Problem Solving
When you have a problem, work it out like an algorithm. It can have many solutions, apparent ones. How do you decide which one to pick?
Firstly, is the time spent on deciding the solution important? If the work can be done fast anyway, and the quality of the outcome is not very important, just do it with whatever even “seems” like the best solution. But spend time on thinking of the solution if:
- The quality of work is important
- The time taken to spend on the job is going to be a lot
- The work may come again and again, or has to be repeated a number of times, which takes you back to point two
If the available solutions do not look good enough, take the problem in your own hands, if it’s tangible. If not tangible, put it down on a piece of paper, and stare at it. Observe it. Think of the various ways it works. Stop looking at it as a core problem. Look at the key areas, or key words, if you may. What exactly is the root of the problem? If you choose a certain solution, will it really solve the problem? What if it creates a new problem? Do I have all the resources to solve the problem? If not, can I get them, without costing me much money and time?
Solving problems is not limited to work place, or with relationships. Every day, every person is faced with several problems. We do not realize that, because we never look at it as a problem. We just go about doing the job, because it has become an everyday mundane thing. If we look at it as a problem, may be we can make the everyday mundane thing better, and work it to our advantage (taking us to the point three above). This will save us a lot of time everyday, and help us with dealing with some stress caused at the subconscious level. I will discuss varied examples.
At work place, you will have several problems. Are you given work that is beneath your skill level? It shows your arrogance when you do not want to do it. Take it up, be a sport. Speak up, ask for good work when you are free. Step up and volunteer for tasks that require a hand. Are you not heard? Well, look if the goal is being met. After all, you must be speaking not to be heard (not always), but because you know a better solution. If you are assigned a difficult task, go bonkers. The sky should be your limit. If nothing works out, it’s either time to evaluate yourself, or to move on.
Remember that just because someone at a higher position gave a solution, does not mean it is the best one or set in stone. Have courage to give your solution if you think it can make a difference (not to show that you are a genius). It also goes to say that your junior at work may be brilliant too, and appreciate them and welcome on-board their solutions, if they are better than yours. There are more than seven billion people in this world. Still, we have to learn how to peel a banana from a monkey. Just saying.
You probably have to be with a person and thereby deal with a lot of problems on everyday basis, either because of differences in opinions, or living habits. What do you do during such times? The key tools are finding out priorities: how important is it to fix the problem? Is it okay to accommodate it and make it a part of everyday living? Will it cause you to end up with pent up emotions? If you speak up, know that communication is different from talking. The other is to take the problem in your own hands and solve it, day in and day out. What you do eventually depends on the kind of person you are (or you aspire to be), and what your priorities are. Is it more important to fix the problem, or to have an amicable relationship with the person? Remember that if you take the problem in your own hands, you may not end up with an amicable relationship, unless you are a pushover. Draw a fine line. Develop your communication skills and patience. Learn to be a little empathetic and considerate. If nothing helps, the only solution could be to wait the problem out.
Is there not enough space for all the stuff in your room? Put some basic arrangement logic into use, deal with what is not needed. If you are a hoarder (like me), deal with it in efficient ways. Do you have to tie up baubles as a part of your job? Use Fordism, and put on some music (if you do not like music, then that’s a separate problem). Are you facing writer’s block? Go back to your old writing, and think of what you like about it, what you dislike, and go for long showers or long walks. Let the ideas flow. Relax, because probably your life is in a state of mending itself up. Do you not have enough money for food? Look for free food and jobs that can help you with it. Whatever the problem, keep a calm head, or try to. Avoid triggers that can cause your peace to ruffle, but not at the cost where you stay in denial.
Remember, every problem has a solution. If it does not have a solution, it is not a problem. It is something else.
