The problem with problem solving
DATE OF ENTRY: 3-2-25
The problem solving mindset leads us to fee like we have to rush to solve the perceived problem.
It sees everything not going right or failing a bit as a “problem” that must be solved.
It leads us to relying on our “Expert Mind” with regard to convincing ourselves that we know what we see before us and we know exactly how to fix it.
The core inflection point is when we say something is a “problem” we have to rush to identify a solution to solve it.
What if we stopped labeling something not going quite right a “problem?” What if we simply started looking for additional context and conditions around the challenge or situation?
I think this might help us to stop rushing into the “problem solving” headspace.
I even see complexity and Systems Thinkers circling back around to messaging about solving the problems vs simply suggesting looking at or for additional context and conditions. Systems Thinking suggests that we need to start looking at things from an entirely new perspective (the complexity of the system) so returning to a message of problem solving immediately negates any potential shift in perspective or approach.
It’s a fine point that might seem like splitting hairs but I think it would make all of the difference in how we proceed (if we stop thinking there’s a “problem” to be solved.)
As a photographer, I don’t “solve problems.” If my imagery is not up to my liking, I simply seek out the additional context and conditions to hopefully improve upon it. It’s not a problem to be solved. It’s context and conditions to be further understood.
END OF ENTRY
Problem solving is an artifact of the work / business world.
In my entry about “Art vs Artifacts” I theorize that if the artifacts are starting to fail us, we need to return to the Art stage so that we can imagine and envision a way forward that dissolves the problems, doesn’t just solve (tamper) with them.
