If you were given a choice to master only one skill in your entire life, without doubt it should be the art of solving problems. This is the sole skill that can be used in any niche of business, in any industry on the planet and in every area of your life because problems aren’t going to disappear anytime soon.
From the beginning of history man has been plagued with problems. If you think about it, problems actually began when Lucifer decided he was too good to serve God and a war broke out in the Heavens. God’s solution was to kick his patootie out of Heaven and down to Earth.
When Adam and Eve were evicted from the Garden of Eden, man’s problems began. From
having to figure out how to grow food, dress and house themselves to dealing with Cain’s fratricide, human kind has been beset with problems.
Even the United States was founded on the idea of solving a problem. The pilgrims were oppressed and wanted freedom of religion; hence they chose to leave England and settle in a new, unknown and often savage land. They would go on to solve problem after problem until America became the great country it is today.
Whether through war or ingenuity, Americans are a culture of problem solvers. Problem: The English wanted to maintain control via taxes. Solution: The American Revolution. Problem: Women wanted a more efficient and easier way to do laundry. Solution: The washing machine. Problem: Radio was boring. Solution: Television; and then color television and then remote television and then cable television and then HD television and then portable television and now flat screen television. Who knows what’s next! Problem: How to make computers more “user friendly.” Solution: Windows.
Indeed, the greatness America has attained and the standard of living in this country has been spawned from people identifying a problem and then finding a solution. From electricity to motor cars to computers to IPads, the wheels of industry throughout the world have primarily been turned by men coming up with solutions to perceived and actual problems other people felt they were experiencing.
Simply put: A problem is the difference between what you have and what you want. It may be a matter of getting something, of getting rid of something, of avoiding something, or of getting to know what you want. No matter what the problems might be, you need to learn how to solve them.
In business, companies hire individuals and other companies to solve their problems. The bigger problems you are able to solve the more you are worth monetarily. Janitors solve the problem of a broken toilet while a CEO solves the problem of a broken company. Your problem solving ability could be used to make a company more efficient or to invent a product that would make life easier for people in some area.
There are a variety of techniques and methods to problem solving depending on whether the problem you are trying to solve is personal or professional. But in its most base form, these are the steps that I follow when confronted with a problem:
Step One: Identify the problem. You can’t change what you don’t recognize. Too 
many people meander through life not acknowledging the problems that exist around them. Being aware and present is essential in order to identify any problems or issues. You can’t sit around texting on your phone or listening to music when you should be paying attention and working. Imagine if Henry Ford had failed to see into the future? You would be riding a horse and buggy today.
Step Two: Understand the problem. Take time to study and evaluate the problem. Is it really a serious problem or merely an annoyance? What is the root cause? What is the history of the problem? Is it a one-time situation or an ongoing issue? What are the implications if the problem continues? What are the implications if the problem is solved? What is the end result you are seeking?
Step Three: Adjust to the problem. Anytime we are confronted with situations; whether positive or negative; our emotions, expectations, assumptions, beliefs and perceptions tend to come to the surface. It is why, so often that the mere introduction of a problem can alter or shift our mood. When you start to feel personal about a problem (any problem that is demanding a solution) STOP! You cannot function out of emotion. You cannot think when you are emotional. Find a way to step back from it. You will find it much easier to reason your way clearly to a great solution.
STEP FOUR: Identify Possible Solutions. Make a point of “thinking outside” of your own experience and expertise. Consult with trusted advisors and family members. Schedule some time to sit back and brainstorm; either alone or in a group. Come up with at least 3-4 ways that the problem can be solved with end results for each specific method or solution. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each solution?
STEP FIVE: Make a Plan. If you were going to renovate your house, it might be a good
idea to start with making a plan. This is done by answering a few critical questions. What is the overall objective and ideal situation? What is needed in order to get there from here? What actions need to be done? Who will be responsible for each action? How long will each step take and when should it be done? What is the best sequence of actions? How will you measure the success of your plan? What are the make/break vital steps and how can we ensure they succeed? What could go wrong and how will you get around it? Who will this plan affect and how will it affect them?
STEP SIX: Execute the Plan. Just Do It! The main ingredient to solving a problem is taking action. Now that you have gone through the above steps, you should be more than well equipped to move forward on your plan. I have a friend who has a “dream book.” Inside that tablet is a list of ideas, plans, hopes, wishes and dreams. Some she has attempted and some she has not. But what I know for sure is that she will never know how the ones she never tried could have turned out.
STEP SEVEN: Evaluate the Results. Develop a clear and concise method of evaluation based upon steps one through four. What are the benchmarks that make your solution a success? Is it the happiness quotient? Increase sales figures? Your lack of stress? Whatever goal you set for yourself should be trackable. If you want to lose weight, how are you going to know if you are succeeding? Are you weighing in once a day; a week or a month? Is there a way that your plan can be improved upon?
Learning to solve problems successfully is a mark of leadership and creativity. It is one of the most important things you can do for yourself, your work and your family. Nurturing and developing this ability could be the difference between outrageous success and mediocrity. In the words of Nan. S. Russell, author of The Titleless Leader: How to Get Things Done When You’re Not in Charge,” People who are winning at working don’t ignore the problems they encounter.”
Shawn Harper Speaks 