Functional fixedness is a cognitive bias that prevents an individual from finding solutions to problems that require innovative thinking. For example, while a hammer can be used to drive a nail into the wall, it can also be used to straighten car dents and break up concrete.

Functional fixedness can be overcome through attempts at recombination, such as the generic parts technique that breaks objects into individual, generically identified components.

Functional fixedness is a type of cognitive bias that involves a tendency to see objects as only working in a particular way. 1 For example, you might view a thumbtack as something that can only be used to hold paper to a corkboard.

Functional Fixedness comes from people thinking that an object has only one function. Unnecessary Constraints links to trying to solve a problem using previous experience of what has worked in a situation and trying to force it to work in the current situation, rather than looking for a new solution.

Six step guide to help you solve problems

1. Step 1: Identify and define the problem. State the problem as clearly as possible.
2. Step 2: Generate possible solutions.
3. Step 3: Evaluate alternatives.
4. Step 4: Decide on a solution.
5. Step 5: Implement the solution.
6. Step 6: Evaluate the outcome.

The Four P’s to Problem Solving. Prep, Plan, Perform & Perfect | by Mat Helme | Medium.

How to Improve Your Problem-Solving Skills

1. IDENTIFY the problem.
2. DEFINE the main elements of the problem.
3. EXAMINE possible solutions.
4. ACT on resolving the problem.
5. LOOK for lessons to learn.

Problem-solving skills help you determine why an issue is happening and how to resolve that issue. It’s one of the key skills that employers seek in job applicants. Problem-solving starts with identifying the issue, coming up with solutions, implementing those solutions, and evaluating their effectiveness.

Here are a few skills that you can list on your resume to showcase your problem-solving skills:

1. #1: Analysis. The first step in solving any problem is to identify the exact issue that you are dealing with.
2. #2: Evaluation.
3. #3: Communication.
4. #4: Decision-Making.
5. #5: Creativity.

Guess and check

Connect your personal strengths to the supporting examples. Choose examples that help highlight your personality. Provide specific details about the event and your response to it. Come to the interview prepared with a few specific examples of situations where you were in charge of solving problems at work.

• 3 Questions That Will Solve Any Problem Creatively. It was once said that the solution to any problem lies in asking the right question. Here are three.
• How? How is this a problem? Is it really a problem?
• What? What should you do to solve the problem?

8 steps to problem solving

1. Define the problem. What exactly is going on?
2. Set some goals.
3. Brainstorm possible solutions.
4. Rule out any obvious poor options.
5. Examine the consequences.
6. Identify the best solutions.
7. Put your solutions into practice.
8. How did it go?