What they never teach you in schools

After 10 years of handling engineers fresh out of college, I finally came to a conclusion about what is wrong with our schools and colleges.

Yeah, it took that long!

The problem lies with the way thinking is taught.
You have a problem ... solve it ... you get an answer.

More often than not the solution is unique.
And that is because the problem being solved is complete.
You see you don't need to assume anything.
The problem contains all that is required to solev it.

In the world outside colleges, the problems are not complete. In some cases, the bits of information that are floating around are conflicting.

To solve such problems, you need to ...

(a) figure out the bits of information that are incorrect and thus remove the conflict, and
(b) assume information so that the incomplete problem is now complete.

This immediately gives us multiple correct solution to the problems of life. Each solution depends on the assumptions. To determine which of the multiple solutions actually make sense you do not check the solutions. Instead, you verify the assumptions.

How valid are the assumptions?
What is the assumptions change?
Are there assumptions that conflict with other assumptions?
Can I drop an assumption?

And then there is that element of time ...

Can the problem change over time?
Can some of the assumptions change over time?
Do the solutions make sense a few years down the line?

Now tell me when was the last time a college professor asked you to make an assumption and solve a problem?

Brain Seeding Technique

Alexander's technique of slicing the Gordian's Knot is perhaps one of the best Problem Solving techniques that I know of. Here's what you need to do ...

Ask everyone to list their problems. You will get a big list. Chances are that each element of the list is actually a symptom. Not the problem itself.

Once the list is ready, you need to behave like a bull in a china shop. Basically, go crash, bang, wallop. Take the first item in the list and give your best solution that you can think of at that point of time. In all probability, you will be met with an uproar of why your solution will not work. Ask them why it will not work. The discussion goes like ...

You: How about <this>?
They: No this will not work because of <such, such & such> reason.
You : Why?
They: Because of <this and that>
You: Why not? <And give a counter argument as to why you believe it will work>

Stay there for some time and go to the next item. Repeat the same technique.

At the end of this rapid fire solution round, you will find some pattern emerging. You will also find the room a little more open to ideas. Leave them to it and walk out of the room. Tell them you will come back after half an hour or earlier, if they have some insight.

This technique is diametrically opposite of brain storming technique. I cal lit the brain seeding technique.

This does not guarantee you instant solution. But it ensures demolition of inertia of the group.

Try it. It might just work for you. If it does please let me know. Should you need any clarification feel free to ask.

Picture courtesy: Sanja Gjenero

Problem And Solution

"It is getting hotter by the day. It is all that global warming."

"The traffic condition is worsening by the day. Why doesn't someone do anything about it?"

"Nothing works without paying bribe. These guys are all corrupt."

"Politicians are all corrupt."

"Why should I pay taxes. I do not see any of my money being used properly. It only lines someones pocket."

"Things are so expensive."

"The police does not do anything to the rich."

"The finance minister only taxes the working class. The rich only get richer. And they do not pay any taxes."

"The condition of roads is so bad."

I hear this all the time ...

My response: "Are you part of the problem or part of the solution? If you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem. You cannot be just an observer."

Picture Courtesy: Steve Woods

Good Thing Bad Thing

I have given my car for servicing. The mechanic said he cannot give the car until Monday evening. How do I go to office? I would love to use this opportunity to cycle to office, there is a customer visit. Bad thing.

Fortunately, we have another car at home. Good thing.

The other car breaks down. Kids are with me. They need to reach the school on time. Bad thing.
Fortunately, the car breaks down in front of the school. Good thing.

I search for the road emergency service offered by my friendly neighbourhood service station. Can't find it. My wife must have misplaced it. I have the number at home. How do I reach it? Bad thing.
Fortunately, my wife is at home today. She teaches and her school is closed today. I ask her to hunt for the number and ask the service station to help me out. Good thing.

She calls me back saying that it will take them at least half an hour to reach me. What a waste of time. Bad thing.
Fortunately I always carry a book in the car. Perfect time to gobble away those chapters. Good thing.

I suddenly realize - customer at office. Panic! I should have been there. What a mess! Bad thing.
The customer calls me on my mobile. He will be a couple of hours late. I tell him to take his own time and not to hurry. Good thing.

The service vehicle finally reaches me. The wires are disconnected. Rubbed against the belt. Bad thing.
He fixes the problem in a jiffy. Good thing.

He wants to be paid in cash. And I am credit card person. I rarely carry cash in my wallet. Bad thing.
I had popped some cash in my wallet last evening but did not get to spend it. I pay him thanking him profusely. Good thing.

I think I know exactly how life tastes ... sweet and sour. 

Picture courtesy: Kriss Szkurlatowski