problem solving in hr examples

Culture Development

Workplace problem-solving examples: real scenarios, practical solutions.

• March 11, 2024

In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing work environment, problems are inevitable. From conflicts among employees to high levels of stress, workplace problems can significantly impact productivity and overall well-being. However, by developing the art of problem-solving and implementing practical solutions, organizations can effectively tackle these challenges and foster a positive work culture. In this article, we will delve into various workplace problem scenarios and explore strategies for resolution. By understanding common workplace problems and acquiring essential problem-solving skills, individuals and organizations can navigate these challenges with confidence and success.

Understanding Workplace Problems

Before we can effectively solve workplace problems , it is essential to gain a clear understanding of the issues at hand. Identifying common workplace problems is the first step toward finding practical solutions. By recognizing these challenges, organizations can develop targeted strategies and initiatives to address them.

Identifying Common Workplace Problems

One of the most common workplace problems is conflict. Whether it stems from differences in opinions, miscommunication, or personality clashes, conflict can disrupt collaboration and hinder productivity. It is important to note that conflict is a natural part of any workplace, as individuals with different backgrounds and perspectives come together to work towards a common goal. However, when conflict is not managed effectively, it can escalate and create a toxic work environment.

In addition to conflict, workplace stress and burnout pose significant challenges. High workloads, tight deadlines, and a lack of work-life balance can all contribute to employee stress and dissatisfaction. When employees are overwhelmed and exhausted, their performance and overall well-being are compromised. This not only affects the individuals directly, but it also has a ripple effect on the entire organization.

Another common workplace problem is poor communication. Ineffective communication can lead to misunderstandings, delays, and errors. It can also create a sense of confusion and frustration among employees. Clear and open communication is vital for successful collaboration and the smooth functioning of any organization.

The Impact of Workplace Problems on Productivity

Workplace problems can have a detrimental effect on productivity levels. When conflicts are left unresolved, they can create a tense work environment, leading to decreased employee motivation and engagement. The negative energy generated by unresolved conflicts can spread throughout the organization, affecting team dynamics and overall performance.

Similarly, high levels of stress and burnout can result in decreased productivity, as individuals may struggle to focus and perform optimally. When employees are constantly under pressure and overwhelmed, their ability to think creatively and problem-solve diminishes. This can lead to a decline in the quality of work produced and an increase in errors and inefficiencies.

Poor communication also hampers productivity. When information is not effectively shared or understood, it can lead to misunderstandings, delays, and rework. This not only wastes time and resources but also creates frustration and demotivation among employees.

Furthermore, workplace problems can negatively impact employee morale and job satisfaction. When individuals are constantly dealing with conflicts, stress, and poor communication, their overall job satisfaction and engagement suffer. This can result in higher turnover rates, as employees seek a healthier and more supportive work environment.

In conclusion, workplace problems such as conflict, stress, burnout, and poor communication can significantly hinder productivity and employee well-being. Organizations must address these issues promptly and proactively to create a positive and productive work atmosphere. By fostering open communication, providing support for stress management, and promoting conflict resolution strategies, organizations can create a work environment that encourages collaboration, innovation, and employee satisfaction.

The Art of Problem Solving in the Workplace

Now that we have a clear understanding of workplace problems, let’s explore the essential skills necessary for effective problem-solving in the workplace. By developing these skills and adopting a proactive approach, individuals can tackle problems head-on and find practical solutions.

Problem-solving in the workplace is a complex and multifaceted skill that requires a combination of analytical thinking, creativity, and effective communication. It goes beyond simply identifying problems and extends to finding innovative solutions that address the root causes.

Essential Problem-Solving Skills for the Workplace

To effectively solve workplace problems, individuals should possess a range of skills. These include strong analytical and critical thinking abilities, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to collaborate and work well in a team, and the capacity to adapt to change. By honing these skills, individuals can approach workplace problems with confidence and creativity.

Analytical and critical thinking skills are essential for problem-solving in the workplace. They involve the ability to gather and analyze relevant information, identify patterns and trends, and make logical connections. These skills enable individuals to break down complex problems into manageable components and develop effective strategies to solve them.

Effective communication and interpersonal skills are also crucial for problem-solving in the workplace. These skills enable individuals to clearly articulate their thoughts and ideas, actively listen to others, and collaborate effectively with colleagues. By fostering open and honest communication channels, individuals can better understand the root causes of problems and work towards finding practical solutions.

Collaboration and teamwork are essential for problem-solving in the workplace. By working together, individuals can leverage their diverse skills, knowledge, and perspectives to generate innovative solutions. Collaboration fosters a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone’s ideas are valued, leading to more effective problem-solving outcomes.

The ability to adapt to change is another important skill for problem-solving in the workplace. In today’s fast-paced and dynamic work environment, problems often arise due to changes in technology, processes, or market conditions. Individuals who can embrace change and adapt quickly are better equipped to find solutions that address the evolving needs of the organization.

The Role of Communication in Problem Solving

Communication is a key component of effective problem-solving in the workplace. By fostering open and honest communication channels, individuals can better understand the root causes of problems and work towards finding practical solutions. Active listening, clear and concise articulation of thoughts and ideas, and the ability to empathize are all valuable communication skills that facilitate problem-solving.

Active listening involves fully engaging with the speaker, paying attention to both verbal and non-verbal cues, and seeking clarification when necessary. By actively listening, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the problem at hand and the perspectives of others involved. This understanding is crucial for developing comprehensive and effective solutions.

Clear and concise articulation of thoughts and ideas is essential for effective problem-solving communication. By expressing oneself clearly, individuals can ensure that their ideas are understood by others. This clarity helps to avoid misunderstandings and promotes effective collaboration.

Empathy is a valuable communication skill that plays a significant role in problem-solving. By putting oneself in the shoes of others and understanding their emotions and perspectives, individuals can build trust and rapport. This empathetic connection fosters a supportive and collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute to finding solutions.

In conclusion, problem-solving in the workplace requires a combination of essential skills such as analytical thinking, effective communication, collaboration, and adaptability. By honing these skills and fostering open communication channels, individuals can approach workplace problems with confidence and creativity, leading to practical and innovative solutions.

Real Scenarios of Workplace Problems

Now, let’s explore some real scenarios of workplace problems and delve into strategies for resolution. By examining these practical examples, individuals can develop a deeper understanding of how to approach and solve workplace problems.

Conflict Resolution in the Workplace

Imagine a scenario where two team members have conflicting ideas on how to approach a project. The disagreement becomes heated, leading to a tense work environment. To resolve this conflict, it is crucial to encourage open dialogue between the team members. Facilitating a calm and respectful conversation can help uncover underlying concerns and find common ground. Collaboration and compromise are key in reaching a resolution that satisfies all parties involved.

In this particular scenario, let’s dive deeper into the dynamics between the team members. One team member, let’s call her Sarah, strongly believes that a more conservative and traditional approach is necessary for the project’s success. On the other hand, her colleague, John, advocates for a more innovative and out-of-the-box strategy. The clash between their perspectives arises from their different backgrounds and experiences.

As the conflict escalates, it is essential for a neutral party, such as a team leader or a mediator, to step in and facilitate the conversation. This person should create a safe space for both Sarah and John to express their ideas and concerns without fear of judgment or retribution. By actively listening to each other, they can gain a better understanding of the underlying motivations behind their respective approaches.

During the conversation, it may become apparent that Sarah’s conservative approach stems from a fear of taking risks and a desire for stability. On the other hand, John’s innovative mindset is driven by a passion for pushing boundaries and finding creative solutions. Recognizing these underlying motivations can help foster empathy and create a foundation for collaboration.

As the dialogue progresses, Sarah and John can begin to identify areas of overlap and potential compromise. They may realize that while Sarah’s conservative approach provides stability, John’s innovative ideas can inject fresh perspectives into the project. By combining their strengths and finding a middle ground, they can develop a hybrid strategy that incorporates both stability and innovation.

Ultimately, conflict resolution in the workplace requires effective communication, active listening, empathy, and a willingness to find common ground. By addressing conflicts head-on and fostering a collaborative environment, teams can overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

Dealing with Workplace Stress and Burnout

Workplace stress and burnout can be debilitating for individuals and organizations alike. In this scenario, an employee is consistently overwhelmed by their workload and experiencing signs of burnout. To address this issue, organizations should promote a healthy work-life balance and provide resources to manage stress effectively. Encouraging employees to take breaks, providing access to mental health support, and fostering a supportive work culture are all practical solutions to alleviate workplace stress.

In this particular scenario, let’s imagine that the employee facing stress and burnout is named Alex. Alex has been working long hours, often sacrificing personal time and rest to meet tight deadlines and demanding expectations. As a result, Alex is experiencing physical and mental exhaustion, reduced productivity, and a sense of detachment from work.

Recognizing the signs of burnout, Alex’s organization takes proactive measures to address the issue. They understand that employee well-being is crucial for maintaining a healthy and productive workforce. To promote a healthy work-life balance, the organization encourages employees to take regular breaks and prioritize self-care. They emphasize the importance of disconnecting from work during non-working hours and encourage employees to engage in activities that promote relaxation and rejuvenation.

Additionally, the organization provides access to mental health support services, such as counseling or therapy sessions. They recognize that stress and burnout can have a significant impact on an individual’s mental well-being and offer resources to help employees manage their stress effectively. By destigmatizing mental health and providing confidential support, the organization creates an environment where employees feel comfortable seeking help when needed.

Furthermore, the organization fosters a supportive work culture by promoting open communication and empathy. They encourage managers and colleagues to check in with each other regularly, offering support and understanding. Team members are encouraged to collaborate and share the workload, ensuring that no one person is overwhelmed with excessive responsibilities.

By implementing these strategies, Alex’s organization aims to alleviate workplace stress and prevent burnout. They understand that a healthy and balanced workforce is more likely to be engaged, productive, and satisfied. Through a combination of promoting work-life balance, providing mental health support, and fostering a supportive work culture, organizations can effectively address workplace stress and create an environment conducive to employee well-being.

Practical Solutions to Workplace Problems

Now that we have explored real scenarios, let’s discuss practical solutions that organizations can implement to address workplace problems. By adopting proactive strategies and establishing effective policies, organizations can create a positive work environment conducive to problem-solving and productivity.

Implementing Effective Policies for Problem Resolution

Organizations should have clear and well-defined policies in place to address workplace problems. These policies should outline procedures for conflict resolution, channels for reporting problems, and accountability measures. By ensuring that employees are aware of these policies and have easy access to them, organizations can facilitate problem-solving and prevent issues from escalating.

Promoting a Positive Workplace Culture

A positive workplace culture is vital for problem-solving. By fostering an environment of respect, collaboration, and open communication, organizations can create a space where individuals feel empowered to address and solve problems. Encouraging teamwork, recognizing and appreciating employees’ contributions, and promoting a healthy work-life balance are all ways to cultivate a positive workplace culture.

The Role of Leadership in Problem Solving

Leadership plays a crucial role in facilitating effective problem-solving within organizations. Different leadership styles can impact how problems are approached and resolved.

Leadership Styles and Their Impact on Problem-Solving

Leaders who adopt an autocratic leadership style may make decisions independently, potentially leaving their team members feeling excluded and undervalued. On the other hand, leaders who adopt a democratic leadership style involve their team members in the problem-solving process, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment. By encouraging employee participation, organizations can leverage the diverse perspectives and expertise of their workforce to find innovative solutions to workplace problems.

Encouraging Employee Participation in Problem Solving

To harness the collective problem-solving abilities of an organization, it is crucial to encourage employee participation. Leaders can create opportunities for employees to contribute their ideas and perspectives through brainstorming sessions, team meetings, and collaborative projects. By valuing employee input and involving them in decision-making processes, organizations can foster a culture of inclusivity and drive innovative problem-solving efforts.

In today’s dynamic work environment, workplace problems are unavoidable. However, by understanding common workplace problems, developing essential problem-solving skills, and implementing practical solutions, individuals and organizations can navigate these challenges effectively. By fostering a positive work culture, implementing effective policies, and encouraging employee participation, organizations can create an environment conducive to problem-solving and productivity. With proactive problem-solving strategies in place, organizations can thrive and overcome obstacles, ensuring long-term success and growth.

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Interview Questions

Comprehensive Interview Guide: 60+ Professions Explored in Detail

26 Good Examples of Problem Solving (Interview Answers)

By Biron Clark

Published: November 15, 2023

Employers like to hire people who can solve problems and work well under pressure. A job rarely goes 100% according to plan, so hiring managers will be more likely to hire you if you seem like you can handle unexpected challenges while staying calm and logical in your approach.

But how do they measure this?

They’re going to ask you interview questions about these problem solving skills, and they might also look for examples of problem solving on your resume and cover letter. So coming up, I’m going to share a list of examples of problem solving, whether you’re an experienced job seeker or recent graduate.

Then I’ll share sample interview answers to, “Give an example of a time you used logic to solve a problem?”

Problem-Solving Defined

It is the ability to identify the problem, prioritize based on gravity and urgency, analyze the root cause, gather relevant information, develop and evaluate viable solutions, decide on the most effective and logical solution, and plan and execute implementation. 

Problem-solving also involves critical thinking, communication, listening, creativity, research, data gathering, risk assessment, continuous learning, decision-making, and other soft and technical skills.

