{"id":8307,"date":"2019-10-03T09:14:18","date_gmt":"2019-10-03T09:14:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging-mondaycomblog.kinsta.cloud\/?p=8307"},"modified":"2026-08-30T03:38:21","modified_gmt":"2026-08-30T08:38:21","slug":"4-problem-solving-techniques","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/productivity\/4-problem-solving-techniques\/","title":{"rendered":"7 problem solving techniques for the workplace\u00a0(2026 guide)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"text-block\" id=\"text-block-1\">\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">Every workplace generates problems. Missed deadlines, unclear requirements, shifting priorities, and unhappy customers are all part and parcel of business. But high-performing teams know how to apply proven problem solving techniques to every challenge they face, resulting in structured, repeatable progress.<\/p>\n<p>This guide covers 7 proven problem solving techniques you can borrow for your workplace, practical guidance on choosing the right one for your situation, and how AI is reshaping the way teams diagnose and resolve challenges in 2026. Whether you&#8217;re managing a product team, running operations, or leading strategy, you&#8217;ll walk away with methods you can apply immediately.<\/p>\n<a class=\"cta-button blue-button\" aria-label=\"Get started\" href=\"https:\/\/auth.monday.com\/users\/sign_up_new\" target=\"_blank\">Get started<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text-block\" id=\"text-block-2\">\n<h2 class=\"h2 text-block__title\">Key takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Problem solving is a learnable skill built on structured techniques \u2014 not just intuition or experience.<\/li>\n<li>Root cause analysis helps teams identify what&#8217;s <em>causing <\/em>a problem instead of treating symptoms repeatedly.<\/li>\n<li>The right problem solving technique depends on the type of problem you&#8217;re facing: analytical, creative, strategic, or collaborative.<\/li>\n<li>AI supports problem solving by making data analysis, risk detection, and pattern recognition faster and more proactive.<\/li>\n<li>monday.com&#8217;s AI Work Platform helps teams put these techniques into practice with AI-powered dashboards, agents, and rapid prototyping apps.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text-block\" id=\"text-block-3\">\n<h2 class=\"h2 text-block__title\">What are problem solving techniques?<\/h2>\n<p>Problem solving techniques are structured frameworks or methods that guide teams from identifying a problem to implementing a lasting solution. They replace ad hoc guessing (where someone proposes a fix based on gut instinct and everyone hopes it works) with repeatable, transferable processes that produce consistent results.<\/p>\n<p>The reason structured techniques matter is simple: different problems require different approaches. An operational failure that keeps recurring needs a root cause analysis. A product that isn&#8217;t connecting with users calls for design thinking. A strategic decision with high uncertainty benefits from SWOT analysis. Trying to solve all of these the same way \u2014 usually by calling a meeting and brainstorming until someone suggests something plausible \u2014 wastes time and rarely addresses the actual issue.<\/p>\n<p>The most effective teams don&#8217;t rely on a single problem solving method. They keep a repertoire of techniques and match the approach to the problem type. This flexibility upgrades problem solving from a personality trait into an organizational capability.<\/p>\n\n<img width=\"1024\" height=\"563\" src=\"https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Project_management-1-1024x563.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Project_management-1-1024x563.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Project_management-1-300x165.jpg 300w, https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Project_management-1-768x422.jpg 768w, https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Project_management-1-1536x844.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Project_management-1.jpg 1820w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text-block\" id=\"text-block-4\">\n<h2 class=\"h2 text-block__title\">Why\u00a0problem solving skills matter in 2026<\/h2>\n<p>Problem solving has always been a valuable skill, but in 2026 it&#8217;s become one of the defining capabilities employers actively hire and promote for. The evidence is hard to ignore:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Skills transformation is accelerating.<\/strong> The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.weforum.org\/publications\/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">World Economic Forum&#8217;s Future of Jobs Report<\/a> projects that 39% of workers&#8217; core skills will change by 2030. Complex problem solving and analytical thinking rank among the top 15 skills employers say they&#8217;ll need most.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Employers are demanding problem solving across all roles.<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/americasucceeds.org\/resources\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lightcast and America Succeeds (2025)<\/a> found that 76% of all job postings now require at least one durable skill \u2014 and problem solving consistently appears among the most demanded. These aren&#8217;t soft skills in the traditional sense. They&#8217;re the skills that determine whether someone can navigate ambiguity, adapt to shifting conditions, and deliver results when the playbook doesn&#8217;t exist yet.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The cost of poor problem solving is staggering.<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gallup.com\/workplace\/349484\/state-of-the-global-workplace.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gallup&#8217;s State of the Global Workplace 2026<\/a> report found that only 20% of employees worldwide were engaged in 2025, costing the global economy an estimated $10 trillion in lost productivity. When teams lack the methods to solve problems effectively, frustration builds, workarounds multiply, and the same issues resurface month after month. Structured <a href=\"https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/project-management\/decision-making-process\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">decision-making processes<\/a> can break this cycle.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Overall, teams that practice structured techniques get faster and more accurate over time. They build institutional knowledge about what works and free up energy for higher-value work.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text-block\" id=\"text-block-5\">\n<h2 class=\"h2 text-block__title\">7 problem solving techniques for the workplace<\/h2>\n<p>The 7 techniques below span analytical, creative, strategic, and collaborative problem types, so you can match the method to the situation instead of defaulting to the same approach every time.<\/p>\n<h3>1. Root cause analysis (5 Whys)<\/h3>\n<p>Root cause analysis is a structured approach to identifying the underlying cause of a problem rather than treating its symptoms. The most accessible version of this technique is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lean.org\/lexicon-terms\/5-whys\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">5 Whys method<\/a>, originally developed at Toyota as part of its manufacturing process.<\/p>\n<p><strong>When to use it:<\/strong> Recurring operational failures, quality issues, project post-mortems, and customer complaints \u2014 any situation where the obvious fix hasn&#8217;t worked because it&#8217;s addressing a symptom, not the source.<\/p>\n<p>How it works<strong>:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Define the problem precisely.<\/strong> A vague problem statement produces vague answers. &#8220;Customer complaints are increasing&#8221; is a starting point, but &#8220;customer complaints about delivery delays increased 35% in Q2&#8221; gives you something to investigate.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Apply the 5 Whys recursively.<\/strong> State the problem, ask &#8220;why is this happening,&#8221; and record the answer. Then ask &#8220;why&#8221; again based on that answer. Repeat until you reach a cause that, if addressed, would prevent the problem from recurring. Five iterations is a guideline, not a rule \u2014 some problems resolve in three, others need seven.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Validate the root cause before building solutions.<\/strong> Test your conclusion against the evidence. If the root cause is correct, addressing it should logically prevent the problem from recurring.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3>2. Design thinking<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/marketing\/design-strategy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Design thinking<\/a> is a problem solving approach that starts with the end user&#8217;s perspective. Rather than assuming you know what the problem is, design thinking forces you to observe, listen, and empathize before generating solutions.<\/p>\n<p>When to use it<strong>:<\/strong>\u00a0Product development, service design, UX challenges, organizational change \u2014 any problem where the end user&#8217;s actual experience has been overlooked or assumed rather than studied.<\/p>\n<p>Design thinking follows 5 stages:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Empathize:<\/strong> Observe and engage with the people affected by the problem. Set aside assumptions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Define:<\/strong> Synthesize what you learned into a clear problem statement framed from the user&#8217;s perspective.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ideate:<\/strong> Generate a wide range of potential solutions without judging them yet.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Prototype:<\/strong> Build quick, low-cost versions of the most promising ideas.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Test:<\/strong> Put prototypes in front of real users, gather feedback, and iterate.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3>3. SWOT analysis<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/project-management\/swot-analysis-project-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SWOT analysis<\/a> is a structured framework for evaluating a problem or decision through four lenses: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. It&#8217;s one of the most widely used problem solving techniques because it forces teams to consider both internal capabilities and external factors before committing to a direction.<\/p>\n<p><strong>When to use it:<\/strong> Strategic planning decisions, evaluating a new initiative, diagnosing why a process is underperforming, competitive analysis, and any situation where a team needs to align on facts before choosing a path forward.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How it works:<\/strong> SWOT divides the analysis into two categories:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Internal factors (what you control):<\/strong> Strengths are existing capabilities and advantages. Weaknesses are limitations, gaps, or constraints.<\/li>\n<li><strong>External factors (what you don&#8217;t control):<\/strong> Opportunities are favorable conditions you can act on. Threats are risks or obstacles that could undermine progress.