​

​

Hello Reader,

​

Last week I shared an activity on LinkedIn about how to increase your self awareness. If you missed it, here's a link. One of the techniques featured is to keep track of your reactions that do not drive the outcomes you desire. It's a simple activity. There are no hidden meanings behind it. But just the act of observation can sometimes make us change our behavior. In physics they call this the Observer effect, though it's not just limited to physics. This got me thinking about problem-solving. Here's why -

​

Many times we get so caught up in the daily grind that we forget/miss the patterns that may be staring at us in the face. When we take a moment to reflect, we may become aware of the fact that there is a problem. Whatever we are doing is not working for us. Something needs to change, but we don't always know what to change or where to begin. And then we start to analyze and assess the situation, in the process of working out a solution. However the first step is observing (or perhaps acknowledging) that a problem exists. For how can we begin to solve a problem that we can't see?

​

Gallup once asked the question, "Do companies want critical thinkers or problem solvers?". These two terms are often used interchangeably. The panel made the argument that the two are quite different and when businesses say they want critical thinkers, what they really mean is that they need problem solvers. Regardless of the debate, the fact is that problem solving skills are highly valued in the evolving workplace. According to World Economic Forum, Future of Jobs report, Complex problem solving is the number one in-demand skill. It makes you wonder, why aren't we teaching this skill early, in schools. Actually, according to Brookings, that may be changing.

​

I realize this is a lot to process. But the first step to problem solving is acknowledging that a problem exists. How can I help you hone this critical skill? Drop me a line to start a conversation!

​

Thank you for your continued support. You can follow us on social media by clicking on the links below:

​

Here's our bi-weekly reading list on PROBLEM SOLVING:

​

​How looking at art can make you a better problem solver - Source: Fast Company

Quick Take: "If you want to improve your ability to solve problems, a trip to an art museum might help. That’s because how you observe paintings, photographs, or sculptures can provide you with tools that help you approach dilemmas at work, says Amy Herman, author of Fixed: How to Perfect the Fine Art of Problem Solving.".

​

​Six problem-solving mindsets for very uncertain times - Source: McKinsey & Company

Quick Take: "Great problem solvers are made, not born. Six mutually reinforcing approaches underlie their success: (1) being ever-curious about every element of a problem; (2) being imperfectionists, with a high tolerance for ambiguity; (3) having a “dragonfly eye” view of the world, to see through multiple lenses; (4) pursuing occurrent behavior and experimenting relentlessly; (5) tapping into the collective intelligence, acknowledging that the smartest people are not in the room; and (6) practicing “show and tell” because storytelling begets action."

​

​There's One Question You Must Ask Before Solving Any Problem (It's Also the Most Underrated Management Skill) - Source: Inc

Quick Take: There are few questions in business more powerful than 'What problem are you trying to solve?' writes MIT professor Nelson P. Repenning with co-authors Don Kieffer, and Todd Astor. "In our experience, leaders who can formulate clear problem statements get more done with less effort and move more rapidly than their less-focused counterparts. Clear problem statements can unlock the energy and innovation that lies within those who do the core work of your organization."

​

​The Six Main Barriers Against Problem-Solving And How To Overcome Them - Source: Forbes

Quick Take: "There are small problems and big problems. There is a special kind of problem for every day of our lives, but all of them respond to a common denominator: addressing them adequately. It is our ability to do so what makes the difference between success and failure...the ability to solve problems in an effective and timely manner without any impediments is considered to be one of the most key and critical skill for resolutive and successful leaders. There are many reasons why it is difficult to find a solution to a problem, but you can find the six more common causes and the way to overcome them!"

​

​

​

What do you think of the new look of The EQrated? Please let me know at stef@yourturnsolutions.com. Please feel free to share this Newsletter with people you know who might find value in it. They can also subscribe to the EQrated by clicking the button below.

​

​

I look forward to hearing from you.

​

Ciao,

Stef