The ABC’s of Problem Solving

When you really boil it all down, life (and business), is really just an endless stream of problem solving. Some problems are simple, but others are big, hairy, complex beasts that can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. So, what to do?

SIMPLIFY!

That’s right. It has been said, and I agree, that tackling a big problem is like eating an elephant – it should be done one bite at a time. But, where to start?

I learned from a great manager many years ago that most problems can be broken down into manageable chunks of A, B, C, D, in descending order of importance. The trick is to focus your best energy on A and B and leave C and D alone. If you prioritize correctly and conquer A and B, you’ll usually find that C and D no longer matter or have taken care of themselves.

One of my favorite quotes is from writer/philosopher Elbert Hubbard, “The more one knows, the more one simplifies”. Truly a pragmatic mantra for life, business and the art of solving problems.

So, when encountering those nasty business problems, take a deep breath and simplify by remember your A, B, C’s.