Another step means another lessons to be learned. I do believe that when we take another steps in life, we’re going to face another problem, challenges, which makes us learn new things.

Including at work. Having the ability to know the core of the problem and the solution is needed, and I think that is a general requirement for us as employees. A research from American Management Association in 2010 also found that critical thinking and problem solving could be a strong point for the employee.  Having these skills does not mean that we have to be able to answer all questions and solve it all, it means that we have to be able to think more, analyze, and observe the problems, until we can get the solutions in a reasonable period.

Here, there are some tips that I found could help us to enhance our skills in problem solving and critical thinking:

1.     Having a Better Understanding of the Problems

By seeing the problems from many different perspectives, it could help us to have a better understanding of the problems. Also, we can compare it with other similar-or-related problems, then we can find more information that may become the answer to the problems, or at least give some learning about how to handle the problems. Or, if we got stuck with the problems, solution is not the one that we have to find anymore, but focusing on how to minimize the impact that could happen from the problem. 

2.    Create Several Assumptions

Just because solutions were effective in the past doesn't mean they'll be among the best possible solutions now. Do some research in order to find the solutions, but don’t depend with unreliable sources. I’m fully aware that every problem may have different solutions, but there’s nothing wrong with researching, right?

3.    Explore your Creativity

Exploring your creativity and imagination could help you in finding the solutions. Believe it or not, creativity leads you to various ways or findings that you probably never think of before.

4.    Follow Up

Last but not least, follow up is very important after the solutions are found and implemented to the problems. This helps you in evaluating whether your critical thinking process works or not, and helps you to grow.

If any of you have more tips to share, I’ll be glad and very open to any discussions!