Problem Solving

&
Critical Thinking
 Introduction

As a young professional navigating the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of the job
market, mastering problem-solving and critical thinking skills among other skills is crucial.
No matter the career path or field you choose, be it business, technology, healthcare,
education, or any other field, these skills will serve as invaluable assets, empowering you to
overcome obstacles, seize opportunities, and drive positive change. Therefore, this
workbook is designed to support you in developing and refining your problem-solving and
critical thinking abilities.

You may not realize it, but you have already been using problem-solving and critical thinking
skills throughout your academic journey, from your early years in school to your college
education and internships. Even in your everyday life at home, you have encountered
numerous situations that required you to think critically and find creative solutions to various
challenges and issues.

Now, it is time to take your understanding of these skills to the next level and begin applying
them consciously and deliberately in all aspects of your life. This workbook will guide you
through practical exercises and activities to help you deepen your understanding of problem-
solving and critical thinking and start integrating them into your daily decision-making
processes, especially in the context of workspace.

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 Problem-solving
Problem-solving is a cognitive process
that involves identifying a challenge or
issue, generating and analyzing potential
solutions, critically evaluating and
selecting the best possible solution, and
effectively implementing it to resolve the
issue. The idea of using this skill is not
just to fix an issue but to find the
smartest way to do it.

Describe any real-life situation where

you think you have used problem-
solving skills successfully to overcome
a challenge or issue.

2
Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is a systematic process of
analyzing information to make logical
decisions or judgments based on evidence,
reasoning, and considering multiple
perspectives. It is not about criticizing or
finding fault.

What do you believe is the value of

critically examining information and
considering multiple perspectives
before forming conclusions or making
decisions in your personal or
professional life?

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 The Importance and Benefits of Problem-
Solving and Critical Thinking for Workplace
Success
In the modern workplace, problem-solving and critical thinking are essential skills that
contribute significantly to both individual and organizational success. These abilities are
crucial for making informed decisions, fostering innovation, and enhancing collaboration.
Here, we explore the key benefits of these skills and their impact on workplace success.

Improved Decision-Making
Critical thinking and effective problem-solving enable you to analyze information
objectively and make decisions based on evidence and logical reasoning. By
evaluating the pros and cons of different options, you can select the most
effective solutions, leading to better outcomes for the organization while
minimizing errors.

Increased Efficiency
Problem-solving skills streamline processes by identifying and eliminating
obstacles or challenges. When you excel in these areas, you can pinpoint
inefficiencies and develop strategies to address them, thereby optimizing
workflows. This will not only save time but also reduce costs, contributing to a
more productive workplace environment.

Increased Innovation
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills drive creativity and innovation. You
will be able to approach challenges with a fresh perspective and generate novel
solutions to help your team and organization as a whole. This innovative
mindset fosters a culture of continuous improvement and growth, essential for
long-term success in a dynamic business landscape.

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4
 Improved Collaboration
Effective problem-solving and critical thinking promote better collaboration
among team members. You will be able to communicate your ideas clearly,
analyze problems collectively, and work together with your colleagues towards
solutions and creating a positive work environment.

Adaptability
In today's rapidly evolving business environment, adaptability is vital. Critical
thinking and problem-solving skills will enable you to navigate change more
effectively at workplace. Whether it is learning new technologies or adjusting to
shifting job roles, these skills will help you remain flexible and resilient, ensuring
you can meet new challenges head-strong.

Better Overall Performance

When you are proficient in problem-solving and critical thinking, you will tend to
perform better overall. These skills enhance your ability to handle complex
tasks, make informed decisions, and contribute meaningfully to your teams.
This leads to greater professional satisfaction and fulfillment, as you will feel
more competent and valued in your roles.

Enhanced Career Growth Opportunities

Mastering problem-solving and critical thinking opens up various career
advancement opportunities. When you demonstrate these skills, you will often
be seen as a leader and are more likely to be promoted. By continuously
developing these abilities, you can significantly enhance your career
trajectories and achieve long-term professional success.

The integration of problem-solving and critical thinking skills in the workplace is

indispensable. These skills not only improve individual performance and satisfaction but
also drive organizational success by fostering innovation, collaboration, and adaptability.
Investing in the development of these abilities is crucial for anyone looking to excel in their
career and contribute effectively to their organization's goals.

