Since elementary school we’ve been trained to be solution-oriented. Homework, writing, everything we do has been centered around finding the solution to very simple problems. Then in high school, and unfortunately, again in University, we are always presented with a range of problems and are trained to learn how to find the solutions.
Now, I do not mean to discount the value in being solution-oriented. Solving problems in an effective manner is a valuable skill. But in today’s complex world, I would argue that the most valuable skill is actually finding the problem to begin with.
When I say problem, I mean the right problem. Our society is great at identifying problems - problems are everywhere! What we are awful at is actually finding the root of the problem and framing it in a solvable way.
I would argue that we should be taught from the beginning to look at problems framed in an incorrect, overcomplicated manner and be asked to simplify, re-frame, simplify again, and THEN solve the problem.
Most complex problems have relatively simple solutions. Let’s focus on simplifying the problem before finding the solution. It will save us all a lot of time.
UPDATE: Eric Berlow does a great job of explaining a similar thought around complexity vs. simplicity in his short TED talk:
