The model answers below are taken from a members-only video lesson.
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Speaker: Finn
Why are some people better at solving problems than others?
I think it mainly comes down to experience, personality, and the way people approach difficult situations. Some people tend to stay calm and look at a problem from several different angles, whereas others might panic and focus too much on the fact that something has gone wrong. Experience also plays a huge role because if you’ve dealt with similar problems before, you’re more likely to recognize patterns and come up with a solution quickly. That said, I don’t think being naturally intelligent is enough. Sometimes a person with average academic ability can be an excellent problem-solver simply because they’re practical, patient, and willing to think outside the box.
Do you think problem-solving skills can be learned?
Absolutely. I don’t think problem-solving is something you’re simply born with. Obviously, some people may have a natural tendency to think logically or creatively, but these skills can definitely be developed through practice. For example, if people regularly deal with challenging situations instead of immediately asking someone else to help them, they’ll gradually become more confident and independent. I also think making mistakes is an important part of the process. When you make a poor decision and understand why it didn’t work, you’re much less likely to repeat the same mistake in the future. So, in my view, problem-solving is very much a learnable skill.
Is creativity more important than intelligence when solving problems?
I wouldn’t say one is necessarily more important than the other, because they serve different purposes. Intelligence can help you understand a problem and analyze the information you’re given, while creativity allows you to come up with solutions that aren’t immediately obvious. If you’re dealing with a completely new or unusual problem, creativity might actually be more valuable because there may not be a standard solution available. On the other hand, creativity without good judgment can lead to impractical ideas. Ideally, I’d say the best problem-solvers combine analytical thinking with creativity.
Do intelligent people always make good decisions?
No, definitely not. Being intelligent doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re rational all the time. People can be highly intelligent but still make terrible decisions because emotions, personal biases, or pressure can affect their judgment. In fact, sometimes people who are extremely intelligent can overthink things and make a relatively simple decision more complicated than it needs to be. I think good decision-making requires more than intelligence. You need self-awareness, emotional control, and the ability to consider the consequences of your actions. So intelligence certainly helps, but it doesn’t guarantee good judgment.
Should schools teach students how to solve real-life problems?
Yes, definitely. I think traditional subjects are important, but students also need to know how to apply what they’ve learned to situations outside the classroom. For instance, schools could give students practical tasks involving budgeting, teamwork, decision-making, or dealing with unexpected situations. These kinds of activities would teach them how to think independently rather than simply memorize information for an exam. I think that’s particularly important nowadays because information is incredibly easy to access. What’s becoming more valuable is knowing how to evaluate information, identify a problem, and actually do something about it.
Has technology made it easier for people to solve problems?
Without a doubt. We now have instant access to an enormous amount of information, so problems that might have taken hours or even days to solve in the past can sometimes be dealt with in a matter of minutes. For example, if I don’t know how to fix something at home, I can find a tutorial online almost immediately. Technology has also made it much easier for people to collaborate, because they can communicate and share information regardless of where they are. However, I think there’s a downside, which is that people may become less willing to think for themselves if they can always rely on a search engine or an AI tool.
Do people rely too much on technology to solve problems nowadays?
In some ways, yes. Technology is incredibly convenient, so it’s tempting to use it even when we could solve a problem ourselves. For example, people often turn to search engines or AI for very simple questions that they could probably work out independently. The danger is that if we constantly outsource our thinking, we might gradually become less confident in our own ability to make decisions. Having said that, I don’t think using technology is inherently negative. The key is to use it as a tool rather than a substitute for critical thinking. Ideally, technology should enhance our abilities, not replace them.
Why are problem-solving skills important for leaders?
They’re essential because leaders are often responsible for making decisions when there isn’t an obvious answer. Whether you’re running a business or managing a team, unexpected problems are bound to come up, and a leader needs to remain calm and figure out the best course of action. Good problem-solving also helps leaders build trust. If employees see that their manager can handle difficult situations rationally instead of panicking or blaming other people, they’re much more likely to feel confident in that person. I’d also say that good leaders don’t necessarily solve every problem themselves. They know when to ask for advice and how to bring the right people together to find a solution.
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