5
 IDEAL Model
The IDEAL model was developed by John D. Bransford and Barry S. Stein and is
presented in their book "The Ideal Problem Solver". The model is a structured approach
designed to improve effective problem-solving skills. The acronym stands for Identify,
Define, Explore, Act, and Look.
Watch Desmond Stephens explain the IDEAL Model

Identify the Problem

I ◦ Start by recognizing that a problem exists and needs to be addressed.
◦ Clearly describe what the problem is, ensuring you understand its nature and scope.
◦ Gather relevant information to get a full picture of the problem and its context.

Define and Represent the Problem

D ◦ Break the problem down into smaller, more manageable parts to simplify understanding.
◦ Set clear goals for what you want to achieve.
◦ Use visual aids or other tools to represent the problem in a way that makes it easier to
grasp and address.

Explore Possible Strategies

E ◦ Brainstorm and list various potential strategies or solutions.
◦ Think about different ways to tackle the problem, considering a wide range of approaches.
◦ Evaluate each potential strategy in terms of feasibility, effectiveness, and resources
required.
◦ Prioritize the strategies based on which ones are most likely to succeed and are most
practical to implement.

Act on the Strategies

A ◦ Choose the best strategy or combination of strategies from your list.
◦ Create a detailed plan outlining the steps needed to implement the chosen solution.
◦ Allocate necessary resources, such as time, effort, and materials, to effectively carry out
your plan.
◦ Put the plan into action, remaining adaptable and ready to adjust as needed.

Look Back and Evaluate

L ◦ After implementing the solution, review the outcomes to see if the problem has been
resolved.
◦ Reflect on the process to determine what worked well and what didn’t.
◦ Analyze the results and gather insights to improve your problem-solving skills for future
challenges.
◦ Use this evaluation to learn and grow, enhancing your ability to solve problems more
effectively next time.

6
 Case study

In this exercise, you will be presented with a

scenario that requires you to apply problem-solving
and critical-thinking skills. Through thoughtful
reflection and application of the IDEAL model, you
will develop a comprehensive plan to address the
challenge at hand. As you engage with this exercise,
remember that the problem-solving process
demonstrated here is universally applicable, empowering
you to tackle obstacles and succeed in any professional setting.

Background:
You are a teacher at a public university, and you have assigned a group project to your
students where they collaborate to create a presentation on a topic of their choice. Each
group consists of four students, and the project is a significant component of their overall
grade for the semester.

Challenge:
Despite providing clear instructions and resources, you notice that some students in each
group are not actively participating or contributing to the project. This lack of engagement
is impacting the quality of the presentations and the overall learning experience for the
students involved.

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7
Task:
Using the IDEAL problem-solving model, devise a plan to address the challenge of low
student engagement and enhance collaboration within the group projects.

Identify the Problem:

Describe the specific behaviors or observations that may indicate low student
engagement in the group projects.

Define the Ideal Outcome:

Envision an ideal scenario where all students are actively engaged and contributing
meaningfully to their group projects. What would success look like in this situation?

Explore Strategies:
Brainstorm potential strategies to address the challenge of low student engagement. List
at least three strategies you could implement to improve student participation.

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8
Act on the Plan:
Choose one of the strategies you listed above and outline how you would implement it to
improve student engagement in the group projects. Be specific about the steps you
would take and the resources you would need.

Look Back and Learn:

Reflect on the effectiveness of your chosen strategy in addressing the challenge of low
student engagement. What were the outcomes of implementing this strategy, and what
did you learn from the experience? [answer this hypothetically or from experience]

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9
 First Principles Thinking

"Boil things down to the most fundamental truths... and then reason up from there."
– Elon Musk

First Principles Thinking is a core problem-solving technique that involves breaking down
complex issues into their most basic parts. Instead of depending on existing assumptions
or analogies, this method encourages an analysis and comprehension of a problem's core
elements. This technique is particularly beneficial for fostering critical thinking and
innovation, making it a vital skill for professionals from any field or sector.

First Principles Thinking entails questioning and deconstructing problems to uncover their
fundamental truths. This approach promotes a deeper understanding of the issue,
allowing for the identification of fresh perspectives and innovative solutions by
reconstructing from these basic principles.

