Last updated on Jun 22, 2024

Here's how you can enhance your problem solving skills to better serve your clients.

In the dynamic world of client services, honing your problem-solving skills is crucial for success. As a facilitator, you're often at the forefront of addressing challenges and finding solutions that not only satisfy but exceed client expectations. Enhancing these skills can lead to more effective and innovative outcomes, ultimately benefiting both your clients and your professional development. The ability to dissect a problem, understand its roots, and devise a strategic approach is what sets apart exceptional facilitators from the rest. By improving your problem-solving abilities, you're investing in a more resilient and adaptable service that can handle the complexities of any client's needs.

1 Understand Issues

To solve a problem effectively, you must first thoroughly understand it. Engage with your clients to gather comprehensive information about the issue at hand. Ask probing questions that go beyond the surface to uncover underlying challenges. This deep dive will provide valuable insights and help you to identify the core of the problem. Remember, the more accurately you diagnose the issue, the more targeted and effective your solutions will be. As a facilitator, your role is not just to listen but to interpret and analyze the information to pave the way for a viable resolution.

Add your perspective

Deepak R Khemani

5X LinkedIn Top Voice | Motivation | Money | StoryTeller 🗣| AI | Polymath
Unless you understand the problem how will you be able to solve it? Understand the macro aspects first of the problem then ask probing and relevant questions to help you understand the finer the micro aspects, only then should you suggest a solution basis your expertise as a facilitator.
Like
Report contribution
Onyekachi Ndugbu

15x 🏆LinkedIn Top Voice🏆 | M.Arch, (PMI-ACP)®, MIFMA, MAFE, AFMPN. Transformation Leader | Innovative Facility Management Expert | Sustainability | ESG Reporting | Driving Cost-Saving Solutions & Exceptional Results.
Enhancing problem-solving skills to serve clients better involves a deep understanding of the issues at hand. It requires actively listening to clients, asking insightful questions, and gathering all relevant information to fully comprehend the problem. Once the issue is understood, it's important to approach it methodically, considering various perspectives and potential solutions. Developing a structured approach, such as breaking down the problem into smaller, manageable parts, can help identify the root cause and find effective solutions. Continuously learning and adapting from past experiences and feedback also plays a crucial role in refining problem-solving abilities.
Like
Report contribution
Gary Rush IAF Certified Professional Facilitator Master

Transforming your workforce by developing collaborative leadership capabilities that increase performance 'n engagement | 4X LinkedIn Top Voice - Facilitation, Team Facilitation, Team Leadership, Team Building
With a problem, get to the core of the issue. Make sure that you can define the problem without including a solution - e.g., "we have a flat tire and need a tire jack" is poorly worded and limits you whereas, "we have a flat tire and need to raise the car" opens up possibilities.
Like
Report contribution
Lowell Aplebaum, EdD, FASAE, CAE, CPF

Expert Facilitator, Vision & Strategy Catalyst, Building Board, Staff, & Volunteer Leaders
Understanding the issues usually means dedicating intentional time to first designing and exploring questions. Especially if you are trying to establish a greater understanding amongst a group, you are facilitating, if you aren’t on the same page with what you are trying to solve, you may not move together in a unified direction. Incorporating creative methodologies to better inquiry can allow participants to contribute their concepts and ideas of what needs to be discovered to create understanding of the problem before you design the path to solution. At this stage, the win is the deeper and more insightful question – not yet the solution – providing equity and contribution for all participants, regardless of background or experience.
Like
Report contribution
Junie Baptiste Poitevien

Unlocking authentic leadership with facilitated experiences. | Ask me how.
I was contracted to work on a project in a remote area within a broken industry with a lot of animosity. And no one could figure out why. I became a detective, put on my curious hat on, listed everyone I needed to talk to, invited them for a 1:1 and asked them the right questions. I gathered all the information, analyzed the underlying issue and found the common goal. I brought them together in one room: set the agenda and began the conversation under that common goal. The unlock: two people who refused to talk to one another not only ended up talking in harmony in that session, they proactively collaborated with one another beyond this project. Being a curious detective and finding the common goal are what can turn problems into solutions.
Like
Report contribution

2 Generate Ideas

Once you've grasped the issue, it's time to brainstorm potential solutions. Encourage creative thinking and welcome all ideas without immediate judgment. This phase is about quantity over quality, as it's often the most unexpected ideas that lead to innovative solutions. Facilitate a session where all participants feel comfortable sharing their thoughts. This inclusive approach not only fosters a collaborative environment but also taps into the collective wisdom of the group, increasing the likelihood of finding an effective solution.