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The value isn&#8217;t in filling out 4 quadrants, but in the structured conversation that pinpoints blind spots. Teams that skip this step often make decisions based on incomplete information or groupthink.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Brainstorming and creative problem solving<\/h3>\n<p>Creative problem solving is a deliberate approach to generating novel solutions by suspending judgment and encouraging divergent thinking. It&#8217;s not the same as &#8220;let&#8217;s get in a room and throw ideas at the wall.&#8221; Effective brainstorming follows a structure that maximizes idea quality while minimizing groupthink.<\/p>\n<p>When to use it<strong>:<\/strong> Problems where standard approaches have failed, product innovation, team culture issues, strategy pivots, and any situation where the team feels stuck in repetitive thinking.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How it works:<\/strong> The core principle is the diverge-converge cycle \u2014 generate freely first, evaluate second. 3 effective variants:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Classic brainstorming:<\/strong> Prioritize quantity over quality. Set a timer, capture every idea without critique, and filter afterward. The goal is volume \u2014 strong ideas often emerge after the obvious ones are exhausted.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Brainwriting:<\/strong> Participants write ideas silently and submit them anonymously. This eliminates the social pressure that causes quieter team members to hold back and reduces the tendency for groups to anchor on the first idea spoken aloud.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Reverse brainstorming:<\/strong> Ask &#8220;how would we make this problem worse?&#8221; The answers reveal root causes and process gaps that the team hadn&#8217;t noticed when framing the problem positively.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>5. Data-driven problem solving<\/h3>\n<p>Data-driven problem solving starts with evidence, such as data collection, pattern analysis, and hypothesis testing, before generating solutions. It&#8217;s the antidote to the most common problem-solving failure: jumping to a solution based on assumptions before understanding what the data actually shows.<\/p>\n<p><strong>When to use it:<\/strong> Operational performance problems, customer behavior analysis, quality control issues, and any recurring problem where the cause is unclear and opinions vary.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How it works:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Collect relevant data.<\/strong> Define what you need to measure and gather it systematically. Avoid cherry-picking data that confirms an existing theory.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Identify patterns and anomalies.<\/strong> Look for trends, outliers, and correlations. Where is performance deviating from expectations, and when did it start?<\/li>\n<li><strong>Form hypotheses based on data.<\/strong> Let the evidence suggest possible causes rather than fitting data to a predetermined conclusion.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Test solutions against measurable outcomes.<\/strong> Implement a fix, measure the result, and compare against the baseline. If the data doesn&#8217;t improve, the hypothesis was wrong \u2014 go back to step 2.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Platforms like the AI Work Platform, with AI-powered dashboards and proactive analysis make this approach more accessible by pinpointing patterns and anomalies across projects in real time, so teams don&#8217;t need a dedicated analyst to practice data-driven problem solving.<\/p>\n<h3>6. Solutions-based thinking<\/h3>\n<p>Solutions-based thinking flips the typical problem-solving process. Instead of starting from the problem and working forward through possible causes, you start from a vivid picture of the desired outcome and work backward to figure out what would make that outcome real.<\/p>\n<p><strong>When to use it:<\/strong> Problems where teams feel stuck in circular discussions, situations where the problem statement itself may be wrong, and organizational change scenarios where traditional analysis has produced diminishing returns.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How it works:<\/strong> The key shift is reframing the question. Instead of asking &#8220;what&#8217;s wrong and how do we fix it,&#8221; solutions-based thinking asks &#8220;what does success look like, and what&#8217;s the shortest path to get there?&#8221; One practical technique is the &#8220;miracle question&#8221; from <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Solution-focused_brief_therapy#The_miracle_question\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">solution-focused brief therapy<\/a>: imagine the problem is completely gone tomorrow \u2014 what&#8217;s different? What does the situation look like? Working backward from that picture often reveals solutions that problem-focused analysis misses entirely.<\/p>\n<h3>7. PDCA cycle (continuous improvement)<\/h3>\n<p>PDCA \u2014 Plan, Do, Check, Act \u2014 is a four-stage iterative model for solving problems that keep coming back. Unlike one-time fixes that address a symptom and move on, PDCA builds a cycle of continuous improvement where each iteration produces better results.<\/p>\n<p>When to use it<strong>:<\/strong>\u00a0Process improvement, quality management, operational workflows, and any recurring problem where a permanent fix is needed rather than another workaround.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How it works:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Plan:<\/strong> Identify the problem, analyze root causes (5 Whys works well here), set a measurable target, and design a solution.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Do:<\/strong> Implement the plan on a small scale or pilot basis. Don&#8217;t roll out company-wide before testing.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Check:<\/strong> Measure results against your target. What worked? What didn&#8217;t? Where did the plan fall short of expectations?<\/li>\n<li><strong>Act:<\/strong> If the pilot succeeded, standardize the solution and roll it out broadly. If it didn&#8217;t, return to Plan with the new data and iterate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The power of PDCA is that it&#8217;s cyclical, not linear. Each time you complete a cycle, you learn something that makes the next cycle more effective. Over time, this builds a culture where improvement is continuous rather than episodic.<\/p>\n\n<img width=\"1024\" height=\"563\" src=\"https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Goals_strategy-13-1024x563.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Goals_strategy-13-1024x563.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Goals_strategy-13-300x165.jpg 300w, https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Goals_strategy-13-768x422.jpg 768w, https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Goals_strategy-13-1536x844.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Goals_strategy-13.jpg 1820w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text-block\" id=\"text-block-6\">\n<h2 class=\"h2 text-block__title\">How to choose the right problem solving technique<\/h2>\n<p>With 7 techniques to choose from, the question becomes: which one fits the problem in front of you? The answer depends on the nature of the problem itself.<\/p>\n<p>Use this decision framework as a starting point:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Root cause is unclear:<\/strong> Start with root cause analysis (5 Whys) to identify what&#8217;s actually driving the issue before investing in solutions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>User-facing or creative problem:<\/strong> Apply design thinking to ground solutions in real user needs, or brainstorming to break out of conventional thinking.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Strategic or organizational decision:<\/strong> Run a SWOT analysis to surface internal and external factors before committing resources.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Data-heavy or operational problem:<\/strong> Use data-driven problem solving to let evidence guide the diagnosis instead of opinions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Team feels stuck or circular:<\/strong> Switch to solutions-based thinking to reframe the question and work backward from the desired outcome.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recurring process issue:<\/strong> Apply the PDCA cycle to build continuous improvement into the solution rather than applying another one-time fix.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Most complex workplace problems benefit from combining techniques. You might use 5 Whys to diagnose the root cause, then PDCA to implement and sustain a lasting fix. Or you might run a SWOT analysis to clarify the strategic context, then use design thinking to develop solutions that align with what users actually need.<\/p>\n<p>The techniques aren&#8217;t mutually exclusive \u2014 they&#8217;re complementary. The competitive advantage comes from knowing which ones to reach for and when.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text-block\" id=\"text-block-7\">\n<h2 class=\"h2 text-block__title\">How AI is transforming problem solving in the workplace<\/h2>\n<p>AI is amplifying problem solving. According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gartner.com\/en\/human-resources\/topics\/future-of-work\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gartner&#8217;s Future of Work Trends 2026<\/a>, teams redesigning workflows with AI are twice as likely to exceed revenue goals. The reason? AI fundamentally changes what&#8217;s possible at three critical stages of problem solving.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Data analysis at scale.<\/strong> AI can process datasets too large for individual review, flagging patterns that point to root causes faster than weeks of manual analysis. What once required a dedicated analyst and a month of work now happens in real time, giving teams the evidence they need to make data-driven decisions without waiting.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Proactive risk identification.<\/strong> Traditional problem solving is reactive: something breaks, and the team mobilizes. AI-powered monitoring flips this model by flagging anomalies in workflows before they become full-scale problems. Instead of diagnosing failures after the damage is done, teams can intervene early, shifting from firefighting to prevention.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Decision support.<\/strong> AI helps teams evaluate options by modeling potential outcomes, reducing cognitive bias and decision fatigue. It doesn&#8217;t make the decision (judgment is still essential for context, ethics, and organizational priorities) but it keeps decisions grounded in data rather than intuition alone.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The combination matters most. AI handles data processing and pattern recognition at incredible speeds. People bring contextual judgment, creativity, and the ability to frame the right problem in the first place. This is where purpose-built work management platforms become critical, not just for organizing tasks, but for embedding these AI capabilities into everyday problemsolving.