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Be Better Problem Solver
To be a better problem solver, start with
these three simple steps:
1. Learn some good problem solving techniques
and approaches. The more of these you know, the better problem
solver you can be.
2. Practice using the techniques repeatedly,
until they become habit. This is the "programming"
of your mind, and it assures the power of your subconscious will
be there to help you.
3. Let many ideas to flow forth. Discard
ideas later, or make them into something useful, but you have
to have ideas first - and the more the better. Just suspend your
judgment or any critical impulses until you have a list of possible
solutions to look over.
Problem Solver Tools
As a problem solver, the tools you'll use
are various techniques and approaches. As noted above, the more
you know, the better your odds of finding creative and useful
solutions to problems. With that in mind, here is one to get
you started.
Clarify Problems
Ever stop in the middle of a project to
ask "What exactly are we trying to do here?" Vague
problems are tough to solve, aren't they? For example, if you
are unhappy with your house, and you want to effectively solve
that problem, you need to identify the specific things you are
unhappy about.
My ebook: Problem
Solving Power
- Two dozen effective and fun techniques.
Suppose you were assigned the project of
designing a better employee scheduling system for your employer.
What's better, fewer hours on the payroll, or a schedule that
makes for happier employees? These are the kinds of questions
you would need to ask.
To be an eefective problem solver you need
to make clarifying problems a habit. Ask the right questions.
How do you do that? You could start by asking any question you
can think of. This can work, although it may tend to waste time.
It is better to identify the key elements
of the problem. Ask "why do I care?," or "why
is this problem important?" These questions not only clarify
the problem itself, but can help to determine which problems
you need to be working on first.
Work up and down the hierarchy of values
to clarify what the problem is. Suppose you start with the problem
of "where to go on vacation." Ask why you need to solve
this. The answer might be the more important value of "I
want to have a good vacation." Approaching the problem at
this level may yield other solutions that resolve the "where"
or make it less important.
Questioning the need for a good vacation
can lead to the more important value of "having a good life."
On that level, some people may find that their vacations are
an escape from an unsatisfactory job. Looking for a better career
may be the more important task. You might just get back to choosing
a vacation destination, but this process can help clarify why
the problem needs to be solved, and suggest new ways to do that.
Clarify what the problem is, and which
is the most urgent or important problem. This is a great way
to be a better problem solver. Why not add it to your arsenal
of problem solving skills.
Increase Brain Power | Be Better Problem
Solver |