Become a Problem Solving Genius – Guaranteed Through Systems Diagram
Wow did you read that, I just guaranteed that you will become a problem solving genius utilizing systems diagrams. For the record I do believe everyone is capable, but the outcome is dependant on how hard you are willing to work and strive for that brilliant idea.
Psychologists have studied the nature of human problem solving methods over the past hundred years. There are several methods of studying problem solving, including; introspection, behaviorism, simulation, computer modeling, and experiment.
Now if I sit here and explain what each one of those methods includes and how it is used, I wouldn’t be able get to the real bread and butter. Bottom Line: A solution has to be simple, and cannot be complicated.
Systems Diagram
A system diagram is a great way to help you understand how something works and the steps the system takes. When broken down into visuals it helps us understand the problem as simple as possible. Lets use an example.
As an Advertising consultant there are some common problems I come across when I begin to work with organizations. Since I can best demonstrate problem solving through the industry I work in, I will use advertising as the example. Please note that this methodology can be applied to any industry.
- Problem: ACME Inc. is struggling to maintain its market share as its competitors aggressively acquire its share in the market. This uncertainty in the market has caused reduced sales for ACME Inc. and also diminishes the brand loyalty. This negative perception can hurt long-term business growth and potentially devastate the financial standpoint of the organization. Bringing consistent layoffs, reduction in research and development, and less funding to seek company growth. ACME Inc. must aggressively tackle this new up and coming issue while cash flow remains positive.
Well sure that sentence sums up the problem, but if you are reading a brief, with multiple problems, this can be cumbersome to understand, let alone solve. That is why when I am briefed I make doodles. Yes I doodle out the problem rather than write it out. It just makes more sense to me. Here is the same problem visually. Now you tell me which one is easier to understand. The words or the visuals? Also keep in mind that it is human nature to forget things, and therefore we look back at our notes. Which one of the two is quicker to browse, the visual or the words?
This was a fairly easy problem to draw out visually. Often times people tend to struggle when the problem has many components and becomes complex. Regardless of the situation, you must come up with your own conventions to understanding things.
For example to me circles with a line going down can be a representation of a person. Simple. And of course you will have to practice making system diagrams, but eventually it will be easy to draw out. Try it out on simple math problems. Visually demonstrating the problem can often lead to the “ahh haa” moment to solving the problem, and avoiding silly mistakes. It is also a great way to gearing your mind into visual thinking. It is a very powerful tool, and might I add rare individuals utilize visual thinking. When was the last time you were sitting next to someone who draws notes out rather than write? If you are one of the few “true visual” thinkers, think about your personal marketability…
Happy Systems Diagramming
Mitesh Solanki
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