Learning to be decisive implies knowing how to put into practice the specific “problem solving” competence. This learning requires mentally understanding the theory and content of a skill or competence, and, at the same time, knowing how to mobilize at a certain time and in a certain context. For example, how to learn to solve problems at work and in life requires knowing the definition of problem solving, learning about the elements that compose it, and knowing how to solve in practice the problems presented by a defined work task.
Solving problems is the will or the ability to face a given situation by organizing and / or applying a strategy or operational sequence to find solutions. These strategies are, fundamentally, identify, diagnose, formulate, solve and evaluate.
In the workplace, problem solving would be looking for technical solutions and also satisfactory agreements between several personal elements that work simultaneously and knowing how to mobilize at the moment and the context that is required. For example, how to learn to solve problems at work (or in life) requires a deep understanding of the definition of problem solving, knowing the elements that compose it and knowing how to start the path to solve the difficulties and obstacles of a situation .
A group of people or a group of workers in a workshop or an office must know how to generate positive responses in situations of difficulty, overload and conflict. Solving problems will require knowing how to clarify a situation, analyze the causes, generate decision alternatives, evaluate the advantages and disadvantages, identify the contradictions and obtain effective communication.
All skill training can begin to instruct the adult to act; and then ask him to explain how to solve the problem and show how he would do it. (I refer the reader to George E. Miller’s Australian model published in the 1990s in Nursing Training Programs.)
Examples of problem solving applied to everyday practice are: How to prepare a report? How to finish a job if parts are missing? How to organize an emergency team? How to finish a plan when the client has put more conditions? Etc. Among communication problems, for example: How to connect with a worker who is going through a professional crisis period? How to help a person to unblock themselves? How to solve a misunderstanding? How to solve the need for continuing education? How to mediate before different positions between workers and employers? How to use problem situations as opportunities and possibilities for professional development?
