1 - INTRODUCTION: 

It is within the whole process of meeting and solving problems that life has meaning. “Problems are the cutting edge that distinguish between success and failure.” (M Scott Peck) 

Problem solving is less about problems and more about human flourishing and thriving. What separates one person, leader, government or business from another is often their ability to solve complex problems. 

2 - FRAMING:

The way you see the problem is the problem. However, most of us have no idea why we see life the way we do. The frame through which we see life is often the biggest problem we have. The good news is that you can change your frame. You can literally reframe your life! This won’t change your problems but it can revolutionise the way you see and approach them. 

3 - TO SOLVE OR DISSOLVE, THAT IS THE QUESTION:

There’s a school of thought that says the problem is that we believe we have a problem. We misidentify what’s happening to us as a problem when it may not actually be. How different would your life be if all your problems were simply undissolved ideas masquerading as your real problems? 

4 - THE 6 PROBLEM SOLVING HATS: 

There are basically six different approaches we humans take to solving problems. These six hats represent six problem solving thinking styles. Which one(s) of the hats do you wear? 

5 - THE ANATOMY OF A PROBLEM - QUESTION ONE: WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?:

“If I had an hour to solve a problem, I’d spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about the solutions.” ( Albert Einstein) 

Problem solving is 80% diagnostics and 20% execution. A misdiagnosed problem is like a misdiagnosed illness; they both create bogus solutions. 

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? 

Let’s get forensic about the true nature of the problem. 

6 - THE ANATOMY OF A PROBLEM - QUESTION TWO: WHOSE IS YOUR PROBLEM?

WHOSE IS ‘YOUR’ PROBLEM?

Just because it’s in your proximity doesn’t mean it’s your problem. It’s exhausting trying to solve problems that you eventually realise we’re never yours in the first place. 

7 - THE ANATOMY OF A PROBLEM - QUESTIONS THREE & FOUR: HOW BIG IS THE PROBLEM? AND WHY IS THIS EVEN A PROBLEM?

HOW BIG IS YOUR PROBLEM? 

Problem size miscalculation can be fatal. Let’s get real about how big the problem actually is. 

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

I never asked this question enough, but it’s a game changer. 

8 - REVISING OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH WINNING:

We’re indoctrinated from birth about what winning and losing mean, but many of our apparent problems are simply the product of a standard definition of winning. 

9 - WOMEN KNOW STUFF:

“The world will be saved by the western woman.” ( Dalia Lama) 

Women solve problems differently than men because they have the superpower of women’s intuition, an emotional sixth sense that men lack. 

10 - FOOTNOTES: 

A few gems that didn’t organically fit within the course but were too good to leave out.