Each day, managers and employees are confronted with many real problems and decisions that create issues such as lost throughput, poor quality, personnel problems, and material shortages. How they approach these daily quandaries will determine how successful they are at resolving issues and making effective decisions. It is human nature for managers to solutions before they even understand the heart of the problems they are trying to solve. As a result, they make blind decisions that change perfectly acceptable processes for the wrong reasons. 

The real secret to solving problems does not depend upon the number of sophisticated statistical tools one applies. The secret to solving most problems is to keep the approach simple and uncomplicated. 

Critical thinking and problem-solving go hand-in-hand. They both refer to using knowledge, facts, and data to solve problems effectively, but you are explicitly identifying, selecting, and defending your solution with problem-solving.  

Problem-solving can be efficient and rewarding, especially if you are organised and mindful of critical steps and strategies. Remember to assume the attributes of an excellent critical thinker. If you are curious, reflective, knowledge-seeking, open to change, probing, organised, and ethical, your challenge or problem will be less of a hurdle, and you’ll be in an excellent position to find intelligent solutions.