Problem Solving 101

1. Problem-solving is a mindset and skill that can be learned

Being a problem solver isn't just an ability; it's a whole mind-set, one that drives people to bring out the best in themselves and to shape the world in a positive way.

Problem-solving attitude. Problem-solving kids approach challenges with a proactive mindset. They don't give up easily, avoid criticizing others, or simply dream without action. Instead, they focus on understanding problems, finding root causes, and taking concrete steps to overcome obstacles.

Skill development. Problem-solving is a skill that can be improved through practice. It involves:

• Understanding the current situation
• Identifying root causes
• Developing effective action plans
• Executing and adjusting as needed

By consistently applying these steps, anyone can become a more effective problem solver and achieve their goals more efficiently.

2. Effective problem-solving starts with understanding the current situation

Problem solving is a process that can be broken down into four steps: (1) understand the current situation; (2) identify the root cause of the problem; (3) develop an effective action plan; and (4) execute until the problem is solved, making modifications as necessary.

Gather information. Before jumping to solutions, take time to thoroughly understand the problem at hand. This often involves:

• Collecting relevant data
• Analyzing trends and patterns
• Identifying key stakeholders and their perspectives

Ask probing questions. Dig deeper into the situation by asking:

• What exactly is happening?
• When and where does the problem occur?
• Who is affected and how?
• What has already been tried to address the issue?

By gaining a comprehensive understanding of the current situation, you'll be better equipped to identify effective solutions and avoid wasting time on ineffective approaches.

3. Identify the root cause before jumping to solutions

Remember the difference between the symptom (headache), the root cause (fever), and the prescription (take cold medicine).

Look beyond symptoms. Many people make the mistake of addressing surface-level issues without digging deeper to find the underlying cause. This often leads to temporary fixes rather than lasting solutions.

Use analytical tools. To identify root causes:

• Create logic trees to break down potential causes
• Ask "Why?" multiple times to drill down to core issues
• Analyze data to spot patterns and correlations

Example: Declining math grades

• Symptom: Lower overall math score
• Root cause analysis:
  • Break down scores by topic (algebra, geometry, etc.)
  • Identify specific areas of weakness (e.g., trapezoid area, cylinder volume)
  • Investigate reasons for struggles in those areas (lack of practice, unclear explanations, etc.)

By pinpointing the root cause, you can develop targeted solutions that address the real problem, leading to more effective and lasting improvements.

4. Develop a wide range of potential solutions

The key rule here is to list as much as possible and then prioritize later.

Brainstorming techniques. Generate a diverse array of potential solutions:

• Use logic trees to systematically explore different approaches
• Encourage wild ideas – creativity can lead to innovative solutions
• Build on others' ideas to create new combinations

Avoid premature judgment. Don't dismiss ideas too quickly, even if they seem impractical at first. Sometimes seemingly crazy ideas can spark more realistic solutions or contain valuable elements.

Seek diverse perspectives. Involve others in the brainstorming process:

• Consult experts in relevant fields
• Ask for input from people with different backgrounds and experiences
• Consider how others have solved similar problems in different contexts

By generating a wide range of potential solutions, you increase your chances of finding truly effective and innovative approaches to solving your problem.

5. Prioritize and execute the most impactful actions

Impact = plan effectiveness x quality of execution

Evaluate options. Once you have a list of potential solutions, assess each one based on:

• Potential impact
• Ease of implementation
• Resources required
• Alignment with overall goals

Prioritization matrix. Use a 2x2 matrix to plot solutions based on impact and ease of implementation:

• High impact, easy to implement: Top priority
• High impact, hard to implement: Consider carefully
• Low impact, easy to implement: Quick wins
• Low impact, hard to implement: Avoid or deprioritize

Create an action plan. For your chosen solutions:

• Break them down into specific, actionable steps
• Assign responsibilities and deadlines
• Identify potential obstacles and plan for them

Remember that even the best plan is worthless without proper execution. Focus on implementing your chosen solutions effectively and monitoring progress to ensure success.

6. Set clear, specific goals to guide your problem-solving efforts

The more specific the goal is, the more specific the action plan will be.

SMART goals. Ensure your goals are:

• Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve
• Measurable: Include quantifiable metrics
• Achievable: Set realistic targets
• Relevant: Align with your overall objectives
• Time-bound: Specify a deadline

Example transformation:

• Vague goal: "I want a computer"
• Specific goal: "I want to buy a $500 used Apple computer within six months without borrowing money from others"

Benefits of specific goals:

• Provide clear direction for your problem-solving efforts
• Make it easier to track progress and measure success
• Help you identify potential obstacles and plan accordingly

By setting clear, specific goals, you create a solid foundation for your problem-solving process and increase your chances of achieving meaningful results.

