Problem Solving with AI

When you're stuck on a problem, AI can help you think through solutions, consider different angles, and find approaches you might not have considered.

What You'll Learn

How to use AI as a thinking partner to analyze problems and develop solutions.

Why This Matters

We all face problems - at work, at home, in life. AI can help you think more clearly, consider options systematically, and find better solutions faster.

How AI Helps with Problems

• Clarify the problem - Sometimes we're not sure what the real issue is
• Consider perspectives - See the problem from different angles
• Generate solutions - Get lots of possible approaches
• Evaluate options - Think through pros and cons
• Create action plans - Turn solutions into steps

Start by Explaining the Problem

Give AI context:

"I'm facing this problem: [describe in detail]. Can you help me think through possible solutions?"

The more context you provide, the better the help:

"I'm a team leader and one of my direct reports consistently misses deadlines. They do good work when they deliver, but the lateness is affecting the whole team. I've mentioned it casually twice but nothing changed. What are my options for addressing this?"

The Problem-Solving Conversation

Step 1: Clarify

"Before we look at solutions, help me understand if I'm thinking about this problem correctly. What questions should I be asking?"

Step 2: Explore

"What are all the possible causes of this problem?"

Step 3: Generate Options

"Give me 5-10 different approaches I could take"

Step 4: Evaluate

"What are the pros and cons of option #3?"

Step 5: Plan

"I'll go with option #3. Help me create an action plan"

Different Problem Types

People Problems

"How should I handle a disagreement with a colleague about project priorities?"

Process Problems

"Our team keeps making the same mistakes on invoices. How can we fix this?"

Decision Problems

"I can't decide between two job offers. Help me think through this decision"

Resource Problems

"We need to cut costs by 20% without laying anyone off. What options do we have?"

Personal Problems

"I keep procrastinating on important tasks. What strategies might help?"

Getting Multiple Perspectives

Ask AI to think from different viewpoints:

"Analyze this problem from three perspectives:

1. As my manager would see it
2. As my team would see it
3. As our customers would see it

[describe problem]"

The "Five Whys" Technique

Use AI to dig deeper:

"Help me do a 'Five Whys' analysis. My problem is: Sales have dropped this quarter. Ask me 'why' repeatedly to find the root cause."

AI will guide you through the analysis.

Try It Yourself

Think of a problem you're facing:

Then continue:

• "Let's go deeper on option #2"
• "What could go wrong with this plan?"
• "How do I start this week?"

Weighing Options

When you have choices:

"I'm deciding between three options: A: [option] B: [option] C: [option]

Create a comparison table with pros, cons, and risks for each"

Thinking Through Consequences

"If I choose option A, what are the likely consequences?

• Short term (this week)
• Medium term (this month)
• Long term (this year)"

Overcoming Objections

When you have a solution but face resistance:

"I want to propose [solution] to my manager. What objections might they have, and how should I address each one?"

Problem-Solving Templates

General Problem

"My problem is [X]. Help me:

1. Understand the root cause
2. Generate solutions
3. Pick the best approach
4. Create an action plan"

Decision Making

"I need to decide [X]. My options are [A, B, C]. Consider my priorities of [list priorities] and help me decide"

Conflict Resolution

"I'm in conflict with [person/team] about [issue]. Help me find a resolution that addresses everyone's concerns"

Pro Tip

When you think you have a solution, stress-test it:

"Here's my planned solution: [describe]. Play devil's advocate and tell me what could go wrong or what I might be missing"

This helps you refine your approach before implementing it.

Common Questions

Q: What if the problem is too personal to share?

A: You can describe the situation without identifying details: "Someone in my life is doing X, and I feel Y. How might I approach this?"

Q: Can AI solve my problem for me?

A: AI helps you think through problems, but you make the decisions and take action. It's a thinking partner, not a decision-maker.

Q: What about complex technical problems?

A: AI can help with many technical problems, but for specialized issues, consult professionals in that field.

Q: Should I follow AI's advice?

A: Use AI's input as one source of information. Combine it with your own judgment, knowledge of your situation, and advice from people you trust.

What's Next

Let's look at one more practical work skill: using AI to help with spreadsheets and data.