Learn problem solving skills : Overview

It takes skills to implement processes. Based on a sound foundation of research in psychology and the social sciences, the CareerWISE Coach offers an array of skill-building modules. The personalized learning activities will help you build on your strengths, be resourceful, set priorities, make good decisions, and so much more. You may have found some of these skills modules as you followed the four Coach Problem-Solving Steps. Here you can select those that interest you.

Build On Your Strengths
Build On Your Strengths

Do you know what your strengths are? Most people are aware that they have some good characteristics, but often, there are many more strengths that are not recognized or appreciated. It is important to identify what your strong suits are, and to take advantage of them by developing and building upon your skill set…

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Keep a Positive Perspective

Do you see the glass half empty or half full? Keeping a positive outlook is one effective way to cope with conflicts and difficulties in graduate school. Keeping a Positive Perspective is a module about how to cultivate, apply, and maintain a positive attitude or “lens,” regardless of the circumstances.

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Consider Other Perspectives
Consider Other Perspectives

Interactions with people are murky with personal moods, intentions, agendas, and assumptions. Understanding others is key to having effective interactions. The perspective-taking skills discussed in this module will provide you with tools enabling you to consider situations from many points of view.

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Be Resourceful
Be Resourceful

Do you often feel lost in graduate school? Do you think the rules and procedures are often not very clear? Do you see yourself not always getting the help and support that you need? You are not alone. This module will assist you in being proactive in finding the opportunities, resources, and advice that will help…

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Set Priorities

Typically, problems do not occur in isolation; you are dealing with multiple issues at one time. Although you can’t solve everything at once, you can take control over how you will approach the multiple issues vying for your attention. This is a module that will assist you in becoming more strategic and effective…

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Set SMART Objectives
Set SMART Objectives

Do you know how to turn general concerns into specific, attainable objectives? Setting SMART objectives will help you clarify your priorities and organize the steps you need to meet a desirable outcome. This module will help you turn ambiguous goals or problems into solvable objectives.

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Use Brainstorming

You are probably accustomed to brainstorming about research topics or troubleshooting in the lab. Did you know that your brainstorming skills can and should be applied to interpersonal problems as well? This module will help you become more creative and open-minded as you generate alternative strategies to help…

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Show Reciprocity

Do you know the impact that showing reciprocity and gratitude may have on advisors and other stakeholders? Building a strong and effective relationship with your graduate advisor is a central component of your graduate school experience. It is essential to remember to show appreciation and gratitude for the efforts…

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Help Your Advisor Help You
Help Your Advisor Help You

By understanding how you interact with others and how you work best, you may be better able to select an advisor who will help lead you to success, or improve the relationship you have with your current advisor. This module will help you learn what you can do to help build a strong and effective relationship with…

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Make Good Decisions

What kind of a decision maker are you? Do you have difficulty making decisions? Do you let your emotions dictate your decisions? This module will help you learn how to choose among alternative strategies in order to make informed choices.

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Interpersonal Communication Styles
Interpersonal Communication Styles

Do you notice that you act in different ways around certain people? The more you know about interpersonal communication styles, the more you can deliberately choose to use a style or not, depending on the situation. This module is designed to help you learn the differences between interpersonal communication styles…

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Self Talk
Self Talk

“I think I can, I think I can!” What do you say to yourself silently? Is your self talk positive or negative? Negative self-talk habits can lead to a sense of hopelessness and even cause depression. Luckily poor self-talk habits can be broken. This module is designed to help you understand the function of self talk…

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