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text-block\" id=\"text-block-8\">\n<h2 class=\"h2 text-block__title\">How monday.com&#039;s AI Work Platform supports problem solving at scale<\/h2>\n<p>The techniques in this article work best when they&#8217;re supported by a platform that makes structured problem solving part of everyday workflows \u2014 not a separate exercise that happens in a conference room and gets forgotten by the following week. monday.com&#8217;s AI Work Platform embeds AI-powered problem-solving capabilities directly into how teams plan, execute, and improve their work.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/monday.com\/w\/sidekick\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">monday sidekick<\/a> (AI assistant):<\/strong> A context-aware AI assistant that analyzes data, summarizes updates, generates project plans, and triggers workflows \u2014 all from within the platform. Instead of spending the first 30 minutes of a problem-solving session gathering information from scattered sources, teams get instant synthesis. Sidekick surfaces insights, recommends next steps, and keeps the focus on solving the problem rather than assembling the inputs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<img width=\"1024\" height=\"647\" src=\"https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/monday-sidekick-1024x647.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/monday-sidekick-1024x647.png 1024w, https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/monday-sidekick-300x190.png 300w, https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/monday-sidekick-768x485.png 768w, https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/monday-sidekick-1536x971.png 1536w, https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/monday-sidekick.png 1720w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/monday.com\/w\/agents\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">monday agents<\/a> (Risk Analyzer and Process Automator):<\/strong> Two purpose-built agents that address different stages of problem solving. The Risk Analyzer detects schedule, dependency, and workload risks in real time \u2014 surfacing potential problems before they escalate into crises. This connects directly to proactive problem solving: instead of waiting for a deadline to slip, teams see the risk forming and intervene early. The Process Automator identifies repetitive manual work and suggests <a href=\"https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/project-management\/workflow-automation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">workflow automations<\/a>, addressing the root cause of inefficiency without requiring teams to spend weeks analyzing their own workflows.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<img width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" src=\"https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/monday.com-w-agents_1775994278_e8ba4d02.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/monday.com-w-agents_1775994278_e8ba4d02.png 1000w, https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/monday.com-w-agents_1775994278_e8ba4d02-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/monday.com-w-agents_1775994278_e8ba4d02-768x432.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>monday dashboards:<\/strong> Real-time, customizable dashboards with AI-powered proactive analysis, risk alerts, and summaries. They provide the data visibility needed for data-driven problem solving \u2014 teams can identify patterns across projects that manual tracking would miss. When a sales pipeline stalls or a project timeline starts drifting, dashboards flag it immediately rather than waiting for someone to notice during a status meeting.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<img width=\"1024\" height=\"670\" src=\"https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Dashboard-1-4-scaled-1-1024x670.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"okr dashboard\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Dashboard-1-4-scaled-1-1024x670.webp 1024w, https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Dashboard-1-4-scaled-1-300x196.webp 300w, https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Dashboard-1-4-scaled-1-768x502.webp 768w, https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Dashboard-1-4-scaled-1-1536x1004.webp 1536w, https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Dashboard-1-4-scaled-1-2048x1339.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/monday.com\/w\/vibe\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">monday vibe<\/a> (AI app builder):<\/strong> A no-code builder that converts natural language prompts into custom apps. This aligns directly with the Prototype and Test stages of design thinking \u2014 teams can build OKR monitoring apps, risk tracking dashboards, or custom decision matrices without waiting for developer resources. Problem solving moves from theoretical (&#8220;we should build something to track this&#8221;) to practical (&#8220;here&#8217;s a working app, let&#8217;s test it&#8221;) in hours instead of weeks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<img width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" src=\"https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/monday.com-w-vibe_1775028214_c8b00735.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/monday.com-w-vibe_1775028214_c8b00735.png 1000w, https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/monday.com-w-vibe_1775028214_c8b00735-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/monday.com-w-vibe_1775028214_c8b00735-768x432.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text-block\" id=\"text-block-9\">\n<h2 class=\"h2 text-block__title\">Turning problem solving into your competitive advantage<\/h2>\n<p>Problem solving isn&#8217;t a personality trait some people are born with and others aren&#8217;t. It&#8217;s a learnable skill set built from structured techniques that anyone can practice and improve. The 7 methods in this article \u2014 from root cause analysis to PDCA \u2014 give you a practical repertoire to match the right approach to the right problem. The competitive advantage comes from choosing deliberately, practicing consistently, and using monday.com&#8217;s AI Work Platform to scale what works. Start with one technique, apply it to a real problem this week, and build from there.<\/p>\n<a class=\"cta-button blue-button\" aria-label=\"Get started\" href=\"https:\/\/auth.monday.com\/users\/sign_up_new\" target=\"_blank\">Get started<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text-block\" id=\"text-block-10\">\n<div class=\"accordion faq\" id=\"faq-faqs\">\n  <h2 class=\"accordion__heading section-title text-left\">FAQs<\/h2>\n    <div class=\"accordion__item\">\n    <a class=\"accordion__button d-block\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#faq-faqs\" href=\"#q-faqs-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n      <h3 class=\"accordion__question\">What are the most effective problem solving techniques?        \n          \n        \n      <\/h3>\n    <\/a>\n    <div id=\"q-faqs-1\" class=\"accordion__answer collapse collapse--md\" data-parent=\"#faq-faqs\">\n      <p>The most widely used techniques include root cause analysis (5 Whys), design thinking, SWOT analysis, brainstorming, data-driven problem solving, solutions-based thinking, and the PDCA cycle. The most effective technique depends on the type of problem \u2014 analytical problems call for 5 Whys or data analysis, while creative challenges benefit from design thinking or brainstorming.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <div class=\"accordion__item\">\n    <a class=\"accordion__button d-block\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#faq-faqs\" href=\"#q-faqs-2\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n      <h3 class=\"accordion__question\">How do you identify the root cause of a problem?        \n          \n        \n      <\/h3>\n    <\/a>\n    <div id=\"q-faqs-2\" class=\"accordion__answer collapse collapse--md\" data-parent=\"#faq-faqs\">\n      <p>Root cause analysis and specifically the 5 Whys method is the most structured approach. State the problem, ask \"why it's happening,\" record the answer, then ask \"why\" again based on that answer. Repeating this process typically surfaces the underlying cause rather than the symptom, usually within 3 to 7 iterations.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <div class=\"accordion__item\">\n    <a class=\"accordion__button d-block\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#faq-faqs\" href=\"#q-faqs-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n      <h3 class=\"accordion__question\">What is the difference between problem solving and decision making?        \n          \n        \n      <\/h3>\n    <\/a>\n    <div id=\"q-faqs-3\" class=\"accordion__answer collapse collapse--md\" data-parent=\"#faq-faqs\">\n      <p>Problem solving is the process of diagnosing why an undesired situation exists and identifying a solution. Decision making is the process of choosing between options, which often occurs as one step within a larger problem-solving process. In practice, most problem-solving frameworks include decision-making steps, but decision making can also happen independently of a specific problem.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <div class=\"accordion__item\">\n    <a class=\"accordion__button d-block\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#faq-faqs\" href=\"#q-faqs-4\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n      <h3 class=\"accordion__question\">What are the best problem solving techniques for the workplace?        \n          \n        \n      <\/h3>\n    <\/a>\n    <div id=\"q-faqs-4\" class=\"accordion__answer collapse collapse--md\" data-parent=\"#faq-faqs\">\n      <p>For workplace problems, the most practical techniques are the 5 Whys for operational and process issues, design thinking for product or customer-facing problems, data-driven problem solving for performance gaps with available data, and solutions-based thinking for complex or recurring challenges. SWOT analysis is particularly effective for strategic decisions that involve both internal and external factors.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <div class=\"accordion__item\">\n    <a class=\"accordion__button d-block\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#faq-faqs\" href=\"#q-faqs-5\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n      <h3 class=\"accordion__question\">How do you choose the right problem solving technique?        \n          \n        \n      <\/h3>\n    <\/a>\n    <div id=\"q-faqs-5\" class=\"accordion__answer collapse collapse--md\" data-parent=\"#faq-faqs\">\n      <p>Match the technique to the nature of the problem. If the root cause is unclear, start with 5 Whys. If the problem involves users or customers, apply design thinking. If the problem is recurring and process-related, use PDCA. If the team feels stuck in problem-focused circular thinking, switch to solutions-based thinking to reframe the question entirely.