Solving problems not only prevent losses or damages but also boosts self-confidence and reputation when you successfully execute it. The spotlight shines on you when people see you handle issues with ease and savvy despite the challenges. Your ability and potential to be a future leader that can take on more significant roles and tackle bigger setbacks shine through. Problem-solving is a skill you can master by learning from others and acquiring wisdom from their and your own experiences. 

It takes a village to come up with solutions, but a good problem solver can steer the team towards the best choice and implement it to achieve the desired result.

Watch: 26 Good Examples of Problem Solving

Examples of problem solving scenarios in the workplace.

• Correcting a mistake at work, whether it was made by you or someone else
• Overcoming a delay at work through problem solving and communication
• Resolving an issue with a difficult or upset customer
• Overcoming issues related to a limited budget, and still delivering good work through the use of creative problem solving
• Overcoming a scheduling/staffing shortage in the department to still deliver excellent work
• Troubleshooting and resolving technical issues
• Handling and resolving a conflict with a coworker
• Solving any problems related to money, customer billing, accounting and bookkeeping, etc.
• Taking initiative when another team member overlooked or missed something important
• Taking initiative to meet with your superior to discuss a problem before it became potentially worse
• Solving a safety issue at work or reporting the issue to those who could solve it
• Using problem solving abilities to reduce/eliminate a company expense
• Finding a way to make the company more profitable through new service or product offerings, new pricing ideas, promotion and sale ideas, etc.
• Changing how a process, team, or task is organized to make it more efficient
• Using creative thinking to come up with a solution that the company hasn’t used before
• Performing research to collect data and information to find a new solution to a problem
• Boosting a company or team’s performance by improving some aspect of communication among employees
• Finding a new piece of data that can guide a company’s decisions or strategy better in a certain area

Problem Solving Examples for Recent Grads/Entry Level Job Seekers

• Coordinating work between team members in a class project
• Reassigning a missing team member’s work to other group members in a class project
• Adjusting your workflow on a project to accommodate a tight deadline
• Speaking to your professor to get help when you were struggling or unsure about a project
• Asking classmates, peers, or professors for help in an area of struggle
• Talking to your academic advisor to brainstorm solutions to a problem you were facing
• Researching solutions to an academic problem online, via Google or other methods
• Using problem solving and creative thinking to obtain an internship or other work opportunity during school after struggling at first

You can share all of the examples above when you’re asked questions about problem solving in your interview. As you can see, even if you have no professional work experience, it’s possible to think back to problems and unexpected challenges that you faced in your studies and discuss how you solved them.

Interview Answers to “Give an Example of an Occasion When You Used Logic to Solve a Problem”

Now, let’s look at some sample interview answers to, “Give me an example of a time you used logic to solve a problem,” since you’re likely to hear this interview question in all sorts of industries.

Example Answer 1:

At my current job, I recently solved a problem where a client was upset about our software pricing. They had misunderstood the sales representative who explained pricing originally, and when their package renewed for its second month, they called to complain about the invoice. I apologized for the confusion and then spoke to our billing team to see what type of solution we could come up with. We decided that the best course of action was to offer a long-term pricing package that would provide a discount. This not only solved the problem but got the customer to agree to a longer-term contract, which means we’ll keep their business for at least one year now, and they’re happy with the pricing. I feel I got the best possible outcome and the way I chose to solve the problem was effective.

Example Answer 2:

In my last job, I had to do quite a bit of problem solving related to our shift scheduling. We had four people quit within a week and the department was severely understaffed. I coordinated a ramp-up of our hiring efforts, I got approval from the department head to offer bonuses for overtime work, and then I found eight employees who were willing to do overtime this month. I think the key problem solving skills here were taking initiative, communicating clearly, and reacting quickly to solve this problem before it became an even bigger issue.

Example Answer 3:

In my current marketing role, my manager asked me to come up with a solution to our declining social media engagement. I assessed our current strategy and recent results, analyzed what some of our top competitors were doing, and then came up with an exact blueprint we could follow this year to emulate our best competitors but also stand out and develop a unique voice as a brand. I feel this is a good example of using logic to solve a problem because it was based on analysis and observation of competitors, rather than guessing or quickly reacting to the situation without reliable data. I always use logic and data to solve problems when possible. The project turned out to be a success and we increased our social media engagement by an average of 82% by the end of the year.

Answering Questions About Problem Solving with the STAR Method

When you answer interview questions about problem solving scenarios, or if you decide to demonstrate your problem solving skills in a cover letter (which is a good idea any time the job description mention problem solving as a necessary skill), I recommend using the STAR method to tell your story.

STAR stands for:

It’s a simple way of walking the listener or reader through the story in a way that will make sense to them. So before jumping in and talking about the problem that needed solving, make sure to describe the general situation. What job/company were you working at? When was this? Then, you can describe the task at hand and the problem that needed solving. After this, describe the course of action you chose and why. Ideally, show that you evaluated all the information you could given the time you had, and made a decision based on logic and fact.

Finally, describe a positive result you got.

Whether you’re answering interview questions about problem solving or writing a cover letter, you should only choose examples where you got a positive result and successfully solved the issue.

Example answer:

Situation : We had an irate client who was a social media influencer and had impossible delivery time demands we could not meet. She spoke negatively about us in her vlog and asked her followers to boycott our products. (Task : To develop an official statement to explain our company’s side, clarify the issue, and prevent it from getting out of hand). Action : I drafted a statement that balanced empathy, understanding, and utmost customer service with facts, logic, and fairness. It was direct, simple, succinct, and phrased to highlight our brand values while addressing the issue in a logical yet sensitive way.   We also tapped our influencer partners to subtly and indirectly share their positive experiences with our brand so we could counter the negative content being shared online.  Result : We got the results we worked for through proper communication and a positive and strategic campaign. The irate client agreed to have a dialogue with us. She apologized to us, and we reaffirmed our commitment to delivering quality service to all. We assured her that she can reach out to us anytime regarding her purchases and that we’d gladly accommodate her requests whenever possible. She also retracted her negative statements in her vlog and urged her followers to keep supporting our brand.

What Are Good Outcomes of Problem Solving?

Whenever you answer interview questions about problem solving or share examples of problem solving in a cover letter, you want to be sure you’re sharing a positive outcome.

Below are good outcomes of problem solving:

• Saving the company time or money
• Making the company money
• Pleasing/keeping a customer
• Obtaining new customers
• Solving a safety issue
• Solving a staffing/scheduling issue
• Solving a logistical issue
• Solving a company hiring issue
• Solving a technical/software issue
• Making a process more efficient and faster for the company
• Creating a new business process to make the company more profitable
• Improving the company’s brand/image/reputation
• Getting the company positive reviews from customers/clients

Every employer wants to make more money, save money, and save time. If you can assess your problem solving experience and think about how you’ve helped past employers in those three areas, then that’s a great start. That’s where I recommend you begin looking for stories of times you had to solve problems.

Tips to Improve Your Problem Solving Skills

Throughout your career, you’re going to get hired for better jobs and earn more money if you can show employers that you’re a problem solver. So to improve your problem solving skills, I recommend always analyzing a problem and situation before acting. When discussing problem solving with employers, you never want to sound like you rush or make impulsive decisions. They want to see fact-based or data-based decisions when you solve problems.

Next, to get better at solving problems, analyze the outcomes of past solutions you came up with. You can recognize what works and what doesn’t. Think about how you can get better at researching and analyzing a situation, but also how you can get better at communicating, deciding the right people in the organization to talk to and “pull in” to help you if needed, etc.

Finally, practice staying calm even in stressful situations. Take a few minutes to walk outside if needed. Step away from your phone and computer to clear your head. A work problem is rarely so urgent that you cannot take five minutes to think (with the possible exception of safety problems), and you’ll get better outcomes if you solve problems by acting logically instead of rushing to react in a panic.

You can use all of the ideas above to describe your problem solving skills when asked interview questions about the topic. If you say that you do the things above, employers will be impressed when they assess your problem solving ability.

If you practice the tips above, you’ll be ready to share detailed, impressive stories and problem solving examples that will make hiring managers want to offer you the job. Every employer appreciates a problem solver, whether solving problems is a requirement listed on the job description or not. And you never know which hiring manager or interviewer will ask you about a time you solved a problem, so you should always be ready to discuss this when applying for a job.

Related interview questions & answers:

• How do you handle stress?
• How do you handle conflict?
• Tell me about a time when you failed

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

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31 examples of problem solving performance review phrases

Jump to section

You're doing great

You should think of improving

Tips to improve

Use these practical examples of phrases, sample comments, and templates for your performance review , 360-degree feedback survey, or manager appraisal.

The following examples not only relate to problem-solving but also conflict management , effective solutions, selecting the best alternatives, decision making , problem identification, analyzing effectively, and generally becoming an effective problem-solving strategist. Start using effective performance review questions to help better guide your workforce's development. 

Problem solving appraisal comments: you're doing great

• You always maintain an effective dialogue with clients when they have technical problems. Being clear and articulate makes sure our customers' faults are attended to promptly.
• You constantly make sure to look beyond the obvious you never stop at the first answer. You’re really good at exploring alternatives. Well done!
• Keeping the supervisors and managers informed of status changes and requests is important. You’re really good at communicating the changes to the projects at all times. Keep it up!
• You stay cool and collected even when things aren’t going according to plan or up in the air. This is a great trait to possess. Well done!
• You’re excellent at giving an honest and logical analysis. Keep it up! Effectively diagnosing complex problems and reaching sustainable solutions is one of your strong points.
• Your ability to ability to make complex systems into simple ones is truly a unique skill to possess. Well done!
• You often identify practical solutions to every roadblock. You’re a real asset to the team! Great job.
• You always listen actively and attentively to make sure you understand what the exact problem is and you come up with solutions in an effective manner.
• You have an amazing ability to clearly explain options and solutions effectively and efficiently. Well done!
• When driving projects, you can shift to other areas comfortably and easily. making sure the project runs smoothly. Great job!

Problem solving performance review phrases: you should think of improving

• You always seem too overwhelmed when faced with multiple problems. Try to think of ways to make problems more manageable so that they can be solved in a timely and effective manner.
• Avoiding conflicts constantly with people is not a good idea as you will only build up personal frustration and nothing will be done to remedy the situation. Try to face people when there are problems and rectify problems when they occur.
• Don’t allow demanding customers to rattle your cage too much. If they become too demanding, take a step back, regulate your emotions , and try to make use of online support tools to help you rectify problems these tools can help a lot!
• It’s necessary that you learn from your past mistakes . You cannot keep making the same mistakes , as this is not beneficial to the company.
• You tend to ask the same questions over and over again. Try to listen more attentively or take notes when colleagues are answering!
• Providing multiple solutions in an indirect and creative approach will allow you to be more effective at problem-solving . if you struggle with this typically through viewing the problem in a new and unusual light.
• You fail to provide staff with the appropriate amount of structure and direction. They must know the direction you wish them to go in to achieve their goals .
• You need to be able to recognize repetitive trends to solve problems promptly.
• You tend to have problems troubleshooting even the most basic of questions. As a problem solver and customer support person, it’s imperative that you can answer these questions easily.
• Read through your training manual and make sure you fully understand it before attempting questions again.

Performance review tips to improve problem solving

• Try to complain less about problems and come up with solutions to the problems more often. Complaining is not beneficial to progression and innovation.
• As a problem solver, it’s important to be able to handle multiple priorities under short deadlines.
• You need to be able to effectively distinguish between the cause and the symptoms of problems to solve them in an efficient and timely manner.
• Try to anticipate problems in advance before they become major roadblocks down the road.
• Try to view obstacles as opportunities to learn and thrive at the challenge of solving the problem.
• Remember to prioritize problems according to their degree of urgency. It's important that you spend the majority of your time on urgent tasks over menial ones.
• When putting plans into place, stick to them and make sure they are completed.
• When solving problems, try to allocate appropriate levels of resources when undertaking new projects. It is important to become as efficient and as effective as possible.
• Try to learn to pace yourself when solving problems to avoid burnout . You’re a great asset to the team and we cannot afford to lose at this point.
• Meeting regularly with your staff to review results is vital to the problem-solving process.
• Staff that has regular check-ins understand what it is that is required of them, what they are currently achieving, and areas they may need to improve. Try to hold one-on-one meetings every week.

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Madeline Miles

Madeline is a writer, communicator, and storyteller who is passionate about using words to help drive positive change. She holds a bachelor's in English Creative Writing and Communication Studies and lives in Denver, Colorado. In her spare time, she's usually somewhere outside (preferably in the mountains) — and enjoys poetry and fiction.

How a performance review template improves the feedback process

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Problem Analysis In HR: 5 Problem-Solving Techniques

Problem analysis is an essential Human Resource discipline that contributes to organizational agility and helps drive business results. In order for your business to stay ahead of the curve, your team must conduct regular problem analysis in HR, which involves evaluating HR-related issues and proposing resolutions.By proactively identifying areas for improvement and implementing practical solutions, HR professionals can understand situations that are preventing the business from advancing and then develop potential improvement opportunities.

What is a problem analysis? Analysis In HR

Problem analysis in HR is the process of identifying, evaluating, and proposing possible solutions to HR-related issues within an organization. This involves analyzing HR and workplace-related processes and policies, identifying areas of improvement, and eventually implementing solutions that increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the business. With more companies using big-data insights, HR is more equipped than ever to engage in data-informed problem analysis.

