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Skills Icon: Listening
Skills Icon: Speaking
Skills Icon: Problem Solving
Skills Icon: Creativity
Skills Icon: Adapting
Skills Icon: Planning
Skills Icon: Leadership
Skills Icon: Teamwork
Creative Problem Solving

Problem Solving

Receiving, retaining and processing information
Transmitting information or ideas
Finding solutions to challenges
Using imagination and generating new ideas
Overcoming challenges and setbacks to achieve goals
Setting goals and designing routes to achieve them
Supporting, encouraging and motivating others to achieve a shared goal
Working cooperatively with others to achieve a shared goal
Step
4
:

Finding information

I find information to complete a task

Core ideas

A

What it means to find information to complete a task

Finding information to complete a task means looking for details, instructions, or guidance that will help you do something correctly and efficiently. It involves gathering useful facts, checking sources, and making sure you understand what is needed before taking action.

Different types of information may be required, depending on the task. For example:

  • Step-by-step instructions: Clear guidance on how to do something.
  • Facts and figures: Data that helps with making decisions.
  • Rules or guidelines: Information on what is allowed or required.
  • Advice from others: Asking someone with experience or knowledge.

Finding the right information can make a task easier, quicker, and more effective.

B

Why and when to find information to complete a task

Finding information is important because it helps:

  • Ensure accuracy: Making sure the task is done correctly.
  • Save time: Preventing mistakes that could slow things down.
  • Increase confidence: Knowing what to do helps reduce stress or uncertainty.
  • Improve quality: Better information leads to better results.
  • Solve problems: If something is unclear, looking for information can help.

It is helpful to find information when:

  • Starting something new: If a task is unfamiliar, finding details before beginning can make it easier.
  • There are different options: Comparing information helps in choosing the best approach.
  • There are rules to follow: Checking for guidelines ensures things are done properly.
  • You are unsure about something: Finding the right details can remove confusion.

Without the right information, mistakes can happen, tasks may take longer, or results may not be as good as they could be.

C

How to find information to complete a task  

To find useful information, you can:

  • Read any instructions: Many tasks come with written steps or guides. Checking these first can help you understand what to do.
  • Ask someone who knows: If you are unsure, speaking to someone with experience can give you useful advice. This could be a person who has done the task before or someone who understands it well.
  • Use reliable sources: Not all information is correct. It is important to check trustworthy sources, such as official guides or experts, instead of guessing or relying on unclear details.
  • Break the task into smaller steps: Some tasks seem difficult at first. Splitting them into steps and finding information for each part can make them easier to understand.
  • Check more than one source: If you can find information in different places, comparing them can help make sure it is correct. This can prevent mistakes from using old or wrong details.
  • Write down key points: Taking notes can help you remember important information. This is useful if there are many steps or if you need to check the details later.

Using these methods can help you get the right information and complete a task well.

Assessment

Reflective questions for individuals can include:

  • What does it mean to find information you need to complete a task?
  • Why and when might you need to find information to complete a task?
  • How can you find the information you need to complete a task? 
  • When have you had to find information to complete a task and how did you do it?

Observation cues for trainers can include:

  • Is the individual able to identify information they need to complete a task?
  • Is the individual able to effectively find and use information to complete a task?

Evidence can include individuals’ self-reflections, evidence of completing a task that required them to seek and use additional information, and observations from others.

Ready to discover more?

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Skills Builder Hub

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Skills Builder Benchmark allows individuals to discover their own essential skills.

It’s free to get started, and is used by individuals, employers, educators and NGOs across the world.

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