Problem Solving

Though we, as humans, typically dislike ambiguity, it is common in the business world. It is an expectation that we have developed our problem-solving skills and the ability to complete a project without receiving step by step directions that teach us how. Though the task at hand may seem daunting at first, more often than not, common sense and google will be enough to complete it successfully. 

 

An important aspect of effective problem solving is taking advantage of available resources, including people, places, and technology, just to name a few. Exercising one's creative juices and thinking outside of the box will lead to individualization and, ultimately, success in the work place, as it will be easy to differentiate yourself from your peers if you bring unique thoughts and solutions to the discussion. 

 

Many people in this day and age struggle when it comes to problem solving. This unfortunate reality can be an advantage for those seeking to move up the food chain, so to speak, because this characteristic enhances value and uniqueness.

 

Speaking from experience, working with an individual that exhibits well-developed problem-solving skills and shows initiative is underrated. Possessing these skills will make you someone that others want to work with, which is an extremely profound compliment.

 

During my first summer internship with Greenbriar Restaurant Holdings, I was assigned a data analytics project revolving around non-alcoholic beverages offered in the restaurant. My boss assigned me the task of determining whether or not consumption aligned with the profits the business was earning. I was to analyze waste, shrinkage, etc. There was speculation that customers were asking for a water cup and drinking soda or bringing their own beverages, employees were consuming excessive amounts during their shift, or that we were not receiving the amount of product that we ordered. Though I was provided access to our US Foods account in order to evaluate our purchase history, I was given very little instruction aside from that. Given I had hardly wrapped up my first semester as a college student, I had nowhere near the knowledge nor confidence necessary to complete this task. However, I recognized this as a learning experience and chance to impress my boss. I sought out a variety of external sources, from google to scholarly articles to various databases I had heard of in passing in order to get my bearings. Additionally, I used what little knowledge of Excel I had at the time to at least get started and put forth my best effort. After exhausting all of my options, I sought help from my superior with direct, pointed questions that demonstrated the thought I had put into the project thus far. With clarification on where to go next and information regarding a few key formulas, I was able to work my way through this monstrosity of a project. In the end, I discovered that our employees were the ultimate source of the loss. In an effort to resolve this issue, I proposed that employees be allowed 1 cup with 2 refills per shift, after which they must pay. When I returned to Greenbriar this summer, I was pleased to discover that this has proven to be effective for the business. Previously, employees were simply unaware of the amount they were dispensing and subsequently wasting, so the project was rather eye opening for all parties involved. 

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