Steps to apply Example

Suppose you are in charge of a community development
Identify the Problem: project and need to decide the best way to allocate limited
clearly define the problem you are facing. funds to maximize impact. Using First Principles Thinking:

Break Down the Problem: Identify the Problem:

Limited funds need to be allocated for maximum impact.
deconstruct the problem into its most
basic elements by asking, "What do we Break Down the Problem:
know to be true?" ◦ What are the core needs of the community?
◦ How have funds been allocated in the past?
◦ What are the expected outcomes of different allocation
Analyze the Fundamentals: strategies?
examine these basic elements and ◦
◦ Analyze the Fundamentals:
challenge every assumption. Seek to
◦ Core Needs: Access to clean water, education, and
understand the core principles underlying healthcare.
each component. ◦ Past Allocations: Funds were evenly distributed but had
minimal impact.
◦ Outcomes: Prioritize projects with measurable benefits.
Rebuild from the Ground Up:
use the fundamental truths to construct Rebuild from the Ground Up:
innovative solutions from scratch. ◦ Allocate funds to projects providing clean water, as this has
immediate and long-term health benefits.
◦ Partner with educational institutions to leverage additional
resources.
◦ Invest in preventive healthcare initiatives to reduce future
costs.

10
 Six Thinking Hats

Facts Emotions
Creativity
Figures Feelings

Control Optimistic Critical

Management Benefits Cautious

Watch Litmos Heroes explain the Six Thinking Hats

The Six Thinking Hats method, developed by Edward de Bono, is a powerful tool to
enhance critical thinking, creativity, and decision-making while faced with a problem or
issue. This method involves six distinct modes of thinking, each represented by a different
colored hat.

By systematically switching between these hats, individuals and groups can explore various
perspectives, making their problem-solving and decision-making processes more
comprehensive and effective. This is especially useful for young people entering the
workforce, as it equips them with different thinking skills essential for employability.

On the next page, we will look at how each of these hats thinks and how you may apply
them in various work situations.

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11
 Applying the Six Thinking Hats at
Workplace

WHITE HAT RED HAT GREEN HAT

When you or your colleagues While wearing the Red Hat, you Wearing the Green Hat
wear the White Hat, you would and your colleagues would encourages you to think
focus on gathering all relevant share your feelings and creatively and generate new
information and data about a intuitions about a particular ideas. This involves
project or issue. This involves project or decision. This could brainstorming sessions,
researching facts, compiling involve discussing your gut exploring innovative solutions,
data reports, and reviewing reactions to a proposed and thinking outside the box.
statistics. strategy, expressing concerns
or excitement, and considering
For example, during a product
For example, if you are how different stakeholders
development meeting, you
planning a new marketing might feel.
might come up with unique
campaign, you would collect
For example, in a team features or new ways to market
market research data, analyze
customer demographics, and meeting, you might express the product that haven't been
assess past campaign your intuitive reservations tried before.
performances. about a new product's potential
success.

BLUE HAT YELLOW HAT BLACK HAT

With the Blue Hat, you would When wearing the Yellow With the Black Hat on, you
manage and organize the Hat, you and your colleagues would critically evaluate the
thinking process itself. This would focus on the positive risks, problems, and potential
includes setting agendas for aspects and benefits of a cons of an idea. This involves
meetings, defining objectives, proposal. This involves identifying possible pitfalls,
summarizing discussions, and identifying the strengths, assessing weaknesses, and
ensuring that all other hats are opportunities, and potential considering the worst-case
used effectively. advantages. scenarios.

For instance, as the project For instance, while For example, if your team is
manager in a planning session, discussing a new business considering launching a new
you would guide the team venture, you would highlight service, you would analyze
through each hat's perspective, potential profits, market potential market risks, legal
ensure everyone stays on topic, expansion opportunities, and issues, and financial challenges.
and summarize the key points competitive advantages.
for decision-making.

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12
Addressing Specific
Workplace Challenges
Navigating the professional landscape often comes with many
challenges, from managing time effectively to resolving
conflicts among colleagues. These challenges can significantly
impact your productivity, job satisfaction, and career growth.
Understanding and addressing these common workplace
issues is crucial for developing a successful and fulfilling
career. By proactively identifying potential obstacles or
challenges and employing strategic solutions, you can enhance
your ability to thrive in any professional environment.

Some specific workplace challenges commonly observed

include time management, stress management,
communication, conflict resolution, adaptability to change, and
teamwork and collaboration. In the next few pages of this
workbook, we will focus on addressing three of these
challenges: time management, stress management, and
conflict resolution.

Through a series of exercises, you will gain some insights and

strategies to overcome these challenges and enhance your
professional skills by applying the principles of problem-solving
and critical thinking to navigate the complexities you may face
at your workplace.

Other than the workplace challenges we will discuss, what are some
other common challenges you think you might face?

