Problem Solving

by Flinkliv · Updated August. 16, 2023

  1. What is problem solving?
  2. Why do you need to know problem solving?
  3. Examples of problem solving


What is problem solving?

Problem-solving is describing a problem; determining the cause of the problem; then identifying and selecting possible solutions; and executing a solution.


Why do you need to know problem solving?

Problem-solving skills are essential to overcome obstacles, to handle difficult or unexpected situations, and to find solutions to complex challenges.


Examples of problem solving

Get rid of time eaters

Time-eaters or time wasting are nasty tasks that hinder our productivity. Do your best to identify, eliminate or reduce time-eaters.

Conversation between A and B about the need to focus and get rid of time eaters. A: Too many things to do. B: Focus and get rid of time eaters.

Be wise with money

Beware of little expenses, a small leak will sink a great ship.

Conversation between A and B about the fact to be wise with money. A: Money just disappears B: Beware of little expenses, a small leak will sink a great ship A: Waw, you are cheap

Understand your emotions

Do you know what they say about leadership? You have to be able to deal with your emotions. But let's face it; it's a damn hard! Just remember these three things: broaden your emotional vocabulary, consider the intensity of the emotion, and write it out.

A conversation between A and B about how to understand our emotions A:I have trouble dealing with my emotions. B: Broaden your emotional vocabulary, B: We've got a whole spectrum of emotions to choose from! B: And write it out. B: Cause that's where the real magic happens.

Parkinson's Law

We tend to focus on the available time to finish the task rather than what we truly need. That leads to inefficiency and wasted time. Be sure to set the right deadlines to complete a task.

Conversation between A and B about to set the right deadlineas to complete a task A: I like chill deadlines. B: Set the right deadlines, or tasks'll stretch.

Learn how to get stuff done

Dream big, take action, and make a difference. Embrace your inner dreamer and unleash your doer spirit.

Conversation between A and B about our world needs dreamers and doers; learn how to get stuff done as well A: My mind's a nonstop idea factory B: Our world needs dreamers and doers; learn how to get stuff done as well A: I'm busy thinkin' no need for doin'

Fight procrastination

Sometimes, a "Just Start" is a simple way to help overcome procrastination

Conversation between A and B about to just start small to fight procrastination. A: I am still procrastinating B: Just start small

How to fix things

Fixing things is more than knowing how to fix things; it is a process where you have to understand how to organize time, have the right skills, get some discipline and, of course, do it.

A conversation between A and B about how to do things A: I know how to fix this thing, but I never did. B: This is only one piece of the puzzle.

Focus

Focus your attention on one task at a time, you are more likely to get more done in less time. This is because when you are fully focused, you are more likely to avoid distractions and complete your work more efficiently.

A conversation between A and B about how to do things A: I need more time B: You need more focus A: Why not both? B: Focus, then you will get time

Outcomes vs outputs

Outputs are what you make or do in a project, while outcomes are the reasons why you're doing it and the bigger picture it's all about. Outputs are the "what" of the project, while outcomes are the "why" or the significance behind it.

Conversation between A and B about outcomes vs outputs A: No result despite my outputs B: Focus on outcomes. B: That's what you want or need to achieve. B: Outputs are just stepping stones.

The five why

The five whys technique is a way to figure out why something went wrong to solve the problem. It involves asking "Why?" multiple times to get to the root cause of a problem. Each answer to a why helps you get closer to the root cause.

Conversation between A and B about using the five whys technicque in problem-solving. A: I suck at solving problems B: Use the five whys A: How? B: Ask why until you reach the root cause, then fix it B: Keep in mind that some problems have many root causes

Overplanning

Overplanning is a trap; keep in mind that nothing will ever be perfect since you have little control over most outcomes. An ok plan with execution is better than a perfect plan with no execution.

Conversation between A and B about overplanning A: I will never finish this plan. B: Stop overplanning and start doing. A: You forget to add pre & post-plan.

Stop thinking about work at night

It is essential to have a night of good quality sleep. To avoid thinking about work in the middle of the night:

  1. Make a to-do list
  2. Keep a journal
  3. Exercise self-compassion
  4. Engage in physical activity
  5. Practice meditation.

