How can you develop your ability to solve problems in this increasingly uncertain and complex world? Let's find out in this chapter. 
Start With a Puzzle
To explore this problem-solving soft skill, try solving this small puzzle. The purpose is to make you aware of the need to get out of the box or, in other words, to gain a perspective that will help you solve complex problems.
The First Part of the Puzzle
Copy the figure below, then try to connect the nine circles by tracing four straight lines in a row without lifting the pen off your sheet. Each of the circles must be crossed by at least one straight line.
Not that easy; is it?
Solution
You had to leave the "suggested" framework (the one limited by the nine circles) to solve it.
The Second Part of the Puzzle
Here's the second part of the puzzle. It's less well known.
On the back of your sheet, copy this same diagram:
Now make sure that each of the circles is crossed by at least one straight line, but this time, only draw three consecutive lines without lifting the pen.
Did you try it? Check your answer!
Solution
We didn't specify the size of the small circles or their spacing in the instructions. You may have drawn the figure according to the previous nine small circle framework. It's also likely that your brain translated "little circles" as "small dots," making it impossible to solve this second part of the puzzle. Here's the solution:
Again, the key to solving the problem was to broaden its framework.
Explore Analytical and Intuitive Thinking
Have you ever noticed that sometimes you find solutions to your problems when you least expect them? It's normal.
To solve a problem using only the analytical part of your brain isn't enough.
According to Daniel Kahneman, the Nobel-Prize winning psychologist, and economist, our thoughts have two speeds:
Analytical thinking can quickly get tired when trying to solve a problem. It's called a slow thought (like a computer that grinds along before providing a result).
Intuitive thinking can solve a problem at any moment, for example, by paying attention to the issue at hand. It's called a quick thought.
The two speeds of thought are complementary. Solving a problem requires thinking and changing your point of view.
Problem-Solving in the Professional World
It is important to understand how our problem solving skills are applied in the professional world. After all, problem solving is at the core of improvement. In this section, we will focus on three key problem solving skills: Critical Thinking, Creativity, and Decision Making.
Critical thinking covers the following dimensions:
Problematization: formulating a question or problem to arouse reflection.
Processing information and data.
An objective analysis of a situation.
Creativity mainly covers the following aspects:
Generating ideas and imagining possible solutions to solve a problem.
Taking the initiative.
Demonstrating curiosity, exploring new perspectives.
To make decisions, you need to know how to:
Objectively analyze information.
Process information and data.
Anticipate the consequences of a choice.
Be proactive.
Take responsibility.
Adhere to your values or the values of the organization.
It's your turn
Exercise: Learn From Your Past
Think back to a recent problem you had to solve: how did you do it? Which skills did you develop? Which ones should you have developed?
The questions below may inspire you:
Have you ever taken a step back from a problem to clear your mind and thought of different ways of solving it? It engages your critical mind.
Have you been able to demonstrate creativity, perhaps to consider new solutions to this type of problem?
Did you know how to make a decision or reach a solution to the problem? If so, how did you make it?
Challenge: Develop Your Network
Choose a problem that you haven't been able to solve and talk about it with at least one person (ideally, several) in your network. They could be the people you contacted during the previous "Develop Your Network" challenge.
The goal is to get an outside perspective (and, if possible, several) on your problem.
After considering others' opinions, try creating a new way of looking at your problem (a new perspective). If you detach and avoid judging, you should see some potential new lines of action for solutions.
Let's Recap!
In this chapter, you discovered that:
Our brain has two speeds of thought: slow analytical thinking and quick, intuitive type thinking. These two systems are useful for solving a problem: you have to think, but you also need to take a step back.
Three problem-solving skills are particularly in-demand in the labor market. They are creativity, critical thinking, and decision-making.
You're able to approach your problems with a fresh and objective perspective by asking others for their opinions.
It's time to take action and use your soft skills to achieve your goals. You'll learn how to do this in the next part by building your own action plan!