By using problem analysis in HR, you can stay ahead of the curve and ensure that your organizations are equipped to meet changing business needs. In addition, this enables your team to become more strategic and proactive in their approach, contributing to the organization’s overall success.

Why would HR need to conduct a problem analysis?

Problem analysis helps HR teams understand current and future issues while generating a range of possible improvement opportunities through the use of a logical method in pinpointing problems, analyzing the causes, and effectively evaluating the solutions. It also enables your team to research the situation thoroughly instead of jumping to conclusions that might yield different results and ultimately could be costly for the company.

Examples of when HR could perform a problem analysis

Change management.

Change management is the process of guiding individuals, teams, and organizations through the process of transitioning from the current organizational setup to a desired future organizational structure. This can involve systems, processes, technologies, team structures, and/or cultural changes.The purpose of change management is to minimize disruption and negative impacts while maximizing the benefits of the change. As you can imagine, this is a significant shift in your company’s way of working, and many possible problems can arise during this change.One common problem that comes up during this time is communication issues. Your employees may not see the need for change when it’s not appropriately communicated. By using problem analysis, HR can find solutions to this issue before it even happens.

Workforce planning

Workforce planning is anticipating and aligning an organization’s staffing needs with its business goals and objectives. It involves analyzing current workforce data, predicting future trends and skill requirements, and developing strategies to address gaps or surpluses in the workforce.Problem analysis can help your team ensure that the organization has the right people, with the correct skills, in the right place, at the right time to meet its business needs.

Predicting future problems

Also known as predictive analytics, it is a data analytics component that uses statistical algorithms and machine learning to determine the likelihood of future developments based on historical data.Predictive analysis aims to make predictions about future events by analyzing patterns and trends in past data. In HR, it can be used in problem analysis to predict issues that can come up in the future, such as when an employee will decide to leave the company.

Talent management

Talent management encompasses all HR activities aimed at attracting, developing, motivating, and retaining top-performing employees; therefore, it is one of the essential tasks of Human Resources. Your HR teams can use problem analysis to help identify recruitment, employee engagement, or skills gap concerns.

Recruiting refers to identifying, attracting, and hiring qualified job candidates for your organization. This process typically involves advertising job openings, screening resumes, conducting interviews, and making job offers.One common recruiting challenge is figuring out how to hire talent fast. According to OfficeVibe, top talent is off the job market in 10 days, so your organization needs to be quick if you want to hire high performers. Problem analysis can help you understand the bottleneck and possible solutions to fast-track your recruitment process.

Problem analysis techniques

Problem-solving techniques are systematic methods to aid teams through a step-by-step procedure, starting from recognizing issues or difficulties, generating potential solutions, and then determining the most appropriate solution to use. Finding the right solution to complex problems can be challenging; however, utilizing the correct approach and method can streamline the process for your team.There are a variety of problem analysis techniques you can use to identify your HR-related challenges. Let’s unpack 5 types to consider:

1. Problem tree analysis

Problem tree analysis, also called Situational Analysis, is a flow chart that helps find solutions by mapping out main issues and their causes and effects. This analysis has 3 stages:

• Identifying negative aspects of the current situation and their causes and effects.
• Converting the problems into solution objectives – which you can group into an objective tree.
• Defining the solution project scope in a strategy analysis.

This problem analysis can be very beneficial to HR teams and is most valuable when conducted as a workshop with stakeholders where everyone can share their views on the situation at hand.An example where you can use this problem analysis model is employee well-being and happiness. You can bring together a small group of employees to identify any negative aspects of their well-being at work, find ways to turn those problems into objectives, such as new benefits or perks, and then build a project scope to take back to the HR team to implement the goals.

2. Root cause analysis

It is possible that your team knows there is an issue but does not know where this problem stems from. In that case, a Root Cause Analysis (RCA) may be necessary to determine the exact cause and find a solution. RCA aims to get to the heart of the problem and find a permanent solution rather than simply treating the symptoms.In HR, root cause analysis can be used to identify and address various issues, such as high employee turnover, low morale, or inadequate training programs. The process would involve gathering data on the problem through exit interviews, employee surveys, and performance metrics, and analyzing this data to identify the root cause of the problem.For example, if the root cause of high employee turnover is found to be poor management practices, HR can work with managers to develop and implement new training programs to address the issue. By using root cause analysis, HR can implement effective and sustainable solutions to improve employee satisfaction and reduce turnover.

3. CATWOE analysis

CATWOE is a tool used in systems thinking and soft systems methodology to analyze and evaluate complex problems and situations. The acronym stands for the following elements:

• C – Customers: Who are the stakeholders that the problem or solution will impact?
• A – Actors: Who are the people involved in the problem or solution being analyzed?
• T – Transformation process: What processes must be transformed to solve the problem?
• W – World view: What worldview or values underlie the problem or solution?
• O – Owner: Who is responsible for analyzing the problem or solution?
• E – Environmental constraints: What physical, political, or economic factors may impact the problem or solution?

By considering each of these elements, CATWOE analysis provides a comprehensive view of a problem or solution, enabling individuals and organizations to make informed decisions and develop effective strategies.

For example, in the case of low employee morale, CATWOE analysis could be used to identify the:

• Customers: Employees
• Actors: Managers and HR professionals
• Transformation process: How to improve employee morale
• World view: the company’s values and mission
• Owner: HR and management
• Environmental constraints: budget, company culture, workload, etc.

By considering each of these elements, HR can develop a comprehensive strategy to address the cause of low employee morale and improve the overall employee experience.

4. Kepner Tregoe analysis

Kepner Tregoe (KT) Analysis is a specific method of rational problem-solving and decision-making developed by Charles Kepner and Benjamin Tregoe. It is a structured, data-driven approach that provides a systematic way to identify and solve problems, make decisions, and evaluate potential outcomes.

KT Analysis consists of 4 main steps:

• Situation appraisal: Identify the problem and gather relevant information.
• Problem analysis: Determine its root cause.
• Decision analysis: Determine the best solution.
• Potential problem analysis: Identify potential problems with the chosen solution and develop contingency plans to address them.

KT Analysis can help your team make informed decisions on many HR-related topics. For example, it can help identify areas for improvement in the training and development process and develop solutions to address these areas or when you are going through change management.In addition, KT Analysis differs from other problem analysis techniques because it allows for a contingency plan in case your first solution does not make the impact you expected.

5. SCAMPER analysis

SCAMPER is a creative problem-solving technique that helps generate new ideas for products, services, and processes. For example, in the recruitment process, SCAMPER can be used to create new and innovative approaches to selecting and assessing candidates.

SCAMPER is an acronym that stands for S ubstitute, C ombine, A dapt, M odify, P ut to another use, E liminate, and R everse.

Here’s how it can be used in recruitment:

• Substitute: What if your team substituted one aspect of the recruitment process for another? For example, what if you used virtual interviews or video conferencing instead of face-to-face interviews?
• Combine: Can your team combine two or more elements of the recruitment process? What if you mixed a written assignment with a behavioral interview?
• Adapt: What if you adapted an existing process or technique to the recruitment process, such as you adopting a sales pitch during the recruitment process and asking candidates to sell themselves to the company?
• Modify: Is your team able to modify, magnify, or minimize a particular aspect of the recruitment process, such as using a smaller or larger interview panel or changing the duration of an interview?
• Put to another use: Can you use a different approach in the recruitment process? For instance, what if you used an assessment center to assess a candidate’s skills instead of a traditional interview?
• Eliminate: What if you eliminated a certain step or aspect of the recruitment process? For example, what if you eliminated one of the interview rounds that you currently hold?
• Rearrange: Can your team rearrange the order of the steps in the recruitment process or change the recruitment process format? Can you rearrange the order of the steps in the assessment process so a technical assignment is completed first and the hiring manager interview is completed after?

By using SCAMPER analysis in the recruitment process, HR professionals can think outside the box to improve the process.These are just a few of the many problem-solving techniques available. The choice of method will depend on the nature of the problem, the resources available, and the preferences and skills of the problem solvers. The key is to choose a technique well-suited to the problem at hand and apply it in a structured and systematic manner to achieve the desired outcome.

How to conduct a problem analysis

Step 1: Determine the problem analysis approach – Start by deciding which problem-analysis approach to use. Of course, choosing the correct technique depends on the specific problem, so your team should consider the problem type, its complexity, and available resources. But don’t worry too much; go for the approach you feel would be the most accurate in determining the problem.

Step 2: Identify and define the problem – Clearly state the problem you’re trying to solve and make sure that the problem is well-defined and understood by all stakeholders involved in the analysis.

Step 3: Analyze the problem – Conduct a thorough analysis of the problem to determine its root cause(s) and use data to support the research. This will ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of the problem.

Step 4: Generate the solutions – Brainstorm possible solutions to the problem. Consider a range of solutions, from simple to complex, to ensure that you have a variety of options to choose from.

Step 5: Make decisions on your next steps – Review the solutions generated in the previous step and select the most appropriate solution. Make sure to bring in the right stakeholders to get buy-in and allocate roles and responsibilities for implementing the solution.

Step 6: Implement the solution – Once the solution has been agreed upon, implement it. Ensure the implementation plan is well thought out, and that all necessary resources are in place.

Step 7: Evaluate and iterate – Evaluate the results of the solution implementation to determine its effectiveness. If necessary, repeat the problem analysis process to identify and resolve any remaining problems or improve the solution.

Key takeaways

• What is problem analysis in HR: Problem analysis in HR involves using systematic techniques to evaluate HR-related issues and proposing solutions to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the business.
• Why is problem analysis used in HR: HR teams use problem analysis to understand current and future issues, research situations thoroughly, and make data-informed decisions.
• Examples of when problem analysis is used: HR can conduct problem analysis to solve issues around change management, workforce planning, predicting future problems, talent management, and recruiting.
• Examples of 5 problem analysis techniques: Problem tree analysis, Root cause analysis, CATWOE analysis, Kepner Tregoe analysis, and SCAMPER analysis are some of the systematic analysis tools your team can use to help you solve problems.

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How to be viewed as a problem solver in HR

To be perceived as a problem-solver, these actions and behaviors are recommended with your client groups and leaders:

In meetings, transition from negative energy in discussions to positive, constructive forward-thinking problem-solving. Everyone likes to complain occasionally, venting is healthy and cathartic. However, if most of what coworkers hear from you is complaints, you’re likely to become known as a negative person instead of a problem solver.

Gather facts, data, and diverse views from team members; look for root causes of problems. Sometimes you have to go off a hunch, but when possible it’s best to bring data and research to the table. Get diverse views and back your position with data to show you’ve thoroughly considered the factors involved.

Encourage brainstorming to surface as many ideas as possible, even those ‘far out.’ The first idea isn’t always the best. If you just stop there you might miss out on some innovative solutions. Encourage brainstorming to see how many ideas you can come up with, then find the best solution. Perhaps each idea has some ups and downs that can be combined into a winning concept.

Help find “common ground” between team members who may be in conflict. Everyone (in theory) has the same goal – to find a solution that best serves the organization’s needs. However, when tensions get high it can be hard to remember that. Keep conflict productive and find the common ground in between to be seen as a facilitator and valuable team member.

Discuss how to blend ideas and find solutions that the whole group can buy into, and actually commit to implementing. You’ll never get a new initiative off the ground without buy-in, so it’s vital to highlight how each group involved will benefit and how this plan will be the best to achieve the goal.

Check to see that there is a solid agreement on how to move forward as a team. A long planning meeting is useless if you come out of it with halfhearted agreements and unclear next steps. Ensure there’s a clearly laid out plan.

Define roles, responsibilities, and both short and long-term actions. This is a vital step, each participant needs to be held accountable for the actions they’ll have to take.

Consider obstacles and specific approaches to overcome pitfalls. You must think forward and critically to be a valuable asset. Don’t assume things will go perfectly smooth. Consider what likely obstacles are and plan how to overcome them. Others are likely to come up also, but at least you’ll have addressed some of the more likely obstacles.

Facilitate agreement on timelines and checkpoints. Setting a tight deadline is no good if the employees responsible don’t agree to it. Consider in-put and ensure that timelines are reasonable and attainable, even if they are sometimes tight.

To be perceived as an HR innovator, these actions and behaviors are recommended with client groups and leaders:

Encourage ‘out of the box’ thinking when issues or work problems arise. If the same-old solution was working, then you probably wouldn’t be in the position you’re in. Don’t shoot down off-the-wall ideas or creative solutions, a new idea only seems crazy until it succeeds.

Regularly solicit organizational needs from client group leaders and individual contributors. There are always ongoing problems, but department and team leaders don’t often bring them up until they peak. By regularly reaching out to identify concerns and problems, you get ahead of issues and can head them off before they become too serious. Management will appreciate the initiative.

Resist a rush to solution; instead, foster open dialogue (‘peel the onion’). Sometimes you need a quick solution, but that doesn’t mean you need to jump on the first solution available. Spend at least an hour to think deeply on a concept — you can usually afford to spend a little more time before you jump to a conclusion.

WHAT TO READ NEXT

6 Common HR Issues and How to Solve Them Visually

Updated on: 13 July 2023

If you are part of an HR team, you must have tried one thousand and one ways to solve common HR challenges and HR issues.

But here’s a twist.

Solving them visually could be easier.

