Here’s The Connection Between Six Problem Solving Mindsets and Happiness

Manu Mahadev
3 min readNov 18, 2021
Photo by ALAN DE LA CRUZ on Unsplash

It is well acknowledged that keeping an open mind opens up more possibilities. And making a decision from a variety of possibilities rather than a single option will always result in a better result. A mentality is a method for receiving information, processing it, and aligning it with priorities before deciding on a course of action.

Using a structured problem-solving strategy will assist us in identifying and resolving the underlying source of the problem. Here are six techniques we can use to effectively tackle problems:

1. Take a look through the eyes of a dragonfly.

Great problem solvers have a dragonfly’s eye view, or the capacity to look at issues from numerous perspectives.

We can notice risks or possibilities beyond the periphery of vision by extending the aperture while evaluating a situation. To acquire a 360-degree view of a problem, “anchor outside” the broader ecosystem and engage with consumers, suppliers, or people from a similar business.

When time or resources are limited, though, you may need to confine the scope in order to arrive at a rapid and traditional solution.

2. Keep your curiosity piqued.

During times of uncertainty, channel your inner child and ask, “Why is this so?” again and over. The basic method of pausing and reflecting can assist you in identifying the source of the problem.

To brainstorm and encourage different solution paths, include teams in problem-solving. Set out on a voyage of discovery to find innovative ideas and possible solutions.

3. Allow for ambiguity while being modest.

There is no ready-to-use guidebook for problem-solving, and the method relies heavily on trial-and-error. To make decisions, we must assess probability and make educated estimates. Epistemic humility, or the recognition that our knowledge is provisional and imperfect — and may need to be revised in light of new data — is essential for operating in uncertain contexts.

For complex issues, there is a scarcity of perfect knowledge. In times of crisis, accepting imperfection can lead to more effective problem-solving.

4. Examine occurrent behavior.

The term “occurring behavior” refers to what happens at a specific time and place, rather than potential or projected conduct. Because complex problems do not follow a pattern or a formula, they are difficult to reveal their secrets — but this should not dissuade problem solvers from trying.

The attitude necessitates that we are restless experimenters, as this allows us to develop our own data that isn’t available to competitors and provides us with insights that others lack.

5. Use the wisdom of the crowd to tap into collective intelligence.

It’s a myth that your team is made up of the smartest people. In today’s ever-changing environment, it’s perfectly acceptable to seek expert guidance in order to obtain a better understanding of the problem. The more information you have access to, the more likely your ideas will be innovative and unique.

Crowdsourcing brings together the brightest minds from beyond your network for debate and discussion. As you filter through massive volumes of proposals in search of the rare ‘jewel of a solution,’ this process takes time and can be costly.

6. Show and tell is a great way to get others to take action.

By making the answer evident, the term “show and tell” encourages people to take action. Put your audience in charge of the work and use persuasion to motivate them to take action.

Begin by deciding on a path of action based on your findings: the guiding principle for change. Explain why the recommended action is necessary and what benefits it provides.

“The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible.” — Winston Churchill

Conclusion

It’s just as vital to have the appropriate mindset while solving a problem as it is to use the right solutions. During these uncertain times, the six approaches open up radically new possibilities. To solve the most difficult problems and be happy with the positive results, you must adopt a curious attitude and follow a systematic process.

I hope to hear your comments on this, as well as learn about any unusual strategies you’ve used in the past to handle the most difficult challenges.

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Manu Mahadev

Writer — Turning small talk into medium talk is my passion — Reach me at manumahadevmedium (at) gmail (dot) com