Life is Problem Solving
Life is Problem Solving. Every second of every day of our lives we are in a constant state of solving problems without consciously realizing it. We react to our environment through the most complex machines on the planet, our bodies. It is not to far off to say that we are built down to the bare bones of our DNA to solve problems. If we are all built with the same materials the question begs “What separates great problem solvers from the rest of humanity?”
I have noticed a few important traits that great problem solvers possess, that we could all adopt or improve on to become greater problem solvers in everyday, and critical life and death situations.
1. Prepared
2. Confident
3. Decisive
4. Adaptable
Prepared. As simple as this word is, actually being prepared for within our ever changing environment can be quite challenging. While most of us may never be in a life and death situation there are a few things to consider wherever you are.
Assess your surroundings:
Do you know where the exits are?
Are there areas that have the potential to become unstable?
What kind of people are around you? Do you know any with specialized knowledge about where you are? Are you that person?
Do you have on your person or nearby or know where to find a pocket knife, stubby screwdrivers (cross and straight blade), coffee cup, elastic bands, tape, cell phone, or smr radio?
Confident. Having confidence creates an emotionally stable problem solving environment. Lack of confidence breeds fear, leading to desperation and rash and dangerous actions, and in some cases paralysis which in many situations compounds the problem.
Gaining confidence in your problem solving ability lies heavily on preparedness. Are you prepared? Have you assessed the situation, do you know what you need to solve the problem? Are you confident enough to ask for assistance in planning and executing your solution? Are you willing and able to modify your plan based on how it is unfolding?
Decisive. No matter how prepared or confident you are, if you do not take action you will not solve your problem. Taking action can either be your individual direction of a plan, or coordinating with others to resolve the problem. In some cases taking the action to do nothing is the correct call, this determination can only be made confidently if you have assessed the situation by being aware of the variables involved.
Adaptable. Most tactical planners will admit that there is no “Perfect Plan” or solution to every problem. As soon as you implement your solution, variables will emerge that force you to adapt to the situation, changing your plan on a small or large basis. The amount of knowledge you know about the environment you are engaged with will usually determine how much adaptation will be needed.
The great military strategist John Boyd coined the phrase “OODA loop”.
Orient – Where do you fit within the framework of the situation
Observe – What is happening
Decide – What can you do to improve or resolve the situation
Act – Implement your solution
His proven methods are used today by the military, and large corporations within their decision making cycles. Boyd posits that the individual, or group that cycles through the OODA loop cycle fastest will be the dominant entity within their respective environment.
There may be one or hundred of OODA loop cycles required to resolve a situation depending on the complexity and amount of people and resources required. The key is to always be aware of the progress and success of the solution as it is being applied and willing to adapt as needed.
Entire volumes and lives have been devoted to problem solving, actively applying these basic principles in your everyday interactions will enable you to solve or participate in the resolutions of problems at a higher level than those around you.
Keep Solving for X!
Mike
