Let’s Crack This: A Simple Approach to Problem Solving
Ever faced a problem that made you want to pull your hair out? We’ve all been there. Faced with a challenge, big or small, it can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, you don’t need a fancy degree or a magic wand to find a solution.
“Be hard on the problem, soft on people.” This powerful mantra reminds us to approach challenges with determination and focus while maintaining empathy and respect for those involved.
This article was inspired by a TikTok video featuring learners who wrote their matric (South African high school leaving exams) in 2024. They expressed concerns about the integrity of their results, which has caused uncertainty about their futures. It’s a heartbreaking situation and my heart goes out to these young people and the school management team.
My wish for the learners, parents, educators and the management team is to have a facilitator who believes in problem-solving methodology in an education setting. This facilitator should believe that the first response is to structure a problem-solving team that includes a representative of their Learner Profiles and a relevant representative of external stakeholders in the ecosystem.
Myth: Problem-solving is exclusive to process engineering or manufacturing environments; Truth: it is a universal approach that can be applied effectively in educational settings as well.
I first discovered a deep love for problem-solving methodology at an engineering company. Can you imagine the problems (delights for me!) in an environment that houses 12 plastic injection molding machines, a foundry, an assembly line and a webbing line? Working with machine setters and navigating the complexities of production, I learned that you need to love crafting questions, love knowing and love understanding all of which requires thinking. I’m just realising why, as a child, I may have come across as challenging at home or in the classroom and why perhaps I can be perceived as a nuisance or someone to avoid (lol!). I see the “Don’t come for me” look on the faces of people when I begin a conversation based on curious questions. Zap! Pow! I’m here to vanquish those pesky business problems together with you!
According to Samuel Rodenhizer in their article “Thoughts That Show Us The Way” on Quotation Celebration:
Thinking is the key to problem solving Voltaire was a thinker himself. He was convinced that thinking was the key to knowledge, wisdom, and problem solving. So much so that he suggested that no problem is so difficult that it cannot be solved by sustained thinking. As he famously said, “No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking.”
Now, he wasn’t right in an ABSOLUTE SENSE, and he didn’t intend to be. He wouldn’t have argued that literally EVERY PROBLEM can be solved by thinking. He WOULD HAVE ARGUED that nearly every problem can be solved by thinking. At any rate, it’s a bold statement. But it’s probably more true than most people realize. Many problems have already been solved In the modern world, we tend to forget how many solved problems surround us. I won’t even bother with a list. Well, okay…maybe just a small list.
A way of keeping food safe for later consumption — REFRIGERATION
Tools for reliable navigation — MAP AND COMPASS
A means for safely lighting a home after dark — ELECTRIC LIGHT BULB
A way to inhibit or destroy infectious diseases — ANTIBIOTICS
A means of communicating quickly over long distances — TELEGRAPH
A way to process enormous amounts of information at incredible speed — COMPUTER
A means of completing almost any task known to mankind — SMART PHONEThe human race has been solving “insoluble problems” for thousands of years. But no problem was ever solved without thinking. Problem solving always requires thinking. Even if the thinking is so obvious that we don’t realise we’ve done it.
For the most part, an effective problem-solving system should have the following elements:
Observation — What actually IS the problem? Inventor Charles Kettering said that, “A problem well-stated is half-solved.” This emphasises the crucial first step: accurate definition.
Proposal — How MIGHT the problem be solved? Examine various options. Brainstorming sessions can be particularly useful here, as they allow for a free flow of ideas without immediate judgment. This stage is about exploring possibilities and thinking outside the box.
Resources — What resources, tools, and skills are available for the proposed solution? Can I do it myself? Will I need training? Should I enlist others? Should I hire someone who can do it better or quicker than I can? Identifying the right resources is crucial for the feasibility of the solution.
Plan — A detailed and specific plan with steps for solving the problem. Some solutions are only possible with carefully structured and timely steps. A well-thought-out plan acts as a roadmap, guiding you through the process and helping to keep you on track.