13
 Time Management
Managing time effectively is crucial in the workplace. Many young
professionals struggle with prioritizing tasks, leading to missed
deadlines and increased stress. By mastering time management, you
can improve productivity and reduce anxiety.

Exercise
As a Program Manager at a tourism company, you oversee multiple tours and travel packages
simultaneously, ensuring tour schedules are adhered to and critical issues are resolved
promptly. Your role requires effective time management and collaboration with cross-
functional teams to achieve organizational goals.

List of tasks you have as the Program Manager:

A. Resolve a critical issue with a major tour that is causing delays and customer
dissatisfaction.
B. Review and approve tour guides' schedules and timesheets for payroll processing.
C. Attend a partnership meeting to discuss collaboration with a new travel agency.
D. Update and organize client feedback and testimonials on the shared drive.
E. Draft a proposal for a new eco-friendly travel package

What you must do:

Prioritize the tasks above using the Eisenhower Matrix* provided below based on their
urgency and importance.

Urgent Not Urgent

DO SCHEDULE Tips for Success
Important

Do it now. Schedule a time to

do it.
Prioritize Daily: At the start of each day, review
your task list and prioritize based on urgency and
importance. Adjust your plan as needed.

Set Boundaries: Establish clear working hours

and personal time to avoid burnout. Ensure your
entire team respects these boundaries.

Time Blocking: Allocate specific blocks of time

DELEGATE DELETE for different types of work (e.g., meetings,
Eliminate it focused work, administrative tasks). This helps in
Who can do it for you? maintaining a structured schedule.
Important

Use Technology: Utilize project management

Not

tools and apps to track tasks, deadlines, and

progress. Tools like Trello, Asana, or Microsoft
Teams can help keep everything organized.

Set SMART Goals: Ensure your tasks are Specific,

Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-
bound.
*Read more about the matrix on an article on LinkedIn

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 Stress Management
Stress management is a common workplace challenge impacting productivity, well-being, and
overall job satisfaction. In today's fast-paced work environments, employees often face high
workloads, tight deadlines, interpersonal conflicts, and other stressors that can lead to burnout
and decreased performance. However, critical thinking and problem-solving skills can be
invaluable in addressing and mitigating workplace stress effectively.

Exercise:
In this exercise, you must first identify your top two stress factors and create a plan to address
them. Start by considering all potential stressors in your life (preferably in your workspace
currently, if not, feel free to choose from your personal life too). Choose the two most
significant stress factors and rate their severity on a scale from 1 to 10. Then, set specific,
achievable goals to tackle each stressor and develop an action plan outlining steps to achieve
these goals. Be sure to break down each action step into manageable tasks and remain
flexible in adapting your plan as needed. Use the provided table framework:
Example Stress Factor 1 Stress Factor 2

Workload

Stress Level
(lowest - 1 to 8
highest - 10)

Improve time
management and
effectively
Goals
manage
workload and Tips for Success
deadlines
- Identify high- Prioritize and Organize: Break down tasks into
manageable chunks, prioritize them based on
priority tasks urgency and importance, and create a realistic
- Break down schedule to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
projects into Practice Self-Care: Take regular breaks
smaller tasks throughout the day, engage in physical activity,
practice relaxation techniques, and ensure
Action Plan - Set realistic adequate sleep to recharge and rejuvenate your
deadlines mind and body.
- Utilize time- Communicate effectively: Improve your ability to
blocking express concerns, set boundaries, and seek
support from colleagues and supervisors
techniques effectively.
- Weekly review

15
 Conflict Resolution
Conflict resolution is a common challenge in the workplace, often arising from differences in
opinions, priorities, or approaches to tasks and projects. When left unaddressed, conflicts
can escalate and negatively impact team dynamics, productivity, and overall morale.
However, effectively navigating and resolving conflicts is essential for fostering a positive
work environment and maintaining productive working relationships.

Exercise:
You are facilitating a meeting between two colleagues, Sarah and John, who are in
disagreement over the allocation of resources for a joint project. Sarah believes that more
resources should be allocated to research and development to ensure the project's success,
while John argues for investing in marketing and promotion to increase visibility and attract
potential clients.

How would you respond to this conflict and work towards a resolution? Write your
response and proposed solution in the space provided below.

Tips for Success

Identify the Root Cause: Delve beneath surface-level

disagreements and uncover the underlying issues driving
the conflict. By understanding the root cause, you can
address the core concerns and work towards a more
meaningful resolution.

