December 8, 2022
Emotional intelligence enables youth to have positive interactions with others, to anticipate their feelings and to experience appropriate levels of empathy. So, what then is problem solving in relation to emotional intelligence? According to Albert Einstein, “We cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them”. Problem solving enables you to identify and define problems then get and implement potentially effective solutions. It also includes the ability to understand how emotions affect decision making. This trait is much more about your ability to solve a problem and not let it affect you and the people around you. One needs therefore to work through the problem in a calm and simple manner.
Does it take a lot of emotional effort to solve a problem?
In cases where the problem is complex, one may have to use several emotions like patience, reflection and visualising several solutions before one takes the most logical solution to a problem.
For example, at the just ended leadership training of Makerere University Mastercard Foundation scholars’ program, several student leaders shared that they listen patiently to peer students who pressurise them to solve stress related problems like inadequate finances, relationships or security. Then they counsel them by asking them to reduce stress on themselves through exercise, reading, networking and then go ahead to think through possible solutions. Thereafter you take on the best possible solution in the circumstances.
When Problem Solving is operating well then you will use your emotions to:
- Take in enough information to make informed conclusions, but not so many details that you are overwhelmed.
- Keep a clear head on the pertinent issues, without becoming frustrated.
- Generate motivation for others to act in a way that will achieve goals.
- Likely to take action.
When Problem Solving is low you:
- May prefer others to make decisions for you.
- May struggle to keep a clear focus on the situation at hand.
- Much of your time and energy maybe spent worrying about decisions rather than trying to solve them.
- May prefer to deal with impractical problems rather than people.
Developing skills around Problem Solving
During Learning Cog’s Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Masterclass, starting with ‘Self-Perception’, you must assess you own emotional intelligence and how to develop your EQ awareness. Here in this blog I have added some areas to think about when developing Problem Solving.
Question 1:
How did youth manage their finances during the lockdown caused by the pandemic?
During the covid- 109 pandemic, we carried out training sessions to youth and children. The youth had problems such as lack of finances to use during this period. We requested them to identify the problems, write them down and then put down several answers on how they could solve these problems. Juliana a 22-year-old student pursuing her CPA shared that when tackling of financial problems, she would put herself in a serious, decisive mood and examine at how much finances she had, how much she expected to get after a certain period of time and how she can think outside the box to create opportunities for herself to make some money.
Question 2:
How can parents help their children learn how to manage finance?
During this month of April, youth returned home from school, some from boarding schools others were day scholars. A few tips on how to tackle financial challenges using finances using emotional intelligence at the beginning of holidays include:
- Engage your children during these holidays in all types of problem-solving. This week if kids are having trouble handling finances in boarding school train them the best way they can manage them.
- Observation as a means to learn how others solve similar problems.
- Who do you know who is good in their problem solving?
- What do they actually do to solve problems (list the steps)?
- How do they go about finding out information about the problem, in order to get a complete picture?
- When trying to solve the problem, how much time are they talking and how much time do they allow others to talk?
- Think and Reflect
- Doing. Actually, go ahead to solve the problem.
The basics of spending and saving
Every parent wants their child to be financially responsible, and one of the best ways to do that is to teach them the basics of spending and saving from a young age. Explain to them how important it is to save up for things they want, and help them set up savings goals. At the same time, teach them about responsible spending – show them how to compare prices and look for the cheapest but durable solution in the circumstances.
The importance of budgeting
A big part of financial responsibility is learning how to budget properly. Help your child set up a budget and track their spending, so they can see where their money is going each month. This will help them make more informed decisions about their spending, and learn to stick to a budget in the future.
The value of investing
Investing is a great way to grow your money over time, and it’s something that everyone should start doing as early as possible. Explain to your child how investing works, and help them set up a simple investment account. This will teach them about the importance of saving for the future, and how to grow their money over time.
The basics of credit and borrowing
Credit and borrowing are a part of life, but it’s important to understand the basics before using them. Teach your child about interest rates, late fees, and other charges that come with borrowing money. And explain to them how important it is to only borrow what they can afford to pay back.
The importance of financial planning
One of the most important lessons you can teach your child is the importance of financial planning. Help them understand the importance of setting goals and creating a plan to reach those goals. This will teach them how to map out their financial future, and make better decisions with their money.
The basics of giving back
Teaching your children the importance of giving back is one of the most important lessons you can teach them. Help them understand how they can use their money to make a difference in the world, and encourage them to give back to causes they care about.
Every parent wants what is best for their children. One of the best ways is to teach them money management from a young age. This ensures they have a great knowledge of budgeting, savings, and finance early on. These lessons on money help them develop financially healthy habits.