Conversation between A and B about how to stop thinning about work at night A: My work stress disrupts my sleep. B: Try to keep a journal, workout, meditate, and don't forget self-compassion A: A perfect recipe for 3 AM madness

Chase my dream and keep my work

You can chase your passion and dreams and keep your day job to pay bills. However, it will be easy but doable with a good plan and a lot of grit.

Conversation between A and B to know how to chase a dream and keep the day job. A: I want to chase my passion. B: But I can't quit my job. B: You can do both with a damn good plan.

Negative self-talk

What and how you talk to yourself has a significant impact on your way of approaching and solving issues and challenges.

Conversation between A and B about avoiding negative self-talk. A: I am doomed. B: Negative self-talk leads to hopelessness B: Negative self-talk stops your brain from looking for solutions. B: Train your brain to focus on solutions to increase your chances of success.

How to stimulate creativity

To stimulate creativity, try to be relaxed and create a psychological environment, use diffuse thinking such as taking breaks and eating something you like. Don't hold yourself, and embrace making mistakes and having fun.

Conversation between A and B about how to stimulate creativity A: I'm not creative. B: Create psychological safety; relax. B: Use diffuse thinking, go for a walk, eat something. B: Make mistakes, get messy. B: And don't forget to have a little fun along the way

Citizenship crafting

There are different ways of motivating employees. Citizenship crafting can be a great way to motivate employees, while offering a raise or promotion would be a more effective method.

Conversation between A and B about how to motivate employees A: Citizenship crafting is great for motivating employees. B: Oh! Yeah B: How about offering them a raise, B: or a promotion, which is better for motivation.

85% rule

Going 100% all the time leads to burnout and crappier results. So, managers, listen up! Stick to that sweet spot of 85% and create a kickass team.

Conversation between A and B about the 85% rule A: No performance despite our efforts B: Effort after 85% doesn’t produce better performance B: Aim for 85% sweet spot A: Another magic number

Avoid distractions

Distractions are a part of daily life and can often lead to frustration and decreased productivity. However, instead of blaming external factors, it's essential to focus on improving our ability to concentrate and minimize distractions. This can be done through various techniques, such as setting clear goals, eliminating distractions, taking breaks, and using tools to increase focus. By taking control of our attention and working towards better focus, we can achieve more in our personal and professional lives.

A conversation between A and b about don't blame the distractions improve your focus A: too many distractions B: don't blame the distractions improve your focus. A: Find solutions B: Ok …. Oh, cat videos …

Motivation, plan, and action

Motivation, planning, and action are critical elements to succeed. Motivation provides the driving force, the plan outlines the steps to be taken, and action is the execution of those steps toward the desired outcome.

Conversation between A and B about motivation and plan with action A: Not result despite my motivation B: Well, you need .. B: Motivation to start, but . Plan, and action to keep going

Relative deprivation

Relative deprivation is the feeling of discontent or unfairness when we compare ourselves to others, even if we have enough resources. A relative deprivation by cultivating gratitude, focusing on personal goals and achievements, and maintaining a positive perspective and outlook on life.

Conversation between A and B about relative deprivation. A: You have more than me B: Comparison is the thief of joy A: How about him? B: Well, he definitely needs to get out of there.

Write your thoughts

Writing your ideas down is a powerful process to organize, clarify, and execute your ideas.

Conversation between A and B about writing down thoughts to get clarity. A: My thoughts are so confused B: Write them down. To organize them and clear your mind

Say no to others

Balancing personal time and helping others can be challenging when faced with limited hours in the day. While it's important to prioritize self-care, it's also fulfilling to contribute to the well-being of others.

Conversation between A and B about how to balance between helping other and ourselves. A: I never have time to do my stuff. B: When you say yes to others, make sure you are not saying no to yourself A: Nah, I like helping people B: Ironic.

Make a change

Tomorrow won’t be different if you don’t change something today.

Conversation between A and B about Tomorrow won’t be different if you don’t change something today A: I hope tomorrow will be better B: Tomorrow won’t be different if you don’t change something today A: What a friend I have

Perfectionism

Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life, and it is the main obstacle between you and a shitty first draft

Conversation between A and B about perfectionism. A: I’ll start when the plan is perfect B: Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor. It will keep you cramped and insane. A: Nah. I hate low standards.

Insomnia

To improve sleep quality, try meditation and do-it-yourself sleep remedies to help with insomnia. Additionally, do not turn the bedroom into an office space, as this can negatively impact sleep.

