Employee Training Manual
Problem Solving
Workplaces are full of problems: missing stock, broken equipment, scheduling conflicts, unhappy customers. The difference between a mediocre employee and a standout one often comes down to how they handle problems.
1. Stay Calm First
Panic never solves anything. When something goes wrong, breathe. The calmer you are, the clearer you will think.
2. Define the Problem Clearly
Don’t waste energy on assumptions. Ask: What exactly is the issue? Who is affected? What outcome is needed? Clear definition is half the solution.
3. Think in Options, Not Walls
Poor problem-solvers say, “There’s nothing we can do.” Good problem-solvers generate options: “We could try A, B, or C.” Even imperfect solutions are better than paralysis.
4. Learn from Every Problem
After the issue is resolved, ask: How did this happen, and how can we prevent it next time? Problems are lessons in disguise. The best workers not only solve them but also reduce their chances of recurring.