7 Thoughts On Problem-Solving (For Problem Solvers)

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The more problems I solve in life, the more I realize how little I know about the nuances of problem-solving.

It seems cliche, but it’s true.

Here are 7 thoughts on problem-solving:

#1 — Always hire the ‘problem understander’ over the ‘problem solver.’

Find me an entrepreneur, manager, engineer, teacher, etc., and I’ll show you a problem solver.

Everyone has (or has had) the term ‘problem-solver’ on their resume.

The real value is in understanding the problem. I don't mean surface-level; I mean a deep awareness of its impact. Problem-understanders can do this well — in little time.

The best part about understanders? They can explain the problem so well that others can see the obvious solution.

(speaking of understanding problems)

#2 — The two-word phrase needed for any problem is “so… what?”

All problems wear armor.

It’s your job to figure out what is underneath it.

• So…what does it mean?

• So…what will it impact?

• So…what can I do to fix it?

#3 — You’ll never know whether you successfully prevented a problem; you can only know you failed to do so.

Preventing problems is good in theory, but you’re just taking a big risk.

The risk you take is spending time and the problem never occurring (…and I mean actually not occurring).

There is no certainty…except when the problem you tried to prevent still happens. Then you are certain those efforts failed.

That said, with big risk comes big rewards.

#4 — Most problems you deal with are “people” problems.

Not money problems.

Not machine problems.

Not time problems.

People problems.

Money, machines, and time are objective (and direct). People are subjective (and indirect).

People dance around the real problem (or simply don’t know what the real problem is).

When was the last time you were truly objective and direct with your doctor, manager, or client?

If you can better understand people, you can solve problems better.

#5 — Choose the effective solution, not the efficient solution.

Efficiency is about doing things right, while effectiveness is about doing the right things.

Being fast to “fix” the problem but having to “re-fix” it later isn’t effective.

Don’t get me wrong, solving for efficiency is needed…when it is actually the effective solution.

#6 — It’s impossible to solve a recurring problem with a forever solution (but we still try).

Compensation.

Maintenance.

Stress.

Turnover.

Market changes.

More resources are wasted trying to adopt forever solutions to problems that will never be totally fixed.

These are only semi-fixable. But only if you set constraints (to time) and adopt metrics or indicators for when to reassess.

#7 — Your goal is to find the problems worth keeping.

For every solution you implement, you make space for the next problem standing in line.

And most of the time, the problem of waiting in line is bigger, harder, and more powerful than the one you just solved.

Just like the next level in a video game.

The truth is there are an infinite number of problems. You will never solve them all.

Instead of defaulting to solving, find the ones worth keeping (and focus your attention elsewhere).

Thanks for reading,

Peter

2 links that will make your brain sing:

• A unique spin on choosing whether to do the important work or urgent work: link

• The easiest way to find an accountant or tax strategist (I think we see more sites like this for other professions): link

If you missed last week’s post:

Last week, I wrote:

The Only 5 Ways To Increase Profits

It’s about…well, actually, the title pretty much speaks for itself.

Read it here if you’re interested in increasing profits.

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