If you want to get hired/promoted, think like a problem solver, not as a process-follower.
Imagine you’re in a bustling kitchen, surrounded by chefs each with their own tasks. Some meticulously follow recipes step by step, while others approach cooking with a different mindset. Now, think about your career in a similar way. Are you merely following the steps laid out for you, or are you stepping up as a problem solver?
This little nugget of wisdom isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder; it’s about thriving in any aspect of life. It’s the difference between being a cog in the machine and being the engineer who designs it. When you shift your perspective from simply executing tasks to actively seeking solutions, doors start swinging open.
Think about it this way: imagine you’re faced with a maze. The process-follower will methodically try each path, hoping one leads to the exit. But the problem solver? They’ll assess the maze, spot patterns, and devise a strategy to navigate it efficiently, perhaps even finding a shortcut. That’s the mindset that propels you forward.
Employers, whether they’re aware of it or not, crave problem solvers. They’re the ones who not only tackle challenges head-on but also anticipate them before they arise. They’re adaptable, resourceful, and unafraid to think outside the box. In a world where change is constant, these are the individuals who thrive.
But how do you cultivate this problem-solving prowess? It starts with a shift in mindset. Instead of viewing obstacles as roadblocks, see them as opportunities for growth. Embrace curiosity, ask questions, and don’t shy away from experimentation. It’s through this process that you hone your problem-solving muscles.
So, the next time you find yourself faced with a challenge, don’t just follow the steps laid out before you. Take a step back, assess the situation, and approach it with the mindset of a problem solver. Who knows what doors it might open?
Actionable Question: Think about a recent challenge you faced. How could you approach it differently with a problem-solving mindset?
*To obtain more inspiration and motivation to achieve your goals, you definitely want to check out my extensive list of growth goals. This page contains SMART goal ideas that can help you establish new aspirations and attain greater heights in your personal growth journey. I utilized this page myself to create my own list of 100 life goals, which I dedicated a decade to pursuing.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an impact-driven creator at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 life goals around the globe. Tal's journey and recent book, The Art of Fully Living, inspired him to found Elevate Society.