Remain Objective: Approach the conflict with an open

mind and avoid making assumptions, forming biases or
jumping to conclusions. Utilize problem-solving
techniques to gather relevant information, assess
different perspectives, and evaluate potential solutions
based on their merits and feasibility.
Note: as the manager, your role is to guide the Seek Common Ground: Look for areas of agreement or
conversation, encourage active listening, and help your shared goals that can serve as a foundation for finding a
mutually beneficial solution. Explore creative
colleagues reach a resolution through constructive compromises or alternative approaches that address the
problem-solving and critical thinking. interests of all parties involved.

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 SWOT Analysis Exercise
SWOT Analysis is a strategic tool used to identify and analyze the Strengths, Weaknesses,
Opportunities, and Threats related to a specific objective. For young professionals like you,
conducting a SWOT analysis can provide valuable insights into your personal and professional
attributes, thereby helping you to develop a targeted job search strategy.

In the boxes below, take a moment to reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and
threats in relation to your job-seeking journey. Write down at least 3-5 points for each
category. Consider the field or career you would like to apply for and map out your SWOT.

Strengths
Strengths
Weaknesses
What do you do well? What can you improve?

Define the
core strengths of
your brand and
products

A SWOT analysis of your brand gives you a clear

overview of your high points and low points. It also helps you d
Opportunities Threats
how your competitors are better at what you aim to achie
What opportunities are available to enhance What are some obstacles?
your skills?

17
 Post SWOT Analysis
Once you have defined your strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities and threats, you can now think about strategies to leverage your strengths
and opportunities and to overcome the weaknesses and handle the threats.

How do your strengths and weaknesses influence your job-seeking

strategy?

What opportunities can you leverage to enhance your job prospects?

How can you mitigate potential threats and challenges in your job
search?

What actionable steps will you take to achieve your job-seeking

goals?

18
 Developing a problem-solving mindset
Developing a problem-solving mindset in the workplace is crucial for you as a young
professional as it equips you to navigate the complexities and unexpected challenges that
arise. This mindset fosters resilience, adaptability, and proactive thinking, allowing you to
identify issues early, analyze them effectively, and implement practical solutions. By honing
problem-solving skills, you can contribute more to your teams, enhance decision-making
capabilities, and build a reputation for reliability and innovation. Ultimately, this not only
accelerates personal and professional growth but also drives overall organizational success.
Here are some ways for you to build this mindset.

Embrace Practical
Description Resource
Challenges Application

Viewing challenges Adopt a "growth

William
as opportunities for mindset" by seeking
Embrace Kamkwamba: How
growth enhances out challenges and
Challenges I Harnessed the
problem-solving learning from
Wind
skills. setbacks.

Curiosity drives Ask questions and

How to Strengthen
innovation and seek to understand
Foster Curiosity Your Curiosity
effective problem- the root causes of
Muscle
solving. problems.

Constructive Regularly seek

feedback helps feedback from Visit LinkedIn
Seek Feedback refine problem- peers and mentors Advice to hear from
solving to improve your experts
approaches. strategies.

Understanding
Actively listen to
others' Seven Benefits
others and consider
perspectives When You Lead
Cultivate Empathy their viewpoints
fosters With Empathy -
when addressing
collaborative Forbes
challenges.
problem-solving.

19
Developing a problem-solving mindset

Embrace Practical
Description Resource
Challenges Application

Embrace
challenges and
persist in the face
Believing in your of setbacks,
The Ultimate Guide
Foster a Growth ability to develop knowing that
for Developing a
Mindset and keep skills and talents improvement is
Growth Mindset: 6
learning fuels problem- possible. Enroll in
Tips for Success
solving efforts. courses, attend
workshops, and
read extensively on
relevant topics.

Surrounding
yourself with Build relationships
supportive with mentors, Give and Take: Why
Cultivate a
individuals provides peers, and Helping Others
Supportive
encouragement and colleagues who can Drives Our Success
Network
assistance in offer guidance and by Adam Grant
problem-solving support.
endeavors.

Reflecting on past
Set aside dedicated
experiences
periods for
enhances self-
Practice Self- reflection on Gibbs Reflective
awareness and
Reflection personal Cycle
informs future
experiences and
problem-solving
growth.
strategies.

20
 Thank You!

Thank you for dedicating your time

and effort to improving your
problem-solving and critical
thinking skills. Remember, these
skills are not only valuable in the
workplace but also in every aspect
of your life. Keep challenging
yourself, stay curious, and continue
to grow!

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