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Learning My Way L2-4 Skills, Behaviours and Personal Development

Problem Solving

Introduction

Identifying and solving problems is part of our every day life. This skill is invaluable in moving any business forward. The resources here offer an introduction to identifying problems and their causes in the workplace.

the steps to problem-solving and decision-making
the nature, scope and impact of problems
different techniques for problem-solving
gathering and interpreting data about problems
creative approaches to generating solutions

Watch

For those of you who like to watch a short video, here are just a few interesting ones that consider different aspects of problem-solving including different problem-solving techniques and top tips on making decisions.

Working backwards to solve problems

Problem Solving Techniques

How to make fast decisions

Read

If you prefer to read, here you will find a range of articles that cover many different aspects of problem-solving and decision-making techniques.

Can you solve the prisoner hat riddle?You and nine other individuals have been captured by super-intelligent alien overlords. The aliens think humans look quite tasty, but their civilization forbids eating highly logical and cooperative beings. Unfortunately, they're not sure whether you qualify, so they decide to give you all a test. Can you solve this hat riddle? Alex Gendler shows how. [Directed by Artrake Studio, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by WORKPLAYWORK and Cem Misirlioglu].

The Power of Leaders Who Focus on Solving ProblemsCan you get people excited about the problems that excite you?

Sorry AI - The Brain Is Still The Best Inference Machine Out ThereDespite the continued progress in the state of the art in machine learning and artificial intelligence, one thing that still sets the brain apart is its ability to infer information that supports problem solving in situations that are inherently uncertain.

How to Make Decisions: A Model for Making the Best Possible ChoicesUse this seven-step process to make effective, rational decisions in an impartial and comprehensive way.

Is Your Team Solving Problems, or Just Identifying Them?Eight ways to encourage your team to think more critically.

How to Become a Better Decision MakerLearn effective decision-making strategies that can help you improve the choices you make and become a better decision-maker in your professional life.

The 4 Most Effective Ways Leaders Solve ProblemsWith as many problems as we are all faced with in our work and life, it seems as if there is never enough time to solve each one without dealing with some adversity along the way. Problems keep mounting so fast that we find ourselves taking short-cuts to temporarily alleviate the tension points – so we can move onto the next problem. In the process, we fail to solve the core of each problem we are dealt; thus we continuously get caught in the trap of a never-ending cycle that makes it difficult to find any real resolutions. Sound familiar? Whether you are a leader for a large corporation or a small business owner, here are the four most effective ways to solve problems.

Top 20 Problem Solving Activities for Your Team to Master - nTaskHere's our 20 best tips to help you get the grooves on problem solving activities at work places. They are fun, precise and effective for PMs everywhere.

Council Post: 14 Critical First Steps To Solving A ProblemIn many cases, the first step you take toward solving a problem helps to make the solution apparent. Here's what to do when you're faced with a business challenge.

Problem solving vs decision making – what is the difference? | ChangeboardThe key difference between problem solving and decision making is that solving problems is a process, whereas making decisions is an action.

The Decision Making Guide: How to Make Smart Decisions and Avoid Bad OnesThis brief guide on decision making covers why we make poor decisions and discusses useful frameworks to expand your decision making toolbox.

Do

As with all knowledge, it only becomes truly useful when we start to use it! Here we have sourced a range of short courses to help you to develop your problem-solving skills in different ways. Pick a course that interests you and start turning your knowledge into useful business skills. If you want to test your problem-solving skills, there is a course that teaches you how to solve encrypted Maths puzzles.

Problem-solving Techniques

Our 2-hour online sessions, encourage active participation allowing you to exchange ideas with tutors and fellow apprentices.

By participating, you will:

Enhance your understanding of your unique problem-solving style and gain perspective on how others might tackle identical issues.
Provide an opportunity to delve into various problem-solving methodologies, fostering a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives.
Have some time to reflect and share problem-solving best practices.

Click on the link below to book your space

Book your space now!

Decision trees and dealing with uncertaintyThis free course introduces basic ideas of probability. It focuses on dealing with uncertainty in a financial context and explores decision trees, a powerful decision-making technique, which can...

Key skill assessment unit: problem solvingProblem solving runs through many activities. Often problems are contexts for focusing ideas and stimulating further investigation or discussion. Framing an issue appropriately, identifying why it ...

Making decisionsDo you hate making decisions? Does the ability of others to make snap decisions really frustrate you? This free course will help you understand some of the processes involved in decision making....

Stretch and Challenge Yourself

Learning to stretch our thinking skills is integral to accelerating our development. This is a really important part of the learning process, and gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills and show progression in your Apprenticeship.

Here are two challenges for you to pick from- should you choose to accept, this will help you to develop critical thinking, evaluation skills and encourage creativity.

Challenge 1

Identify an example where you have had to solve a problem at work. Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your process and outcome to solve the problem. Consider the aim, outcome and methods/strategies you used and alternative solutions. Conclude if the solution was effective or not, justifying your reasoning. Identify an area where you could improve your problem-solving skills and discuss your evaluation with your Talent Coach and agree on an action plan to take the next development steps.

Challenge 2

Identify two problem-solving strategies that have been used within your team/dept recently. Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the strategies. Consider the aim/problem, outcome and methods/strategies you used and alternative solutions. Conclude which strategy was more effective, justifying your reasoning. Discuss your evaluation and justify your reasoning with your Talent Coach.

Update your Learning Journal in OneFile with your evaluation and your reflections ready to discuss with your Talent Coach at your next review.

Reflect

Reflective practice is, in its simplest form, thinking about or reflecting on what you do. It’s a really important part of learning from experience.

Within your apprenticeship you will be encouraged to reflect throughout your programme, the reason for this is two-fold.

Regular reflection will accelerate your development and help you to identify areas to develop helping you to constantly move forward.
A summary or log of your reflections on your development will be required as part of your endpoint assessment activities. These reflections should demonstrate your ability to 'critically evaluate' your performance and development.

Reflection is a skill and practice will make it easier, it should also be an enjoyable experience and a chance to concentrate on what you need.

To support you to develop this skill we have gathered a range of resources and articles to help you find a reflective model that works for you.

Click on the button below to access the Reflective Practice page for additional resources.

Reflective Practice

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