problem solving resources

How we use cookies

We have to use some essential cookies to make this website work. Cookies are stored locally on your computer or mobile device. We also use other optional cookies to:

• Analyse how you use the site
• Personalise and improve your site experience
• Deliver personalised content and messaging from ourselves and third parties.

You can either accept or reject these optional cookies or select ‘Manage cookies’ to change your preference at any time. See our cookie policy page for more information.

Your cookie preferences

The types of similar technologies used in this website fall into one of four categories - Strictly Necessary, Performance, Functionality & Profile and Targeting. You can find out more information in our Cookie Policy.

Please indicate the categories you wish to consent to by selecting ‘Manage data preferences’ and using the sliders below and then click “Save preferences” to retain your preferences for future visits. You can change these preferences at any time by clicking Cookie Policy on our website.

Strictly necessary

Data collected in this category is essential to provide our services to you. The data is necessary for the website to operate and to maintain your security and privacy while using the website. Data is not used for marketing purposes or for the purposes covered by the other three categories below. This category can’t be disabled.

Performance

These help us improve the experience for all users of the website. Data collected in this category is to inform us how the website is used, improve how our website works and to help us to identify issues you may have when using our website. This data is not used to target you with online advertising.

Data collected in this category enables the website to remember choices you make. This means a more personalised experience for features of the website that can be customised. It may also be used to provide services you've asked for, such as watching a video or commenting on a blog.

Data collected in this category is used to help make our messages more relevant to you. The data is shared with other third parties, such as advertisers and platforms we may use to deliver personalised advertisements and messages. If you don’t wish to consent to this category, it’s important to note that you may still receive generic advertising or service messages, but they will be less relevant to you

For learners from school through to university and beyond

What stage are you at?

For people like teachers, youth group leaders, mentors, local authorities, charities, job centre staff, and parents or carers

Work with a group or a class

Coach an adult

Tools, tips and activities to help your family

Resources for educators

• Login Sign up for free

Save to a group

Would you like to create a subgroup to help organise your saved items?

What is problem solving?

Whether at school, in the workplace or in your personal life, everyone encounters setbacks. Knowing when and how to apply problem solving techniques is key to overcoming challenges to help you move forward and achieve success.

Why are problem solving skills important?

Problem solving has been found to be one of the top skills employers look for when recruiting, so learning how to apply this skill in different scenarios can help prepare learners for the world of work. By gaining an understanding of the six stages of problem solving, as well as identifying situations in which they already use these skills, learners will gain an adaptable approach to problem solving.

• For young people
• For educators

LifeSkills problem solving resources help make day-to-day problem solving easier and help you use a different perspective to reach a goal, whether at school, home or in employment. Use the activities below to understand the six stages of problem solving, as well as identify the different types of situations in which you might already be using these skills.

Putting problem solving into action

Problems are easy to solve if we break them down. Follow this step-by-step guide to help you solve them.

6 stages of problem solving

Check out this fun animation that explains the six simple steps to help you solve your problems and get on with things

Listening and problem solving skills can be essential in the workplace

See how these skills can be vital in different work place situations and how you can master them and develop other key skills with LifeSkills

Reboot Your Thinking With These Cool Hacks

Solving problems doesn't have to be a chore. These hacks show how good problem solving can produce inventive solutions.

I want to develop my mindset and skills for work

From problem solving and improving your efficiency to revealing your creativity and hidden strengths, discover the skills and qualities that will help set you up for success.

I want an insight into how the world of work is changing

From resilience and problem solving to creative thinking and proactivity – explore our tools to help you step into a job with confidence.

From lesson plans and activities for students to complete in the classroom to modules that help build the employability skills of adult learners you might be supporting one to one, our problem solving resources enable you to build your learners’ confidence to overcome challenges and think creatively to solve problems they encounter at school, college, in the workplace or their personal lives. 

Problem solving

Help students develop problem solving skills utilising a clear 6-step process adapted from computational thinking used for coding.

Help your students become expert problem solvers

Find out about the 6-step process we’ve created to help support young people in developing their problem solving skills.

Understand core transferable skills original

Find out more about the core transferable skills young people need to be better prepared for the future workplace.

Boosting your problem solving skills

This module will support learners to apply a six-step problem solving strategy, explore three problem solving scenarios and practise an exercise on future problem solving.

Understanding your zones of control

This module will help improve learners’ focus. It supports them to identify what is within their control and what is not, giving them more clarity on the actions they need to take.

Overcoming setbacks

This module focuses on positive challenge for growth. It will encourage learners to reflect how they currently deal with setbacks and consider how they can take a new approach.

Problem solving is one of the top skills employers look for when recruiting for a role within their organisation, and yet it is also one most often lacking in candidates. Our problem solving resources can be used to improve your problem solving skills and make you more attractive to a future employer.

Learn how to be better at problem-solving

Problem-solving is a skill that can help in your day-to-day life. Learn to solve problems and overcome challenges more effectively with these useful techniques.

Creative thinking – top tips for thinking creatively & generating ideas

Creative thinking is a valuable skill for employees and business owners alike. Find out how to think more creatively & generate good ideas with top tips from LifeSkills

Using transferable skills to get ahead at work

An ability to be resilient, solve problems, be creative and adaptable is in greater demand than ever before. We explain why.

Looking for more ways to boost problem-solving skills with LifeSkills?

Problem solving is important both to individuals and organisations to allow us to have control over our environment. It gives us the power to identify the things we want to change, and work out what needs to be done to create a desired outcome. Problem solving is also the source of all new inventions and social and cultural evolution, leading to continuing improvement in our communication and learning.

