problem solving
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Are You Problem Solving When You Should Try Problem Managing? Usually in our projects, our goal is problem-solving. We find the root cause of a problem and experiment until we eradicate it. But is solving always the right path? Sometimes, our problems are temporary and only require a patch. In those cases, problem managing is probably the better choice. |
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When the Solution Is Worse Than the Problem Almost everyone can think of solutions that proved to be worse than the problems they were intended to solve. Somehow, we often fall short in anticipating what can possibly go wrong. That’s why wise problem-solvers strive to minimize unintended consequences by asking: What haven’t we thought of? |
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Why Problems Are Good Many large enterprise technology systems have suffered incidents that had significant impact to the customers as well as the firm itself. But experienced IT professionals know that learning from our mistakes is good, and so, too, is harnessing the lessons learned from a serious incident or problem. |
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What Do You Do When You’re Stuck on a Problem? Some problems we can resolve on our own in a couple of minutes. Some take more time, or we can’t resolve them alone. What do you do then? Johanna Rothman suggests scheduling a timebox to find a solution alone, then if that doesn't work, using one of the ideas in this story to "unstick" yourself. |
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The Importance of Asking Good Questions Kids ask questions nonstop. When they become adults, they ask fewer questions, and sometimes none at all. Yet questions are the best way to gain insight, develop understanding, and solve problems. If you feel reluctant to ask questions in the workplace, overcome that fear and start asking away. |
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Beware of Serial Status Meetings Standup meetings are great in many instances. But if you're calling serial status meetings, you may find that people will stop attending. To engage employees and address issues quicker, you may want to try lean coffee or a problem-solving meeting. Read on for tips on involving your team. |
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Take a More Agile Approach to Problem Solving Your managers want you to estimate features or projects months or even years in advance. But the work changes—or the code changes, or the people on the project change. What you thought might be a reasonable estimate four weeks ago looks wacko when you revisit it in six months. What can you do? |
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The Communication Trap Posed by Certainty Certainty is a potentially dangerous mental flaw when we assume we know what others are thinking. It’s in situations of absolute certainty that we’re most likely to be wrong. When you're facing a problem, ask yourself if you’re sure you understand what the problem is—and ask for clarification. |