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <div class=\"accordion__item\">\n    <a class=\"accordion__button d-block\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#faq-faqs\" href=\"#q-faqs-6\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n      <h3 class=\"accordion__question\">How is AI changing problem solving in the workplace?        \n          \n        \n      <\/h3>\n    <\/a>\n    <div id=\"q-faqs-6\" class=\"accordion__answer collapse collapse--md\" data-parent=\"#faq-faqs\">\n      <p>AI enables fast data analysis, proactive risk detection, and real-time monitoring. Rather than replacing our judgment, AI acts as a force multiplier \u2014 surfacing patterns and anomalies so teams can focus their problem-solving skills on decisions that require context, creativity, and experience.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  {\n    \"@context\": \"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\n    \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n    \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"What are the most effective problem solving techniques?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"<p>The most widely used techniques include root cause analysis (5 Whys), design thinking, SWOT analysis, brainstorming, data-driven problem solving, solutions-based thinking, and the PDCA cycle. The most effective technique depends on the type of problem \\u2014 analytical problems call for 5 Whys or data analysis, while creative challenges benefit from design thinking or brainstorming.\\n\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"How do you identify the root cause of a problem?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"<p>Root cause analysis and specifically the 5 Whys method is the most structured approach. State the problem, ask \\\"why it's happening,\\\" record the answer, then ask \\\"why\\\" again based on that answer. Repeating this process typically surfaces the underlying cause rather than the symptom, usually within 3 to 7 iterations.\\n\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"What is the difference between problem solving and decision making?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"<p>Problem solving is the process of diagnosing why an undesired situation exists and identifying a solution. Decision making is the process of choosing between options, which often occurs as one step within a larger problem-solving process. In practice, most problem-solving frameworks include decision-making steps, but decision making can also happen independently of a specific problem.\\n\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"What are the best problem solving techniques for the workplace?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"<p>For workplace problems, the most practical techniques are the 5 Whys for operational and process issues, design thinking for product or customer-facing problems, data-driven problem solving for performance gaps with available data, and solutions-based thinking for complex or recurring challenges. SWOT analysis is particularly effective for strategic decisions that involve both internal and external factors.\\n\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"How do you choose the right problem solving technique?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"<p>Match the technique to the nature of the problem. If the root cause is unclear, start with 5 Whys. If the problem involves users or customers, apply design thinking. If the problem is recurring and process-related, use PDCA. If the team feels stuck in problem-focused circular thinking, switch to solutions-based thinking to reframe the question entirely.\\n\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"How is AI changing problem solving in the workplace?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"<p>AI enables fast data analysis, proactive risk detection, and real-time monitoring. Rather than replacing our judgment, AI acts as a force multiplier \\u2014 surfacing patterns and anomalies so teams can focus their problem-solving skills on decisions that require context, creativity, and experience.\\n\"\n            }\n        }\n    ]\n}<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>","protected":false,"raw":"Solving problems is something we all have to do every single day--both at work and in our day-to-day lives.\r\n\r\nThe trouble is: Sometimes, finding the right solutions to those problems can be difficult.\r\n\r\nWe learn in school that problem solving means arriving at a value for X. This is great for an algebra test (and for most black and white problems), but solving more complex, layered, \u201cgray area\u201d problems\u2026 that\u2019s <em>different<\/em>.\r\n\r\nSay you\u2019re a designer working on a task with various departments, for example. You need approvals <a href=\"https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/teamwork\/what-is-collaboration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">and collaboration<\/a> from the sales team, but no one\u2019s answering your emails or calls because they\u2019re <a href=\"https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/productivity\/how-to-manage-better-meetings\/\">stuck in meetings all day.<\/a> The marketing team can\u2019t agree on a final version. Leadership wants a design that will solve all of the brand\u2019s UX problems. For this designer, there are a lot of layers to this problem.\r\n\r\nWe\u2019ve all been in a similar situation.\r\n\r\n<em>So what do you do? <\/em>\r\n\r\nYou\u2019re going to need better problem solving strategies to cut through the ambiguity--that\u2019s what. Let\u2019s look at some better ways to solve the kinds of problems that show up in the working world.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[cta-button url=\"https:\/\/auth.monday.com\/users\/sign_up_new\" target=\"_blank\"]Get started with monday.com[\/cta-button]<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2>Why you need to make problem solving a skill<\/h2>\r\nWhen you develop problem solving and decision making skills, you realize some immediate benefits. What are they?\r\n\r\n<strong>Problem solving equips you for work<\/strong>\r\n\r\nIn the 1990s, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/joefolkman\/2018\/11\/25\/what-great-problem-solvers-do-differently\/#258d20b25667\" rel=\"nofollow\">research at Bells Labs<\/a> found that IQ was not a predictor for work performance. Problem solving and interpersonal skills were. Having problem solving skills helps you deal with the dynamic problems that you won\u2019t find in the classroom.\r\n\r\n<strong>Problem solving equips you for more complex problems<\/strong>\r\n\r\nMany of us solve minor problems by guessing, estimating, or making assumptions. Most of the time, this works if the problem is fairly simple. We can usually find a workaround using these tactics and some trial and error experimentation.\r\n\r\nThe trouble comes, however, when this strategy doesn\u2019t work with more complex problems.\r\n\r\nNat Greene, author of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Stop-Guessing-Behaviors-Problem-Solvers\/dp\/162656986X\/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=problem+solving&amp;qid=1567535663&amp;s=gateway&amp;sr=8-9#reader_162656986X\" rel=\"nofollow\"><em>Stop Guessing: The 9 Behaviors of Great Problem Solvers<\/em><\/a><em>, <\/em>says this: \"Here's where most folks go wrong,\u201d said Greene. \u201cOften, people use the same guessing methods they apply to easy problems to try to tackle hard ones--and they get steamrolled.\"\r\n\r\nIn short: Tackling complex problems requires a working knowledge of problem solving as a skill set.\r\n<h2>How to solve problems with a strategic approach<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Problem Solving Method #1: Linear Thinking<\/h3>\r\n<strong>Best suited for: <\/strong>Work and strategy problems\r\n\r\n<strong>How it works: <\/strong>Ever notice that children always seem to ask \u201cwhy?\u201d They\u2019re absorbing knowledge like sponges--and they\u2019re doing it strategically.\r\n\r\nIn problem solving, this strategy is known as the \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Five_Whys\" rel=\"nofollow\">Five Whys<\/a>.\u201d This is a linear technique for breaking down a problem until you find its root causes. The idea is simple: State the problem, and then ask: \u201cWhy?\u201d Write down your best answer. Keep on asking until you arrive at an answer that feels like the causal issue.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce you\u2019ve identified the root cause of the problem, the solution should present itself.\r\n\r\n<strong>Example: <\/strong>As detailed in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Bulletproof-Problem-Solving-Changes-Everything\/dp\/1119553024\/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=problem+solving&amp;qid=1567534578&amp;s=gateway&amp;sr=8-3#reader_1119553024\" rel=\"nofollow\">Bulletproof Problem Solving<\/a>, job candidates for the consulting firm McKinsey were once asked to demonstrate their problem solving skills. The question: Did Sidney, Australia need a second airport?\r\n\r\nMost candidates wanted to talk about air travel demand, but the most <em>effective<\/em> candidates broke the question down into its component parts. That included a series of \u201cWhy\u201d questions that broke the problem down to specifics:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Why is a single airport not enough to meet demand?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Why are the current operating hours, number of runways, and flight schedule not working well enough?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Why would a second airport solve those problems--and would it make financial sense?<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>Key takeaways:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Think logically and show your work. <\/strong>Candidates who performed the best arrived at <em>specific<\/em> questions and followed a linear path of thinking. For McKinsey, the goal wasn\u2019t just to see who found the correct answer. It was to see how candidates arrived there.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[cta-button url=\"https:\/\/auth.monday.com\/users\/sign_up_new\" target=\"_blank\"]Get started[\/cta-button]<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h3>Problem Solving Method #2: Design Thinking<\/h3>\r\n<strong>Best suited for: <\/strong>Product problems, creative problems\r\n\r\n<strong>How it works: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ideou.com\/pages\/design-thinking\" rel=\"nofollow\">Design thinking<\/a> is an approach to problem solving methodology with the end user in mind. The first step is to empathize with the end user. After that, you\u2019ll create testable prototypes for solutions that meet <em>their <\/em>needs.\r\n\r\n<strong>Example: <\/strong>The Kingswood Trust is a charity for children with <a href=\"https:\/\/hbr.org\/2018\/09\/why-design-thinking-works\" rel=\"nofollow\">Asberger\u2019s syndrome and autism<\/a>. Katie Gaudion, a member of the product <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link \" title=\"design team\" href=\"https:\/\/monday.com\/templates\/template\/113846\/design-weekly-tasks\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">design team<\/a>, decided to take an end user approach to their solutions. Rather than come up with her own set of questions, she spent time with Pete, a man with non-verbal autism.