It just happened... my head exploded

The following is the original and the rewrite can be found by clicking here.

So I was asked to articulate creative problem solving and outline the process to others so they can understand how it works  -  take the concept, along with my enthusiasm and design a tangible utility that people can understand and execute on... Sounds reasonable.

An example of a problem solving process

Truth be told I figured I needed a couple of days of thinking and rough notes, two days for formalizing a crisp PowerPoint deck and a day for proofing... I'd be ready for the boardroom or the coffee shop. You would think that after all these years I wouldn't be so "impulsive" with my scheduling.

What became apparent very quickly is that good ol' effective problem solving (and it's process) is primarily defined by successful resolution of the problem; creative problem solving seems to creep into the discussion when problem resolution isn't "so successful". Let me also throw this out there - it is very possible that the problem was not solved because of poor execution of the solution, not because the solution was flawed... this just gets better all the time don't you think?  So for this current discussion, and the sake of my sanity, let us assume execution of the solution is not an issue.

So why don't we just start with creative problem solving and just increase the probability of success - it is assumed creative problem solving increases success right? There is something in the word creative it seems... magical and mysterious.

There are a number of problem solving processes that are well defined and can take you through the process of situation analysis, problem identification, solution identification and execution & monitoring (simplified) ... and they work. It's when they don't work the word creative appears. It was this word that threw a wrench in my "impulsive planning schedule" that I mentioned. 

I've delayed the inevitable long enough and now I guess I will have to take a stab at what creative means with regards to creative problem solving... so here goes - "thinking, interpreting and acting differently". And this dear reader is where my head exploded -  as individuals, and business in particular, we want consistent, predictable, constant and straight forward ... oh yes, we are also habitual, change adverse and more often than not do as we are told (and lets not forget all that schooling). Different is really not what we are looking for.

So what does it take to "think, interpret and act differently"?  I've started a list -

• Identify and change belief systems
• Develop a diverse knowledge base
• crush group think
• encourage lateral thinking
• become risk tolerant
• more to come

So let's say, up until now you agree with my train of thought and feel sorry for my head exploding (as spectacular as it was), there is still that looming question which in light the list I started  speaks to the antithesis of how we behave, even with the best problem solving process supporting us... "How do you actually get one to think, interpret and act differently?"

Well it seems like that crisp PowerPoint deck is going to take a little longer and I now have a much larger number of potential blog topics.

Stay tuned.... and thank you for reading,

gpe

We all like Mr Wolf... but why?

The following is the original and the rewrite can be found by clicking here.

Some of what I am about to say is because I am a "fanboy" of Quentin Tarantino's work, be it his writing or his abilities as a director. This will probably have more context if you have seen Pulp Fiction but hopefully I can set up the situation sufficiently to offer a perspective as to why we all like Mr Wolf - independent of gender, race, religion or sports team affiliation.

See, Mr Wolf solves problems and not just any ol' problem... the messy ones. 

Meet Mr Wolf (again language warning)

Jules and Vincent, through a series of events find themselves with a dead body in the back of their car and unwittingly call on Jimmie at his house with their problem in tow. It turns out Jimmie's wife Bonnie comes home from the midnight shift at 9:30 am and she would "appreciate the situation none to much". After a series of phone calls pulling him away from a black tie affair which is 30 minutes away, Mr Wolf arrives ten minutes later at Jimmie's door as he is the one people call to solve their problems. This clip offers a glimpse into the brilliance that is Quentin Tarantino and Mr Wolf. (strong language warning... remember you were warned)

Up front we know that Mr Wolfs' associates with killers and thieves and it's not much of a leap to assume he's a comrade in arms - although with this said, from the moment we see him dressed in a tuxedo we know we may like him and when we hear him say "I'm Winston Wolf, I solve problems" we know we do!

It is something with those three words, what they mean and by implication that they say "if you are good at solving problems, you will end up well dressed with a fast car and a fancy watch" (an earlier scene). A problem solver can do what others cannot do - be it solving act of god problems or those of our own creation... and so we like Mr Wolf.

Mr Wolf is a clear critical thinker using hard facts, looking at the overall situation to formulate a decisive plan which in-turn he communicates clearly, with explanation and rationale on the way, to ensure buy-in and optimal execution. And contrary to what Vincent thinks, I believe Mr Wolf wraps it all up with being rather polite throughout the whole thing.

