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." By Flinkliv.com
How to hire people
it ain't just about what you know, it's about how you approach
life. Attitude is everything when it comes to hiring! Don't pass
up potential candidates because they don't have the skills yet.
Teach them and watch them grow.
Conversation between A and B about how to hire the ideal
candidate. A: "What's the ideal candidate?" B: "You gotta hire
folks with the right attitude. If they ain't got the skills yet,
teach 'em." A: "He's got a point." By Flinkliv.com
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." By Flinkliv.com
Growth mindset
Adopting a growth mindset involves thinking that intelligence and
skills can be developed through dedication, patience, and hard
work. Here are some practical steps to cultivate a growth mindset:
Embrace challenges
Believe abilities can be developed
Persist through obstacles
Learn from criticism
Replace “I can't” with “I can't yet
Focus on process over outcome
Use setbacks as learning opportunities
Conversation between A and B about growth mindset. A: "This is
too hard for me." B: "Play the growth mindset playlist. Let’s
rock this challenge." Embrace challenges, learn from setbacks,
don’t give up, accept feedback, and self-reflect. By
Flinkliv.com
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.
Conversation between A and B about how to understand our
emotions. A: "I have trouble dealing with my emotions." B:
"Broaden your emotional vocabulary. We've got a whole spectrum
of emotions to choose from! And write it out, 'cause that's
where the real magic happens." By Flinkliv.com
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 setting the right deadlines
to complete a task. A: "I like chill deadlines." B: "Set the
right deadlines, or tasks'll stretch." By Flinkliv.com
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 needing 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 doing." By Flinkliv.com
Fight anxiety
When you're stuck in one place, anxiety turns into a heavyweight
champion, knocking you out with worries and overthinking. So, the
key is to break free from the motionless trap. Don't let your mind
become a playground for anxiety. Instead, kick into action, think
less, and do more.
Conversation between A and B about starting small to fight
anxiety. A says: "This task gives me anxiety, and I haven't even
started." B responds: "Anxiety is 10x worse when you do nothing,
so think less & do more." By Flinkliv.com
Fight procrastination
Sometimes, a "Just Start" is a simple way to help overcome
procrastination
Conversation between A and B about fighting procrastination. A
says: "I am still procrastinating." B responds: "Just start
small." By Flinkliv.com
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.
Conversation between A and B about fixing things. A says: "I
know how to fix this thing, but I never did." B responds: "This
is only one piece of the puzzle." By Flinkliv.com
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.
Conversation between A and B about focus. A says: "I need more
time." B responds: "You need more focus." A asks: "Why not
both?" B replies: "Focus, then you will get time." By
Flinkliv.com
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 says:
"No result despite my outputs." B responds: "Focus on outcomes.
That's what you want or need to achieve. Outputs are just
stepping stones." By Flinkliv.com
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 technique
in problem-solving. A says: "I suck at solving problems." B
responds: "Use the five whys. Ask why until you reach the root
cause, then fix it. Keep in mind that some problems have many
root causes." By flinkliv.com
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 says: "I will
never finish this plan." B responds: "Stop overplanning and
start doing. You forgot to add pre & post-plan." By flinkliv.com
Resource allocation in companies
Resource distribution within a company should ideally follow
principles that promote fairness, strategic alignment, and overall
organizational efficiency rather than the "squeaky wheel gets the
grease" approach.
Conversation between A and B about how to speak up in a company
to get resources. A says: "Damn it, my project has no
resources." B responds: "Use the decibel method. Crank up the
volume—the squeaky wheel gets the grease." By flinkliv.com
New Year's resolutions
Start with smaller, more manageable goals and maintain consistency
to improve the chances of sticking to resolutions.
Conversation between A and B about New Year’s resolutions. A
says: "My New Year's resolutions never stick." B responds:
"Start small and be consistent." By flinkliv.com
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:
Make a to-do list
Keep a journal
Exercise self-compassion
Engage in physical activity
Practice meditation.
Conversation between A and B about how to stop thinking about
work at night. A says: "My work stress disrupts my sleep." B
responds: "Try to keep a journal, workout, meditate, and don't
forget self-compassion." A: "A perfect recipe for 3 AM madness."
By flinkliv.com
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 about how to chase a dream while
keeping a day job. A says: "I want to chase my passion." B
responds: "But I can't quit my job." B: "You can do both with a
damn good plan." By flinkliv.com
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 says: "I am doomed." B responds: "Negative self-talk leads to
hopelessness. Negative self-talk stops your brain from looking
for solutions. Train your brain to focus on solutions to
increase your chances of success." By flinkliv.com
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 says: "I'm not creative." B responds: "Create psychological
safety; relax. Use diffuse thinking, go for a walk, eat
something. Make mistakes, get messy. And don't forget to have a
little fun along the way." By flinkliv.com
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
says: "Citizenship crafting is great for motivating employees."
