Personality significantly affects problem-solving style, the subject of this chapter. Problem-solving style is the overall pattern of how people tackle problems, the types of problem they choose, and their emotional relationship to problems. Rather than probing for the deep psychological reasons (motivations) behind different styles, I merely present them here and comment on their utility and limitations for different types of problem. Problem-solving style is particularly relevant for complex problems, because certain problem types are only solvable (or even identifiable) using certain styles. Some of the styles we will explore include the fault-finder, the visionary, the obsessive, the counter-puncher, the efficiency expert, the synthesizer, and the artiste. I conclude with a discussion of cognitive style, as it contrasts with emotional style.

The fault-finder

We normally think of fault-finding as a negative trait, and when dealing with people it generally is. When dealing with problems, however, fault-finding can be a very productive approach. Petroski (1992) points out that most inventors and industrial designers begin with a perception of some fault or deficiency in an existing object, and then devise an improvement to that device, tool, or product. One cannot readily improve upon an existing object if one cannot see the deficiencies in it. Inventors are typically driven to improve upon existing devices and to create new devices that do jobs that currently no device does well or at all. In this sense they are continuously dissatisfied.