Have you ever taken the time to assess how you solve the many challenges and problems that you face? Analyzing over 60 detailed interview responses to “Describe a business challenge that you had and how you resolved it,” I identified four types of problem solvers: Inspirers, Reflectors, Innovators and Influencers. I know that isn't a scientific study, but I thought the responses were interesting enough to write about.
Four Types of Problem Solvers
Inspirers: They nurture people and relationships and have the ability to inspire confidence. Whenever they face a challenge or problem, people rally around them offering their assistance. Because of who they are, others want to help them in any way they can.
Reflectors: These problem solvers do not rush when making decisions, instead they take their time, mull things over for a while, step back from the situation to get a new perspective and then act. They may come across as procrastinating, so reflectors have to find a balance between thinking things through and making a decision quickly.
Innovators: These individuals have the unique ability to come up with creative solutions to any challenge or problem that they might encounter. It could be an entirely new solution or the blending of two known solutions into something fresh and exciting.
Influencers: These problem solvers are expert at getting others to support their cause, and they excel at finding solutions to “people” problems that involve change. Influencers are great at getting people to “buy in.” They are expert at selling their ideas.
Think back to a few challenges and problems that you experienced in the past and how you resolved them. Would you say that you are an Inspirer, Reflector, Innovator or Influencer? Or, are you a combination? What are your thoughts about the four types of problem solvers?
As I update this post in May 2017, problem solving is among the 10 skills needed for future jobs. The following books below will help you to hone your problem solving skills. I have read all three books.
A Technique for Producing Ideas 
The MacGyver Secret: Connect to Your Inner MacGyver and Solve AnythingMurder on the Orient Express: A Hercule Poirot Mystery
Related Resources
What Type of Problem Solver Are You?
The Importance of Problem-Solving by Ken Watanabe (The Huffington Post Online, April 23, 2009)
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie, Book Review