Following are easy visual techniques that you can use to effectively deal with common challenges of human resource management .

Whether it is to complement the existing staff or to replace those who have left the company, recruiting top talent could bring about several HR challenges. Here are a few visual techniques to help you effectively deal with them.

Use Process Maps to Improve the Process

Does your hiring process take up too much time, money and resources? But produce no results? Maybe it needs a revamp.

A comprehensive  process map that maps the entire process can point out exactly where you need to make improvements .

Tip: Make sure that the recruitment process flowchart can be accessed by everyone involved in it, so they won’t get confused about the steps they are responsible for.

Use Flowcharts to Visualize the Interview Process

You can add a flowchart visualizing the interview process to the interview invitation email. Highlight the time period it may take on the flowchart as well. This will help the candidate come prepared.

       Here are four ways managers can use flowcharts to be more efficient .

It would look something like this,

Use SWOT Analysis to Choose the Right People

Do a SWOT analysis of each of the shortlisted candidates. Identify what strengths and weaknesses they possess and what opportunities and threats they would cause if you hire them permanently. Match the SWOT analysis data against your selection criteria to decide the ideal person for the job.

Here’s a free editable SWOT analysis template to help you get started.

Click the template to edit it online

Onboarding and Welcoming New Employees

Increasing the engagement and the retention of new employees depends on how successful your onboarding process is. Following is what you can do to improve this visually.

Use Flowcharts to Enhance the Onboarding Process

• The employee onboarding process includes most departments of the company, from the HR department to the facilities team that arrange the furniture. You can use a flowchart to c larify the steps carried out by each team .  This will help prevent confusions and delays.

Tip: Attach it to the welcome-onboard email of the new guy and it can double as a first-day-at-work program that will help him come prepared.

• Or you can design a separate orientation process flowchart highlighting all the key events the new hire will be participating on the first day or in the first week . Add swim lanes to mark dates and time to create a timeline as well.

   Here’s a swim lane flowchart template you can use for this,

Use Org Charts to Clarify Roles and Responsibilities

Hand your new hires a comprehensive org chart of the company or their department. This will help them get an idea of their role within and help them adjust quickly . You can highlight the responsibilities on the charts as well. And arranging it hierarchically will emphasize the reporting structure.

Here’s a list of organizational chart types you can use.

Training/ Talent Development/ Skills Evaluation

To get the best from your workforce, you need to train and develop their skills. Here’s how to go about doing this using visual techniques.

Use Flowcharts to Standardize Training Processes and Develop Strategies

• After measuring the current capacity of the talent pool at your company, you can use a flowchart to create a talent development strategy. Use swim lanes to separate different stages, such as search for applicants, selection, hiring and training.
• During the training period, a new hire would go through many training programs, from induction training to fire alarm training. It might become difficult to keep track of the steps in all of these programs. Use flowcharts to create official records of them. Don’t forget to share them with everyone.

Use Org Charts to Create a Skills Inventory

An org chart, carrying details , like the job role, responsibilities, years of experience and the expertise of the employees can work as a skills inventory . This could come in handy when you are planning a talent development strategy and need to know which departments need development .

Here’s an org chart template you can edit and expand with the details of your own organization

Use SWOT Analysis to Evaluate Skills

Just like the SWOT analysis helped you pick the right person for the job, you can use it again to evaluate the skills of your current staff. You can even get your team to do a personal SWOT analysis of themselves.

Allocating Resources

A project needs a lot of resources; from people to equipment and material.

That’s a lot of resources to allocate.

When it comes to allocating the right people, you can make things smoother by using an org chart .

Use Org Charts to Identify the Right People

When planning projects, you need to allocate resources. A comprehensive org chart can tell you, who in the team/ department is apt for the job and which projects he/ she is currently working on.

Tip: Maintain an org chart that is always updated and can easily be accessed by all employees. This way they can mark their availability on the chart themselves.

Problem Solving

A successful HR professional should be great at solving problems. Here’s a visual trick you can use to solve problems easily.

Use Fishbone Diagrams to Identify Root Causes

Fishbone diagrams are a great way to identify the root causes of a certain problem . Say you need to know why the employee productivity levels are dropping; you can gather around a team and use a fishbone diagram to capture the points thrown around during the brainstorming session.

Analyze the fishbone diagram thoroughly, and you’ll find the root cause of your problem easily.

Here’s a free fishbone diagram template to start right away.

Human Resource Planning

Whether it’s hiring, onboarding, or training, human resource planning can be challenging.

But not if you…

Use Mind Maps to Plan Your Work

Mind maps are a great planning tool. Use mind maps to foster the free flow of ideas during a brainstorming session and to structure information visually in such a way that would give you a quick overview of what you are planning.

Click the template to edit online

What Methods Do You Use to Solve Common HR challenges

The HR team comes across all sorts of hr challenges every day, and the key to resolving them efficiently in most cases is the same; proper organization of and easy access to relevant data.

The visualization techniques we have discussed above can help you do both these, effectively. Use them to streamline common tasks and improve the efficiency of your HR department.

And don’t forget to share with us what other common HR challenges you have faced and how you solved them.

Join over thousands of organizations that use Creately to brainstorm, plan, analyze, and execute their projects successfully.

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5 Examples of Problem-Solving in The Workplace

By Christina Colclough

Last updated: January 12, 2024

When you’re in a job interview, you can almost bet on being asked about your problem-solving experiences. This skill is always high on employers’ wish lists. Walk in with a few solid examples up your sleeve and talk about them with confidence – that’s what grabs their attention.

In this post, I’ll guide you through picking the right problem-solving in workplace examples and articulating them in a way that will make you stand out.

In this article:

What is problem solving.

At its core, this skill is all about spotting issues and then working out the smartest ways to sort them out. In the workplace, this skill keeps things running smoothly because challenges always pop up.

In any job, you’re bound to bump into a range of problems. It could be meeting a tight deadline, handling customer complaints, or resolving misunderstandings among team members. Each of these difficult situations needs a cool head and a clear strategy.

Dealing with these issues well is crucial because it keeps the wheels turning. Effective problem-solving means fewer hiccups in projects, better teamwork, and happier customers. It’s like oiling the cogs of a machine.

That is why interviewers like myself often drill down into the candidates’ problem-solving abilities with questions like “ Tell me about a time you solved a problem ” or “ Can you describe a situation where you had to overcome a significant challenge? “

We want to know if you’re the kind of person who faces challenges head-on or if you tend to sweep them under the rug. We’re looking for someone who not only spots issues but also comes up with smart solutions and puts them into action. It’s all about ensuring that, when the going gets tough, you’ve got the skills to keep things on track.

How to Answer Problem-Solving Interview Questions

When you’re in an interview and asked about problem-solving, it’s a golden opportunity to show your skills. In my experience, a great approach is to use the STAR technique. This strategy helps structure your answer in a clear and compelling way.

Let’s break down what each part of STAR stands for:

• Situation : Describe the context within which you had to solve a problem.
• Task : Explain the actual problem or challenge you were facing.
• Action : Describe the actions you took to address the problem.
• Result : Share the outcomes of your actions.

In this step, your goal is to give the interviewer a snapshot of your scenario.

Let’s say you had to deal with a significant drop in team morale and productivity. At the beginning of your response, you want to set the context for your story. This should include where you were working, your role, and the initial problem.

The key here is to be concise but provide enough detail to paint a clear picture like this:

“In my previous role as a team leader, I noticed a sudden drop in team morale and productivity. This was unusual for our normally energetic and efficient team.”

Common Situations

Here are some other common situations you can mention in your answer:

• Resolving an issue with a difficult client when they complain about a product or service
• Figuring out a solution when equipment or technology breaks down or fails
• Dealing with a mistake you’ve made on an important project
• Handling a tight deadline when unexpected challenges threaten completion
• Settling a dispute between colleagues who aren’t getting along
• Improving productivity for a team that is underperforming
• Persuading colleagues to get on board with an idea they are resistant to

How to Answer With Limited Experience

Don’t worry if you just graduated or have little work experience. Think about examples from school group projects, internships, or part-time jobs like these:

• Coordinating schedules for a group presentation when everyone has different availabilities
• Resolving a disagreement over roles for a big class project
• Finding ways to improve your team’s process when a professor gives feedback
• Managing deadlines and deliverables with classmates who had competing priorities
• Convincing peers to adopt your proposed solution for an assignment
• Addressing complaints from a classmate about unequal workloads

Clarify the problem you had to tackle. What was expected of you? What complex challenge did you need to address? Here, you’re setting up the specific problem that you were tasked with solving.

Remember, the focus is on the problem, not yet on your actions. Using the above example, here is what you can talk about:

“My task was to identify the causes of this decline and implement a strategy to boost morale and productivity. I needed to make sure our team could return to its usual high-performance level.”

Describe the steps you took to solve the problem. Think about how you analyzed the situation, decided on a course of action, and implemented it. It should show your critical thinking and analytical skills.

“To tackle this, I first conducted one-on-one meetings with team members to understand their concerns and gather feedback. Based on these insights, I realized that a recent change in company policy was causing stress.

I advocated for my team’s concerns with upper management and worked with them to modify the policy. At the same time, I initiated team-building activities and regular check-ins to foster a more supportive and open team environment.”

Finally, talk about the outcomes of your actions. Employers want to know your problem-solving drives real improvements. Also, highlight any positive feedback from your boss or team members, and if possible, quantify the success.

“As a result of these actions, we saw a significant improvement in team morale within a month. Productivity levels bounced back, and the team’s overall satisfaction with their work environment increased.

This experience not only taught me valuable lessons about team dynamics but also reinforced the importance of proactive communication and advocacy for team needs.”

Here are some other outcomes to highlight in your answer:

• Resolving an issue with a difficult client : Client satisfaction restored, future business secured
• Fixing broken equipment : Equipment operational again, no more disruptions to operations
• Dealing with a mistake : Error corrected, a new process implemented to prevent recurrence
• Handling a deadline : Project completed on time, client received deliverable as promised
• Settling a dispute : Conflict resolved, team collaboration and morale improved
• Boosting team productivity : Increased output, goals reached, performance metrics improved
• Persuading colleagues : Proposal approved, a new initiative launched successfully

5 Examples Of Problem-Solving Skills

1. Improving Collaboration in a Stalled Project

Here is a sample you can use when explaining how you improved team collaboration on a project:

“Our team was tasked with developing a new financial management web application. However, we hit a snag and missed two crucial milestones. The core issue was a breakdown in communication – team members were not proactively sharing updates on delays or challenges they encountered.

To address this, I instituted daily 15-minute standup meetings. These sessions provided a platform for everyone to voice concerns and update the team on their progress. We also started tracking tasks in a shared spreadsheet so everyone had more visibility into the project.

Within two weeks, collaboration and communication improved significantly. We renegotiated the timeline with stakeholders, and the project team delivered the web app only 1 week after the original deadline.

The processes we put in place didn’t just help us with this project but also significantly boosted our efficiency on later projects.”

2. Revitalizing a Marketing Campaign

This is how you can describe a time you turned around a marketing campaign:

“In my last marketing role, I was responsible for a campaign promoting a new line of eco-friendly skincare products. Midway through, we found that our engagement metrics were dismal, particularly with our targeted demographic of people aged 20-30.

Upon reviewing our approach, I realized our messaging was too generic and failed to connect with this specific group’s interests and values. I spearheaded a strategy shift, focusing on the environmental benefits and ethical sourcing, aspects we found resonated more with a slightly older demographic, females aged 25-35, who were more invested in sustainable living.

We also pivoted our advertising to platforms popular with this demographic, like eco-conscious lifestyle blogs and organic beauty forums. This shift led to a 40% increase in engagement and contributed greatly to the success of our product launch, exceeding our initial sales targets.”

3. Streamlining Operational Processes

Here’s an example to illustrate how you tackled inefficiencies in operational processes:

“As an operations manager at a mid-sized electronics manufacturer, I noticed our product delivery was consistently delayed.

I identified the root cause as a bottleneck in our supply chain. In particular, a stage where manual data entry from manufacturing to logistics was causing significant hold-ups.

Realizing the need for efficiency, I proposed automating this stage. We collaborated with the IT department and implemented a barcode scanning system that integrated manufacturing output with our logistics database.

This change cut down the processing time by 30%, drastically improving our on-time delivery rate. It not only led to an upswing in customer satisfaction but also streamlined our inventory management, reducing both operational delays and costs.”

4. Resolving Communication Barriers Between Teams

This example demonstrates a solution for inter-departmental communication issues:

“In my previous role, I observed recurring conflicts between the sales and product development teams. These were mainly due to misunderstandings and a lack of clear communication about product updates. This led to promises being made to customers that the product team couldn’t fulfill.

To bridge this gap, I proposed and facilitated a series of joint workshops between the two teams. These sessions focused on aligning the teams’ understanding of product capabilities and timelines. Additionally, I initiated a bi-weekly newsletter and a shared digital workspace where both teams could update each other on developments and feedback.

The result was a significant improvement in inter-team collaboration. The sales team was better informed about product limitations and timelines, leading to more realistic commitments to customers.

Meanwhile, the product team received valuable market feedback directly from the sales team. It helped them tailor developments to customer needs. This collaborative approach not only reduced conflicts but also led to better product-market alignment.”