\r\n\r\nKatie studied Pete\u2019s actions, like picking at sofa leather. Immersing herself like this led to a change in thinking. Rather than seeing these habits as damaging, she was surprised to find them comforting. What if Pete wasn\u2019t doing these things to destroy, but to <em>enjoy<\/em>?\r\n\r\nIt worked. According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/hbr.org\/2018\/09\/why-design-thinking-works\" rel=\"nofollow\">Harvard Business Review<\/a>, this new insight \u201cled to the creation of living spaces, gardens, and new activities aimed at enabling people with autism to live fuller and more pleasurable lives.\u201d\r\n\r\n<strong>Key Takeaways:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Immerse yourself in the problem. <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/medium.com\/uber-design\/how-we-design-on-the-ubereats-team-ff7c41fffb76\" rel=\"nofollow\">UberEats<\/a> says they immerse themselves in the places where our customers live, work, and eat. They\u2019ve introduced processes like having new team members shadow deliveries. The result: they\u2019ve learned more about their customers and how they think.\r\n\r\n<strong>Observe customer behavior and respond. <\/strong>In <a href=\"https:\/\/www.invisionapp.com\/inside-design\/applied-design-thinking\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">one case study<\/a>, Bank of America observed how some savers would fudge their own budgets by rounding up. This led to the \u201cKeep your change\u201d program that appealed to frugal savers and attracted new accounts.\r\n<h3>Problem Solving Method #3: Solutions-Based Thinking<\/h3>\r\n<strong>Best suited for: <\/strong>Big picture problems, stuck problems\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>How it works: <\/strong>Most people like to think of themselves as logical. Factual. Only interested in results. But as Nathan Greene wrote, we really just tend to guess our way through problems and hope for the best.\r\n\r\nSolutions-based thinking turns that on its head. Rather than focusing on what we think <em>should<\/em> work, it shifts our focus. What actually <em>does<\/em> work?\r\n\r\nIn Stephen Covey\u2019s book <em>7 Habits of Highly Effective People<\/em>, this principle was number two: Effective people tend to think with the end in mind--and then work backwards.\r\n\r\n<strong>Example: <\/strong>Think about America\u2019s animal shelters and the <a href=\"https:\/\/hbr.org\/2017\/01\/are-you-solving-the-right-problems\" rel=\"nofollow\">dog adoption problem<\/a> they face.\r\n\r\nThe challenge? It\u2019s not that America doesn\u2019t love dogs. In fact, America loves dogs to the point of 40% of all households having at least one. The problem is that perhaps <em>too<\/em> many people have dogs. This leads to dogs being put up for adoption with high rates of dogs in shelters.\r\n\r\nStarting from problem-based thinking might yield all sorts of solutions. A marketing campaign for higher adoption rates, logically, should work. Unfortunately, the \u201cSave a Life - Adopt a Dog\u201d campaign hasn\u2019t been able to solve the whole problem.\r\n\r\nYet some shelters have taken a solutions-based approach. According to <em>Harvard Business Review<\/em>, Lori Weise, the founder of Downtown Dog Rescue in Los Angeles, has demonstrated that adoption is not the only way to frame the problem. Instead, one challenge is that so many former dog owners are giving up on their dogs too quickly.\r\n\r\nWeise came up with a plan: whenever a family came in to hand over a pet, a staff member in the South Los Angeles shelter would ask if they preferred to keep the pet.\r\n\r\n\u201cWithin the first year it was clear that the program was a remarkable success,\u201d notes HBR. \u201cCosts went down from $85 per pet to $60, and more families held on to their dogs.\u201d\r\n\r\n<strong>Key takeaways:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ask yourself the \u201cmiracle question.\u201d<\/strong> This is a concept from <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Solution-focused_brief_therapy#The_miracle_question\" rel=\"nofollow\">Solution-focused brief therapy<\/a>: What will it take for you to imagine the problem as being gone? Get a clear picture of what a solution would look like. Start asking your \u201cwhy\u201d questions from this end.\r\n\r\n<strong>Look for preventative solutions that reach the same conclusions.<\/strong> It\u2019s great to get people to adopt dogs, for example. But is it even <em>more<\/em> effective to get fewer people to give up their dogs for adoption? Solutions-based thinking means focusing on what really works, not what you hope should work.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[cta-button url=\"https:\/\/auth.monday.com\/users\/sign_up_new\" target=\"_blank\"]Get started[\/cta-button]<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2>Stop guessing: Come up with problem-solving strategies to move forward<\/h2>\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/project-management\/the-top-7-best-project-management-books-to-read-in-2019\/\">Consult any book<\/a> on problem-solving activities and you\u2019ll find elements of the above strategies present in some form. That\u2019s because good problem solving tends to rely on reliable principles.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Give yourself clarity on the <em>true<\/em> problem by asking yourself \u201cwhy\u201d questions.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Embrace new levels of thinking. Rather than guessing, find the bottom-line answer to your problem that you need to uncover, and work backwards from there.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Immerse yourself. Just as Katie Gaudion came up with new solutions for autism and Asberger\u2019s charity by spending time with Pete, switch your focus to the end-user. Don\u2019t fixate on what <em>should<\/em> Focus on what other people need.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nThere\u2019s an old maxim: You can\u2019t solve a problem with the same thinking that caused it in the first place. Rather than guess your way forward, adopt the problem-solving techniques to arrive at an answer that makes the difference.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[cta-button url=\"https:\/\/auth.monday.com\/users\/sign_up_new\" target=\"_blank\"]Get started[\/cta-button]<\/p>"},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Solving problems is something we all have to do every single day&#8211;both at work and in our day-to-day lives. The trouble is: Sometimes, finding the right solutions to those problems can be difficult. We learn in school that problem solving means arriving at a value for X. This is great &#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":219,"featured_media":353816,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"pages\/cornerstone-primary.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"monday_item_id":18009449405,"monday_board_id":0,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[13905],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8307","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-productivity"],"acf":{"lobby_image":false,"post_thumbnail_title":"","hide_post_info":false,"hide_bottom_cta":false,"hide_from_blog":false,"cluster":"tasks_and_todos","banner_url":"","main_text_banner":"","sub_title_banner":"","sub_title_banner_second":"","banner_button_text":"","below_banner_line":"","display_dates":"updated","landing_page_layout":false,"use_customized_cta":false,"display_subscribe_widget":false,"custom_schema_code":"","featured_image_link":"","activate_cta_banner":false,"hide_time_to_read":false,"sidebar_color_banner":"","custom_tags":false,"cornerstone_hero_cta_override":{"label":"","url":""},"faqs":[{"faq_title":"FAQs","faq_shortcode":"faqs","faq":[{"question":"What are the most effective problem solving techniques?","answer":"<p>The most widely used techniques include root cause analysis (5 Whys), design thinking, SWOT analysis, brainstorming, data-driven problem solving, solutions-based thinking, and the PDCA cycle. The most effective technique depends on the type of problem \u2014 analytical problems call for 5 Whys or data analysis, while creative challenges benefit from design thinking or brainstorming.<\/p>\n"},{"question":"How do you identify the root cause of a problem?","answer":"<p>Root cause analysis and specifically the 5 Whys method is the most structured approach. State the problem, ask \"why it's happening,\" record the answer, then ask \"why\" again based on that answer. Repeating this process typically surfaces the underlying cause rather than the symptom, usually within 3 to 7 iterations.<\/p>\n"},{"question":"What is the difference between problem solving and decision making?","answer":"<p>Problem solving is the process of diagnosing why an undesired situation exists and identifying a solution. Decision making is the process of choosing between options, which often occurs as one step within a larger problem-solving process. In practice, most problem-solving frameworks include decision-making steps, but decision making can also happen independently of a specific problem.<\/p>\n"},{"question":"What are the best problem solving techniques for the workplace?","answer":"<p>For workplace problems, the most practical techniques are the 5 Whys for operational and process issues, design thinking for product or customer-facing problems, data-driven problem solving for performance gaps with available data, and solutions-based thinking for complex or recurring challenges. SWOT analysis is particularly effective for strategic decisions that involve both internal and external factors.<\/p>\n"},{"question":"How do you choose the right problem solving technique?","answer":"<p>Match the technique to the nature of the problem. If the root cause is unclear, start with 5 Whys. If the problem involves users or customers, apply design thinking. If the problem is recurring and process-related, use PDCA. If the team feels stuck in problem-focused circular thinking, switch to solutions-based thinking to reframe the question entirely.<\/p>\n"},{"question":"How is AI changing problem solving in the workplace?","answer":"<p>AI enables fast data analysis, proactive risk detection, and real-time monitoring. Rather than replacing our judgment, AI acts as a force multiplier \u2014 surfacing patterns and anomalies so teams can focus their problem-solving skills on decisions that require context, creativity, and experience.<\/p>\n"}]}],"sections":[{"acf_fc_layout":"content_1","blocks":[{"main_heading":"","content_block":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text","content":"<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">Every workplace generates problems. Missed deadlines, unclear requirements, shifting priorities, and unhappy customers are all part and parcel of business. But high-performing teams know how to apply proven problem solving techniques to every challenge they face, resulting in structured, repeatable progress.<\/p>\n<p>This guide covers 7 proven problem solving techniques you can borrow for your workplace, practical guidance on choosing the right one for your situation, and how AI is reshaping the way teams diagnose and resolve challenges in 2026. Whether you&#8217;re managing a product team, running operations, or leading strategy, you&#8217;ll walk away with methods you can apply immediately.