Problem Solving 101

Introduction

In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves facing challenges that seem insurmountable. Whether it's struggling with a difficult subject in school, trying to advance in our careers, or pursuing a lifelong dream, the obstacles we encounter can be daunting. Ken Watanabe's book "Problem Solving 101" offers a refreshing and accessible approach to tackling these challenges head-on.

Originally written for Japanese schoolchildren, this book presents a simple yet powerful framework for problem-solving that can be applied to any situation, regardless of its complexity or scale. By breaking down the problem-solving process into four easy-to-follow steps, Watanabe provides readers with a practical toolkit for overcoming obstacles and achieving their goals.

The Four-Step Problem-Solving Method

Step 1: Break Down the Problem

The first and most crucial step in solving any problem is to identify its core components. Often, when we're faced with a challenge, it can seem overwhelming and impossible to tackle. However, by breaking the problem down into smaller, more manageable parts, we can begin to see a clearer path forward.

For example, imagine a student struggling with poor grades in math. Instead of viewing this as an insurmountable issue that requires giving up all extracurricular activities, the student should break down the problem further. Are they struggling with geometry, algebra, or fractions? By pinpointing the specific area of difficulty, they can focus their efforts more effectively and potentially avoid unnecessary sacrifices.

Once the general area of difficulty is identified, it's important to drill down even further. In the case of geometry, for instance, is the student having trouble with measuring cylinder volume, calculating trapezoid areas, or understanding the Pythagorean theorem? By isolating the exact point of difficulty, the problem becomes much more manageable and easier to address.

Step 2: Identify the Root Cause

After breaking down the problem into its core components, the next step is to determine what's causing the issue. This involves brainstorming potential reasons and then testing these hypotheses to find the true root cause.

A useful tool for this step is the yes/no tree. This simple diagram helps clarify hypotheses by asking a series of yes/no questions that progressively narrow down the potential causes.

To illustrate this, let's consider the example of a children's band called Apples and Oranges. The band is struggling with low attendance at their monthly school concerts and wants to understand why. They might start by asking:

1. Do people know about the concerts? (Yes/No)
2. If yes, did those who knew about the concert attend? (Yes/No)
3. If no, are they fans of pop music? (Yes/No)

By following this tree of questions, the band can systematically eliminate potential causes and zero in on the true reason for their low attendance.

Step 3: Analyze and Generate Solutions

Once the root cause has been identified, the next step is to analyze the situation and brainstorm potential solutions. This involves gathering relevant information and considering a wide range of possible approaches.

In the case of Apples and Oranges, they might conduct surveys and interviews with students to better understand the situation. Based on this information, they could then generate a list of potential solutions, such as:

• Advertising in student newspapers
• Sending email notifications
• Performing in classrooms
• Placing ads on the school radio

To evaluate these options, it's helpful to create a table with columns for different criteria, such as "Raises awareness?" and "Gets people to attend?" This allows for a systematic comparison of the various solutions.

When prioritizing solutions, consider both their potential impact and ease of implementation. For Apples and Oranges, announcing their concerts on the school radio might be both highly effective and relatively simple to execute, making it a prime candidate for their action plan.

Step 4: Execute the Action Plan

The final step in the problem-solving process is to put the chosen solution into action. This involves creating a concrete plan with specific steps and timelines, and then following through on its implementation.

It's important to remember that even the best-laid plans may encounter obstacles along the way. Be prepared to make adjustments and apply the problem-solving process iteratively as new challenges arise.

Applying the Method to Big Dreams

While the four-step problem-solving method is effective for tackling everyday challenges, it can also be applied to pursuing larger, long-term goals or dreams. The key is to break these big aspirations down into smaller, more manageable objectives.

For instance, consider the case of Eric Squirrel, who dreams of becoming a director of big-budget animated films. Rather than being overwhelmed by the enormity of this goal, Eric can start by setting a smaller, more immediate objective: acquiring a computer to begin learning animation skills.

By setting a specific target (a used Apple computer costing $600) and a clear timeframe (within six months), Eric creates a tangible first step towards his larger dream. This approach makes the goal feel more achievable and provides a clear focus for his efforts.

Closing the Gap: From Current Situation to Goal

Once a specific goal has been set, the next task is to determine how to bridge the gap between the current situation and the desired outcome. This involves assessing the current resources and capabilities, identifying any shortfalls, and developing strategies to overcome them.

In Eric's case, he calculates that based on his current savings and expected earnings, he'll only have $352 after six months – leaving a gap of $248 to reach his $600 goal. This clear understanding of the gap allows him to focus on finding ways to either increase his income or reduce his expenses to make up the difference.

Brainstorming and Evaluating Solutions

To close the gap between the current situation and the goal, it's important to generate a wide range of potential solutions. This involves brainstorming without judgment, listing all possible ideas no matter how far-fetched they might seem.

For Eric, this might include options like:

• Saving more money from his current income
• Asking for a raise at work
• Finding a better-paying job
• Selling some of his possessions
• Cutting back on entertainment expenses
• Playing the lottery

Once a comprehensive list of potential solutions has been generated, the next step is to evaluate and prioritize them. This can be done using a logic tree, similar to the yes/no tree used earlier. The tree helps to organize and visualize the different options, making it easier to identify the most promising solutions.

