Problem Solving: 4 Scenarios to Know and Where to Focus
Reflect then Act
Nowadays, the ability to find solutions to problems is critical to success.
And, it’s a race.
- How fast can you solve a problem?
- How many can you solve?
- How long does it take to find the next one to solve?
Society
- Rewards those who can find solutions
- Penalises those who try to clarify the problem
For example:
- Teachers grade students based on the quality of their answers, not on the questions they ask.
- Employers reward employees for the solutions implemented, not for finding the right problem.
Now, you know why, we become very good at solving problems, even if they happen to be wrong.
The 4 Scenarios
A 2x2 matrix represents a simple way to explain how we deal with problems.
The logics are simple.
- Problem & Solution
- Wrong & Right
Your goal is to:
- Identify the right problem to solve
- Identify the right solution to the problem
Scenario #1
You identified the wrong problem, and no matter what you do, you end up with the wrong solution 😭
“We cannot solve problems with the same mindset that created them.” — Albert Einstein
Avoid this case at all costs!
Reflect on the problem before attempting anything.
Scenario #2
You identified the wrong problem, but you found the right solution 😔
“A brilliant solution to the wrong problem can be worse than no solution at all: solve the correct problem.“ — Donald A. Norman
It’s not ideal, but at least you can solve a problem.
Now, find the right one to solve!
Scenario #3
You identified the right problem, but you found the wrong solution 💪
“It’s better to solve the right problem approximately than to solve the wrong problem exactly.” — John Tukey
It’s a matter of time.
You will crack it.
Scenario #4
You identified the right problem, and you found the right solution ⭐
“If I had an hour to solve a problem, I’d spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about solutions.” — Albert Einstein
This is the right place to be.
Well done.
Final thoughts
“Successful problem solving requires finding the right solution to the right problem.
We fail more often because we solve the wrong problem than because we get the wrong solution to the right problem.” — Russell L. Ackoff
Take the time to clarify the problem.
Understand if it’s the right one to solve.
If so, break it down into smaller pieces.
And solve it one piece at a time.
If not, drop it. And move on.