5. Resolving Customer Complaints and Enhancing Service Quality

This highlights an approach to customer service challenges:

“In my role as a customer service manager, I was faced with increasing customer complaints regarding delayed response times. This issue was affecting customer satisfaction and had the potential to harm our company’s reputation.

I started by analyzing our customer service processes and discovered that our response system was outdated and inefficient. To rectify this, I led the implementation of a new customer relationship management (CRM) system that streamlined our customer service workflow.

This system included automated responses for common queries and a more efficient ticketing process for complex issues. I also organized a series of training sessions for the customer service team to ensure they were well-versed in using the new system and could provide more effective solutions to customers.

Implementing these changes led to a huge reduction in response time and a significant drop in customer complaints. Our team also received positive feedback for improved service quality, which was reflected in our customer satisfaction surveys.”

Tips on Improving Problem-Solving Skills

Problem-solving is a career-long skill, not just needed for some interviews. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, honing these skills can make a big difference in how you handle challenges at work.

Understand Before Assuming

Jumping to conclusions can be a trap. When a problem arises, take a step back and get a clear picture of what’s actually going on. This means holding off on assumptions until you’ve gathered all the facts.

Sometimes, the real issue isn’t what it seems at first glance. Doing a bit of digging to understand the root cause can lead you to a more effective solution.

Research and Learn from the Past

History often repeats itself, and this is true for workplace problems, too. When faced with a challenge, look into whether similar issues have popped up before.

How were they handled? What worked and what didn’t? Learning from past experiences, whether your own or someone else’s, can be a goldmine of insights.

Brainstorm With Creative Thinking

When thinking about potential solutions, avoid locking yourself into the first idea that comes to mind. Brainstorming can open up a world of possibilities and creative solutions. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Sometimes, the most unconventional ideas turn out to be the best solutions.

Always Have a Plan B

Even the best-laid plans can go awry. That’s why having a contingency plan is a must.

Think about what could go wrong and how to contain any further issues. This doesn’t mean you’re expecting the worst, but rather, you’re prepared to handle it efficiently if it does happen.

Team Decisions and Communication

Solving problems isn’t a solo mission. Make decisions as a team and keep everyone in the loop.

Clear communication is a valuable soft skill that helps everyone understand the plan and their role in it. Plus, this is how you can bring new perspectives and ideas to the table and make your solution even stronger.

Timeframe and Flexibility

Set a timeframe for your action plan, but be flexible. If something isn’t working, be ready to pivot and try a different approach. Sticking rigidly to a plan that’s not delivering results won’t do anyone any favors.

See more interview tips: How To Write A Follow-Up Email After Interview 3 Examples For Thank-You Email After Interview 8 Examples of Challenges You Have Overcome At Work 6 sample answers of accomplishments at work 5 Examples of Problem-Solving in The Workplace How To Ask for Feedback After Job Rejection How to Explain The Reason for Leaving a Job on Applications For Interview Question: What Do You Like To Do For Fun? What Are You Most Passionate About? What Are You Looking For In Your Next Job? Why Are You Interested In This Position? What Accomplishments Are You Most Proud Of?

Frequently Asked Questions

Are problem-solving skills that important.

Absolutely. No matter where you work, there’s always a curveball now and then. Having the knack to quickly think on your feet, break down a problem, and come up with a solution is a game-changer.

How Do I Sell Myself as a Problem Solver?

Storytelling is your best bet here. The trick is to paint a picture where you’re the person who spots the problem and then creatively solves it, not just someone who follows instructions.

How Do I Choose Good Examples for a Job Interview?

Pick examples that show you’re not just a one-trick pony. What I find impressive is when someone can demonstrate their thought process – how they analyzed the issue, got creative with solutions, and then put their plan into action.

What Are the Key Attributes of a Good Problem Solver?

They’re the kind of people who don’t rush to conclusions. Instead, they take their time to understand the problem, explore different angles, and weigh their options.

Adaptability is also key – they can roll with the punches and adjust their plans as needed. And, of course, they’re great at getting their point across, ensuring everyone’s on the same page.

What Are the Major Obstacles to Problem Solving?

From what I’ve seen, the big hurdles are often not having enough info, sticking too rigidly to old mindsets, and letting biases lead the way. It’s easy to get tunnel vision, especially if you’re used to doing things a certain way.

Also, not bringing different perspectives to the table can really limit your options.

As you step into the next interview, remember two key things: confidence and clarity. Trust in your abilities and the experiences you bring to the table. Learn how the above problem-solving examples can paint a vivid picture of your challenge and how you tackled it. Most importantly, let those stories reflect your skills and how you can be an asset to any team.

Christina J. Colclough

Dr Christina J. Colclough is an expert on The Future World of Work and the politics of digital technology advocating globally for the importance of the workers’ voice. She has extensive regional and global labour movement experience, is a sought-after keynote speaker, coach, and strategist advising progressive governments and worker organisations.

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Problem Solving Information and Tips

Principles for addressing workplace conflict.

Common and ineffective strategies to deal with workplace disputes include:

• Indirect communication in the form of complaints and/or gossip,
• Emotional reactions
• Righteousness: holding on to positions

Principles to Help:

• Pay attention to your emotions and how they influence you . Realize that emotions are part of the workplace and that negative emotions can fuel the conflict. Acknowledge your emotion and then determine its source. Is it based on a bad experience or a past interaction that may be influencing the current situation? Is it based on something you have no control over? Take the time to deescalate before moving forward.
• Consciously decide how to respond to a conflict situation . Most people remember how you respond to a situation rather than what happened. While you often do not have control of many situations, you can choose how to respond to others to help reduce work conflict and stress. By responding appropriately to a conflict situation, you take responsibility for your actions. Refer to Understanding Conflict Handling Styles to discover the advantages and disadvantages for each style.
• Give yourself time to prepare . You should address difficult issues after you have had time to organize your thoughts. Take the time to understand and be clear about what your real concerns. Ask yourself, “What is the underlying reason or the ‘why’ behind what I want?” Refer to Focus on Interests (Needs), Not Positions (Wants) for more information.
• Listen, Reflect, Inquire . Do you have enough time to listen? Is the setting appropriate? Make good eye contact and keep your facial and body expressions in check. Listening is hard when emotions are high. Cool down first. Do not listen only to hear what you expect the other person to say or to confirm your viewpoint. Listen with an open mind. Help the other person feel heard. Empathize. Ask open ended questions to gather information. Refer to Listening Effectively for tips on how to listen well.
• Use “I” messages to express your concerns in a non-confrontational way . Focus on and clarify your issues, feelings, or opinions. “I feel frustrated when you come in late because I am not able to end my shift on time,” rather than “You are always late.” “I” messages place the responsibility on you and include three components: 1) your personal reaction/feeling, 2) a description of the situation/action, and 3) the impact/consequence from your perspective. “You” messages focus the blame on the other person and they are likely to elicit a negative or defensive response.
• Frame the issue in terms of interests . Frame the discussion by being direct about your interests. Ask powerful questions to better define the problem for the two of you to address together. The best questions are open-ended questions rather than questions that require a “yes” or “no” reply or a short answer. Good questions include “What would that look like?” “How would that work in this situation?” “How do you want to move forward?” Refer to How to Identify Interests for help on questions.
• Focus on what you can change – the future . Discussion about the past and/or arguing about examples may be necessary for understanding, but it is not to convince the other person you are right or to defend yourself. Focus on how you can both work more productively in the future.
• Recognize that other viewpoints are possible and likely. Although you feel differently about the situation, the other person’s feelings are real and legitimate to them. Denying their existence is likely to escalate the situation. It is difficult to find solutions without agreement on the problem. If you do not understand the other person’s viewpoint, you run the risk of not solving the right problem which could make the conflict worse.
• Brainstorm creative options. By involving the other person in resolving the conflict, you gain his or her commitment and develop a stronger working relationship. Being open-minded to solutions expands the universe that can bring you relief.

Source: CDR Associates, Conflict Resolution for Managers and Leaders , John Wiley & Sons, 2007 and Craig Runde and Tim Flanagan, Becoming a Conflict Competent Leader , John Wiley & Sons, 2007.

Understanding Conflict Handling Styles

In a dispute, it's often easier to describe how others respond then to evaluate how we respond. Each of us has a predominant conflict style. We can gain a better understanding of the impact that our personal conflict style has on other people. With a better understanding, you can make a conscious choice on how to respond to others in a conflict situation.

Behavioral scientists Kenneth Thomas and Ralph Kilmann, who developed the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument, have identified five styles—competition, collaboration, compromise, avoidance, and accommodation. No conflict style is inherently right or wrong, but one or more styles could be inappropriate or ineffective for a given situation.

1. Competing

Value of own issue/goal: High Value of relationship: Low Result: I win, you lose

Competitors come across as aggressive, autocratic, confrontational, and intimidating. A competitive style is an attempt to gain power and pressure a change. A competitive style can be appropriate when you have to implement an unpopular decision, make a quick decision, the decision is vital in a crisis, or it is important to let others know how important an issue is to you – "standing up for your right." However, relationships are harmed beyond repair and may encourage other parties to use covert methods to get their needs met.

2. Accommodating

Value of own issue/goal: Low Value relationship: High Result: I lose, you win

Accommodators set aside their own needs because they want to please others in order to keep the peace. Smoothing or harmonizing can result in a false solution to a problem and can create feelings in a person that range from anger to pleasure. Accommodators are unassertive and cooperative and may play the role of a martyr, complainer, or saboteur. However, accommodation can be useful when one is wrong or when you want to minimize losses to preserve relationships. It can become competitive – "I am nicer than you are" – and may result in reduced creativity and increased power imbalances.

3. Avoiding

Value of own issue/goal: Low Value of relationship: Low Result: I lose, you lose

Avoiders deliberately ignore or withdraw from a conflict rather than face it. Avoiders do not seem to care about their issue or the issues of others. People who avoid the situation hope the problem will go away, resolve itself without their involvement, or rely on others to take the responsibility. Avoidance can be appropriate when you need more time to think and process, time constraints demand a delay, or the risk of confrontation is not worth what might be gained. However, avoidance is destructive if the other person perceives that you don’t care enough to engage. By not dealing with the conflict, this style allows the conflict to simmer potentially resulting in angry or negative outbursts.

4. Compromising

Value of own issue/goal: Medium Value of relationship: Medium Result: I win some, you win some

Compromisors are willing to sacrifice some of their goals and persuade others to give up theirs too–give a little, get a little. Compromisors maintain the relationship and can take less time than other methods, but resolutions focus on demands rather than needs or goals. The compromise is not intended to make all parties happy or find a decision that makes the most business sense, but rather ensures something just and equitable even if it causes a loss for both parties. Power is defined by what one part can coerce or get the other to give up. To split the difference game playing can result and the outcome is less creative and ideal.

5. Collaborating

Value of own issue/goal: High Value of relationship: High Result: I win, you win

Collaboration generates creative solutions that satisfy all the parties’ concerns and needs. Collaborators identify the underlying concerns, test assumptions, and understand the views of others. Collaboration takes time and if the relationship among the parties is not important, then it may not be worth the time and energy to create a win-win solution. However, collaboration fosters respect, trust, and builds relationships. Collaborators address the conflict directly and in a way that expresses willingness for all parties to get what they need.

In any conflict ask: "Is my preferred conflict handling style the very best I can use to resolve this conflict or solve this problem?"

Source: Thomas, K. W. and R.H. Kilmann, Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument

Focus on Interests (Needs), Not Positions (Wants)

Understanding people's interests is not a simple task, because we tend to communicate our positions – things that are likely to be concrete and explicit. Try to recognize the difference between positions and interests to assist in creative problem solving.

• Positions are predetermined solutions or demands that people use to describe what they want – what the person wants to happen on a particular issue. For example: "I want the report."
• Interests define the problem and may be intangible, unexpressed, or not consistent. They are the main reasons why–the motivation behind the position. Conflict usually exists where these motivations/needs are not understood or mismatch in some way. For example: "I need to receive the report by Friday, so I can have time to review and edit before the due date next Wednesday."

Remember that figuring out your interests is just as important as figuring out their interests.

How to Identify Interests

To identify interests of the other person, you need to ask questions to determine what the person believes he or she truly needs. When you ask, be sure to clarify that you are not asking questions for justification of their position, but for a better understanding of their needs, fears, hopes, and desires.

Using open-ended questions that encourage a person to "tell their story" helps you begin to understand their interest. Open ended questions are opposite of closed-ended questions, which require a response of "yes" or "no." To illustrate the difference, consider the following example:

• Did you have a good relationship with your supervisor? (closed-ended)
• What is your relationship with your supervisor like? (open-ended)

Examples of open-ended questions:

• What’s your basic concern about …?
• What do you think about …?
• How could we fix …?
• What would happen if …?
• How else could you do …?
• What could you tell me about …?
• Could you help me understand …?
• What do you think you will lose if you …?
• What have you tried before?
• What do you want to do next?
• How can I be of help?

It is not uncommon for you or the other person to have multiple interests.

Problem solving based on interests leads to more creative and successful resolutions.

Source: Fisher, Ury, and Patton. Getting to Yes : Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In. Houghton Mifflin, Second Edition, 1992.

Listening Effectively

Problem solving requires effective listening skills. When you listen effectively, you help calm the other person’s emotions so they feel heard. Once emotions are deescalated then both parties can use cognitive problem-solving to generate options.

