Problem solving is a core skill in all walks of life. With it, we can help teams function more cohesively, fly drones on Mars, and develop lifesaving vaccines faster than ever before. Without it, we have difficulty even getting dressed in the morning. Yet, despite its importance, it’s an underserved and underexplored topic. Universities worldwide offer no PhD in problem solving. It is not taught as its own discipline. It is innately assumed to be broadly understood and easily applied.
In this session Peter explores the thought processes we go through, before we can even touch on the ‘solving’ phase of problem solving. This seldom discussed area of problem solving is touched on by several quotes: “Uncovering the right problem is half the solution.” – Yuri van der Sluis. “Pull out the weeds, or make peace with the dandelions.”- Frank Sonnenberg. “The problem is not a problem until someone handles that problem in a problematic way.”- Ntambara Sylvestre Owen Berbason. “The formulation of the problem is often more essential than its solution, which may be merely a matter of mathematical or experimental skill.” – Albert Einstein
You may judge your problem solving skills as either strength or a weakness. In either instance, you’ll gain new perspectives. Join Peter as he delves deep into the implications of the Weinberg/Gause definition: “A Problem is a difference between things as desired and things as perceived.” (Are Your Lights On? – Dorset House 1990.)
If you enjoy eclectic explorations off the beaten path, this one’s for you.