before the last quarter section of the loaf starts to go stale.  I was originally looking for something to put a loaf of bread in as a shell for my vacuum sealer that would keep the bread from getting crushed by the pressure.  This dispenser solved all of my problems.  Thank you!" — DRMcQuaig

Get it from Amazon for   $16.97  (available in two colors).

16. A reusable  oil-absorbing face roller  that'll be a lifesaver for anyone who tends to get extra oily. Just glide it over your face, it's THAT easy. 

Promising review:  "First off, if you have extremely oily skin, this. is. it. I was so tired of getting blotting powder/wipes. It felt wasteful and always left residue on my face. I saw this on TikTok and NEEDED it. It was back-ordered, but then I got an email saying it was in stock, and I was SO excited. Not only is it affordable, but it's washable, which helps you save money and be less wasteful." — Kelsey B.

Get it from Amazon for  $9.86 . 

17. A set of clothing storage bags featuring clear windows because every year, without fail, you stow away all of your winter sweaters once spring hits, and then the universe laughs in your face and throws in a random freezing cold day. Now, you'll be able to find the exact sweater you want to wear without having to rifle through every storage container you own.  

Promising review: "Best TikTok find for storage.   These are the best storage bags/containers I have bought. So much so that I reordered and got three more not too long ago. One of them holds all the items from my six-drawer dresser, which included everything from tank tops to heavy sweaters and crewnecks . I also use it to hold my seasonal shoes, extra blankets, and, yes, even more clothes! Since reordering, I now have six but I am only currently using four. They are machine washable and good to go in the dryer on low heat. Overall, it is worth the purchase!" — Harley

Get a set of three from Amazon for $15.99+  (available in three colors and various sets). 

18. A  ScratchPad  — a genius tool that'll allow your pup to file their own nails. Say goodbye to scary clippers and noisy grinders you both hate and hello to this wonderful invention.

ScratchPad is a small business based in Atlanta, Georgia that sells, well, the ScratchPad, a fancy name for a nail file for dogs! 

Promising review:  "Highly recommend this product! After three months of challenges to cut the nails of our German shepherd, this product saved the day!!! We are now able to file his nails in a non-invasive way. Excellent customer service and fast international shipping." — Michelle Rosenberg

Get it from  ScratchPad  on Etsy for  $35.21+  (available in three materials and four styles).

19. A set of shower door towel hooks because imagine how nice it's gonna be the next time you get out of the shower and your towel is RIGHT there within easy reach. It's the little things! 

Promising review: "A very sturdy shower hook! I’ve had these on my wishlist a while and I’m glad I got them. The rubber sticks well to the shower glass and they’re very heavy duty!" — April Bennett

Get a set of two from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three colors). 

20. A pair of horizontal glasses to make watching TV, WFH, reading a book, or simply scrolling TikTok and laying down at the same time a neck strain–free experience. These are also especially helpful for anyone who might be on bed rest for medical conditions and could use a simpler way to enjoy their favorite forms of entertainment. 

Promising review: "I didn't know what I was missing until I used this. My life is now complete. If you enjoy comfort and being lazy but don't care how ridiculous you look wearing these, then you have found Nirvana. My glasses fit in these just fine. Takes a minute to get used to, and then it becomes your reason to live. Expect people to laugh at you, but forgive them for they know not what they are missing." — Michael Boyd

Get them from Amazon for $10.98 .

21. An under appliance microfiber duster because let's be real — how often do you actually clean underneath your oven and fridge? If you even own anything for cleaning that space. This is gonna make it simple to reach into those crevices and keep it tidy where you can't see. 

Promising review: "I use this under all my appliances and it works great. It fits under my fridge, freezer, range, washer, and dryer, and then I just vacuum it off and done! I also use it on my wooden blinds — just slant them all down and run this over them and poof — clean. Works great!" — CM

Get it from Amazon for $16.99 .

22. A set of silicone luggage wheel covers that'll not only help protect your suitcase wheels when wheeling it through some potentially rough ground/bad weather conditions, but can also help minimize the noise level as well. Not to mention, they come in some really fun colors so if nothing else, they'll just look really neat! 

Promising review: "Functions as advertised. Easy to install. Quality looks good, but only time will tell. The best feature is that they make your luggage stand out. Recommended!" — Jon Padilla

Get a pack of eight from Amazon for $9.99 (available in eight colors).

23. A pack of warming foot masks formulated with epsom salt, shea butter, and lavender and peppermint essential oils to help bring some potential relief (and warmth) to achy feet. 

My colleague  Emma Lord  loves these! Here's her review:

I'm a long-ish distance runner, and these were certainly an interesting experience for my feet! You slide them on and, after a few minutes, feel a tingling, mildly burning (in a good way) sensation. It doesn't quite numb your feet, but it relaxes them. I kept them on for 30 minutes and then toweled my feet off, and the tingling sensation slowly faded over the next 30 minutes. After that, my feet felt very refreshed and relaxed at a time of day when they're usually aching from all the miles I put in.  The whole thing was a mess-free, easy process, and I will definitely keep them on hand for longer run days! 

