The steps to enhance your problem-solving skills
Define the problem: Clearly define the problem you are facing. Break it down into smaller components and analyze each part separately. Make sure you write down the problem statement. Writing down the problem statement in detail helps a lot.
Gather information: Gather as much information as possible about the problem and the context in which it occurs. It Should include researching, observing, and asking others for their input.
Analyze the information: Once you have gathered it, analyze it carefully to identify patterns or trends. Look for similarities or differences with previous problems you have solved and any unique factors.
Generate solutions:
Brainstorm potential solutions to the problem.
The most straightforward solutions are the most effective solutions.
Think of the most straightforward solutions without optimizing and trying to solve all use cases.
Once you have a few simple solutions, optimize and fit all use cases.
Evaluate solutions: Don't stop on one possible solution; evaluate each potential solution based on its feasibility, possible outcomes, and the resources needed. Eliminate any answers that are not practical or unlikely to succeed.
Fail fast: Once you have identified the best solution, implement it quickly. Don't worry about production level and scalable stuff. Instead, implement, run with stakeholders, take approvals, and then go into the sophistication of production and scale. Specifically, if you solve an open-ended problem, take a fail fast, learn faster approach. This means implementing solutions fast and discarding them. If the solution is not working, save time fixing it.
Reflect and learn:
After implementing the solution, reflect on the process and the outcome.
Consider what worked well and what could have been done differently.
Use this information to improve the subsequent implementation.
The essential skill required to solve open-ended problems is perseverance.