Good Topic...well I think so anyway

I think problem solving is a key skill and is something I rate quite highly in an individual. It shows a methodical approach and a positive attitude to work.

My approach to problem solving is indeed that there must be a way to do something. You just have to know where to look. So use all the resources available to you. Use your peers on various forums for any pointers (you won't always find the exact answer you want). Use Google and read plenty of technical articles. Check for any errors and again investigate. Try a simple less efficient approach to get a solution then work on making it better.

It sounds simple but I have lost count the number of times I have been told about a failed job or process followed by "What shall I do?". At this point I try to encourage the person to follow the points in the paragraph above, even if I have an idea (and depending on the urgency).

Problem solving is a skill, some are born with it, some have to work at it.