People Who Are Exceptionally Good At Solving Problems Usually Say 9 Phrases In Casual Conversation
Photoroyalty | Shutterstock Solving problems isn’t an ability everyone has naturally. Personally, I can get frazzled in high-stress situations while others can keep a cool head and comfort people with a calm conversational style.
A natural problem solver can take control when things aren’t going as planned and find a solution. By approaching situations calmly, they get to the bottom of a conflict while using specific language.
Phrases natural problem-solvers say that give away their exceptional skills:
1. ‘What can we control?’
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I am not the type of person who can let go of things I can’t control. I constantly feel like I have to get to the bottom of something and solve a problem, even if there is nothing I can do. What works best in these situations is letting go of what is out of your control and working through what you can. Although I know this, putting it into action is another story.
Natural problem-solvers can help you look at things differently. They know that focusing on what’s in your control leads to positive outcomes. By conquering those things first, you can approach a problem with a different outlook.
2. ‘Let’s go over everything we know so far’
Sometimes, all it takes to feel a bit of weight off your shoulders is to lay it all out. What’s going on, and what can you do about it? When someone is good at getting to the bottom of problems, they encourage others to take a good look at what’s stressing them out. What can they work on first to bring peace of mind?
Solving a problem requires identifying it. Some people are exceptionally good at not only identifying but also creating strategies to work through them more easily. With a clear headspace, they feel less overwhelmed by the situation.
3. ‘We’ll get to the root of it’
It’s much easier to deflect our problems onto other people. Often, finding the root of the problem takes serious self-reflection. Problem-solvers aren’t afraid to look at the little details to get to the bottom of what’s going on. When helping others through a problem, they can use their skills to help them understand the situation better. They’ll work to fix an issue from its core.
Without getting to the root of a problem, we become stuck in a cycle of victimhood. It can leave people feeling like nothing ever goes right for them. Real problem-solving starts with vulnerability, and being reminded of that in conversation can start the process.
4. ‘What if we looked at it from another perspective?’
When you’re caught up in something difficult, it can be impossible to look at the situation from another perspective. We get so caught up in our emotions that we don’t see a way out. Adopting strong problem-solving skills requires you to flip the script. Sure, don’t be naive, but how you consider a problem can change how you conquer it. Sometimes, a simple shift in thinking can make a difference.
This problem-solving approach is especially helpful when dealing with conflicts. Taking on someone else’s perspective can help you understand where they are coming from. It’s also beneficial to encourage them to do the same. This technique may settle disagreements more easily.
5. ‘Let’s go over the next steps’
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Working through a problem isn’t easy, but we all know that. Once it’s identified, working through and moving forward can feel daunting. The next steps can be hard to figure out. Exceptional problem-solvers can slow a conversation down and work to identify the issue thoroughly.
It’s common to take steps to work through a problem. Forming a strategy is a major part of the process. This requires coming up with as many options as possible. Talking through a solution once settled can ease the anxiety of everyone involved.
6. ‘We can always try something else’
Sometimes, people can become married to a solution when it no longer works for the problem. It can be hard to ditch the idea of what the so-called right way is to work through something. Natural problem-solvers aren’t afraid to admit that things may not work out perfectly, but it’s okay to start over. When talking with someone, they may use this phrase to reassure them that everything will work out in the end, no matter which approach they take to solve their problems.
When something doesn’t go as planned, it’s common to feel gutted. It can seem like there is no way to move forward. However, trying again can be liberating. Coping with failure can feel impossible, but there are always other solutions available to start over.
7. ‘Let’s take a breather’
When tensions are high, we can get caught up in arguing until there is no air left in the room. Once it gets to that point, finding a solution isn’t easy. It can eventually prevent one from forming entirely. Problem-solving skills can be difficult to tap into when emotions are high. However, some people have the incredible ability to keep a cool head and advocate for their space.
This isn’t exclusive to arguments. Sometimes, someone may be struggling because they are overwhelmed by what’s going on. Using this phrase can allow them to approach the problem with a clearer mind after stepping away for a bit. With slow breathing, they can help themselves calm down.
8. ‘We’ll find the simplest solution’
Sometimes, we spend too much time trying to think of the best way to solve a problem. It can become overwhelming. When tensions are high, it can create a cycle where nothing is solved because everyone has conflicting ideas of what is correct. Often, the simplest solution can be all it takes to settle the score.
For natural problem-solvers, this could mean validating how someone else feels to end the disagreement. Being the bigger person can be the only solution in some cases. Or, simply talking through the issue may be enough for everyone involved.
9. ‘Are we missing something?’
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Has someone ever come to you with a problem and you couldn’t understand what was going on? It seemed like there was more to the story than they were telling. What is the real reason that person is upset, or why you really have a problem with what’s going on? It all seems confusing. Problem-solving starts by asking what’s going on and what’s being missed during difficult conversations.
They may be lying by omission, strategically holding back details that make them look bad. If someone is capable of getting more information out of them, they may be able to solve the issue more effectively.
Haley Van Horn is a freelance writer with a master’s degree in Humanities living in Los Angeles. Her focus includes entertainment and lifestyle stories.