There is something subtler that also comes with Mr Wolf - he is different than any character to that point in the movie - different... be it in manner, image, language or in how he sees things leading to the way he thinks.  His off handed request for a cup of "that coffee" he smelled in the kitchen as he is inspecting the car, its contents and clarifying mechanical issues is a reflection of this (Ok I couldn't smell it but I sure didn't see it either). So is Mr Wolf different because he is a problem solver or a problem solver because he is different? - either way different is the operative word.

We are social beasts and want to belong but we are also attracted to "different and unique" as ultimately it sets one apart, and if you are Mr Wolf, it's critical for solving problems and seeing what others can not. 

Ultimately we like Mr Wolf because what he can do is different and effective problem solving is something we want to emulate - as deep down we know there is not a "Mr Wolf" for us to call.

Or maybe its simply because Mr Wolf is Harvey Keitel.

gpe

Elegant problem solving or simply a bad decision?

My last trip had me trekking through the highlands of Iceland where our group would ultimately walk almost 100 kilometres and explore the beauty of Iceland. I want to say Iceland's beauty is beyond description and if you can, see it firsthand; there are truly no words to describe it.

As I look back on my travels and a situation that warranted a MacGyver-like* solution, I wanted to share what I think was ultimately a creative and elegant solution. Keep in mind two things as we get into this story, the whole situation took about 15 minutes from problem to solution and Icelandic rivers are very, very cold... as well as fast moving and rocky.  

I should also mention that before the trip we were told there would be some "knee high river crossings" and water shoes were a required item to be packed. I have a great pair of water sandals that are designed for the wilderness, as well as a pair of sandals that where in my hockey bag (designed to keep your feet off those nasty shower floors). I was concerned that my travel bag was already too full, so in the end I went with the lighter more disposable sandals. Frankly I only had two short crossings and if I lost these sandals it was no big deal.

Let our story begin.

About seven kilometres into day two of the hike we came down an embankment to our first river  that involved crossing a small stream and then a 30 meter walk to the main river (where the crossing would take place in earnest). I put on my sandals, and with hiking boots around my neck, I began to cross the small stream. In turn, the strap separated from the sole of one of the sandals and fell from my foot as reached the other side. Recognizing quickly it was an issue with the adhesive, I hoped I could insert the strap back into place and use my weight to hold it secure. Three failed attempts left me at the rivers edge with a broken sandal and a sore foot. 

A problem had been identified, a number of attempts at denial and wishful thinking had been tried, and now I found myself with a ten minute deadline to determine a solution as we gathered around our guide who was reviewing the process of crossing. There was definitely a factor of pride that came into play as I really did not want to be the guy holding everyone up, so with the clock ticking the assessment of possible solutions began.

Cross in bare feet - The river is very rocky and slippery and could result in an injured foot or slipping into the water. Because of the nature of how we cross as a group**, I could take others "down with the ship". Overall too risky and REJECTED

Cross in my hiking boots - Solves my immediate problem but I still had to hike over 15 more kilometres; doing this in wet boots would be very uncomfortable and increase the chances of blisters and foot problems. LAST RESORT OPTION

Repair my sandal - Viable option and worth considering. My thought process was as follows:

1) I could glue it back together... this was rejected without much thought because I was lacking waterproof glue that can dry on wet surfaces in 7 minutes. 

2) Duct tape... A wonder material which I had, but not in my day pack. So close!! 

3) I could sew it back together - a viable solution as I had the material and in theory it should work. SOLUTION IDENTIFIED (An Elegant Solution?)

There you have it - With one knife, one boot lace and some fundamental sewing skills, I was able to repaired my sandal literally as we were lining up to cross the river - Viability assessment of possible solutions, solution identified, and then implemented.

After a successful river crossing I reviewed my sandal repair and determined that no changes were needed for the next crossing - Problem resolution review to identify any required changes.

My repaired sandal ultimately served me well and a couple of people even called me "MacGyver" (for my ability to think quickly and solve the problem with ordinary things around me). I felt good that I was able to think on my feet so quickly. 

But you know, if I had made the decision to bring the proper water sandals in the first place, none of this would have happen. 

In the end, a fun story as the result of a bad decision.

iamgpe

www.gpestratagem.com 

* MacGyver was a TV show out of the late 80's where the hero solved his weekly challenges with elegant solutions involving ordinary items like binder twine, bubble gum and balsa wood.

**When crossing a river as a group you line up behind each other holding onto the person in front of you to form a chain... this adds stability in the current and reduces the chances of falling