<\/p>\n<a class=\"cta-button blue-button\" aria-label=\"Get started\" href=\"https:\/\/auth.monday.com\/users\/sign_up_new\" target=\"_blank\">Get started<\/a>\n"}]},{"main_heading":"Key takeaways","content_block":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text","content":"<ul>\n<li>Problem solving is a learnable skill built on structured techniques \u2014 not just intuition or experience.<\/li>\n<li>Root cause analysis helps teams identify what&#8217;s <em>causing <\/em>a problem instead of treating symptoms repeatedly.<\/li>\n<li>The right problem solving technique depends on the type of problem you&#8217;re facing: analytical, creative, strategic, or collaborative.<\/li>\n<li>AI supports problem solving by making data analysis, risk detection, and pattern recognition faster and more proactive.<\/li>\n<li>monday.com&#8217;s AI Work Platform helps teams put these techniques into practice with AI-powered dashboards, agents, and rapid prototyping apps.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"}]},{"main_heading":"What are problem solving techniques?","content_block":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text","content":"<p>Problem solving techniques are structured frameworks or methods that guide teams from identifying a problem to implementing a lasting solution. They replace ad hoc guessing (where someone proposes a fix based on gut instinct and everyone hopes it works) with repeatable, transferable processes that produce consistent results.<\/p>\n<p>The reason structured techniques matter is simple: different problems require different approaches. An operational failure that keeps recurring needs a root cause analysis. A product that isn&#8217;t connecting with users calls for design thinking. A strategic decision with high uncertainty benefits from SWOT analysis. Trying to solve all of these the same way \u2014 usually by calling a meeting and brainstorming until someone suggests something plausible \u2014 wastes time and rarely addresses the actual issue.<\/p>\n<p>The most effective teams don&#8217;t rely on a single problem solving method. They keep a repertoire of techniques and match the approach to the problem type. This flexibility upgrades problem solving from a personality trait into an organizational capability.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image_type":"normal","image":350847,"image_link":""}]},{"main_heading":"Why\u00a0problem solving skills matter in 2026","content_block":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text","content":"<p>Problem solving has always been a valuable skill, but in 2026 it&#8217;s become one of the defining capabilities employers actively hire and promote for. The evidence is hard to ignore:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Skills transformation is accelerating.<\/strong> The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.weforum.org\/publications\/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">World Economic Forum&#8217;s Future of Jobs Report<\/a> projects that 39% of workers&#8217; core skills will change by 2030. Complex problem solving and analytical thinking rank among the top 15 skills employers say they&#8217;ll need most.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Employers are demanding problem solving across all roles.<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/americasucceeds.org\/resources\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lightcast and America Succeeds (2025)<\/a> found that 76% of all job postings now require at least one durable skill \u2014 and problem solving consistently appears among the most demanded. These aren&#8217;t soft skills in the traditional sense. They&#8217;re the skills that determine whether someone can navigate ambiguity, adapt to shifting conditions, and deliver results when the playbook doesn&#8217;t exist yet.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The cost of poor problem solving is staggering.<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gallup.com\/workplace\/349484\/state-of-the-global-workplace.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gallup&#8217;s State of the Global Workplace 2026<\/a> report found that only 20% of employees worldwide were engaged in 2025, costing the global economy an estimated $10 trillion in lost productivity. When teams lack the methods to solve problems effectively, frustration builds, workarounds multiply, and the same issues resurface month after month. Structured <a href=\"https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/project-management\/decision-making-process\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">decision-making processes<\/a> can break this cycle.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Overall, teams that practice structured techniques get faster and more accurate over time. They build institutional knowledge about what works and free up energy for higher-value work.<\/p>\n"}]},{"main_heading":"7 problem solving techniques for the workplace","content_block":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text","content":"<p>The 7 techniques below span analytical, creative, strategic, and collaborative problem types, so you can match the method to the situation instead of defaulting to the same approach every time.<\/p>\n<h3>1. Root cause analysis (5 Whys)<\/h3>\n<p>Root cause analysis is a structured approach to identifying the underlying cause of a problem rather than treating its symptoms. The most accessible version of this technique is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lean.org\/lexicon-terms\/5-whys\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">5 Whys method<\/a>, originally developed at Toyota as part of its manufacturing process.<\/p>\n<p><strong>When to use it:<\/strong> Recurring operational failures, quality issues, project post-mortems, and customer complaints \u2014 any situation where the obvious fix hasn&#8217;t worked because it&#8217;s addressing a symptom, not the source.<\/p>\n<p>How it works<strong>:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Define the problem precisely.<\/strong> A vague problem statement produces vague answers. &#8220;Customer complaints are increasing&#8221; is a starting point, but &#8220;customer complaints about delivery delays increased 35% in Q2&#8221; gives you something to investigate.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Apply the 5 Whys recursively.<\/strong> State the problem, ask &#8220;why is this happening,&#8221; and record the answer. Then ask &#8220;why&#8221; again based on that answer. Repeat until you reach a cause that, if addressed, would prevent the problem from recurring. Five iterations is a guideline, not a rule \u2014 some problems resolve in three, others need seven.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Validate the root cause before building solutions.<\/strong> Test your conclusion against the evidence. If the root cause is correct, addressing it should logically prevent the problem from recurring.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3>2. Design thinking<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/marketing\/design-strategy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Design thinking<\/a> is a problem solving approach that starts with the end user&#8217;s perspective. Rather than assuming you know what the problem is, design thinking forces you to observe, listen, and empathize before generating solutions.<\/p>\n<p>When to use it<strong>:<\/strong>\u00a0Product development, service design, UX challenges, organizational change \u2014 any problem where the end user&#8217;s actual experience has been overlooked or assumed rather than studied.<\/p>\n<p>Design thinking follows 5 stages:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Empathize:<\/strong> Observe and engage with the people affected by the problem. Set aside assumptions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Define:<\/strong> Synthesize what you learned into a clear problem statement framed from the user&#8217;s perspective.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ideate:<\/strong> Generate a wide range of potential solutions without judging them yet.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Prototype:<\/strong> Build quick, low-cost versions of the most promising ideas.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Test:<\/strong> Put prototypes in front of real users, gather feedback, and iterate.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3>3. SWOT analysis<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/project-management\/swot-analysis-project-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SWOT analysis<\/a> is a structured framework for evaluating a problem or decision through four lenses: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. It&#8217;s one of the most widely used problem solving techniques because it forces teams to consider both internal capabilities and external factors before committing to a direction.<\/p>\n<p><strong>When to use it:<\/strong> Strategic planning decisions, evaluating a new initiative, diagnosing why a process is underperforming, competitive analysis, and any situation where a team needs to align on facts before choosing a path forward.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How it works:<\/strong> SWOT divides the analysis into two categories:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Internal factors (what you control):<\/strong> Strengths are existing capabilities and advantages. Weaknesses are limitations, gaps, or constraints.<\/li>\n<li><strong>External factors (what you don&#8217;t control):<\/strong> Opportunities are favorable conditions you can act on. Threats are risks or obstacles that could undermine progress.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The value isn&#8217;t in filling out 4 quadrants, but in the structured conversation that pinpoints blind spots. Teams that skip this step often make decisions based on incomplete information or groupthink.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Brainstorming and creative problem solving<\/h3>\n<p>Creative problem solving is a deliberate approach to generating novel solutions by suspending judgment and encouraging divergent thinking. It&#8217;s not the same as &#8220;let&#8217;s get in a room and throw ideas at the wall.&#8221; Effective brainstorming follows a structure that maximizes idea quality while minimizing groupthink.<\/p>\n<p>When to use it<strong>:<\/strong> Problems where standard approaches have failed, product innovation, team culture issues, strategy pivots, and any situation where the team feels stuck in repetitive thinking.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How it works:<\/strong> The core principle is the diverge-converge cycle \u2014 generate freely first, evaluate second. 3 effective variants:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Classic brainstorming:<\/strong> Prioritize quantity over quality. Set a timer, capture every idea without critique, and filter afterward. The goal is volume \u2014 strong ideas often emerge after the obvious ones are exhausted.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Brainwriting:<\/strong> Participants write ideas silently and submit them anonymously. This eliminates the social pressure that causes quieter team members to hold back and reduces the tendency for groups to anchor on the first idea spoken aloud.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Reverse brainstorming:<\/strong> Ask &#8220;how would we make this problem worse?&#8221; The answers reveal root causes and process gaps that the team hadn&#8217;t noticed when framing the problem positively.