Add your perspective

Gary Rush IAF Certified Professional Facilitator Master

Transforming your workforce by developing collaborative leadership capabilities that increase performance 'n engagement | 4X LinkedIn Top Voice - Facilitation, Team Facilitation, Team Leadership, Team Building
Generate as many ideas as possible, even bizarre ones. These may turn out to be the best in the end. Don't let the group settle for just a couple ideas, you need many. You can brainstorm or brain write depending on the group to enable them to feel safe coming up with many ideas.
Like
Report contribution
Deepak R Khemani

5X LinkedIn Top Voice | Motivation | Money | StoryTeller 🗣| AI | Polymath
Once youve got the gist of the problem at hand, there can be more than one solutions to solve it. Open up all the possibilities and discuss each one threadbare, discuss, brainstorm which will then help deciding which one works best for the problem at hand.
Like
Report contribution

3 Evaluate Solutions

With a list of possible solutions at hand, your next step is to evaluate their feasibility and impact. Consider the pros and cons of each idea, and weigh them against the objectives and constraints of your client. It's important to remain objective during this phase and prioritize solutions based on their effectiveness and practicality. This evaluation process is critical in narrowing down your options to the most promising ones that align with your client's goals and resources.

Add your perspective

Deepak R Khemani

5X LinkedIn Top Voice | Motivation | Money | StoryTeller 🗣| AI | Polymath
Once you've got the gist of the problem at hand, there can be more than one solutions to solve it. Open up all the possibilities and discuss each one threadbare, discuss, brainstorm which will then help deciding which one works best for the problem at hand.
Like
Report contribution

4 Decide on Action

Decision-making is a pivotal point in the problem-solving process. Once you've evaluated all options, select the solution that stands out as the most effective and feasible. Ensure that this decision is made with consensus when possible, reflecting the collective agreement of all stakeholders involved. This not only strengthens the commitment to the chosen solution but also builds trust and confidence in your facilitation skills.

Add your perspective

Deepak R Khemani

5X LinkedIn Top Voice | Motivation | Money | StoryTeller 🗣| AI | Polymath
Act only when youve fully understood the problem, not only one part of the problem. Do not plan or implement half baked solutions. As a facilitator its your duty to see to it that its solved to the satisfaction of everyone involved. Build consensus so that its Win Win for every stakeholder, every participant.
Like
Report contribution

5 Implement Solution

After deciding on the best course of action, it's time to put the solution into practice. Develop a clear implementation plan, outlining the steps, responsibilities, and timelines necessary to execute the solution effectively. Communication is key during this phase; make sure everyone involved understands their role and the expected outcomes. Monitor progress closely and be prepared to make adjustments as needed. Successful implementation hinges on meticulous planning and agile response to any unforeseen challenges.

Add your perspective

6 Reflect and Learn

Post-implementation reflection is an invaluable step in enhancing your problem-solving skills. Review the process and outcomes with your clients and team to determine what worked well and what could be improved. This reflection not only provides an opportunity for learning and growth but also helps in building a repository of best practices for future problem-solving endeavors. Continuous learning is essential for any facilitator looking to provide top-notch service to clients.

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Here's how you can enhance your problem solving skills to better serve your clients.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Issues

2 Generate Ideas

3 Evaluate Solutions

4 Decide on Action

5 Implement Solution

6 Reflect and Learn

7 Here’s what else to consider

Facilitation

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Facilitation

More relevant reading

Here's how you can enhance your problem solving skills to better serve your clients.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Issues

2 Generate Ideas

3 Evaluate Solutions

4 Decide on Action

5 Implement Solution

6 Reflect and Learn

7 Here’s what else to consider

Facilitation

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills