Who here is a problem-solver?
I asked this question as I opened my workshop in Bogota, Colombia. The room was filled with raised hands. How about you, the reader? Are you a problem-solver? The answer is yes. We all are. The degree to which you are actively and deliberately solving problems is determined by a number of factors, but having the ability to solve daily problems as they arise is a critical step in self-sufficiency. Yet, self-sufficiency is miles apart from building solid-state rocket boosters, or having the belief that you could affect climate change, politics, or any other type of wicked problem*
Ah, yes, but who built the problems that you are solving?
What is the difference between those who are faced with difficult problems and turn away and those who revel in unraveling the hard things? A great deal of that type of confidence comes from doing. Through doing, we acquire new knowledge. We fail. We learn. We iterate. We grow. From knowledge, we begin to see the connections between things, even in the most complex systems. Within these connections, we find associations, duality and efficiency.
Those capable of solving complex problems have built that confidence over years of planting flags beyond the horizon; of stepping into the unknown and realizing that all complex problems have taken time to get to the place where they are a mess, and they’ll take time to untangle. They recognize that they don’t have to know everything to confront a challenge. They have enough humility to acknowledge that they don’t need to know everything- they simply need to start. When we take action and begin, our perspective changes and those obstacles that seemed impassible are quickly assessed and overcome through new strategies, tools and associations.
The first group sees a large problem; the complexity of it; and they turn away. Those in the second group choose to look the problem straight in the eyes, realizing that they have an awareness of the logic of systems that govern the world as we know it. They’ve often been trained in a methodology that gives them a toolkit to start tinkering. They don’t just see a problem- they build a project. And in the problem, they see an opportunity.
But problem-solving implies that the problem has been identified. Moving beyond the role of being a problem-solver into the role of problem-identifying, stating and framing is the essential step in becoming an author.
The Problem With Problems
To be a problem-solver implies that there is a problem to be solved. But who defines these problems? Who identifies them, gives them structure and understands their value? Within those answers, you will find the Author. Within the Author, you find those capable of giving shape to abstraction and clarity in the underlying process that connects seemingly disconnected things.
But before a problem can be solved, it must first be identified.
The Four Stages of Problems
There are four critical stages needed to shape, define and pursue problems and their solutions:
Problem-Identifying
Problem-Stating
Problem-Framing
Problem-Solving
Next episode, I’ll share my thoughts on problem-identifying for those of you interested in authoring your own opportunities.
Episode Reference:
Episode 2O, The Anatomy of a Problem, part O1
Ideacraft
ī-ˈdē-əˌkraft
noun
skill in shaping or constructing ideas.
the art of well-designed ideas.
Ideacraft is my new 6-week course on the art of well-designed ideas.
Enrollment is open now. Courses starting on the following dates:
October 20th, 2023
October 27th, 2023
November 3rd, 2023
The cost of the course $175. The early bird pricing before October 2Oth is $149.
Through Ideacraft, you will learn to translate words into pictures that speak. From client briefs to personal projects, I’ll share with you different approaches to ideation that allow you to choose the right tool for the right project to amplify your creativity.
Outcomes
a clear understanding of multiple ideation processes from concept to completion.
(12+) Dozens of exploratory sketches, thumbnails and related research
(9) Nine well-designed value studies for 3 separate projects refined from dozens of concepts
(3) Three media experiments
(2) Two completed portfolio pieces
Delivery
The six-week Ideacraft course is delivered to your email inbox three times each week. Lessons include articles, case studies, videos, media demonstrations and assignments. Ideacraft is an asynchronous course. You will be invited to connect with other students in the Discord forum.
I’m thrilled to see what you’ll make!
Think Louder,
-Sterling