Execution — Putting the plan for solution into action. This is where the rubber meets the road. Execution requires discipline, focus, and often, the ability to adapt to unforeseen challenges. It’s important to stay committed and flexible. Evaluation — How well is the executed solution actually working? After implementing the solution, it’s essential to assess its effectiveness. This can involve gathering feedback, analysing results, and determining whether the problem has been resolved satisfactorily.
Revision — Does the solution need to be revisited, revised, or redone?
Sometimes, the first solution isn’t the best one. Be prepared to go back to the drawing board, make adjustments, and try again. Continuous improvement is key to effective problem-solving.
If you can think of a new or recurring problem you’d like solved, please let me know. I’d love to help you tackle it with a structured and approach.
Six Thinking Hats of Edward de Bono https://youtu.be/UZ8vF8HRWE4
Consider using the Six Thinking Hats methodology developed by Edward de Bono. This technique encourages looking at a problem from multiple perspectives:
- White Hat: Focus on the data and information available. What do we know? What do we need to find out?
- Red Hat: Consider the emotional aspects. How do people feel about the problem and potential solutions? Don’t overlook this one.
- Black Hat: Look at the potential risks and drawbacks. What could go wrong?
- Yellow Hat: Focus on the positives and benefits. What are the potential advantages?
- Green Hat: Think creatively. What are some wild and not-so-wild solutions?
- Blue Hat: Every team needs a Facilitator to manage the thinking process and to ask “What is the next step”?
Being curious means you’re always eager to learn new things, ask questions, and explore topics that interest you beyond the surface level. This thirst for knowledge can lead to amazing discoveries and a deeper understanding of the world around you. In fact, it’s not only the foundation for many successful careers, but it can also be a rewarding career path in its own right.
I approach my curiosity with respect and consideration for others. I’m interested in learning, not causing harm or intruding on others’ privacy. Who is with me?
Do you have any burning questions you’d like to explore right now? I’m happy to try and answer them to the best of my ability. 😊
I can see how that show Pinky and the Brain from the mid-90’s (remember them) could spark a desire for intellectual pursuit. Brain’s relentless pursuit of world domination, even with Pinky’s constant interruptions, definitely instilled a sense of ambition and intellectual curiosity in many viewers.
Did you ever try to come up with your own “take over the world” schemes after watching? 😂 It’s interesting how cartoons can have such a profound impact on us.
While “taking over the world” might seem like a cartoonish concept, it can actually offer a valuable metaphor for building business resilience and customer relevance. Here’s how:
- Ambitious Vision: Just like Brain, successful businesses have a bold, ambitious vision. This vision acts as a guiding star, pushing them to constantly reinvent, adapt, strive for dominance in their market or create new markets.
- Strategic Planning: Brain, despite his comedic failures, often had elaborate plans for world domination. Similarly, businesses need well-defined strategies to achieve their goals. This involves thorough market research, profiling target audiences, understanding customer needs, and developing impactful solutions. But how do we plan a strategic in a hyper-disruptive world I hear you ask? That’s a whole new topic for another day. Stay tuned.
- Adaptability and Resilience: The world is constantly changing. Just as Brain had to adapt to unexpected obstacles (like Pinky’s constant interruptions!), businesses must be agile and adaptable to thrive. This includes anticipating and responding to market shifts, competitor actions and rapidly changing customer preferences.
Customer Focus: While Brain’s plans often overlooked the needs of the “subjects” he intended to rule, successful businesses prioritise understanding and meeting customer needs. By deeply understanding customer preferences, anticipating their future needs and consistently delivering exceptional value, businesses can build lasting customer loyalty aka long-term success and have fun with all of it!
…Fancy a Fail Party? I’ll be your quirky host and facilitator. You just bring the people. It might sound a bit whimsical, but trust me, it’s a framework that brings a lot of joy and deep learning!
