Find Problem, Solve Problem | Ariana Glantz | TEDxMemphis

Summary

The speaker shares their love for checklists, frameworks, and step-by-step solutions, explaining how they make problems less intimidating. They discuss the concept of being 'solution minded'—a mindset that every problem has a solution, and one can find success through structure, asking questions, practice, and patience. The speaker emphasizes that problem-solving is a skill anyone can develop by approaching challenges with confidence and adaptability, seeing them as opportunities for growth. They encourage the audience to embrace challenges as opportunities for success, using structured problem-solving approaches.

Takeaways

• ✅ Embracing checklists and step-by-step instructions can make complex problems less intimidating.
• 🛠️ Having a framework or roadmap for problem-solving provides structure and direction.
• 🧠 Fear of problems often stems from not having the right tools or believing in one's own capabilities.
• 📋 Working without pre-existing guidelines can lead to both opportunities and challenges.
• 💡 Being 'solution minded' is a mindset that focuses on finding ways to solve problems, regardless of the obstacles.
• 🗺️ There are five key components to a solution-minded approach: mindset, structure, questions, practice, and patience.
• ❓ Asking questions is crucial for clarifying problems and ensuring the solution aligns with the issue.
• 🔄 Flexibility is important—being willing to pivot and adapt when new challenges arise within your structured approach.
• 🎯 Being solution-minded is a skill that can be developed through practice, not something you're just born with.
• ⏳ Patience is essential, both with oneself and with others, while working through new problems and structures.

Q & A

What does the speaker emphasize about their love for checklists and step-by-step instructions?

The speaker loves checklists and step-by-step instructions because they provide structure and a framework for solving problems. These tools make challenges less intimidating and offer a clear path to solutions.

Why does the speaker believe problems are scary?

Problems are scary when people don't have the tools, confidence, or frameworks to solve them. The fear of the unknown and the lack of a clear solution also contribute to this fear.

What situation has the speaker encountered in their last three jobs, and how did they approach it?

In their last three jobs, the speaker was the first person to hold that role in the organization, meaning there were no predefined frameworks or guides. They approached this situation by adopting a solution-minded mindset and creating their own structures to navigate the challenges.

What does being 'solution minded' mean to the speaker?

To the speaker, being solution minded means having the mindset that every problem has a solution. It involves using a structured approach, asking questions, practicing the skill, and exercising patience to find a resolution.

What are the five components of being solution minded according to the speaker?

The five components of being solution minded are: mindset, structure, questions, practice, and patience.

How does the speaker describe the role of mindset in solving problems?

The speaker emphasizes that mindset is crucial for solving problems. You need to believe in yourself, trust that there is a solution to every problem, and have confidence in your ability to lower barriers and use available tools.

What is the significance of structure in the speaker’s approach to solving problems?

Structure helps provide a clear, linear path to solving problems. The speaker loves outlining a start, middle, and end, and encourages others to find a structure that works for them, which they can tweak along the way.

Why does the speaker believe asking questions is important in problem solving?

Asking questions is essential because it clarifies the problem and ensures the solution is appropriate. The speaker also mentions that they make asking for help part of their process, as it helps them gather information from colleagues, experts, and online resources.

What does the speaker say about practicing being solution minded?

The speaker believes that being solution minded is a skill that requires practice. It’s not something innate, but something that can be developed over time by consistently applying the process to problems and adjusting it as needed.

How does the speaker suggest handling patience in problem-solving situations?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of being patient with yourself and others when solving problems. Patience is key, especially when working through new structures or ideas, as everyone involved is learning and adapting.