Want To Learn The 3 Secrets To Solving Any Problem?

Want To Learn The 3 Secrets To Solving Any Problem?

Let’s face it problems seem to be piling up, wouldn’t it be nice to have some sort of system that works to solving problems. Well there is such a system, and rest assured it’s super simple.

I first learned this from my mentor Ken Lipton. He was a Senior Analyst for companies like GM and 3M.

It was the summer of 1997, and I was at my first job working as a technical business analyst/data analyst for a REO foreclosure subsidiary of GMAC.

I met Ken, as he was pulled out of retirement to come and consult with our division, to help the analyst such as myself, to basically become better analysts.

I learned a ton from Ken, and one of the many things I learned was how to analyze and dissect a problem.

We sat over dinner one evening, and he shared with me the three step strategy he employed to  help him become a top notch analyst.

There are three steps or questions one must ask:

1) Is it a real problem or issue? (Meaning, can you identify a true problem or can you poke holes at it.)

2) Is it winnable? (If you choose to take on this problem and find a solution and actually succeed/win)

3) Is it worth it? (Does it even make sense to take on this problem or issue in the first place, meaning is there a real purpose?)

Let’s go over each in more detail.

1) Is it Real?

When taking on a problem or issue, you must first identify if the supposed “problem” is in fact a real issue that is worthy of your concentrated focus, time and effort. I mentioned earlier, can you poke hole into it, what I mean by this is, is it really a problem? Many of our so called problems are not really problems they are just complaints. If something poses a problem and you cannot see any viable way to see a resolution as the final outcome, then it is just whining. A problem has a solution. Another way to poke a hole is test whether this problem will really matter in 3-5 years. Ask yourself, is this so called problem that I am experiencing really going to even matter 1 year from now? 2 years from now? And so on. If the answer is no then move on.

2) Is it winnable?

Look this should go without saying, but I will explain it anyways. If you can’t succeed in trying to solve the problem, dilemma, issue, challenge or whatever nice little monicker you wist to label it, then it makes no sense in tackling the issue in the first place. You are just wasting your time, and possible the time, energy and money of those around you that have a vested interest in your success. If you can’t succeed in solving it, don’t even try. You have to see it through the whole way. And success is the end result.

3) Is it worth it?

This is by and far the most important question and although it is the last and final question, in no way is it meant to take away from it’s importance. You may find that you have identified an honest to good problem, and that you can actually succeed in resolving it, but if in the end it’s not worth it, then you might want to consider not trying at all. What I mean to say by, “Is it worth it?” is that, is this something that deserves to solved? If in the end you solve it and come up with a spectacular answer, what is the end goal? You don’t want to just solve problems for the sake of solving them without an end in mind. It has to fit in with the overall big picture. And only you know what that is. Does solving whatever it is you are about to solve move you in the direction you wish to be going?

In conclusion, these are three relatively simple and easy to use questions that have helped me time and time again to analyze and solve problems both personally and professionally.

 

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