Pay attention to your listening behaviors. Be cautious of:

• Assuming that you know what the speaker is going to say next
• Thinking about what you are going to say while the other is talking
• Preoccupation with your appearances or trying to impress
• Judging or being critical of the speaker
• Trying to look interested, but not hearing what the other person is saying
• Tuning out because the information conflicts with your ideas and beliefs
• Interrupting so you can argue your idea or find holes in the other person’s argument
• Tuning out because of how the speaker is talking – too loud, unpleasant or because the speaker is monopolizing the conversation

Check out this Ted Talk on 10 ways to improve conversations

We filter information through our biases, values, emotions, meaning of words, and physical frame of mind. Be cautious of:

• Hearing what you want to hear and not what is really communicated
• Past negative experience coloring what you hear
• Attempts to hear something that fulfills your wishes or desires
• Forming an opinion about the value of what is being said, i.e., too boring, too complex, nothing new, unimportant, wanting the speaker to get to the point
• Emotionally charged words used in communication like absolutes, assumptions, and demands: "you should," "you have to," "you lack," "you never," "you always," "you fail to understand," "every time you," "you are confused," etc.
• Low energy and how this impacts listening and responses
• Assuming your own meaning of words and expressions is the same as the speaker

How to Listen Effectively

• Prior to the meeting, recognize and understand the emotions. Are you nervous? Are you angry at the other person? Are you frustrated about something? Ask yourself what is causing the emotion. Are you carrying the emotion over from one issue to another? Are there personal problems from home that are interfering with work?
• When meeting, pay attention to the speaker. Resist distractions. Put down your pen, make good eye contact, and lean forward to show your interest. Don't interrupt. Jot down notes if it helps.
• Listen with an open, curious mind. Do not judge what the other person is saying as "wrong." Clarify meaning by asking questions to get additional information. Try: "Please help me understand …" or "How did you say that happened?"
• Don't react to emotional outbursts. Talk to the other side about their emotions. Talk about your own emotions. Acknowledging emotion proactively will stop it from dominating the discussion. Examples of what you can say "You feel that…" or "It must have been frustrating to have …"
• Reflect and clarify on meanings. After the speaker is finished say "Did I understand you correctly that you are saying …?" "Let me see if I have this correctly, …" "From you point of view, the situation is …" Try summarizing, mirroring, or reframing.
• Summarize to bring the discussion and check progress on moving forward.

Conflict Management Bibliography

• Conflict Management Bibliography (PDF)  - Read more about how to handle conflict in the workplace; understand aspects of communication that reduce conflict such as managing emotions and having difficult conversations; and learn more about mediation, negotiation, and facilitation skills.
• Thomas, K. W. and R.H. Kilmann, Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument

Contact Info

• Email: Office of Conflict Management and Dispute Resolution
• Phone: 512-475-7930

7 common HR problems in companies (and how to solve them)

If you've ever worked in HR, you know it requires you to juggle many tasks and responsibilities. This can sometimes overwhelm smaller teams or companies with limited resources and manpower.

The good news is that many of companies' most prevalent HR problems are common across industries and companies. As such, there's a wealth of information about how to solve them.

This article will focus on 7 of the most common HR problems in companies and provide a solution for each one.

But first, let's back up to look at what an HR department, or HR Management, actually does.

What does HR Management involve?

HR managers may be responsible for a wide range of activities related to hiring and managing employees at a company.

Responsibilities found under the HR umbrella might include:

• Job design ( job descriptions , recruitment ads , strategic prioritization)
• Workforce planning
• Training and development of existing employees
• Performance management
• Compensation and benefits management
• Navigating legal requirements
• Health and safety

In the largest organizations, these responsibilities are usually split across an HR organization. Smaller companies, however, often don't have that luxury, and one or two people may have to juggle these priorities.

This lack of resources or manpower is at the core of many HR problems companies face. There are many jobs to be done - all of which are important - but it may not be possible to do all of them with the limited resources available.

The rest of this article will focus on these challenges and offer possible solutions.

Common HR problems in companies and their solutions

HR problems in companies come in many shapes and forms. They also vary in seriousness and complexity, depending on the challenge and where the company is located and operates.

Consider the solutions to these problems to be guidelines. It might be necessary to seek outside help, depending on the resources available to you at your company.

1. Compliance with laws and regulations

The first common HR problem in companies is a big one: ensuring you adhere to all relevant laws in your operation area. This can be a huge challenge for small HR organizations, especially if no one on the team has experience dealing with local labor laws and regulations.

Key challenges that arise include:

• The tediousness of keeping track of all employment laws in all areas in which the company operates
• Ensuring that all operations, recruiting, and employment processes adhere to local laws
• A lack of time and expertise to understand the issues and nuances of the laws

Failure to fully comply with laws and regulations can lead to serious consequences for a small company, including audits, lawsuits, and even bankruptcy.

Potential solutions to this challenge include:

• Ensuring that at least one person on your management team is in charge of understanding local employment laws and regulations
• Giving that person the time and resources needed to study and understand those laws and regulations
• Consulting a legal expert with questions about the laws and regulations
• Auditing your existing processes to ensure that everything is above board

While these solutions will require more time and money, getting them right is critical to ensure your company's health and future success.

2. Health and safety

Like with laws and regulations, HR organizations often ensure all health and safety requirements are being met at the company.

• Creating and enforcing health and safety processes at the company
• Providing employee training and documentation of course completion to prove compliance with health and safety measures
• Monitoring and adapting to local health and safety laws
• Tracking instances of workplace injuries or safety violations to protect against potential workplace compensation lawsuits

Like with employment laws and regulations, failure to execute a thorough health and safety program can expose the company to costly lawsuits and injury claims.

• Designating a health and safety person or committee at your organization
• Giving them the tools and training needed to study and understand local health and safety laws
• Empowering them with absolute control over health and safety at the organization, including the power to make changes, upgrades, or even shut down operations temporarily if needed

Health and safety should be a top priority for any company. As such, this challenge should be on your shortlist to tackle as soon as possible.

3. Change management

Managing change can be a big headache for HR departments and their employees. This is especially true for fast-growing organizations experiencing rapid evolution in their processes or onboarding new employees at a high clip. Unfortunately, HR often bears the brunt of this frustration.

• Adapting HR processes and policies to match the company's growth and ambitions
• Balancing the needs and wants of legacy employees with those of new employees and management
• Ensuring open communication before, during, and after changes are made
• Dealing with negative feedback or frustrations from employees

When done poorly, change management can have an adverse effect on performance, staff engagement , and morale. It often falls on the HR department to find ways to ensure people-centric change doesn't affect productivity and output.

• Clearly communicating the benefits of change to all employees
• Implementing a change management process that outlines how, when, and where employees are informed of process changes
• Encouraging open and honest feedback from employees when a change is made
• Making it crystal clear why you are making a change and what the benefits are to the company and employees

It's not possible to please everyone all the time. But a few simple change management best practices can make your life much easier when scaling or altering your processes.

4. Compensation management

Compensation and benefits are one issue that no HR organization can get around. This is the core concern for all employees and has an immense impact on everything from performance to engagement to productivity.

• Knowing how to structure compensation packages to stay competitive in your industry
• Monitoring the recruitment landscape to see what others are offering
• Matching compensation demand in the market, especially if you're trying to compete against larger competitors
• Providing competitive perks, employee benefits , and bonuses that align with what your ideal candidates want

It takes a lot of time and money to ensure that your total compensation packages are appealing and competitive. In reality, small companies will struggle to compete against large corporations and their limitless budgets.

• Looking for free tools like Payscale and Glassdoor to create benchmark salaries that are based on aggregated real data
• Shortlisting competitors to watch and analyze what they promote on their careers sites in terms of perks, benefits, and compensation
• Focusing on employer branding and culture messaging to create intangible benefits for candidates
• Being creative with compensation to make up for less-than-competitive salaries

The bottom line is that larger companies can and likely will outspend smaller ones to land the best talent. To combat that reality, smaller companies should look to pitch what's unique and appealing about their company.

5. Landing top talent

Like with compensation, smaller HR organizations often get muscled out in the fight for top talent. This is another major HR problem in companies that don't have the resources to aggressively go after the best candidates.

• Being overtaken by a large amount of competition for top talent in skilled roles
• Having to spend lots of time, money, and effort to find top talent, all of which are in short supply
• Devoting the time that's needed to hire top talent while also juggling all of the other requirements of an HR manager
• Spending lots of resources to court a top candidate, only to have them leave early in their term with you or get scooped up by a competitor during the hiring process

Competition for top talent is fierce. Large organizations use every resource at their disposal to find and hire the best in the industry. Unfortunately, that means smaller organizations are often financially disadvantaged when hiring.

• Getting creative with how and who you hire
• Beefing up your employer brand to stand out from other companies
• Recruiting directly from colleges and universities to give new and hungry employees a chance to shine
• Leveraging networks and social channels to directly pitch candidates at no cost
• Hiring the best recruiter possible and letting them do their jobs

Smaller organizations will need to pick and choose their battles when competing for top talent. If budget and resources are limited, then it might make sense to only go after the best candidates for strategically critical roles or ones that will drive long-term success.

6. Retention

Landing top talent is one thing, but retaining them long term comes with a new set of HR challenges for companies.

• Focussing the bulk of your time and energy on employee retention
• Balancing the cost of hiring top talent, with the risk of them leaving prematurely
• Accounting for the variety of factors that might cause retention issues, including:
• External poaching
• Lack of engagement
• Lack of career development
• Lack of growth opportunities
• Non-competitive salaries or benefits
• Monitoring and adapting to issues that are leading to increased employee departures
• Maintaining productivity levels while balancing all of the above
• Finding a fine balance between culture, compensation, and incentives that boosts loyalty and retention: this will require some experimentation and lots of honest feedback
• Continuously monitoring employee sentiment via pulse surveys, 1:1 meetings, anonymous surveys , town halls, etc.
• Keeping an eye on the market to ensure that your compensation packages are competitive
• Monitoring employee churn rates and retention rates and adapting to what the data is telling you
• Addressing red flags before they become major issues

If you break down a month-to-month workload for most HR managers, employee retention is likely one of, if not their most important, priority.

Keeping employees happy and performing at a high level is incredibly important for a company's success and comes with many challenges for HR professionals.

7. Monitoring productivity and performance

Productivity and performance is a shared responsibilities between managers and the HR department. Managers are ultimately responsible for their team's performance, but it will fall on the HR department to make tough decisions if certain departments or teams aren't performing at the level they need to be.

• Monitoring performance and productivity levels to ensure that the business is operating efficiently and hitting output goals
• Identifying problems areas and taking necessary actions to turn things around
• Working cross-functionally to find root causes for low performance and identifying potential solutions
• Reporting human resource issues back to the executive team, who will then make strategic decisions

Keeping an eye on productivity and performance involves monitoring key indicators, engaging in candid conversations with managers and employees, and generally acting like a detective to find problems. While part of the job, it's a time-consuming responsibility and a common HR problem in companies.

• Using HR platforms that integrate performance management, goal management, and engagement tracking
• Looking for teams who are hitting their goals, studying what they do right, and presenting those processes as potential changes to the executive team
• Keeping clear lines of communication open with all managers to ensure that issues are addressed before they snowball

The HR department is often one of the busiest in most companies. That becomes even more apparent in smaller companies with fewer employees dedicated to these mission-critical tasks. This is a very multifaceted role that brings with it many unique problems and challenges.

Like with most business challenges, focusing on strong communication, technology, processes, and goal tracking can help you overcome these common HR problems in companies.

Brendan is an established writer, content marketer and SEO manager with extensive experience writing about HR tech, information visualization, mind mapping, and all things B2B and SaaS. As a former journalist, he's always looking for new topics and industries to write about and explore.

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Turn your team into skilled problem solvers with these problem-solving strategies

Picture this, you're handling your daily tasks at work and your boss calls you in and says, "We have a problem." 

Unfortunately, we don't live in a world in which problems are instantly resolved with the snap of our fingers. Knowing how to effectively solve problems is an important professional skill to hone. If you have a problem that needs to be solved, what is the right process to use to ensure you get the most effective solution?

In this article we'll break down the problem-solving process and how you can find the most effective solutions for complex problems.

What is problem solving? 

Problem solving is the process of finding a resolution for a specific issue or conflict. There are many possible solutions for solving a problem, which is why it's important to go through a problem-solving process to find the best solution. You could use a flathead screwdriver to unscrew a Phillips head screw, but there is a better tool for the situation. Utilizing common problem-solving techniques helps you find the best solution to fit the needs of the specific situation, much like using the right tools.

Decision-making tools for agile businesses

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4 steps to better problem solving

While it might be tempting to dive into a problem head first, take the time to move step by step. Here’s how you can effectively break down the problem-solving process with your team:

1. Identify the problem that needs to be solved

One of the easiest ways to identify a problem is to ask questions. A good place to start is to ask journalistic questions, like:

Who : Who is involved with this problem? Who caused the problem? Who is most affected by this issue?

What: What is happening? What is the extent of the issue? What does this problem prevent from moving forward?

Where: Where did this problem take place? Does this problem affect anything else in the immediate area? 

When: When did this problem happen? When does this problem take effect? Is this an urgent issue that needs to be solved within a certain timeframe?

Why: Why is it happening? Why does it impact workflows?

How: How did this problem occur? How is it affecting workflows and team members from being productive?