You can find lots of other LifeSkills content that may prove useful for helping yourself or your learners build their problem solving skills, so they feel confident in meeting challenges, overcoming obstacles and approaching creative and strategic projects from a different angle.

• Students aged 14 and over can access the Young people hub to develop problem solving and other core transferable skills further, so you’re ready for the future workplace.
• Educators can access our Educator hub which contains full-length lesson plans, modules, independent worksheets, online lesson films and interactive tools so you can deliver problem solving content to young people and adults, regardless of the setting. Make sure you set up your dashboard to see the content most relevant to you whether you are coaching an adult, teaching a class or mentoring a group.
• If you’re an adult adapting to Changing worklife , our hub contains articles and advice on how you can boost your problem solving skills to achieve workplace success.

What is Problem Solving? (Steps, Techniques, Examples)

By Status.net Editorial Team on May 7, 2023 — 4 minutes to read

What Is Problem Solving?

Definition and importance.

Problem solving is the process of finding solutions to obstacles or challenges you encounter in your life or work. It is a skill that allows you to tackle complex situations, adapt to changes, and overcome difficulties with ease.

Problem-Solving Steps

The problem-solving process typically includes the following steps:

• Identify the issue : Recognize the problem that needs to be solved.
• Analyze the situation : Examine the issue in depth, gather all relevant information, and consider any limitations or constraints that may be present.
• Generate potential solutions : Brainstorm a list of possible solutions to the issue, without immediately judging or evaluating them.
• Evaluate options : Weigh the pros and cons of each potential solution, considering factors such as feasibility, effectiveness, and potential risks.
• Select the best solution : Choose the option that best addresses the problem and aligns with your objectives.
• Implement the solution : Put the selected solution into action and monitor the results to ensure it resolves the issue.
• Review and learn : Reflect on the problem-solving process, identify any improvements or adjustments that can be made, and apply these learnings to future situations.

Defining the Problem

To start tackling a problem, first, identify and understand it. Analyzing the issue thoroughly helps to clarify its scope and nature. Ask questions to gather information and consider the problem from various angles. Some strategies to define the problem include:

• Brainstorming with others
• Asking the 5 Ws and 1 H (Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How)
• Analyzing cause and effect
• Creating a problem statement

Generating Solutions

Once the problem is clearly understood, brainstorm possible solutions. Think creatively and keep an open mind, as well as considering lessons from past experiences. Consider:

• Creating a list of potential ideas to solve the problem
• Grouping and categorizing similar solutions
• Prioritizing potential solutions based on feasibility, cost, and resources required
• Involving others to share diverse opinions and inputs

Evaluating and Selecting Solutions

Evaluate each potential solution, weighing its pros and cons. To facilitate decision-making, use techniques such as:

• SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)
• Decision-making matrices
• Pros and cons lists
• Risk assessments

After evaluating, choose the most suitable solution based on effectiveness, cost, and time constraints.

Implementing and Monitoring the Solution

Implement the chosen solution and monitor its progress. Key actions include:

• Communicating the solution to relevant parties
• Setting timelines and milestones
• Assigning tasks and responsibilities
• Monitoring the solution and making adjustments as necessary
• Evaluating the effectiveness of the solution after implementation

Utilize feedback from stakeholders and consider potential improvements.

Problem-Solving Techniques

During each step, you may find it helpful to utilize various problem-solving techniques, such as:

• Brainstorming : A free-flowing, open-minded session where ideas are generated and listed without judgment, to encourage creativity and innovative thinking.
• Root cause analysis : A method that explores the underlying causes of a problem to find the most effective solution rather than addressing superficial symptoms.
• SWOT analysis : A tool used to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to a problem or decision, providing a comprehensive view of the situation.
• Mind mapping : A visual technique that uses diagrams to organize and connect ideas, helping to identify patterns, relationships, and possible solutions.

Brainstorming

When facing a problem, start by conducting a brainstorming session. Gather your team and encourage an open discussion where everyone contributes ideas, no matter how outlandish they may seem. This helps you:

• Generate a diverse range of solutions
• Encourage all team members to participate

When brainstorming:

• Reserve judgment until the session is over
• Encourage wild ideas
• Combine and improve upon ideas

Root Cause Analysis

For effective problem-solving, identifying the root cause of the issue at hand is crucial. Try these methods:

• 5 Whys : Ask “why” five times to get to the underlying cause.
• Fishbone Diagram : Create a diagram representing the problem and break it down into categories of potential causes.
• Pareto Analysis : Determine the few most significant causes underlying the majority of problems.

SWOT Analysis

SWOT analysis helps you examine the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats related to your problem. To perform a SWOT analysis:

• List your problem’s strengths, such as relevant resources or strong partnerships.
• Identify its weaknesses, such as knowledge gaps or limited resources.
• Explore opportunities, like trends or new technologies, that could help solve the problem.
• Recognize potential threats, like competition or regulatory barriers.

SWOT analysis aids in understanding the internal and external factors affecting the problem, which can help guide your solution.

Mind Mapping

A mind map is a visual representation of your problem and potential solutions. It enables you to organize information in a structured and intuitive manner. To create a mind map:

• Write the problem in the center of a blank page.
• Draw branches from the central problem to related sub-problems or contributing factors.
• Add more branches to represent potential solutions or further ideas.

Mind mapping allows you to visually see connections between ideas and promotes creativity in problem-solving.

• Problem Solving Skills: 25 Performance Review Phrases Examples
• How to Resolve Employee Conflict at Work [Steps, Tips, Examples]
• 30 Examples: Self Evaluation Comments for Problem Solving
• Effective Decision Making Process: 7 Steps with Examples
• 174 Performance Feedback Examples (Reliability, Integrity, Problem Solving)
• How to Write Inspiring Core Values? 5 Steps with Examples