Solving Problems at Work

Everyone encounters challenges at work and in life, whether you are blind, have low vision, or are sighted. How you define a “problem” often depends on your perspective. What feels overwhelming to one person may seem minor to another. Understanding how you and your coworkers perceive a situation, and recognizing your own role in it, can make challenges easier to solve and relationships stronger. 

Photo of frustrated woman with arms folded
Photo of frustrated woman with arms folded

In the broadest sense, a problem is simply something that gets in the way of what you want to do. Maybe you planned to meet a friend for lunch, but your meeting ran late and you ran out of time. Or perhaps you have a project to finish before catching the last bus home. How do you adjust your plans or find an alternative solution? 

Everyone faces problems, big and small. Life is full of challenges waiting to be solved; it’s all part of the puzzle of living and working successfully. 

Problems as Decisions 

Sometimes what we call a “problem” is just a decision that needs to be made. The career exploration process, for instance, can be fraught with challenges. What job should you pursue? How do you prepare? What if it doesn’t work out? But these are all decisions that help shape your path toward meaningful employment. 

Identifying a Problem and Being Proactive 

When you are blind or have low vision or are fully sighted, workplace challenges arise even after you’ve secured employment. The key is to stay aware and proactive. For example, if your employer plans to introduce new software, take the initiative to research whether it’s compatible with your screen reader or magnification tools. Even if you don’t have all the answers, sharing what you find with your supervisor shows responsibility and problem-solving initiative. 

A Model for Problem-Solving Success 

The model below outlines a process for analyzing and resolving problems. It may look simple, but it takes thoughtful work and persistence. By following these steps, you can gain control over difficult or confusing situations, identify effective solutions, and move forward with confidence. 

Step 1: Self-Exploration 

Outcome Goal: Identify your problem 

Strategies: 

  • Think about what is bothering you. Can you clearly describe the problem? 
  • Write down how you feel and what seems to be wrong right now. 
  • Talk to someone you trust and ask for their perspective on identifying the difficulty. 
  • Describe the situation as objectively as possible. What behaviors, yours or others’, are contributing to the conflict or stress? 

Step 2: Understanding 

Outcome Goal: Develop a plan to solve the problem 

Strategies: 
Ask yourself: 

  1. How am I contributing to the problem? 
  1. How are others contributing? 
  1. How does the environment or situation play a role? 
  1. What has kept me from solving this so far? 

Then: 

  • Discuss the situation with people who care about you and get their perspectives on these questions. 
  • Review all your notes to determine what the problem truly is. 
  • Brainstorm possible solutions: ideas you’ve seen work for others or think might work for you. 
  • Capture every idea, even those that seem unrealistic at first. 
  • Read through your list and remove ideas that don’t make sense or feel impractical. 
  • Rank the remaining ideas from easiest to hardest to accomplish. 
  • Develop an action plan based on your ranked list. 

Step 3: Action 

Outcome Goal: Put your plan into motion 

Strategies for keeping up with your plan: 

  • Keep a written copy of your plan preferably on your personal device so you can update it easily. 
  • Share your plan with people you trust and ask them to help keep you accountable. 
  • Evaluate your progress regularly. Are you completing each step on schedule? 
  • Reward yourself after completing each milestone; small celebrations help build motivation. 
  • If progress slows, revisit your steps. Did you start with the easiest one? Is there another step that needs to come first? 
  • If you feel stuck, talk it out with someone who listens well. 
  • If you’re still struggling, return to the model: explore, understand, act. You may need to redefine the problem or identify another issue that must be solved first. 
  • Remember: don’t blame others. If something is bothering you, it’s your problem. And that means you have the power to solve it. 
  • Be patient with yourself. Progress takes time. 

Tips for Maintaining and Monitoring Your Plan 

  1. Put today’s date on your plan. 
  1. Start with the easiest step and give it start and finish dates. 
  1. Assign dates for each step, knowing you can adjust them as needed. 
  1. Share your plan with key people who can help you stay on track. 
  1. Define how you’ll know when you’ve accomplished your goal. 
  1. Plan how you’ll reward yourself at the end: maybe a favorite book, a walk in the park, or another small treat. 

Final Thoughts 

Problem-solving is a skill that improves with practice. Each challenge you face builds your confidence, adaptability, and independence. Take it one step at a time, keep your focus on growth, and remember—you’ve got this. 

Good luck, and happy problem-solving! 

Learn More 

Time Management & Organization Tips for Blind/Low Vision Job Seekers  – ConnectCenter

Executive Functioning as a Blind Worker – ConnectCenter

 

    Share This: