Follow This Framework to Solve Any Problem

When I started my career as an engineer in 2018, I struggled to find solutions to complex problems.

Since then, I have studied what the best engineers do to solve those problems. Believe it or not, the framework is simple. You don’t need a fancy degree to learn problem-solving.

Unfortunately, most people struggle to implement a Productive Thinking Model. Here is how you can step up your problem-solving game:

1. Ask, “What’s going on?”

Define a vision as to how this problem will be solved. I recommend you document everything you develop during this step. Create a framework for what needs to be solved and ensure you understand it clearly.

This simple technique allows you to achieve clarity.

2. Ask, “What’s success?”

  1. What do you want the solution to do?
  2. What are the restrictions? What must it not do?
  3. What resources can we invest in this?
  4. What values should the solution have?
  5. What are the essential outcomes?

Keep it simple and keep documenting your answers

3. Ask, “What’s the question?”

Initially, asking the right questions will drive you toward your answer.

Use this to formulate your question.

  1. How might we…?
  2. How can I…?
  3. What if we….?

Think big picture

4. Generate answers

Avoid judging out-of-the-box ideas. Instead, generate as many ideas as possible. You’ll unlock better solutions if you avoid judging and focus on brainstorming.

Easy, right?

5. Forge the solution

Evaluate the ideas from the questions you generated. Develop a solution you trust will work and explore ways to improve it. If you are working on a team, get buy-in from others.

Do these 3 things, and you’ll be wildly successful.

6. Align resources

Write down what actions require which resources. Then, Identify people who can help you make it happen. Finally, Time to take action.

That’s it!

Read this post and more on my Typeshare Social Blog

--

--

I am full-time bridge engineer looking to make the world a better place. I volunteer with Engineers Without Borders with projects in South and Central America.

Get the Medium app

A button that says 'Download on the App Store', and if clicked it will lead you to the iOS App store
A button that says 'Get it on, Google Play', and if clicked it will lead you to the Google Play store
Luis Duque

I am full-time bridge engineer looking to make the world a better place. I volunteer with Engineers Without Borders with projects in South and Central America.