Conversation between A and B to fight insominia A: I can not sleep at night B: Try some meditation, and some DIY sleep remedies. B: And for the love of God, B: Don't turn your bedroom into a damn office.

How to solve issues

So, you know what I do when I'm scratching my head over some issue? I toss that question onto some forum, right? But get this, I ain't just sittin' there twiddlin' my thumbs – oh no. I jump into another forum account I got chillin' in the shadows, and I drop the most hilariously wrong answer you can imagine. And guess what? Folks don't give a damn about helpin' out a buddy in need, but boy, oh boy, they're like freakin' bloodhounds when it comes to pouncing on mistakes.

Conversation between A and B about how to solve issues in a funny way A: I'm stuck with this issue. B:Just toss that question onto an adequate social media platform. B: Then, drop the most wrong answer you can imagine. B: They don't give a damn about helpin' out, but boy, oh boy, they love to correct.

Internal job rejection

Internal job rejection could be a hard pill to swallow. You should acknowledge that it can be a challenging experience. Do not take the rejection personally; act with integrity and professionalism in response to the decision.

Conversation between A and B about how to handle internal job rejection. B: Internal job rejection, That's rough, buddy. B: It is like getting dumped. B: Don't take it personally. B: Act with integrity, and be professional.

Self-awareness

Self-awareness is vital to achieving success. Improving self-awareness can lead to better decision-making, stronger relationships, and reduced stress levels.

Conversation between A and B about the benefits of self-awarness. B: Improve your self-awareness. B: To make better decisions, build stronger relationships, B: and feel less stressed. B: It's like a secret recipe for success.

Stop complaining

Complaining can feel good. But you know what feels even better? Actually, fixing things.

Conversation between A and B about stop complaining and start fixing our problems. A: I hate ... Bla Bla Bla! B: It feels good to vent, but why not take some damn action? B: Do yourself a favor B: Stop whining, and start fixing

Stress at work

Stress is caused by your reaction, not other people or external events. Learn how to accept a situation and find solutions or let go.

Conversation between A and B about stress at work A: This project is stressing me out B: Stress is caused by your reaction, not other people or external events.

Working from home

Working from home has become a popular and effective option for many workers, but individual circumstances may affect the productivity benefits experienced. Remote work offers some benefits, such as greater focus and efficiency, while reducing stress and saving time by eliminating the need for a commute. There are some potential challenges of remote work, such as isolation and difficulty with work-life balance.

Conversation between A and B about work from home A: I'm more productive working from home. A: I'm like a productivity superhero. A: But instead of a cape, I wear sweatpants A: Let me work from my fortress, damn it!

How to manage multiple teams

It is a challenge to manage multiple teams. So it is important to prioritize tasks, set clear expectations, and make time for learning.

Conversation between A and B about how to manage multiple teams. B: Jugglin' multiple teams ain't easy. B: I have to prioritize, set expectations, and make time for learning. A: So good luck with that. B: That is positive

Become a collaborative leader

Leaders strive to make a meaningful impact. The key to success lies in their approach to endorsing new ideas. When faced with resistance and frustration, leaders should embrace collaboration, respect diverse perspectives, and maintain a strategic focus. They have to shift from a crusader to a collaborative leader.

Conversation between A and B about how leaders have to shift from a crusader to a collaborative leader. A: Company change is damn hard B: To drive meaningful change B: Ditch that crusader mentality and start a collaborative approach

Dig for the root cause

Don't just patch up the surface. In problem-solving, be a detective and dig for the root cause of issues. Addressing the source leads to lasting solutions that make a real impact.

Conversation between A and B about digging for the root cause A: I need aspirin for my headache. B: Headache's a symptom. B: Find the real culprit. A: Hand me the aspirin. A: I'll play Sherlock later.

Create a process to win

Systems are designed for those who prioritize consistent success and long-term victories. They focus on creating and following routines, processes, and strategies that enable them to win frequently and sustainably. On the other hand, goals are tailored for those seeking one-time achievements or specific targets. They set their sights on accomplishing a particular objective, regardless of the frequency of success. Ultimately, both systems and goals have their place in achieving success.

Conversation between A and B about how to get goals done by creating a process. A: I can't reach my goals no matter how hard I try B: Create a system to keep you on track It has routines and processes. A: To become a boring robot. Nah. Beep boop beep.