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>5. Data-driven problem solving<\/h3>\n<p>Data-driven problem solving starts with evidence, such as data collection, pattern analysis, and hypothesis testing, before generating solutions. It&#8217;s the antidote to the most common problem-solving failure: jumping to a solution based on assumptions before understanding what the data actually shows.<\/p>\n<p><strong>When to use it:<\/strong> Operational performance problems, customer behavior analysis, quality control issues, and any recurring problem where the cause is unclear and opinions vary.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How it works:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Collect relevant data.<\/strong> Define what you need to measure and gather it systematically. Avoid cherry-picking data that confirms an existing theory.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Identify patterns and anomalies.<\/strong> Look for trends, outliers, and correlations. Where is performance deviating from expectations, and when did it start?<\/li>\n<li><strong>Form hypotheses based on data.<\/strong> Let the evidence suggest possible causes rather than fitting data to a predetermined conclusion.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Test solutions against measurable outcomes.<\/strong> Implement a fix, measure the result, and compare against the baseline. If the data doesn&#8217;t improve, the hypothesis was wrong \u2014 go back to step 2.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Platforms like the AI Work Platform, with AI-powered dashboards and proactive analysis make this approach more accessible by pinpointing patterns and anomalies across projects in real time, so teams don&#8217;t need a dedicated analyst to practice data-driven problem solving.<\/p>\n<h3>6. Solutions-based thinking<\/h3>\n<p>Solutions-based thinking flips the typical problem-solving process. Instead of starting from the problem and working forward through possible causes, you start from a vivid picture of the desired outcome and work backward to figure out what would make that outcome real.<\/p>\n<p><strong>When to use it:<\/strong> Problems where teams feel stuck in circular discussions, situations where the problem statement itself may be wrong, and organizational change scenarios where traditional analysis has produced diminishing returns.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How it works:<\/strong> The key shift is reframing the question. Instead of asking &#8220;what&#8217;s wrong and how do we fix it,&#8221; solutions-based thinking asks &#8220;what does success look like, and what&#8217;s the shortest path to get there?&#8221; One practical technique is the &#8220;miracle question&#8221; from <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Solution-focused_brief_therapy#The_miracle_question\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">solution-focused brief therapy<\/a>: imagine the problem is completely gone tomorrow \u2014 what&#8217;s different? What does the situation look like? Working backward from that picture often reveals solutions that problem-focused analysis misses entirely.<\/p>\n<h3>7. PDCA cycle (continuous improvement)<\/h3>\n<p>PDCA \u2014 Plan, Do, Check, Act \u2014 is a four-stage iterative model for solving problems that keep coming back. Unlike one-time fixes that address a symptom and move on, PDCA builds a cycle of continuous improvement where each iteration produces better results.<\/p>\n<p>When to use it<strong>:<\/strong>\u00a0Process improvement, quality management, operational workflows, and any recurring problem where a permanent fix is needed rather than another workaround.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How it works:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Plan:<\/strong> Identify the problem, analyze root causes (5 Whys works well here), set a measurable target, and design a solution.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Do:<\/strong> Implement the plan on a small scale or pilot basis. Don&#8217;t roll out company-wide before testing.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Check:<\/strong> Measure results against your target. What worked? What didn&#8217;t? Where did the plan fall short of expectations?<\/li>\n<li><strong>Act:<\/strong> If the pilot succeeded, standardize the solution and roll it out broadly. If it didn&#8217;t, return to Plan with the new data and iterate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The power of PDCA is that it&#8217;s cyclical, not linear. Each time you complete a cycle, you learn something that makes the next cycle more effective. Over time, this builds a culture where improvement is continuous rather than episodic.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image_type":"normal","image":317213,"image_link":""}]},{"main_heading":"How to choose the right problem solving technique","content_block":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text","content":"<p>With 7 techniques to choose from, the question becomes: which one fits the problem in front of you? The answer depends on the nature of the problem itself.<\/p>\n<p>Use this decision framework as a starting point:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Root cause is unclear:<\/strong> Start with root cause analysis (5 Whys) to identify what&#8217;s actually driving the issue before investing in solutions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>User-facing or creative problem:<\/strong> Apply design thinking to ground solutions in real user needs, or brainstorming to break out of conventional thinking.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Strategic or organizational decision:<\/strong> Run a SWOT analysis to surface internal and external factors before committing resources.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Data-heavy or operational problem:<\/strong> Use data-driven problem solving to let evidence guide the diagnosis instead of opinions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Team feels stuck or circular:<\/strong> Switch to solutions-based thinking to reframe the question and work backward from the desired outcome.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recurring process issue:<\/strong> Apply the PDCA cycle to build continuous improvement into the solution rather than applying another one-time fix.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Most complex workplace problems benefit from combining techniques. You might use 5 Whys to diagnose the root cause, then PDCA to implement and sustain a lasting fix. Or you might run a SWOT analysis to clarify the strategic context, then use design thinking to develop solutions that align with what users actually need.<\/p>\n<p>The techniques aren&#8217;t mutually exclusive \u2014 they&#8217;re complementary. The competitive advantage comes from knowing which ones to reach for and when.<\/p>\n"}]},{"main_heading":"How AI is transforming problem solving in the workplace","content_block":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text","content":"<p>AI is amplifying problem solving. According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gartner.com\/en\/human-resources\/topics\/future-of-work\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gartner&#8217;s Future of Work Trends 2026<\/a>, teams redesigning workflows with AI are twice as likely to exceed revenue goals. The reason? AI fundamentally changes what&#8217;s possible at three critical stages of problem solving.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Data analysis at scale.<\/strong> AI can process datasets too large for individual review, flagging patterns that point to root causes faster than weeks of manual analysis. What once required a dedicated analyst and a month of work now happens in real time, giving teams the evidence they need to make data-driven decisions without waiting.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Proactive risk identification.<\/strong> Traditional problem solving is reactive: something breaks, and the team mobilizes. AI-powered monitoring flips this model by flagging anomalies in workflows before they become full-scale problems. Instead of diagnosing failures after the damage is done, teams can intervene early, shifting from firefighting to prevention.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Decision support.<\/strong> AI helps teams evaluate options by modeling potential outcomes, reducing cognitive bias and decision fatigue. It doesn&#8217;t make the decision (judgment is still essential for context, ethics, and organizational priorities) but it keeps decisions grounded in data rather than intuition alone.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The combination matters most. AI handles data processing and pattern recognition at incredible speeds. People bring contextual judgment, creativity, and the ability to frame the right problem in the first place. This is where purpose-built work management platforms become critical, not just for organizing tasks, but for embedding these AI capabilities into everyday problemsolving.<\/p>\n"}]},{"main_heading":"How monday.com's AI Work Platform supports problem solving at scale","content_block":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text","content":"<p>The techniques in this article work best when they&#8217;re supported by a platform that makes structured problem solving part of everyday workflows \u2014 not a separate exercise that happens in a conference room and gets forgotten by the following week. monday.com&#8217;s AI Work Platform embeds AI-powered problem-solving capabilities directly into how teams plan, execute, and improve their work.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/monday.com\/w\/sidekick\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">monday sidekick<\/a> (AI assistant):<\/strong> A context-aware AI assistant that analyzes data, summarizes updates, generates project plans, and triggers workflows \u2014 all from within the platform. Instead of spending the first 30 minutes of a problem-solving session gathering information from scattered sources, teams get instant synthesis. Sidekick surfaces insights, recommends next steps, and keeps the focus on solving the problem rather than assembling the inputs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image_type":"normal","image":285843,"image_link":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","content":"<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/monday.com\/w\/agents\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">monday agents<\/a> (Risk Analyzer and Process Automator):<\/strong> Two purpose-built agents that address different stages of problem solving. The Risk Analyzer detects schedule, dependency, and workload risks in real time \u2014 surfacing potential problems before they escalate into crises. This connects directly to proactive problem solving: instead of waiting for a deadline to slip, teams see the risk forming and intervene early. The Process Automator identifies repetitive manual work and suggests <a href=\"https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/project-management\/workflow-automation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">workflow automations<\/a>, addressing the root cause of inefficiency without requiring teams to spend weeks analyzing their own workflows.