Problem solving and your career, part IIIn Part I, I suggested how to frame a question so you know how to begin to find an answer. Hopefully, you took some time to think about, and outline, the underlying issues. What is causing the problem? What are the potential answers to the problem? Once you have a hypothesis, you can focus on a solution. Read more
7 questions to consider to help solve a problem, part IRemember back in grade school, when you first learned about the scientific method?
Scientific method refers to a body of techniques for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge. Read more
Change for change’s sake does not equal successGood ideas fuel companies. Isn’t there some commercial that says, “Business is changing at the speed of light?” Any successful business needs top talent to help it stay ahead of the crowd. It is much better to be ahead of the curve than chasing it. Think about it – are YOU ahead of the curve? Read more
Understand your problem before you try to solve itIf I had one hour to save the world, I would spend the first 55 minutes defining the problem. – Albert Einstein
Think about it – don’t we often do the exact opposite in our daily work lives? How often do we spend the time planning that is necessary to REALLY get the job done – and done well? Read more
Problem solving – Big Bird styleLooking at holiday pictures this week reminded me of the story my mother told for years. It was about the time that Big Bird invoked my curiosity and a lifetime interest in problem solving. It was Christmas Eve, 1977. I was so excited; I had received the Bradley Big Bird Talking Alarm Clock. It had to be wound like the formal clock on the hearth, not something I was allowed to do at age five. Read more