7. Break down big dreams into smaller, achievable milestones

Problem-solving kids don't just have big dreams; they go after their larger goals by breaking them down into smaller milestones and asking themselves, "What should I do this year, or in the next three months, or today?"

Step-by-step approach. When facing a large, complex goal:

1. Identify the ultimate objective
2. Break it down into major phases or components
3. Create specific milestones for each phase
4. Develop action plans for reaching each milestone

Benefits of milestones:

• Make big goals less overwhelming
• Provide a sense of progress and accomplishment
• Allow for easier tracking and adjustment of plans

Example: Becoming a CGI movie director

• Long-term goal: Direct Hollywood CGI movies
• Milestone 1: Buy a computer for learning CGI (6 months)
• Milestone 2: Complete online CGI courses (1 year)
• Milestone 3: Create a CGI short film (2 years)
• Milestone 4: Apply to film school or internships (3 years)

By breaking down your big dreams into smaller, manageable steps, you create a clear path forward and maintain motivation throughout your journey.

8. Use logic trees to generate and organize ideas

The key to making a useful logic tree is to break down a problem into categories without leaving anything out, and to group similar items under the same branch.

Creating logic trees:

1. Start with the main problem or goal
2. Break it down into major categories
3. Continue branching out into more specific subcategories
4. Ensure all possibilities are covered without overlap

Benefits of logic trees:

• Provides a structured approach to brainstorming
• Helps identify overlooked options or causes
• Organizes information visually for easier analysis

Example: Increasing concert attendance

• Main branches: Raise awareness, Increase interest, Improve retention
• Sub-branches under "Raise awareness": School announcements, Posters, Social media, Word of mouth
• Sub-branches under "Increase interest": Showcase talent, Offer incentives, Improve show quality

Logic trees are versatile tools that can be used for various problem-solving tasks, from identifying root causes to generating potential solutions.

9. Evaluate options systematically using pros and cons analysis

We often make important decisions without taking enough time to think through the options and to track down accurate information.

Pros and cons method:

1. List all available options
2. Identify pros and cons for each option
3. Assign weights to each pro and con based on importance
4. Compare weighted scores to make an informed decision

Criteria and evaluation method:

1. List all options
2. Determine evaluation criteria
3. Assign importance to each criterion
4. Rate each option based on the criteria
5. Calculate overall scores and compare

Benefits of systematic evaluation:

• Reduces bias and emotional decision-making
• Ensures all factors are considered
• Provides a clear rationale for choices
• Helps identify potential trade-offs and compromises

By using these structured approaches to evaluate options, you can make more balanced and well-informed decisions, especially for complex or high-stakes problems.

10. Challenge your assumptions and seek additional information

It is valuable to challenge your own thinking.

Question initial impressions. Our first thoughts about a situation are often biased or incomplete. Regularly ask yourself:

• What assumptions am I making?
• What information might I be missing?
• Are there alternative explanations or perspectives?

Seek diverse input. Consult various sources to gain a more comprehensive understanding:

• Talk to experts in relevant fields
• Research similar situations or problems
• Consider opposing viewpoints

Be open to surprises. Sometimes, challenging your assumptions can lead to unexpected insights that completely change your approach to a problem.

Example: Kiwi's soccer school choice

• Initial assumption: Best team = best environment for improvement
• Challenged assumption: Realized playing time and coaching quality were also crucial factors
• Result: More thorough evaluation of options based on new criteria

By consistently challenging your assumptions and seeking additional information, you can avoid common pitfalls and make more informed decisions throughout the problem-solving process.

11. Execution is critical - create a concrete plan and monitor progress

Remember to monitor your progress and revise your plan as necessary. Very few things in life ever go as perfectly as planned.

Develop an action plan. Once you've decided on a solution:

• Break it down into specific, actionable steps
• Assign responsibilities and deadlines
• Identify potential obstacles and plan for contingencies

Track progress regularly. Set up a system to monitor your advancement:

• Use visual tools like charts or progress bars
• Schedule regular check-ins or status updates
• Celebrate small wins along the way

Stay flexible. Be prepared to adjust your plan as needed:

• Regularly reassess the situation and your approach
• Be open to new information or changing circumstances
• Don't be afraid to pivot if your current strategy isn't working

Remember that even the best-laid plans can encounter unexpected challenges. By actively monitoring your progress and remaining adaptable, you can navigate obstacles and keep moving toward your goals.

Last updated: January 24, 2025