Asking journalistic questions can help you define a strong problem statement so you can highlight the current situation objectively, and create a plan around that situation.

Here’s an example of how a design team uses journalistic questions to identify their problem:

Overarching problem: Design requests are being missed

Who: Design team, digital marketing team, web development team

What: Design requests are forgotten, lost, or being created ad hoc.

Where: Email requests, design request spreadsheet

When: Missed requests on January 20th, January 31st, February 4th, February 6th

How : Email request was lost in inbox and the intake spreadsheet was not updated correctly. The digital marketing team had to delay launching ads for a few days while design requests were bottlenecked. Designers had to work extra hours to ensure all requests were completed.

In this example, there are many different aspects of this problem that can be solved. Using journalistic questions can help you identify different issues and who you should involve in the process.

2. Brainstorm multiple solutions

If at all possible, bring in a facilitator who doesn't have a major stake in the solution. Bringing an individual who has little-to-no stake in the matter can help keep your team on track and encourage good problem-solving skills.

Here are a few brainstorming techniques to encourage creative thinking:

Brainstorm alone before hand: Before you come together as a group, provide some context to your team on what exactly the issue is that you're brainstorming. This will give time for you and your teammates to have some ideas ready by the time you meet.

Say yes to everything (at first): When you first start brainstorming, don't say no to any ideas just yet—try to get as many ideas down as possible. Having as many ideas as possible ensures that you’ll get a variety of solutions. Save the trimming for the next step of the strategy. 

Talk to team members one-on-one: Some people may be less comfortable sharing their ideas in a group setting. Discuss the issue with team members individually and encourage them to share their opinions without restrictions—you might find some more detailed insights than originally anticipated.

Break out of your routine: If you're used to brainstorming in a conference room or over Zoom calls, do something a little different! Take your brainstorming meeting to a coffee shop or have your Zoom call while you're taking a walk. Getting out of your routine can force your brain out of its usual rut and increase critical thinking.

3. Define the solution

After you brainstorm with team members to get their unique perspectives on a scenario, it's time to look at the different strategies and decide which option is the best solution for the problem at hand. When defining the solution, consider these main two questions: What is the desired outcome of this solution and who stands to benefit from this solution? 

Set a deadline for when this decision needs to be made and update stakeholders accordingly. Sometimes there's too many people who need to make a decision. Use your best judgement based on the limitations provided to do great things fast.

4. Implement the solution

To implement your solution, start by working with the individuals who are as closest to the problem. This can help those most affected by the problem get unblocked. Then move farther out to those who are less affected, and so on and so forth. Some solutions are simple enough that you don’t need to work through multiple teams.

After you prioritize implementation with the right teams, assign out the ongoing work that needs to be completed by the rest of the team. This can prevent people from becoming overburdened during the implementation plan . Once your solution is in place, schedule check-ins to see how the solution is working and course-correct if necessary.

Implement common problem-solving strategies

There are a few ways to go about identifying problems (and solutions). Here are some strategies you can try, as well as common ways to apply them:

Trial and error

Trial and error problem solving doesn't usually require a whole team of people to solve. To use trial and error problem solving, identify the cause of the problem, and then rapidly test possible solutions to see if anything changes. 

This problem-solving method is often used in tech support teams through troubleshooting.

The 5 whys problem-solving method helps get to the root cause of an issue. You start by asking once, “Why did this issue happen?” After answering the first why, ask again, “Why did that happen?” You'll do this five times until you can attribute the problem to a root cause. 

This technique can help you dig in and find the human error that caused something to go wrong. More importantly, it also helps you and your team develop an actionable plan so that you can prevent the issue from happening again.

Here’s an example:

Problem: The email marketing campaign was accidentally sent to the wrong audience.

“Why did this happen?” Because the audience name was not updated in our email platform.

“Why were the audience names not changed?” Because the audience segment was not renamed after editing. 

“Why was the audience segment not renamed?” Because everybody has an individual way of creating an audience segment.

“Why does everybody have an individual way of creating an audience segment?” Because there is no standardized process for creating audience segments. 

“Why is there no standardized process for creating audience segments?” Because the team hasn't decided on a way to standardize the process as the team introduced new members. 

In this example, we can see a few areas that could be optimized to prevent this mistake from happening again. When working through these questions, make sure that everyone who was involved in the situation is present so that you can co-create next steps to avoid the same problem. 

A SWOT analysis

A SWOT analysis can help you highlight the strengths and weaknesses of a specific solution. SWOT stands for:

Strength: Why is this specific solution a good fit for this problem? 

Weaknesses: What are the weak points of this solution? Is there anything that you can do to strengthen those weaknesses?

Opportunities: What other benefits could arise from implementing this solution?

Threats: Is there anything about this decision that can detrimentally impact your team?

As you identify specific solutions, you can highlight the different strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of each solution. 

This particular problem-solving strategy is good to use when you're narrowing down the answers and need to compare and contrast the differences between different solutions. 

Even more successful problem solving

After you’ve worked through a tough problem, don't forget to celebrate how far you've come. Not only is this important for your team of problem solvers to see their work in action, but this can also help you become a more efficient, effective , and flexible team. The more problems you tackle together, the more you’ll achieve. 

Looking for a tool to help solve problems on your team? Track project implementation with a work management tool like Asana .

Related resources

Smooth product launches are simpler than you think

Fix these common onboarding challenges to boost productivity

How Asana uses work management to optimize resource planning

How Asana uses work management for organizational planning

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10 Biggest HR Challenges in The Workplace And Their Solutions

• October 19, 2023
• | 10min Read
• | Mayank Pratap

Table of content

In the ever-evolving landscape of the modern workplace, Human Resources (HR) professionals play a pivotal role in shaping an organization’s success. Their responsibilities extend far beyond recruitment and payroll management; they are the custodians of an organization’s most valuable asset—its people. As businesses navigate through a rapidly changing world, HR professionals face a multitude of HR challenges. From attracting and retaining top talent to adapting to a diverse workforce, and from ensuring compliance with evolving regulations to harnessing the power of technology, the role of HR has never been more demanding.

In this comprehensive blog, we will delve into the Biggest HR Challenges in The Workplace and Their Solutions. Each challenge represents a critical puzzle piece in the intricate HR landscape, and the solutions provided here aim to empower HR professionals and organizations to overcome these hurdles effectively. By the end of this blog, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the challenges that HR faces today and the strategies to conquer them, ensuring a thriving and prosperous workforce.

Human Resources departments play a pivotal role in shaping an organization’s success. They are responsible for recruiting, retaining, and managing the workforce, among other critical functions. However, HR professionals often encounter various challenges in today’s dynamic work environment. Now let’s explore the ten biggest HR challenges and provide solutions to address them effectively.

Recruitment and Retention

Challenge: .

Attracting top talent and retaining employees is an ongoing challenge for HR teams. With the competitive job market and changing expectations of the workforce, finding and keeping skilled employees can be a daunting task.

• Employer Branding: Create and maintain a strong employer brand to attract candidates who align with your organization’s values and culture.
• Competitive Compensation: Offer competitive salaries and benefits packages to retain employees.
• Employee Development: Invest in training and development programs to help employees grow within the company.

Diversity and Inclusion

Building a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential for innovation and success, but HR often faces obstacles in achieving this goal.

• Diversity Initiatives: Implement diversity programs and set diversity targets.
• Inclusive Culture: Foster an inclusive workplace culture where every employee feels valued and heard.
• Bias Training: Provide training to reduce unconscious bias among employees and management.

Workforce Adaptation

Adapting to the changing workforce, which includes remote and contract workers, is a significant HR challenge.

• Flexible Work Policies: Create flexible work policies that accommodate remote work and other adaptations.
• Freelance and Contract Management: Implement efficient contract management systems for non-traditional workers.
• Digital HR Tools: Use HR software for managing remote employees and tracking their performance.

Employee Engagement

Disengaged employees can negatively impact productivity and retention rates.

• Regular Feedback: Provide regular feedback to employees.
• Recognition Programs: Implement employee recognition programs to motivate and engage the workforce.
• Employee Surveys: Conduct regular surveys to understand employee concerns and needs.

Compliance and Regulations

Keeping up with ever-changing labor laws and regulations can be a complex task.

• Regular Training: Conduct regular compliance training for HR and employees.
• Legal Counsel: Consult with legal experts to ensure your HR policies align with current laws.
• HR Software: Use HR software that can automate compliance tracking and reporting.

Performance Management

Traditional performance management systems may not effectively assess employee performance.

• Continuous Feedback: Implement continuous feedback systems, rather than annual reviews.
• Goal Setting: Help employees set clear, achievable goals to improve their performance.
• Training and Development: Invest in training and development to help employees meet their objectives.

Employee Well-being

Employee well-being has become a top concern, especially in the post-pandemic world.

• Mental Health Support: Provide mental health resources, such as counseling and stress management programs.
• Work-Life Balance: Encourage a healthy work-life balance and flexible scheduling.
• Health Benefits: Offer comprehensive health and wellness benefits.

Succession Planning

Identifying and developing potential leaders within the organization can be challenging.

• Leadership Development Programs: Establish leadership development programs to groom internal talent.
• Mentorship Programs: Implement mentorship programs to facilitate knowledge transfer.
• Talent Pipelines: Create talent pipelines for key positions to ensure a smooth transition.

Technology Integration

Keeping up with the rapid advancements in HR technology and ensuring its seamless integration can be daunting.

• HR Software Selection: Choose HR software that aligns with your organization’s needs and goals.
• Training: Provide training to HR staff on how to use and maximize the benefits of HR technology.
• Regular Updates: Stay current with software updates and new technological developments.

Data Management

HR departments generate vast amounts of data, and managing and using it effectively can be a significant challenge.

• Data Analytics: Utilize data analytics to make informed decisions about HR strategies.
• Data Security: Invest in robust data security measures to protect sensitive employee information.
• Cloud-Based Solutions: Consider using cloud-based HR management systems for secure data storage.

In conclusion, the field of HR is ever-evolving, and HR professionals must adapt to the changing landscape of the workplace. By addressing these ten biggest HR challenges with the provided solutions, organizations can create a more productive, diverse, and inclusive work environment that attracts and retains top talent.

Remember, success in HR is not only about identifying these challenges but also about implementing proactive and practical solutions. Embracing change and staying up-to-date with industry trends is key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring a thriving workforce.

Why is it Important to Address These HR Challenges?

In the dynamic world of business, HR challenges are not mere obstacles to overcome; they are critical factors that can determine an organization’s success or failure. Understanding why it is essential to address these HR challenges is fundamental to not only improving workplace dynamics but also achieving long-term organizational goals.

Talent is Your Competitive Advantage

In today’s highly competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent is the holy grail of success. Organizations with the best people often have the upper hand, as talent is a primary driver of innovation, productivity, and growth. Addressing HR challenges like recruitment and retention ensures that your organization continually has access to the right skills and expertise. A failure in this regard could result in losing your competitive edge to competitors who manage their HR challenges more effectively.

A Diverse Workforce Fuels Innovation

Innovation stems from diversity. A diverse workforce brings together individuals with unique perspectives, experiences, and skills, fostering creativity and problem-solving. Addressing diversity and inclusion challenges is not just about following a trend; it’s about embracing the power of different voices to propel your organization forward.

Compliance Safeguards Reputation

Laws and regulations that govern the workplace are continually evolving. If you fail to comply with such regulations, you may have to face legal issues and financial losses. Addressing compliance and regulation challenges ensures that your organization is on the right side of the law, safeguarding its reputation and bottom line.

Employee Engagement Drives Productivity

Engaged employees are more productive, more loyal, and more likely to stay with your organization. In contrast, disengaged employees can be a drag on productivity and may seek opportunities elsewhere. Addressing employee engagement challenges not only improves the workplace environment but also contributes to the bottom line by boosting efficiency and reducing turnover.

Succession Planning Ensures Continuity

Succession planning challenges are not just about preparing for the future; they are about securing the future of your organization. Without a robust plan for developing and promoting internal talent, your organization may face leadership voids and disruptions in case of unexpected departures. Addressing succession planning ensures that the organization can continue to operate smoothly, even in the face of unforeseen circumstances.

Technology Enhances Efficiency

Technology is a double-edged sword for HR. On one hand, it introduces complexities, while on the other, it offers unprecedented efficiency and insights. Addressing technology integration challenges is essential for optimizing HR processes, from recruitment to data management. Embracing the right HR technology can lead to time and cost savings, improved data-driven decision-making, and better employee experiences.

Data Management Informs Decision-Making

In today’s data-driven world, information is power. HR departments generate vast amounts of data, from employee performance metrics to turnover rates. Addressing data management challenges ensures that your organization can use this data effectively. With the right analytics and insights, HR can make informed decisions about hiring, employee development, and strategic planning, ultimately benefiting the entire organization.

Wrapping Up!

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Top 20 Problem Solving Interview Questions (Example Answers Included)

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By Mike Simpson

When candidates prepare for interviews, they usually focus on highlighting their leadership, communication, teamwork, and similar crucial soft skills . However, not everyone gets ready for problem-solving interview questions. And that can be a big mistake.

Problem-solving is relevant to nearly any job on the planet. Yes, it’s more prevalent in certain industries, but it’s helpful almost everywhere.

