When I look back at my career, one regret that I have is that I wish I had been a more strategic problem solver. I don't fault myself for my lack of skill in this area as I didn't have the good training or mindset to recognize this need until later in my career, but now looking back, I realize that strategic problem solving skills and mindset are integral to good work in any discipline.
From my earliest days, I enjoyed problem solving. In fact, I remember exactly where I was standing at about age 12 when I decided that if I faced a problem, I would have to find a positive way to solve that problem. From that day on, I tried to solve the problems that others and I faced with positivity and good process. The missing ingredient overall was the use of good problem solving strategy.
Looking back, my problem solving process generally followed these steps:
- Deny the problem until it was undeniable
- Worry
- Go after the problem with as much personal energy and effort as possible
- Identify the problem: As soon as something starts to stress you out, don't ignore it, but instead identify the problem.
- Research: Study the problem--see what people have to say about it and the science that goes along with that.
- Reflection: Reflect on the information you've read as well as your problem-related experience.
- Analysis and Strategy: Analyze the problem identification, research and reflection. Create an initial strategy for problem solving.
- Teamwork: Generally problems are better solved when you work with a committed team. Identify the team, and with the team, come up with a good problem solving strategy. Ideally team members will outline a plan, choose roles and meet up regularly throughout the problem solving process. In the end, the team can reflect upon and analyze their efforts to strengthen their future work individually and together.