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8 Things Really Great Problem Solvers Do
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Remain objective
Great problem solvers approach each new problem as though it were brand new.
That way they can apply a specific solution to the problem instead of a fix that may go only partway.
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List the obstacles
Great problem solvers take a high-level view of the issues involved and jot down a list of all the potential factors that could get in the way of a solution.
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Identify the opportunity
So many times great opportunities are wrapped up inside simple problems.
The problem at hand may be symptomatic of bigger problems with your systems or perhaps your industry.
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Break down silos
Great problem solvers are also great facilitators.
They use their communication skills to help others share information so all bases are covered.
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Translate research into action
Data and precedent are important but at some point, you just have to take action.
Get enough research to understand the issues and then engage your creativity to find new ways to better solve old issues.
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Reverse engineer
Great problem solvers have the vision to picture the ideal working scenario and then construct the methodology that will achieve the desired effect.
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Engage open-minded people
Great problem solvers know the best results come from groups of open-minded people.
Your problem-solving team must be willing to get outside of the box and uncomfortable.
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Leave your ego aside
Often great solutions to problems are ignored because a leader wants the solution to be his or her idea.
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SIMILAR ARTICLES & IDEAS:
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Key Ideas
Systems thinking
Is a way of seeing the world as a series of interconnected and interdependent systems rather than lots of independent parts.
As a thinking tool, it seeks to oppose the reductioni...
Systems
...are sets of related components that work together in a particular environment to perform whatever functions are required to achieve the system's objective.
The 3 main systems at play
- Social systems: rules and structures, created by humans, that keep society functioning.
- Industrial systems: all manufactured material world, created to facilitate human needs.
- The ecosystem: which provides all the natural services (clean air, food, fresh water, minerals and natural resources) needed for the other two systems to exist.
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Key Ideas
Small Thinking And Big Thinking
Companies, teams and individual achievers are sharply focused on achieving goals. But this focus on completion often limits the scope of the results and stifles innovation.
There is a ...
Create Specified Time For Thinking
Set aside time to tackle a problem and then use the entire time. Don't head for the door after the first good idea, as there may be bigger and better ideas to come.
Encourage Outside Learning
Bring facilitation techniques to encourage participation.
By giving team members time and resources to grow, learn, and explore you get a better quality and wider brainstorming.
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Key Ideas
Basic steps to solving any problem
- Understand the Problem, so you know you're actually focusing on the the real issue at hand.
- Create a Plan, so you have a series of actionable steps to follow.
- ...
Understand the Problem
Often the most difficult step, because it's easy to focus on the wrong part of the problem, or look at the problem too broadly.
The first thing you need to do is reduce it to its simplest and purest form so you know exactly what you're dealing with. While you're doing this, you need to ask yourself questions to make sure you're focusing on the right things.
Create a Plan
You need a plan with actionable steps. Ask yourself what's barring you from moving forward and make step one. Step one will open doors to other steps.
Consider which steps will open more doors, add them to the plan, and keep doing that until you get to your solution. Things will change as you act on the plan and you'll need to adapt, so it's best to keep your plan somewhat open-ended and try to include steps that involve preparing for trouble you can foresee.