Problem-solving

Directed toward understanding difficulties and producing workable answers.

Reach for it when describing thought, behavior, or collaboration focused on resolving an issue

A problem-solving workshop turned complaints into three testable changes.

• playful

  can-do

  for an upbeat willingness to tackle practical difficulties

  not when Can-do praises attitude but offers no evidence of sound reasoning.

• warm

  constructive

  where contributions improve the discussion instead of assigning blame

  not when Constructive is favorable but does not specifically require solving anything.

• warm

  resourceful

  for a person who finds effective uses for limited means

  not when Resourceful describes a capability, not the activity or process itself.

• professional

  analytical

  if breaking a difficulty into evidence and components is central

  not when Analytical work may explain a problem without producing a solution.

• professional

  solution-focused

  when attention should move from causes toward an achievable outcome

  not when Solution-focused can bypass necessary diagnosis if used too early.

• professional

  troubleshooting

  when systematically locating the source of a technical fault

  not when Troubleshooting is diagnostic and narrower than designing broader solutions.

• formal

  remedial

  for action designed to correct an identified defect

  not when Remedial responds to an existing shortcoming and can imply basic-level instruction.

• obstructive
• defeatist
• problem-creating

• problem-solving skills

  The simulation strengthened problem-solving skills without penalizing early mistakes.

• problem-solving approach

  Their problem-solving approach began by reproducing the fault safely.

• problem-solving session

  A short problem-solving session clarified ownership of the blocked tasks.