The skills required to solve problems effectively seems to be in short supply in the 21st century. Monster.com reports in an article written by Liz Torres that millennials, despite being the most educated and tech-savvy generation ever, are the worlds least skilled people. And the skills they fall short in the most are literacy, math and problem-solving.
The mentioned statistics, like 99% of statistics, are based on Americans. They seem to be the subject of studies and research more than any other nation on earth. Are they more interesting than the rest of us? But I digress...
I deal with people daily who can only see one possible solution to the problem with which they are dealing. If that solution proves to be inadequate, they are stuck. Finding multiple ways to solve a problem and choosing the best option is really important to your success.
You need to have confidence in your ability to solve a problem. It is important that you know what to do when faced with a challenge that requires such skills and that you are able to approach it with confidence.
Confidence comes from having a good process to use when approaching a problem. With one, you can solve problems effectively and much faster. Without one, your solutions may be ineffective, or you'll get stuck and do nothing. This will often have painful consequences.
There are four basic steps in solving a problem.
It is impossible to solve the problem when you are unclear as to what the problem is. This will also complicate matters when you are a team working together. It is inevitable that different people will define the problem we are trying to solve differently. You could end up trying to solve completely different problems and as a result, create a new problem.
Define it clearly and concisely. Write it down. Come to a definite consensus as to what it is that you are trying to solve.
This is a brainstorming exercise. Each possible solution is not weighed and the pros and cons considered. You just list a number of options as they come to mind. The bottom line is that you need to consider multiple options. Don't stop after your first idea. You need at least two possibilities as different from one another as possible. I always aim for five with one or maybe two completely wacky ideas.
The chances are that your first idea may be very good, even good enough to be the solution you are seeking. However, you will only know this after considering alternatives.
Sometimes your whackiest idea becomes a great solution creating something new.
Armed with a list of possible solutions you now debate the pros and cons of each. Find reasons why each could work. Then find reasons why each will fail, even the one you think should be chosen. Often this discussion or internal conversation leads to a solution that is a hybrid of two others.
Whichever one you choose, you need to consider the cost and the reasons it may not work carefully.
Many great solutions fail due to ineffective implementation. Make your choice. Then work that solution hard. Sometimes you make the wrong choice but you implement so well that it works anyway.
Sometimes we get stuck in the debate. It is important but it has to end. When we have made the decision then the doing starts. We only evaluate again when we have worked the solution to the bone. Nothing will ever work if you pause every five minutes to ask, 'Is it working?' Or if you change direction too many times.
Work it hard!
Please share with us your thoughts in the comments.
@reonlouw