Problem Solving!

Jack London, the author of The Call of the Wild, and many other unforgettable books said, “you can’t wait for inspiration. You must go after it with a club.”

For many of us, it is time to inject that level of energy and power into how we problem solve.

We are drowning in real-time and virtual overload. We move from Zoom call to Slack conversation, to Teams meetings with few actionable takeaways.  While interaction is easier than ever, value and solutions creating collaboration is not! We spend too much time on pointless interactions that drain energy.

Research by the Association for Psychological Science (APS) shows that in problem solving, “two heads are better than one but after that more heads produce diminishing returns. “

Quality problem solving is the ability to think through situations and come up with optimal courses of action. Winning in the “next normal” will require more focus on collaboration. There are three broad categories of collaborative interactions: information sharing, creative solutions, and decision making. There is also an art to avoiding unnecessary interactions.

Most times missed opportunities are the result of poor problem-solving skills.

First, it is critical to recognize and embrace the problem. “Problems are …wake up calls for creativity” (Gschwendtner). Choose the right problem!

Second research is critical. It is formalized curiosity. Poking and prying with a purpose. (Hurston)

Third, communication is at the forefront. You need to be able to explain the problem you want to solve to others. Break it into bite-sized pieces.

Fourth is teamwork. This is a touchy area when it comes to team size. Two is optimum but you try not to overlook unique perspectives, and skill sets. It is in well-managed teamwork that solutions are often found.

Finally, is decision making. Good decision-making focuses on solving the problem rather than wasting time endlessly debating the options.

Problem solving is an art that requires courage, action, practice, and determination. Fortunately, the payoff is worth it!