B responds: "Oh! Yeah. How about offering them a raise, or a
promotion, which is better for motivation." By flinkliv.com
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 says: "No
performance despite our efforts." B responds: "Effort after 85%
doesn’t produce better performance. Aim for 85% sweet spot." A:
"Another magic number." By flinkliv.com
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 not blaming distractions
but improving focus. A says: "Too many distractions." B
responds: "Don't blame the distractions, improve your focus.
Find solutions." A: "Ok … Oh, cat videos …" By flinkliv.com
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 planning with
action. A says: "No result despite my motivation." B responds:
"Well, you need motivation to start, but a plan and action to
keep going." By flinkliv.com
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 says:
"You have more than me." B responds: "Comparison is the thief of
joy." A asks: "How about him?" B replies: "Well, he definitely
needs to get out of there." By flinkliv.com
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 says: "My thoughts are so confused." B suggests:
"Write them down to organize them and clear your mind." By
flinkliv.com
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 balancing helping others with
personal needs. A says: "I never have time to do my stuff." B
responds: "When you say yes to others, make sure you are not
saying no to yourself." A replies: "Nah, I like helping people."
B adds: "Ironic." By flinkliv.com
Make a change
Tomorrow won’t be different if you don’t change something today.
Conversation between A and B about changing today for a better
tomorrow. A says: "I hope tomorrow will be better." B responds:
"Tomorrow won’t be different if you don’t change something
today." A replies: "What a friend I have." By flinkliv.com
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 says: "I’ll
start when the plan is perfect." B responds: "Perfectionism is
the voice of the oppressor. It will keep you cramped and
insane." A replies: "Nah. I hate low standards." By flinkliv.com
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 about fighting insomnia. A says: "I
cannot sleep at night." B suggests: "Try some meditation, and
some DIY sleep remedies. And for the love of God, don't turn
your bedroom into a damn office." By flinkliv.com
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. Well, Cunningham's Law.
Conversation between A and B about how to solve issues
humorously. A says: "I'm stuck with this issue." B advises:
"Just toss that question onto an adequate social media platform.
Then, drop the most wrong answer you can imagine. They don't
give a damn about helping out, but boy, oh boy, they love to
correct." By flinkliv.com
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 says: "Internal job rejection, that's rough, buddy.
It's like getting dumped. Don't take it personally. Act with
integrity, and be professional." By flinkliv.com
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-awareness. B suggests improving self-awareness to make
better decisions, build stronger relationships, and feel less
stressed. "It's like a secret recipe for success." By
flinkliv.com
Stop complaining
Complaining can feel good. But you know what feels even better?
Actually, fixing things.
Conversation between A and B about stopping complaints and
starting to fix problems. A vents frustration. B advises taking
action: "Stop whining and start fixing." By flinkliv.com
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 feels
overwhelmed by a project. B explains that stress is caused by
one's reaction, not external events. By flinkliv.com
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 working from home. A feels
more productive and enjoys the flexibility but jokes about
wearing sweatpants. "Let me work from my fortress!" By
flinkliv.com
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 managing multiple teams. B
talks about juggling priorities, setting expectations, and
making time for learning. A responds with a positive remark. By
flinkliv.com
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 need to shift
from a crusader mentality to a collaborative approach. A says:
"Company change is damn hard." B responds: "To drive meaningful
change, ditch that crusader mentality and embrace
collaboration." By flinkliv.com
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 addressing the root cause. A
says: "I need aspirin for my headache." B responds: "Headache's
a symptom. Find the real culprit." A jokes: "Hand me the
aspirin, I'll play Sherlock later." By flinkliv.com
Discipline
Taking proactive steps, like discipline and prioritization, is
essential to manage overwhelming situations, even if it requires
personal effort, rather than relying solely on others for
emotional support.
Conversation between A and B about using discipline to fight
chaos. A says: "I am always overwhelmed." B responds: "Try
discipline and prioritize, buddy." A retorts: "You're not
grasping my chaos." B answers: "I offered a solution; I ain't
your therapist." By flinkliv.com
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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 achieve goals by
creating a system. A says: "I can't reach my goals no matter how
hard I try." B responds: "Create a system to keep you on track
with routines and processes." A jokes: "To become a boring
robot. Nah. Beep boop beep." By flinkliv.com
Attention span
Effective attention span is foundational to many aspects of life,
from academic achievement and professional success to personal
well-being and relationship building.
Conversation between A and B about attention spans. A says:
"Attention spans are at an all-time low." B responds: "Goldfish
are outperforming us." By flinkliv.com
