Define Yourself First

A problem might overwhelm you but it doesn't need to define you.

-- Doug Smith

No Side Effects

If you can solve a problem without causing more problems you're on the right track.

-- Doug Smith

Too Many Problems?

If we were only given one problem at a time it would be easier but not always better.

More problems could be more opportunities. Too many problems? Start solving them.

-- Doug Smith

Center Ourselves First

Sometimes it's hard to see how much we contribute to a problem.

Unless we center ourselves first, the problem will keep us off center.

-- Doug Smith

Relax the Overwhelm

Have you ever tried TOO hard to solve a problem?

It's possible. I've been know to over-think a problem. People sometimes take the spaghetti approach -- throw a bunch of solutions at the problem and see what sticks.

Sometimes it works. It doesn't always. Sometimes finesse wins the day. Or patience. Or collaboration.

It isn't always necessary to overwhelm a problem in order to solve it. Maybe, like in the martial arts, it pays to let the problem fall on its own with just a gentle re-direction from you.

-- Doug Smith

Pitch In

Even if you ever manage to solve all of your problems there are still plenty more that could use your help.

-- Doug Smith

Fair Enough

A problem we share needs a solution that's fair.

-- Doug Smith

Status Pending

Making a problem insignificant is almost as useful as solving it.

-- Doug Smith

Breathe. Focus. Center

Finding a creative solution to a problem is easier when the problem solvers are centered.

Breathe.

Focus.

Center.

-- Doug Smith

A Deep Dive into Legal Learning and Problem Solving Analytics

This is a bit off center for this blog, and yet related. To focus on developing a way of centered problem solving takes willingness to examine possibilities. It takes curiosity.

This has me curious. This presentation (I couldn't find any sound recording, just the slides, but there's plenty of content here to prompt some useful problem solving learning) focuses on making better legal decisions, or predictions using a three prong approach:

- Crowd sourcing
- Expert opinions
- Algorithms (machine learning)

Surprisingly, it's the combination of all three that provides (according to their data) them most accurate predictions (and presumably best solutions to their problem.)

It's as lot of slides. Many of them click thru quickly (there are even many blank pages for some reason) so give it a half hour or so and see how it influences or enhances your perspectives on problem solving in such a rapidly changing technological world as we live in.

I take heart in the fact that there's not only room for people in the mix -- people are an essential and dominant part of the mix.

Here is the presentation.

Put Them In The Rear View Mirror

When we solve the problems in front of us we can put them behind us.

-- Doug Smith

Find The Right Mix

Some problems require both justice and mercy. The wrong mix perpetuates the problem. The right mix delivers peace.

Centered problem solvers find the right mix.

-- Doug Smith

Use Your Broken Pieces

The broken pieces of one problem might solve the next.

-- Doug Smith

How to Prevail

If you stay centered, in the midst of a problem then that problem doesn't stand a chance.

You will prevail.

Focus. Stay centered. Breathe in and thru your unlimited supplies of clarity, courage, creativity, and compassion.

You will prevail.

The problems meant for you are also meant to be solved.

You will prevail.

-- Doug Smith

Consider it Training

We solve problems knowing full well that bigger problems are on the way.

Consider it practice. Consider it preparation. Consider it wisdom.

-- Doug Smith

Solve What's In Front Of You

Don't wait for easy problems. Anyone can solve those.

But don't avoid easy problems. Anyone of those can turn into a bigger problem.

Solve what's in front of you and move onto your next goal

-- Doug Smith