As a manager, I can tell you that one of the most valuable skills you can develop isn’t a technical expertise or a specific certification; it’s the ability to find answers on your own. When people approach me with questions they haven’t tried to solve first, it’s not just frustrating—it signals a missed opportunity for them to build their own toolkit for independence and growth.
Being self-reliant and resourceful is a game-changer in any job. For me, it’s been a core habit that has propelled my career forward and increased my productivity. Here’s why the ability to solve your own problems is so important, plus some practical tips on searching effectively so you’re empowered to answer almost anything.
Why It Matters to Solve Problems Independently
- It Builds Confidence and Competence
There’s a certain satisfaction in knowing you can find your own answers. Each time you tackle a problem alone, you’re building knowledge and self-assurance. Plus, it’s a competence loop—the more you solve, the better you get at solving. - It Saves Time and Resources
In a fast-paced work environment, every minute counts. When you know how to search for answers, you can bypass the back-and-forth of asking others, waiting for responses, or scheduling meetings for things you could discover yourself in minutes. - It Signals Self-Leadership
Leaders are problem solvers by nature. Demonstrating that you can find answers independently tells your team that you take ownership of your role. You don’t wait for solutions to be handed to you; you create them, which is a quality that’s both respected and valued.
Techniques for Finding Your Own Answers
1. Google Search: The Ultimate Resource (When You Use It Right)
Google is often the quickest way to gather information—but it’s not just about typing in a question and hoping for the best. Effective search is about strategy:
- Use Keywords Smartly
Be specific with keywords to filter out irrelevant information. If you’re looking for a software solution, try combining terms, like [software name] feature troubleshooting or [issue] fix for Mac. Adding keywords like guide, tutorial, or step-by-step can bring up more targeted results. - Use Quotation Marks for Exact Phrases
If you’re trying to find an exact answer or a specific phrase, putting your search terms in quotes can limit results to exactly what you want. For example, search “integrating CRM with email marketing” to see only pages that use that exact phrase. - Site-Specific Searches
Sometimes, you want information from a particular source. To limit your search to a specific website, use site:[website].com before your keywords. For example, if you want to find a Zoom-related topic on their official site, search site:zoom.us screen sharing issues.
Pro Tip: Google is often updated by the minute, so if you’re looking for recent information, go to Tools under the search bar and filter results by Past week or Past month for the most current answers.
2. Searching Your Gmail Inbox: Quick Tips for Relevant Results
When working on projects, emails contain so much useful information that it’s essential to know how to find what you need quickly:
- Keyword + “Label” Filtering
If you use labels for different projects or clients, combine keywords with labels to narrow your search. For example, if you’re trying to find a specific message from your “Marketing” label, type label:marketing [keyword] in the Gmail search bar. - Using “From:” and “To:” Filters
If you remember who sent the information, use from:[name or email] or to:[name or email] in combination with your keywords. This is especially useful if you’re looking for information shared within a particular email chain or team. - Date Range for Older Emails
If you know approximately when the email was sent, click the down arrow in the search bar and use Date within to search within a specific timeframe. This is a lifesaver for pulling up old information.
Pro Tip: Use the has:attachment filter if you remember there was a file attached to the email. This helps to limit results only to those with attachments.
3. Searching Text Messages: Organizing by Contacts and Keywords
When you need to find a conversation in your texts, especially with clients or team members, it’s all about keywords and context.
- Keyword Search
On most smartphones, you can search within your text messages by simply typing in a keyword. Try variations of the word if you’re not finding what you need on the first try. - Organize by Contact
Instead of scrolling through random messages, focus on finding specific threads with certain contacts. Use the search function to filter by contact name or even group chats for context. If you recall a keyword in the conversation (like “deadline” or “login”), pair that with the contact name for quicker results.
Know When to Ask for Help (and When Not To)
There’s a balance to this practice: knowing when to keep digging on your own and when to reach out. The best approach is to exhaust all available options before turning to someone else. Before asking, ask yourself:
- Did I try at least three different sources for this information?
- Have I tried rephrasing my search terms or digging into past messages?
- Am I absolutely stuck, or can I try something else before I reach out?
If the answer is yes and you’ve really hit a wall, that’s the time to ask for help. But if you’re asking as a shortcut or because it feels easier than looking yourself, take it as an opportunity to practice self-reliance.
Wrapping Up: Make Resourcefulness Your Superpower
In every industry, the ability to find answers independently is an invaluable skill that sets strong team members apart. It’s one of the most subtle, yet powerful, drivers of professional growth. When you can find solutions on your own, you don’t just become more productive—you become someone who can be relied upon to navigate challenges and think critically. So, the next time you encounter a problem, exhaust every resource first, and see how much you’re capable of finding on your own.
This self-reliance isn’t just a career skill; it’s a mindset that builds confidence and problem-solving muscle that will serve you in every role and responsibility you take on.