Effective Problem Solving vs Biased Solutions

Does simple problem ends up with complex solution?

Very often. It’s people that make problems complicated and solutions complex.

Problems can end up with biased solutions as decision makers have ‘hidden agenda’ and mindsets of their own. More often than not, they have already jumped to the solutions before identifying and defining the problem clearly.

How the problem is defined often ‘molds’ the solutions to be implemented.

Take the example of low-wage workers in every country and how this problem is defined:

1)  Low-wage workers cannot get out of poverty because their jobs’ productivity is low in their low-level jobs shunned by many.

2)  Low-wage workers cannot keep up with the rising cost of living that are beyond their controls.  

Do you see the difference and possible outcomes?

When executives and management do not define the problem clearly, often they ended up implementing biased solutions. This misstep is known as Biased Problem-Solving.   

Thus, the key to effective problem solving is its first-step in defining the problem clearly before proceeding to the next step. 

CNY: A time for rest

 

Chinese New Year is a time for rest.

It’s also a time for self-reflection and well-wishes.

We can reflect on what had gone right in the past one year and what could have been done better. We  also wish that all ‘bad things’ go away and many ‘good things’ come to us.

In reality, sometimes things are beyond our control and they often don’t turn out the way we have wanted it. We have to expect the unexpected.

Mother Teresa said:

“Life is a song, sing it. Life is a struggle, accept it.”

IMO, don’t accept also cannot. Challenges keep coming and we cannot move backwards or pass them to somebody! At times, we just have to ‘bite the bullet.’ Of course, you need strong teeth.

Happy 牛 Year

 

The cost of living here keeps going up whilst incomes remain stagnant, reduced or disappeared. Anyone could justify it and give reasons like supply shortages, climate change, pandemic and profiteering. IMO, our policies and formulae aren’t working for the ordinary workers here. Like many, I cannot afford to retire but to continue to work like an ox (full-time) and sometimes like a horse (part-time) to pay my bills and expenses and to put food on the table.

Wishing everyone a Happy and Prosperous Lunar New Year!

Be Safe. Stay Safe!

There will be no open house for us this year!

Life in Second-Half

 

Bob Buford described life in his book (Half Time) as a metaphor of a football game. Life is akin to playing this sport where action is divided into two halves. During the first half, most people probably did not have the time to think about how one would spend the rest of their lives. Most had played a hard-fought first half in establishing oneself. Many people are probably already in the second half and are still charging ahead. The reality of the game and in life is the same: the clock is ticking and the game will be over. Everyone just wants to finish well in the game and leave something behind. Should you call a time-out now, take stock and change your game plan? You decide, my friend!

Please go ahead and charge as forwards to score your goals. No need to wait for me because although my mind is willing, my body is not (有心无力). Sigh. I’m already slowing down and retreat to just playing a defender’s role. This is life in second-half!