Get three pairs from Amazon for $17.97 . 

24. A Shower Cat hair catcher — a simple wall-adhesive solution you need if at any point your shower wall or door has resembled a yuckier version of an abstract painting, except instead of colors, it was just all the hair you shed. 

Shower Cat  is a small business established in 2021 specializing in products to prevent shower clogs. 

Promising review: "I first saw this product on TikTok and I knew immediately that I needed it. I just moved into a new apartment and I didn’t want to be how I used to be, where I’d just let hair go down the drain and plug it eventually, or peel it off of the drain after each shower. It works great but I probably need some practice with it. I currently just floss my hair through it so it will hold them and there are a few stray hairs that don’t stick. I would recommend to anyone who is tired of putting your loose strands of hair on the shower wall." — Cari Schwartzkopf

Get it from Amazon for $14.95 . 

25. And while we're on the subject of hair shedding in the shower, a pack of disposable shower hair catchers you simply place over your drain so your hair doesn't go down and clog it. Simply peel and toss when it's full and replace it with a new one! No snaking needed! 

Promising review: "I saw these on TikTok and bought them when I was visiting family. Tried them out and left a few behind for family and sent a few home with family — everyone is now ordering them and using them. They work great. Each one is on its own plastic shield. Just peel off and center onto your floor drain. I leave mine on for two to three weeks. I'm the only one using my shower, but if it's a shared shower, it probably wouldn't last that long. It's still a great way to catch hair before going down the drain because, we all know, people say they use the traps, but they really don't. A must-have!!" — C. Crocker

Get a pack of 25 for $11.99  (also available in packs of 50 and 100).

26. A bottle/jar opener to make quick work of unsealing sauces, jams, beverages, and so much more. The best part is it goes underneath your cabinets so it won't take up valuable kitchen space AND might even add an element of mystery as your guests watch you effortlessly pop off the tops of jars and bottles. 

Promising review: "I very rarely write reviews, but as a person with arthritis in my hands, this product is a godsend! Installed it under my cabinet. It opens any jar/container from the smallest (16-ounce plastic soda bottles) to the largest pickle jar I have. One of the best inexpensive purchases I've ever made. Buy it!" — Vicky Reed

Get it from Amazon for $12.75 .

Read our full  EZ Off jar opener deep dive .

27. An self-cleaning litter box  so your purr-fect bestie's potty break is odor-free, and you don't have to change the litter or scoop 💩 until the tray is full!

Each litter box comes with a pre-portioned package of litter that you pour into the tray. It will start cleaning 20 minutes after it's detected that your cat has left the box. When the tray is full, simply remove it and dispose of it.

Promising review: "I was a little skeptical about paying so much for a litter box but definitely made the best decision. There is literally no smell, and the litter lasts for at least 30 days for my cat. Before we got this litter box, we changed the litter every two days, and that sometimes stretched it out too far to where it smelled throughout part of the house. My cat is 14 and had trouble adjusting to the crystals, so I called the helpline, and they gave me some tips to get her using it. Now, we have no trouble whatsoever. Would definitely recommend this litter box to anyone!! Easy to put together and comes with your first disposable tray and crystals. " — Aldrich

Get it from Amazon for $199.95 .

28. A narrow ice cube tray for making ice that'll actually fit inside your water bottle. Cold water stans rise!!!

Promising review: "These stick ice cubes are fantastic for bottled water! Really like that they have lids = no spilling on the way to the freezer (or picking up odd tastes inside the freezer). And the ice is easy to remove without much breakage." — Diana H.

Get it from Amazon for $9.99  (available with or without covers). 

29. A memory foam pillow designed to adjust to your preferred sleeping position because whether you're a back, stomach, or side sleeper, you deserve a comfortable night's rest. 

Promising review: "I hardly ever write reviews but I have to for this. I saw this pillow on TikTok and it got me curious so I immediately came to Amazon. OMG, it’s such a game changer. I’m a side sleeper and this pillow is heaven . It’s some of the most comfortable sleep I have had in ages. I love it so much I bought a second one and have my eye on the body pillow. Obsessed! You need this in your bedroom." — MT

Get it from Amazon for $75+ (available in three styles and two sizes).

30. A divided pot great for making two different elements of your meal in the same pan OR for cooking different versions of the same food if you happen to be prepping for a picky eater.

Promising review: "I have a picky household, so this works perfectly to reduce the number of pans I have to clean. Made taco meat and burgers at the same time. Pan was an easy swipe of a sponge to clean. Really pretty pan too." — StellaB

Get it from Amazon for  $69.99 . 

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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