Approach To Problem Solving

Usually a problem can not be solved on the same level it was created. The solution is to be found on a different level. The trick is to shift perspective or point of view. Explore assumptions and other dimensions of the problem. Look for back doors into the issue. Rephrase the problem into a question and get the answer. Remember, a problem can not be solved on the same level it was created.

Surround Yourself With Great People

Don't be afraid to associate with and recruit people with greater or better skills than yourself. Don't hire people too similar to yourself with the same background, education and areas of interest. Instead look for and hire complementary temperament and talent. Diversity is good. Network and hang out with different people than yourself. You will look better, you will learn and even become a better person yourself because of it.

Clear Out The Clutter

The first step in getting organized is to clear out the clutter. Clutter are all those many small things on our desk that overwhelm us and make us lose sight of the big picture (what we are trying to accomplish). When we lose sight of the big picture our ability to prioritize and focus diminishes and we become less productive. Clear out your desk (or garage) and decide to only deal with one thing at a time. First clear out the clutter.

Hustle While You Wait

The character of patience is crucial to success. Our job is to set the principles of cause and effect in motion (creating results through our persistent actions). Sometimes it takes time before the effects are evident. The inventor Thomas Edison said: "Everything comes faster to those who hustle while they wait." You can't force the flower to blossom, you can only give it water and your tender care. Don't give up! Continue to put in the work while you wait for the results.

Build Trust With Others

The quality of trust is a combination of credibility and reliability coupled with a focus on the other party. Credibility is about how and what you say, and how believable it is to others. Reliability, on the other hand, is about your actions, and how dependable you appear to be. Being congruent, with little dissonance between words (credibility) and actions (reliability), is the key booster of trust together with attention to the well being of others.

Schedule For Flexibility

First schedule your standing meetings and appointments, including the important time for personal planning. Secondly, allow ample time for you to work on your current projects. When you create your schedule don't forget to provide enough room between your fixed appointments to be able to handle inevitable surprises and respond to last minute requests. Define lead-times for your ability to respond and build your schedule backwards with that requirement in mind.

Work When You Work

Don't waste time at work. Be efficient, learn to hold effective meetings, get on with the important stuff. Work all the time you work. Socializing with colleagues has its part but don't spend the entire day shooting in the breeze at the water cooler. Get your job done and then get yourself home in good time. Strive for balance between work and the other important parts of your life.