Regardless of the role you want to land, you may be asked to provide problem-solving examples or describe how you would deal with specific situations. That’s why being ready to showcase your problem-solving skills is so vital.

If you aren’t sure who to tackle problem-solving questions, don’t worry, we have your back. Come with us as we explore this exciting part of the interview process, as well as some problem-solving interview questions and example answers.

What Is Problem-Solving?

When you’re trying to land a position, there’s a good chance you’ll face some problem-solving interview questions. But what exactly is problem-solving? And why is it so important to hiring managers?

Well, the good folks at Merriam-Webster define problem-solving as “the process or act of finding a solution to a problem.” While that may seem like common sense, there’s a critical part to that definition that should catch your eye.

What part is that? The word “process.”

In the end, problem-solving is an activity. It’s your ability to take appropriate steps to find answers, determine how to proceed, or otherwise overcome the challenge.

Being great at it usually means having a range of helpful problem-solving skills and traits. Research, diligence, patience, attention-to-detail , collaboration… they can all play a role. So can analytical thinking , creativity, and open-mindedness.

But why do hiring managers worry about your problem-solving skills? Well, mainly, because every job comes with its fair share of problems.

While problem-solving is relevant to scientific, technical, legal, medical, and a whole slew of other careers. It helps you overcome challenges and deal with the unexpected. It plays a role in troubleshooting and innovation. That’s why it matters to hiring managers.

How to Answer Problem-Solving Interview Questions

Okay, before we get to our examples, let’s take a quick second to talk about strategy. Knowing how to answer problem-solving interview questions is crucial. Why? Because the hiring manager might ask you something that you don’t anticipate.

Problem-solving interview questions are all about seeing how you think. As a result, they can be a bit… unconventional.

These aren’t your run-of-the-mill job interview questions . Instead, they are tricky behavioral interview questions . After all, the goal is to find out how you approach problem-solving, so most are going to feature scenarios, brainteasers, or something similar.

So, having a great strategy means knowing how to deal with behavioral questions. Luckily, there are a couple of tools that can help.

First, when it comes to the classic approach to behavioral interview questions, look no further than the STAR Method . With the STAR method, you learn how to turn your answers into captivating stories. This makes your responses tons more engaging, ensuring you keep the hiring manager’s attention from beginning to end.

Now, should you stop with the STAR Method? Of course not. If you want to take your answers to the next level, spend some time with the Tailoring Method , too.

With the Tailoring Method, it’s all about relevance. So, if you get a chance to choose an example that demonstrates your problem-solving skills, this is really the way to go.

We also wanted to let you know that we created an amazing free cheat sheet that will give you word-for-word answers for some of the toughest interview questions you are going to face in your upcoming interview. After all, hiring managers will often ask you more generalized interview questions!

Click below to get your free PDF now:

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FREE BONUS PDF CHEAT SHEET: Get our " Job Interview Questions & Answers PDF Cheat Sheet " that gives you " word-word sample answers to the most common job interview questions you'll face at your next interview .

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Top 3 Problem-Solving-Based Interview Questions

Alright, here is what you’ve been waiting for: the problem-solving questions and sample answers.

While many questions in this category are job-specific, these tend to apply to nearly any job. That means there’s a good chance you’ll come across them at some point in your career, making them a great starting point when you’re practicing for an interview.

So, let’s dive in, shall we? Here’s a look at the top three problem-solving interview questions and example responses.

1. Can you tell me about a time when you had to solve a challenging problem?

In the land of problem-solving questions, this one might be your best-case scenario. It lets you choose your own problem-solving examples to highlight, putting you in complete control.

When you choose an example, go with one that is relevant to what you’ll face in the role. The closer the match, the better the answer is in the eyes of the hiring manager.

EXAMPLE ANSWER:

“While working as a mobile telecom support specialist for a large organization, we had to transition our MDM service from one vendor to another within 45 days. This personally physically handling 500 devices within the agency. Devices had to be gathered from the headquarters and satellite offices, which were located all across the state, something that was challenging even without the tight deadline. I approached the situation by identifying the location assignment of all personnel within the organization, enabling me to estimate transit times for receiving the devices. Next, I timed out how many devices I could personally update in a day. Together, this allowed me to create a general timeline. After that, I coordinated with each location, both expressing the urgency of adhering to deadlines and scheduling bulk shipping options. While there were occasional bouts of resistance, I worked with location leaders to calm concerns and facilitate action. While performing all of the updates was daunting, my approach to organizing the event made it a success. Ultimately, the entire transition was finished five days before the deadline, exceeding the expectations of many.”

2. Describe a time where you made a mistake. What did you do to fix it?

While this might not look like it’s based on problem-solving on the surface, it actually is. When you make a mistake, it creates a challenge, one you have to work your way through. At a minimum, it’s an opportunity to highlight problem-solving skills, even if you don’t address the topic directly.

When you choose an example, you want to go with a situation where the end was positive. However, the issue still has to be significant, causing something negative to happen in the moment that you, ideally, overcame.

“When I first began in a supervisory role, I had trouble setting down my individual contributor hat. I tried to keep up with my past duties while also taking on the responsibilities of my new role. As a result, I began rushing and introduced an error into the code of the software my team was updating. The error led to a memory leak. We became aware of the issue when the performance was hindered, though we didn’t immediately know the cause. I dove back into the code, reviewing recent changes, and, ultimately, determined the issue was a mistake on my end. When I made that discovery, I took several steps. First, I let my team know that the error was mine and let them know its nature. Second, I worked with my team to correct the issue, resolving the memory leak. Finally, I took this as a lesson about delegation. I began assigning work to my team more effectively, a move that allowed me to excel as a manager and help them thrive as contributors. It was a crucial learning moment, one that I have valued every day since.”

3. If you identify a potential risk in a project, what steps do you take to prevent it?

Yes, this is also a problem-solving question. The difference is, with this one, it’s not about fixing an issue; it’s about stopping it from happening. Still, you use problem-solving skills along the way, so it falls in this question category.

If you can, use an example of a moment when you mitigated risk in the past. If you haven’t had that opportunity, approach it theoretically, discussing the steps you would take to prevent an issue from developing.

“If I identify a potential risk in a project, my first step is to assess the various factors that could lead to a poor outcome. Prevention requires analysis. Ensuring I fully understand what can trigger the undesired event creates the right foundation, allowing me to figure out how to reduce the likelihood of those events occurring. Once I have the right level of understanding, I come up with a mitigation plan. Exactly what this includes varies depending on the nature of the issue, though it usually involves various steps and checks designed to monitor the project as it progresses to spot paths that may make the problem more likely to happen. I find this approach effective as it combines knowledge and ongoing vigilance. That way, if the project begins to head into risky territory, I can correct its trajectory.”

17 More Problem-Solving-Based Interview Questions

In the world of problem-solving questions, some apply to a wide range of jobs, while others are more niche. For example, customer service reps and IT helpdesk professionals both encounter challenges, but not usually the same kind.

As a result, some of the questions in this list may be more relevant to certain careers than others. However, they all give you insights into what this kind of question looks like, making them worth reviewing.

Here are 17 more problem-solving interview questions you might face off against during your job search:

• How would you describe your problem-solving skills?
• Can you tell me about a time when you had to use creativity to deal with an obstacle?
• Describe a time when you discovered an unmet customer need while assisting a customer and found a way to meet it.
• If you were faced with an upset customer, how would you diffuse the situation?
• Tell me about a time when you had to troubleshoot a complex issue.
• Imagine you were overseeing a project and needed a particular item. You have two choices of vendors: one that can deliver on time but would be over budget, and one that’s under budget but would deliver one week later than you need it. How do you figure out which approach to use?
• Your manager wants to upgrade a tool you regularly use for your job and wants your recommendation. How do you formulate one?
• A supplier has said that an item you need for a project isn’t going to be delivered as scheduled, something that would cause your project to fall behind schedule. What do you do to try and keep the timeline on target?
• Can you share an example of a moment where you encountered a unique problem you and your colleagues had never seen before? How did you figure out what to do?
• Imagine you were scheduled to give a presentation with a colleague, and your colleague called in sick right before it was set to begin. What would you do?
• If you are given two urgent tasks from different members of the leadership team, both with the same tight deadline, how do you choose which to tackle first?
• Tell me about a time you and a colleague didn’t see eye-to-eye. How did you decide what to do?
• Describe your troubleshooting process.
• Tell me about a time where there was a problem that you weren’t able to solve. What happened?
• In your opening, what skills or traits make a person an exceptional problem-solver?
• When you face a problem that requires action, do you usually jump in or take a moment to carefully assess the situation?
• When you encounter a new problem you’ve never seen before, what is the first step that you take?

Putting It All Together

At this point, you should have a solid idea of how to approach problem-solving interview questions. Use the tips above to your advantage. That way, you can thrive during your next interview.

FREE : Job Interview Questions & Answers PDF Cheat Sheet!

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• What Is Your Greatest Weakness?
• What Is Your Greatest Strength?
• Tell Me About Yourself
• Why Should We Hire You?

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Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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The 4 biggest HR problems and how to solve them

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But there’s something broken with HR. Too often, it solves the wrong problems or applies the wrong solutions.

• I think the HR-military-industrial complex is to blame for sticking to outdated approaches.
• CEOs are to blame for not thinking hard enough about HR.
• We’re all to blame for sticking to worn out ideas and/or embracing new fads without really thinking about whether they are good or whether they work in our company or not.

‘Best practice’ is a dangerous idea. Someone else’s best practice could be your worst nightmare. For example, stack ranking worked at GE but, arguably, failed at Microsoft.

It’s time for a shake-up. We’re working hard on this here at Turbine (and our parent company Articulate ) so, for myself as a CEO, these issues are very current and pressing. I have some criticisms, thoughts, suggestions and questions; what do you think?

Problem #1: Appraisals

Appraisals are not life-enhancing experiences. If any other aspect of a business failed so epically, it would have been stopped long ago.

For many commentators, the traditional approach to appraisals is broken and it’s time to bury it. For Microsoft, stack ranking may have held the firm back. However, even as Microsoft abandons that approach , Yahoo adopts it.

It’s like a zombie that just won’t die.

So, what are companies actually trying to achieve with appraisals? Yes, it’s a link to pay and promotions and it’s a tool to address underperformance, but that misses the point.

Appraisals, like HR as a whole , need to address the fundamental questions: how do people improve and how do companies improve. Fostering progress is more important than measurement. Looking forward is more valuable than looking over your shoulder. Employees are human beings capable of infinite growth, not interchangeable units of production.

Here are two alternatives to corporate kabuki: Google found that monthly one-on-ones produced measurable improvements in manager and team performance and Adobe switched from a traditional performance review to real-time feedback.

Problem #2: Training

Traditionally, ‘training’ happens in a classroom somewhere, probably on a one-day course. This model is both painfully expensive and mostly unproductive, especially when you consider that some people forget 90 percent of what they learned after one month, it all seems like a pointless David Brent-esque charade.

The key point here is that learning is a multi-faceted, active process. Sending people back to school and boring them to death doesn’t help; people learn best by doing .

In fact, you can read all the manuals you like, but until you get into a plane with an instructor, you’re not really learning to fly. The 70:20:10 model for learning and development suggests that:

‘Lessons learned by successful and effective managers are roughly: 70% from tough jobs 20% from people (mostly the boss) 10% from courses and reading’

This video is a good introduction to this approach:

Problem #3: Motivation

What motivates people? What demotivates them? Many bosses get this terribly wrong, creating incentives that demotivate people. They ‘kick people in the ass’.

Let me give you an example of this from my own experience. Back when I was running Intelligent Games , we used to offer teams a timely delivery bonus if they finished on schedule. However, employee motivation was only one factor in timely delivery. When the delivery date slipped, as it inevitably did, people saw their bonuses go up in smoke. It must have felt like getting a pay cut – not the original intention.

A CEO’s job is to create a culture that promotes satisfaction and addresses the hygiene factors to avoid creating dissatisfaction.

For knowledge workers – such as programmers and writers – understanding what matters to them is the key to motivating them.

Dan Pink’s Drive has some attractive insights about how motivation really works.

Problem #4: Paperwork

Over the last couple of years, I’ve talked to a lot of HR people through Turbine. One thing I keep seeing is a morbid addiction to paperwork. They ask if we can recreate their forms in Turbine or adapt Turbine to incorporate some quirk in their own workflow.

One company I talked to collected time off forms in more than 40 different locations, posted them to one office to be signed off and to another office to be entered into the world’s most depressing Excel spreadsheet by the world’s most bored employee.

Obviously, I’m going to recommend Turbine as the answer to a lot of this stuff ( Expenses , Purchases , Time off requests and HR records ), but there are dozens of apps and tools to automate other routine admin. Here are a few that we use:

• Basecamp for project management
• Toggl for time recording
• Freshbooks for invoicing
• Zendesk for tech support
• Taco for task aggregation and management

The biggest obstacle to off-the-shelf solutions is a bureaucracy’s natural instinct to replicate all the idiosyncrasies of its existing practices. However, it is often easier to go for the 90 percent solution and adjust behaviour to match tools rather than pay to adjust tools to match behaviour.

Physician heal thyself

As we try to solve our own HR problems over the coming months, I’ll share what we do and how it goes – good and bad.

I’d love to get your ideas, feedback and thoughts. What works for you? What doesn’t? In the meantime, beatings will continue until morale improves.

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