Regardless of what they do for a living or where they live, most people spend most of their waking hours, at work or at home, solving problems. Most problems we face are small, some are large and complex, but they all need to be solved in a satisfactory way. (Robert Harris, 1998)

Having the support of others in solving problems is important. Diversity of thought and of problem solving style can result in better solutions.

Most adults have,through experience, developed an approach for solving problems that has worked for them. Some people use a very logical approach to solve problems and go step-by-step in a linear fashion. Others use an intuitive approach that usually results in arriving more quickly at a solution. However, sometimes that solution must later be adjusted to the reality of the situation. Three problem solving styles are included in the next section. There is no "right" style. Each of the styles has its own strengths and weaknesses. After reviewing the three styles you will be asked to assess your own style and to reflect on how style affects how you work with others.