In the EQ-i 2.0, Problem Solving is about using emotions effectively to solve problems and find practical solutions. In a work setting, this means staying clear-headed when challenges arise, working through issues without becoming overwhelmed, and focusing on what can be done rather than getting stuck in frustration, blame or avoidance.
People with stronger Problem Solving tend to handle challenge in a calm, practical way. They are usually better at separating emotion from action, thinking clearly under pressure and moving conversations towards useful next steps. If you want to develop this area, the goal is not to remove emotion from decision-making. It is to stop emotion from clouding judgement and use it more effectively when problems need to be solved.
1. Define the problem clearly
Before trying to solve anything, slow down and make sure you are solving the right problem. Ask yourself: What is actually happening here? What is the real issue?
Why it helps: Many people jump too quickly into solutions before they have defined the problem well.
- Tool: Write the problem in one sentence without blame, emotion or assumption.
- Further reading: A More Beautiful Question by Warren Berger.
- Podcast: HBR IdeaCast – episodes on decision-making and problem-solving.
- Video / TED: Tim Harford on slow problem-solving and adaptation.
2. Separate facts from feelings
When a problem appears, notice what is happening emotionally as well as practically. Then separate what you know from what you feel.
Why it helps: Emotions carry useful information, but they can also distort the picture if left unchecked.
- Tool: Divide a page into two columns: Facts and Interpretation.
- Further reading: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman.
- Podcast: The Knowledge Project – episodes on judgement and clear thinking.
- Video / TED: Daniel Kahneman or related talks on decision-making.
3. Focus on what you can influence
When a problem feels large, identify what sits within your control, what you can influence, and what is outside your reach.
Why it helps: Problem Solving improves when energy is directed towards action rather than frustration.
- Tool: Use three circles: Control, Influence, Concern. Put each part of the issue in the right place.
- Further reading: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey.
- Podcast: Coaching for Leaders – episodes on proactive leadership.
- Video / TED: Talks on agency, resilience and action.
4. Slow the emotional reaction
If a problem triggers frustration, anxiety or irritation, pause before reacting. Give yourself enough space to think clearly.
Why it helps: You solve problems better when you respond rather than react.
- Tool: Use a simple pause routine: stop, breathe, name the emotion, then decide the next step.
- Further reading: Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves.
- Podcast: The One You Feed – episodes on self-regulation and awareness.
- Video / TED: Susan David on emotional agility.
5. Move from complaint to question
When you catch yourself complaining, shift into a more useful question. Instead of “Why is this happening?” ask “What would improve this?”
Why it helps: Better questions lead to better thinking and more practical action.
- Tool: Turn every complaint into a “what” or “how” question.
- Further reading: The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier.
- Podcast: Coaching Real Leaders – episodes on practical leadership thinking.
- Video / TED: Talks on curiosity, reframing and better questions.
6. Break complex problems into smaller parts
If an issue feels too big, divide it into smaller pieces. Work out what is urgent, what is important and what can wait.
Why it helps: Problem Solving becomes easier when complexity is reduced into manageable parts.
- Tool: Break the issue into:
- the immediate problem
- the underlying issue
- the longer-term implication
- Further reading: The Pyramid Principle by Barbara Minto.
- Podcast: WorkLife with Adam Grant – episodes on thinking more clearly at work.
- Video / TED: Talks on structured thinking and simplifying complexity.
7. Bring in other perspectives early
Ask other people how they see the issue before locking into one view. This is especially useful when the problem involves people, tension or unclear assumptions.
Why it helps: Better problem solving often comes from broader perspective, not faster certainty.
- Tool: Ask three people: What do you think I may be missing here?
- Further reading: Decisive by Chip Heath and Dan Heath.
- Podcast: The Look & Sound of Leadership – episodes on perspective and better leadership choices.
- Video / TED: Margaret Heffernan on the value of disagreement and thinking together.
8. Identify the next useful step
Do not wait until you have the perfect solution. Ask: What is the next useful step that moves this forward?
Why it helps: Momentum builds confidence, and confidence supports better problem solving.
- Tool: End every problem-solving conversation with one clear next step, owner and timeline.
- Further reading: Atomic Habits by James Clear.
- Podcast: Beyond the To-Do List – episodes on action and follow-through.
- Video / TED: Talks on action, experimentation and progress.
9. Review how you solve problems under pressure
Notice your default style when things go wrong. Do you rush, avoid, overthink, blame or become overly controlling?
Why it helps: Problem Solving improves when you understand the patterns that reduce your effectiveness.
- Tool: After a difficult situation, ask:
What did I do first?
What helped?
What got in the way?
What would I do differently next time?
- Further reading: Black Box Thinking by Matthew Syed.
- Podcast: The Learning Leader Show – episodes on reflection and improvement.
- Video / TED: Amy Edmondson on learning from mistakes.
10. Build solution-focused habits into your team
Strong problem solving is not just individual. It is also cultural. Help your team move from blame and noise to clarity and action.
Why it helps: Workplaces with better problem-solving habits waste less energy and make better decisions.
Tool: In team discussions, use three prompts:
- What is the issue?
- What matters most here?
- What do we do next?
Further reading: The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni.
Podcast: At the Table with Patrick Lencioni – episodes on teamwork and clarity.
Video / TED: Talks on team effectiveness and practical leadership.
Why this matters for leaders
Leaders with stronger Problem Solving are often better at staying constructive when challenges arise. They help other people stay focused, avoid unnecessary drama and move more quickly towards useful action. That does not mean they always have the answer. It means they create the conditions for clearer thinking, steadier judgement and more effective decisions.
That matters because work is full of pressure, ambiguity and competing demands. If a leader cannot stay grounded and solution-focused when problems arise, it becomes much harder for the wider team to do the same.
A reflection question
When a problem appears at work, do you tend to bring clarity and momentum — or more frustration, urgency and noise?