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image_type":"normal","image":342450,"image_link":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","content":"<ul>\n<li><strong>monday dashboards:<\/strong> Real-time, customizable dashboards with AI-powered proactive analysis, risk alerts, and summaries. They provide the data visibility needed for data-driven problem solving \u2014 teams can identify patterns across projects that manual tracking would miss. When a sales pipeline stalls or a project timeline starts drifting, dashboards flag it immediately rather than waiting for someone to notice during a status meeting.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image_type":"normal","image":347537,"image_link":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","content":"<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/monday.com\/w\/vibe\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">monday vibe<\/a> (AI app builder):<\/strong> A no-code builder that converts natural language prompts into custom apps. This aligns directly with the Prototype and Test stages of design thinking \u2014 teams can build OKR monitoring apps, risk tracking dashboards, or custom decision matrices without waiting for developer resources. Problem solving moves from theoretical (&#8220;we should build something to track this&#8221;) to practical (&#8220;here&#8217;s a working app, let&#8217;s test it&#8221;) in hours instead of weeks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image_type":"normal","image":341245,"image_link":""}]},{"main_heading":"Turning problem solving into your competitive advantage","content_block":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text","content":"<p>Problem solving isn&#8217;t a personality trait some people are born with and others aren&#8217;t. It&#8217;s a learnable skill set built from structured techniques that anyone can practice and improve. The 7 methods in this article \u2014 from root cause analysis to PDCA \u2014 give you a practical repertoire to match the right approach to the right problem. The competitive advantage comes from choosing deliberately, practicing consistently, and using monday.com&#8217;s AI Work Platform to scale what works. Start with one technique, apply it to a real problem this week, and build from there.<\/p>\n<a class=\"cta-button blue-button\" aria-label=\"Get started\" href=\"https:\/\/auth.monday.com\/users\/sign_up_new\" target=\"_blank\">Get started<\/a>\n"}]},{"main_heading":"","content_block":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text","content":"<div class=\"accordion faq\" id=\"faq-faqs\">\n  <h2 class=\"accordion__heading section-title text-left\">FAQs<\/h2>\n    <div class=\"accordion__item\">\n    <a class=\"accordion__button d-block\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#faq-faqs\" href=\"#q-faqs-1\"\n      aria-expanded=\"false\">\n      <h3 class=\"accordion__question\">What are the most effective problem solving techniques?        <svg class=\"angle-arrow angle-arrow--down\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n          <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M16.5303 20.8839C16.2374 21.1768 15.7626 21.1768 15.4697 20.8839L7.82318 13.2374C7.53029 12.9445 7.53029 12.4697 7.82318 12.1768L8.17674 11.8232C8.46963 11.5303 8.9445 11.5303 9.2374 11.8232L16 18.5858L22.7626 11.8232C23.0555 11.5303 23.5303 11.5303 23.8232 11.8232L24.1768 12.1768C24.4697 12.4697 24.4697 12.9445 24.1768 13.2374L16.5303 20.8839Z\" fill=\"black\"\/>\n        <\/svg>\n      <\/h3>\n    <\/a>\n    <div id=\"q-faqs-1\" class=\"accordion__answer collapse collapse--md\" data-parent=\"#faq-faqs\">\n      <p>The most widely used techniques include root cause analysis (5 Whys), design thinking, SWOT analysis, brainstorming, data-driven problem solving, solutions-based thinking, and the PDCA cycle. The most effective technique depends on the type of problem \u2014 analytical problems call for 5 Whys or data analysis, while creative challenges benefit from design thinking or brainstorming.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <div class=\"accordion__item\">\n    <a class=\"accordion__button d-block\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#faq-faqs\" href=\"#q-faqs-2\"\n      aria-expanded=\"false\">\n      <h3 class=\"accordion__question\">How do you identify the root cause of a problem?        <svg class=\"angle-arrow angle-arrow--down\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n          <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M16.5303 20.8839C16.2374 21.1768 15.7626 21.1768 15.4697 20.8839L7.82318 13.2374C7.53029 12.9445 7.53029 12.4697 7.82318 12.1768L8.17674 11.8232C8.46963 11.5303 8.9445 11.5303 9.2374 11.8232L16 18.5858L22.7626 11.8232C23.0555 11.5303 23.5303 11.5303 23.8232 11.8232L24.1768 12.1768C24.4697 12.4697 24.4697 12.9445 24.1768 13.2374L16.5303 20.8839Z\" fill=\"black\"\/>\n        <\/svg>\n      <\/h3>\n    <\/a>\n    <div id=\"q-faqs-2\" class=\"accordion__answer collapse collapse--md\" data-parent=\"#faq-faqs\">\n      <p>Root cause analysis and specifically the 5 Whys method is the most structured approach. State the problem, ask \"why it's happening,\" record the answer, then ask \"why\" again based on that answer. Repeating this process typically surfaces the underlying cause rather than the symptom, usually within 3 to 7 iterations.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <div class=\"accordion__item\">\n    <a class=\"accordion__button d-block\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#faq-faqs\" href=\"#q-faqs-3\"\n      aria-expanded=\"false\">\n      <h3 class=\"accordion__question\">What is the difference between problem solving and decision making?        <svg class=\"angle-arrow angle-arrow--down\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n          <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M16.5303 20.8839C16.2374 21.1768 15.7626 21.1768 15.4697 20.8839L7.82318 13.2374C7.53029 12.9445 7.53029 12.4697 7.82318 12.1768L8.17674 11.8232C8.46963 11.5303 8.9445 11.5303 9.2374 11.8232L16 18.5858L22.7626 11.8232C23.0555 11.5303 23.5303 11.5303 23.8232 11.8232L24.1768 12.1768C24.4697 12.4697 24.4697 12.9445 24.1768 13.2374L16.5303 20.8839Z\" fill=\"black\"\/>\n        <\/svg>\n      <\/h3>\n    <\/a>\n    <div id=\"q-faqs-3\" class=\"accordion__answer collapse collapse--md\" data-parent=\"#faq-faqs\">\n      <p>Problem solving is the process of diagnosing why an undesired situation exists and identifying a solution. Decision making is the process of choosing between options, which often occurs as one step within a larger problem-solving process. In practice, most problem-solving frameworks include decision-making steps, but decision making can also happen independently of a specific problem.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <div class=\"accordion__item\">\n    <a class=\"accordion__button d-block\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#faq-faqs\" href=\"#q-faqs-4\"\n      aria-expanded=\"false\">\n      <h3 class=\"accordion__question\">What are the best problem solving techniques for the workplace?        <svg class=\"angle-arrow angle-arrow--down\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n          <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M16.5303 20.8839C16.2374 21.1768 15.7626 21.1768 15.4697 20.8839L7.82318 13.2374C7.53029 12.9445 7.53029 12.4697 7.82318 12.1768L8.17674 11.8232C8.46963 11.5303 8.9445 11.5303 9.2374 11.8232L16 18.5858L22.7626 11.8232C23.0555 11.5303 23.5303 11.5303 23.8232 11.8232L24.1768 12.1768C24.4697 12.4697 24.4697 12.9445 24.1768 13.2374L16.5303 20.8839Z\" fill=\"black\"\/>\n        <\/svg>\n      <\/h3>\n    <\/a>\n    <div id=\"q-faqs-4\" class=\"accordion__answer collapse collapse--md\" data-parent=\"#faq-faqs\">\n      <p>For workplace problems, the most practical techniques are the 5 Whys for operational and process issues, design thinking for product or customer-facing problems, data-driven problem solving for performance gaps with available data, and solutions-based thinking for complex or recurring challenges. SWOT analysis is particularly effective for strategic decisions that involve both internal and external factors.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <div class=\"accordion__item\">\n    <a class=\"accordion__button d-block\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#faq-faqs\" href=\"#q-faqs-5\"\n      aria-expanded=\"false\">\n      <h3 class=\"accordion__question\">How do you choose the right problem solving technique?        <svg class=\"angle-arrow angle-arrow--down\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n          <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M16.5303 20.8839C16.2374 21.1768 15.7626 21.1768 15.4697 20.8839L7.82318 13.2374C7.53029 12.9445 7.53029 12.4697 7.82318 12.1768L8.17674 11.8232C8.46963 11.5303 8.9445 11.5303 9.2374 11.8232L16 18.5858L22.7626 11.8232C23.0555 11.5303 23.5303 11.5303 23.8232 11.8232L24.1768 12.1768C24.4697 12.4697 24.4697 12.9445 24.1768 13.2374L16.5303 20.8839Z\" fill=\"black\"\/>\n        <\/svg>\n      <\/h3>\n    <\/a>\n    <div id=\"q-faqs-5\" class=\"accordion__answer collapse collapse--md\" data-parent=\"#faq-faqs\">\n      <p>Match the technique to the nature of the problem. If the root cause is unclear, start with 5 Whys. If the problem involves users or customers, apply design thinking. If the problem is recurring and process-related, use PDCA. If the team feels stuck in problem-focused circular thinking, switch to solutions-based thinking to reframe the question entirely.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n    <div class=\"accordion__item\">\n    <a class=\"accordion__button d-block\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#faq-faqs\" href=\"#q-faqs-6\"\n      aria-expanded=\"false\">\n      <h3 class=\"accordion__question\">How is AI changing problem solving in the workplace?        <svg class=\"angle-arrow angle-arrow--down\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n          <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M16.5303 20.8839C16.2374 21.1768 15.7626 21.1768 15.4697 20.8839L7.82318 13.2374C7.53029 12.9445 7.53029 12.4697 7.82318 12.1768L8.17674 11.8232C8.46963 11.5303 8.9445 11.5303 9.2374 11.8232L16 18.5858L22.7626 11.8232C23.0555 11.5303 23.5303 11.5303 23.8232 11.8232L24.1768 12.1768C24.4697 12.4697 24.4697 12.9445 24.1768 13.2374L16.5303 20.8839Z\" fill=\"black\"\/>\n        <\/svg>\n      <\/h3>\n    <\/a>\n    <div id=\"q-faqs-6\" class=\"accordion__answer collapse collapse--md\" data-parent=\"#faq-faqs\">\n      <p>AI enables fast data analysis, proactive risk detection, and real-time monitoring. Rather than replacing our judgment, AI acts as a force multiplier \u2014 surfacing patterns and anomalies so teams can focus their problem-solving skills on decisions that require context, creativity, and experience.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <script type='application\/ld+json'>{\n    \"@context\": \"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\n    \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n    \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"What are the most effective problem solving techniques?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"<p>The most widely used techniques include root cause analysis (5 Whys), design thinking, SWOT analysis, brainstorming, data-driven problem solving, solutions-based thinking, and the PDCA cycle. 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