In Eric's case, he might create two main branches: one for reducing expenses and another for increasing income. Under each of these, he can list more specific ideas and evaluate their feasibility and potential impact.

Through this process, Eric can eliminate less realistic or effective options (like winning the lottery) and focus on the most promising solutions. His final hypothesis might be that he can reach his goal by finding a better-paying job, selling some of his DVDs, and cutting back on purchases of games and CDs.

Analyzing and Implementing the Solution

With a hypothesis in hand, the next step is to gather more detailed information to test its viability. This might involve researching job opportunities, checking the resale value of DVDs, and reviewing past expenses to identify potential savings.

For Eric, this analysis might reveal that:

• He spends an average of $30 per month on games and CDs
• He could potentially earn an extra $100 per month with a new job
• His DVD collection could fetch around $80 if sold

Based on this analysis, Eric can create a specific action plan with concrete steps and timelines. This might include:

1. Apply for three new jobs within the next week
2. List DVDs for sale online by the end of the month
3. Implement a "no new games or CDs" policy for the next six months

Flexibility and Adaptation

It's important to remember that even the best-laid plans may encounter unexpected obstacles or opportunities. The key is to remain flexible and be willing to adapt the plan as circumstances change.

For example, if Eric finds that he's unable to sell his DVDs as quickly as anticipated, he might need to explore alternative options. Perhaps he could offer to walk his neighbor's dog for extra income, or find additional items to sell.

By continually applying the problem-solving method and adjusting the plan as needed, Eric can stay on track towards his goal even when faced with setbacks or changes in circumstances.

Applying the Method to Everyday Decisions

The problem-solving framework presented in this book isn't just for tackling major challenges or pursuing big dreams. It can also be incredibly useful for making everyday decisions more effectively.

For instance, when faced with a choice between multiple options – such as deciding which school to attend – the tools of criteria and evaluation can be particularly helpful. Here's how to apply this approach:

1. List all the relevant criteria for your decision (e.g., academic reputation, location, extracurricular offerings, cost)
2. Assign importance to each criterion using a simple rating system (e.g., + for somewhat important, ++ for very important, +++ for crucial)
3. Evaluate each option against these weighted criteria
4. Compare the results to identify the best overall choice

This systematic approach helps to clarify priorities and ensure that all important factors are considered, leading to more confident and well-reasoned decisions.

The Power of Persistence and Iteration

One of the key takeaways from "Problem Solving 101" is the importance of persistence and iteration in achieving our goals. Solving complex problems or pursuing ambitious dreams rarely happens in a single, straightforward attempt. Instead, it often requires multiple cycles of planning, action, evaluation, and adjustment.

By breaking down large problems into smaller, manageable steps and consistently applying the four-step problem-solving method, we can make steady progress towards even the most daunting objectives. Each iteration of the process provides valuable learning experiences and opportunities for refinement, gradually bringing us closer to our ultimate goals.

Cultivating a Problem-Solving Mindset

Beyond the specific techniques and tools presented in the book, Watanabe encourages readers to develop a broader problem-solving mindset. This involves:

1. Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and learning
2. Approaching problems with curiosity and creativity
3. Maintaining a positive attitude and belief in one's ability to overcome obstacles
4. Being willing to experiment and learn from both successes and failures
5. Collaborating with others and seeking diverse perspectives when tackling complex issues

By cultivating these habits and attitudes, we can become more effective problem-solvers in all areas of our lives, from academic and professional pursuits to personal relationships and self-improvement efforts.

Final Thoughts: The Universal Applicability of Problem-Solving Skills

As we've seen throughout this summary, the problem-solving method presented in "Problem Solving 101" is remarkably versatile. Whether we're dealing with academic challenges, career aspirations, personal goals, or everyday decisions, the same fundamental principles apply:

1. Break down the problem into manageable components
2. Identify the root causes
3. Analyze the situation and generate potential solutions
4. Create and execute an action plan, adapting as necessary

By mastering these skills and applying them consistently, we can approach life's challenges with greater confidence and effectiveness. The beauty of this approach lies in its simplicity and universality – it can be used by anyone, regardless of age, background, or the specific nature of the problem at hand.

Moreover, the problem-solving mindset encouraged by this book goes beyond just tackling individual challenges. It fosters a proactive and empowered approach to life, where obstacles are viewed not as insurmountable barriers but as puzzles to be solved through creativity, persistence, and systematic thinking.

In a world that's constantly evolving and presenting new challenges, the ability to solve problems effectively is an invaluable skill. By internalizing the lessons from "Problem Solving 101" and consistently applying its principles, we can navigate life's complexities with greater ease and achieve our goals more reliably.

Whether you're a student struggling with a difficult subject, a professional looking to advance your career, or simply someone striving to make better decisions in your daily life, the problem-solving framework presented in this book offers a powerful tool for success. By breaking down problems, identifying root causes, analyzing situations, and taking decisive action, you can transform seemingly impossible challenges into achievable goals and turn your biggest dreams into reality.