6-Step Solution to Almost Any Problem
1. Describe the Problem.
Preferably do this in writing. The act of putting the problem into words can clarify your thinking.
2. Write Down the Obstacles.
Although I’m a fan of positive thinking, I’m also a fan of research that Dr. Ellen Galinsky, likes to quote. She’s the author of What Every Child Should Know, and her research shows that no matter how positively you think about a problem, you’re less likely to get the results you want if you don’t match your optimism with a thorough examination of the obstacles.
3. Brainstorm Possible Solutions.
Taking into account the constraints you’re working with, think of as many solutions as you can. At this point, the goal is quantity not quality. That’s because bad ideas may spark your imagination and lead to good ideas that wouldn’t have occurred to you otherwise.
4. Stretch to Find One More Solution.
It’s surprising how often the ideas that come when you’ve had to stretch for an answer turn out to be the ones that are the most helpful. The reason is, there’s a good chance that if the answer really is obvious, it would already have been done by now. It’s when you have to struggle and stretch to get a new idea that you come up with the most creative ideas, the ones that not everyone has already thought of, and that have a real chance of solving your problem.
By the way, something to keep in mind at this point: Thomas Edison was right, “When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this: you haven’t.”
5. Pick the Best Solution.
Now is the time to put on your realist’s hat. Of all the ideas you’ve come up with, choose which best meets the criteria not only of solving the problem, but getting the job done in the right timeframe and with resources that you can put your hands on.
6. Act on it.
The people I know who are most successful have a penchant for action. They’re not only good at thinking of solutions; they’re very good at plunging in and doing them.
Three quotes that express the importance of action:
“To know and not to act is the same as not to know.”
“It’s not what you know, it’s what you do.”
“Done is better than perfect.”
Search Articles
Latest Articles
General Petraeus announces AI-powered mental health initiative for Ukraine at American University Kyiv
https://rubryka.com/en/2024/09/29/general-petraeus-announces-ai-powered-mental-health-initiative-for-ukraine-at-american-university-kyiv Publication –rubryka.com
Inside Ukraine’s Drone High Command
https://cepa.org/article/inside-ukraines-drone-high-command/ Publication –cepa.org
A New England Yankee Narrates the Story of America
https://cepa.org/article/a-new-england-yankee-tells-americas-story Publication –cepa.org
From Trauma to Triumph
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/to-end-human-trafficking/202409/from-trauma-to-triumph Publication –psychologytoday.com
Subscribe to Updates
About Author
Mitzi Perdue is the widow of the poultry magnate, Frank Perdue. She’s the author of How To Make Your Family Business Last and 52 Tips to Combat Human Trafficking. Contact her at www.MitziPerdue.com
All Articles
The Ultimate Soft Skill for Management: EMPATHY
The Ultimate Soft Skill for Management: EMPATHY Want a surprising statistic? (For a hint, it has to do with soft skills.) Eighty-five percent of management success depends on people skills. Cynthia W. Lett, the woman who gives this statistic, has been advising...
Family Businesses Can Learn from Military History
Family Businesses Can Learn from Military HistoryMilitary Culture My late husband was fascinated by military culture, and you could often find him reading the biographies of famous generals. His fascination stemmed from his interest in human motivation. He often...
Family Quarrels & Mediation–Pull Back from the Brink
Family Quarrels & Mediation– Pull Back from the BrinkI hope you’re not reading this because you’re up against a family quarrel. The pain of a family quarrel can permeate every hour of every day. The fallout has the potential of threatening everything we all hold...
What Family Businesses Can Learn From Military Culture
What Family Businesses Can Learn From Military CultureFor longevity and having an extraordinarily strong culture, few organizations can match our military. The military culture of our armed services began before the founding of our country, and it survives to this...
Four Sure-Fire Ways to Stand out in Your Career
Four Sure-Fire Ways to Stand Out in Your CareerA young man in a class I was addressing at a Columbia University business class asked me a poignant question. “How do I stand out in my career?” He was in his mid-twenties, professionally dressed, and his body language...
Family Stories Keep Families Together
Family Stories Keep Families TogetherJackie Kennedy Onassis once said: “If your children turn out well, nothing else matters. If your children turn out badly, nothing else matters.” Having the young people in your life turn out well is as important as anything else...