12/09/2026
Here are 5 ways to become a better problem solver:
1. Stop rushing to solutions.
First understand the problem. What exactly is happening? What changed? Who is affected? What is the root cause?
2. Ask better questions.
Instead of asking "Who caused this?", ask "Why did this happen?" and "How do we prevent it from happening again?"
3. Develop the habit of research.
Don't always wait for someone to teach you. Read, investigate, test, observe and learn from people who have solved similar problems.
4. Take initiative.
When you identify a problem, don't just complain about it. Think about possible solutions and, where appropriate, propose one.
5. Learn from every problem you solve.
Document what worked, what didn't and what you would do differently. This is how experience becomes expertise.
The workplace will always have problems.
The question is:
Will you become part of the problem, someone who constantly reports the problem, or the person people trust to solve it?
Africa needs a generation of professionals who don't just ask:
"What is my job description?"
But also ask:
"What problems can I solve?"
Because the people who consistently create solutions become difficult to ignore.
