Skilled Problem Solving

Skilled problem solving equips a person to effectively solve problems, especially those considered hard or even impossible by most people.

The job of this BookCourse is to equip you with the following capabilities.

1. Figure out which problems provide the highest payoffs if solved.
   
2. For a chosen problem, objectively define what the best results look like.
   
3. Figure out the best way to solve the selected problem; that is, find the happy path given uncertainty, risk, incomplete information, constraints, and tradeoffs.
   
4. Solve the problem yourself and adapt effectively as issues arise, or guide others to do the same.

Rewards of Skilled Problem Solving

1. Achieve great results in the real world: bridges, buildings, code, cures for disease, events, systems, and solutions that work.
2. Get high payoffs (rewards) from solving problems by directing effort toward problems that matter.
3. Create things that have never existed and innovate responsibly.
4. Make problem solving enjoyable and engaging rather than stressful or draining.
5. Develop confidence in your ability to solve problems, along with the wisdom to recognize which problems deserve your resources.
6. Complete projects on time and on budget by solving the right problems in the right way.
7. Perform well in roles where problem solving is expected, such as engineering, law, architecture, relationships, business, coaching, teaching, writing, carpentry, managing, parenting, politics, coding, and many others.
8. Guide teams and mentor individuals such that you expand your influence.

Path to Success

Skilled problem solving is a superpower and its easy to learn → Shortly, you’ll be saying “I got this, it makes total sense, and it works.”

1. Describe Problem Solving

Capabilities

Describe problem solving with a simple and general model. Solve problems with a simple recipe that you empower via leaning through doing. Describe “solve myself” versus outsourcing.

Rewards

Recognize that problem solving is simple when you see its essence. Have a simple model and process that you can grow with time.

Lessons

2. Solve Problems in Familiar Situations

The beauty of an effective process is that it reveals the solution to you as you go. You don’t have be smart or be an expert. This is magic or perhaps more than magic. This is why I love problem solving.

Capabilities

Align problems with roles. Figure out which problem to solve. Create contracts that clearly define problem solving success. Find the best ways to solve a problem. Create stepwise plans. Execute and get results. Review and Reflect. Trouble Shoot. Grow Affect.

Rewards

Have a reliable process and recognize it is the same regardless of domain. Be able to apply this process and get results. Learn by doing (grow your problem solving capabilities to solving problems that you care about starting today)

3. Solve Problems in Any Domain and Context

The problem solver’s mantra is “Relax, there ain’t no problem we can’t solve.”

4. Recognize and Follow Common Patterns

Capabilities: Find patterns used by roles: coders, mechanics, physicians, designers, and so on. Use these patterns.

4. Guide Others in Problem Solving

5. Grow Problem Solving Capabilities in Others