META-PROGRAM THINKING FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS

From the perspective of observing the expert problem-solving, you can learn a lot from identify the meta-program thinking patterns the expert uses. So now look for the set of meta-programs he uses as he detects, defines, and frames a problem. Which meta-programs does the expert excel at so that he demonstrates excellent problem-solving skills? If you were to peek into the way she thinks, what meta-programs stand out?

#L. Intentionality, focused. Expert problem-solvers begin with a focused purpose. The aim is to solve a particular problem and to create a specific solution. How focused are you on your problem and desired solution? How specific?

#3. Scale, Detail. The first task in problem-solving is clearly defining the problem, what it is, what it is not, when, where, who, etc. Do this to separate it from symptoms and other pseudo-problems. Are you clear? How much more clarity do you need?

#8. Movement: Fluid, Systemic. Problem-solvers engage in fluid and systemic thinking because the world and every experience in it is not made up of things, but processes. Expert problem-solvers also know that the source of a problem is internal—in the troubled thinking. What is external is how the thinking shows up in the outside world.

#13. Causation. In human psychology, our experiences are not ‘caused,’ but created by our thinking. ‘Cause’ is linear in nature, whereas the distinction, ‘created by thinking,’ describes a sysemic and non-linear set of processes. For that, you have to look inside for the thinking patterns.

#36. Options. Problem-solvers work to create multiple options at first, and then a specific procedure for that option. At that point, you have to move on from options. Now a procedure is needed in order to work through the problem systematically and create the intervention that will solve the problem.

#54. Ego Strength. Without ego-strength problems tend to “blow away” a person so he cannot face the problem head-on. If you personalize the problem, you will not be able to solve it. Do not identify with the problem, it is not ‘you,’ it is only an experience you are having.

#H. Fallibility Coping. To solve a problem you need an openness so you treat failures, mistakes, and errors as sources of information for refining your mental model of the problem and its solution.

Additional meta-programs for enhancing one’s problem-solving skills are these:

#2: Sensor: If the problem is a new one. and there’s no off-the-shelf solution, gather high quality sensory based information. If the problem already has an already-made solution which you have learned, use your intuition. As you were not born with any intuitions, then all intuitions are learned.

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#10: How. For problem-solving, focus on how to solve the problem, not on why it exists? Why will distract you and diminish your focus. It can lead to over-talking about explanations and theories.

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#32: Attitude — Playful. Problems are best solved from a playful attitude rather than an over-serious one. “If you get serious, you will get stupid.”

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#37. Judger: When you want to change something as in solving a problem, evaluate what is working or not, what changes are needed to solve the problem. Focus on how to adapt things to fit your vision.

How does a problem-solver think? To a great extent, she thinks using these 11 meta-programs. In doing so, she is enabled to identify the real problem, define it, and begin to understand it on its own terms. These thinking patterns enables one to think in terms of what is the actual source of the problem an the course of action that will solve things.