The ability to solve problems effectively is essential in fast-paced work environments. Yet many traditional problem-solving approaches fall short. Why? They often overlook the emotional, cognitive, and interpersonal layers that shape how we respond to issues at work.
Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) offers a fresh, empowering approach that taps into the best of who we are, our character strengths, and how to stay grounded and focused even in the midst of complex challenges.
This article explores how MBSP can improve problem solving in the workplace by helping individuals, teams, and organizations build the awareness, resilience, and collaboration needed to generate meaningful solutions.
Why Traditional Problem-Solving Strategies Often Fall Short
We’ve all been there—stuck in endless meetings, hashing out problems without ever quite landing on the right solution. Despite best efforts, the problem solving process can fall flat when it’s disconnected from the deeper human elements that drive real change.
Common Cognitive Biases and Stress Barriers
Many problem solving strategies fail to account for the hidden biases that cloud judgment. Under pressure, employees may default to habitual ways of thinking—confirmation bias, overconfidence, or groupthink—rather than tapping into their full creative or critical thinking capacity.
Add workplace stress to the mix, and it becomes even harder to assess situations clearly, make sound decisions, or collaborate with others.
Lack of Attention to Emotional Intelligence and Strengths
Traditional approaches also tend to ignore emotional intelligence—the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions and those of others.1 When problem solving in the workplace lacks emotional insight, solutions can feel forced, disconnected, or even harmful.
What’s often missing is a clear recognition of the strengths individuals bring to the table and how those strengths can be used to solve problems more effectively.
Introducing MBSP as a Solution-Focused Approach
Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) offers a powerful, science-backed way to build grounded and flexible problem-resolution skills. Developed by Dr. Ryan Niemiec at the VIA Institute on Character, MBSP is designed to help people apply their signature strengths mindfully to improve well-being and solve workplace challenges with greater clarity and resilience.
Overview of Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP)
MBSP integrates mindfulness techniques, like focused breathing and body awareness, with character strengths such as kindness, curiosity, and perseverance. This unique approach allows individuals to pause, reflect, and respond to problems thoughtfully instead of reacting on autopilot. By recognizing and intentionally using our best qualities, we can shift from reactive problem-solving to strategic, strengths-based action.
Integration of Mindfulness and Character Strengths for Problem Resolution
MBSP helps people develop problem solving skills by deepening self-awareness and promoting balanced decision-making. Mindfulness brings presence to the moment, while strengths empower action. Together, they foster emotional regulation, thoughtful assessment, and meaningful engagement. These are all vital for generating lasting solutions.
How MBSP Enhances Problem-Solving Skills
The benefits of MBSP go far beyond stress relief. When applied consistently, it equips employees and teams with practical tools for navigating complex workplace challenges, promoting collaboration, and sparking innovative ideas.
1. Strengths-Based Mindfulness for Clarity and Creativity
One of the most transformative aspects of MBSP is how it sharpens our ability to focus and think creatively under pressure. By practicing mindfulness, individuals learn to slow down racing thoughts and observe the problem without judgment. When paired with a strengths-based lens, this clarity allows for more original solutions to emerge.
2. Managing Stress and Emotions During Challenges
Mindful awareness is a powerful way to reduce stress at work—a key factor in improving problem solving capacity. MBSP teaches techniques for noticing emotional reactions without becoming overwhelmed, making it easier to respond with intention. This emotional regulation is especially critical during conflict, uncertainty, or tight deadlines.
3. Building Positive Workplace Relationships to Facilitate Solutions
Great problem solvers don’t work in silos—they build strong relationships. MBSP enhances interpersonal skills by encouraging empathy, compassion, and effective communication. These qualities support teamwork, increase trust, and help create strengths-based workplaces where people feel valued and heard. The result? Stronger collaboration and faster, more effective problem resolution.
Scientific and Anecdotal Support for MBSP’s Impact
MBSP is backed by research and real-world application. Studies show that integrating mindfulness and character strengths leads to measurable improvements in well-being, resilience, and problem solving skills, which is a great way to find job satisfaction.
Case Studies from Niemiec & Lissing (2016) on MBSP in Organizations
In their landmark chapter on MBSP, Niemiec and Lissing (2016)2 describe how the method has been applied in business settings to foster emotional intelligence, better decision-making, and improved team dynamics.
In one organization, MBSP led to increased employee satisfaction and sharper problem resolution skills. In another, a team navigating a project delay used MBSP to reduce stress at work and brainstorm innovative solutions rooted in their collective strengths.
Reports of Improved Well-Being and Problem Management
Beyond hard metrics, MBSP participants consistently report feeling more equipped to handle challenges, communicate effectively, and stay optimistic when facing workplace issues. Many share stories of how the practice helped them approach difficult conversations, manage conflict, and stay grounded through periods of change.
Practical Steps to Apply MBSP for Better Problem-Solving at Work
So how do you bring MBSP into your daily work routine? Start small, stay consistent, and focus on practical applications. Here are several actionable ways to begin:
1. Mindful Strengths Identification During Problem Assessment Before diving into solutions, pause and assess the problem mindfully. Ask yourself: What strengths might help here? Is it fairness, teamwork, or creativity? Identifying your top strengths brings self-awareness into the problem solving process, helping you choose a more effective approach.
2. Use Character Strengths to Generate and Evaluate Solutions When brainstorming, consciously call on your strengths. Use perspective to see the bigger picture, or bravery to propose bold ideas. Then, tap into judgment and prudence to evaluate those options carefully. This blend of strengths fuels smart, balanced decision-making.
3. Cultivate Resilience and Positive Outlook Through MBSP The more you practice MBSP, the more you’ll build emotional resilience. By approaching each problem with curiosity and kindness, you’ll foster a more optimistic mindset—an essential part of becoming a better problem solver. This resilience not only supports individual growth but also boosts team morale and fosters a more adaptive workplace culture.
Overcoming Challenges and Sustaining MBSP Practices
Like any development tool, MBSP isn’t without its hurdles. But with intention and support, you can make it a lasting part of your personal and professional toolkit.
Below are some of the common challenges and the effective problem solving strategies:
- “I don’t have time.” Time is the most common concern. The solution? Start small. Take a two-minute breathing break before a meeting, or reflect on a recent strength-based success during your commute. These micro-practices build momentum and help improve job performance in subtle but lasting ways.
- “This feels too soft for the workplace.” Some may dismiss MBSP as not business-focused enough. Reframe it. Emphasize how MBSP supports productivity, collaboration, and problem solving in the workplace. When people see it as a results-driven approach, perceptions begin to shift.
- “I’m not sure I’m doing it right.” MBSP isn’t about perfection but more about consistency. Encourage employees to explore practices that fit their style and needs. Sharing examples of how others improve job performance through strengths-based habits can ease uncertainty and inspire action.
- “It fades over time.” Like any habit, MBSP needs reinforcement. Keep it alive through team reflections, strengths shout-outs in meetings, or regular journaling. These small nudges help maintain focus and support better engagement and problem solving over the long term.
Encouraging Ongoing Mindfulness and Strengths Use
To sustain MBSP, employers and leaders can model its use and build it into team rituals. Start meetings with a moment of mindfulness, celebrate strengths during recognition moments, or weave character strengths into project planning and review sessions. When people see its value, they’ll be more likely to integrate it into their daily routines.
How To Become A Better Problem Solver at Work
Problem solving in the workplace isn’t just about logic—it’s about presence, purpose, and people. By combining the grounded awareness of mindfulness with the empowering force of character strengths, MBSP helps individuals and teams unlock more effective, compassionate, and lasting solutions.
Whether you're a team member trying to navigate day-to-day issues or a leader looking to inspire creative collaboration, MBSP gives you the tools to not just solve problems, but to grow from them. Bring out the best in your team and build a strengths-based culture of resilience and success with VIA Institute. Our Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) can help you transform the way you work.