Focus on the result you want, not the problem. (Law of assunmption book), and
Green, Orange, Red – and how to solve those
Do what gives you energy
Raise your energy and rise above problems – not from within or analysis paralysis – counterintuitive
Go on offense – that’s how to grow
Value your time – Time Audit and put a value on your time to recognise how valuable your time is – Toggl, or time audit
Hire to buy your time back
Be fearless, listen to it, but have positive intention, and trust in something greater than yourself.
The value of letting go.
Valuing advice – 99% is bad. Only ask for advice from people who have done something you want to do, or whos life you want. If they haven’t done it, don’t listen to them.
Value of writing stuff out – define the issue, break it down into small problems, look at options. Create a template to go through the problem solving process.
Eliminate, automate, delegate process.
How to hire? Define role clearly. Ask them their background and 5 questions for each job 1) What they were hired to do, 2) Biggest achievement, 3) Lowest Point, 4) What would your manage say when we ask for references, 5) Why did you change. Then ask yourself, 1) Would you be managed by this person? (An extension of the golden principle, treat people as you’d like to be treated), 2) Are they better than the talent on the team? Do they raise the bar?
What problems have I had? Give some examples
Elevate Your Problem-Solving Skills: A Holistic Approach to Overcoming Challenges
In life and work, we are constantly faced with problems that need effective solutions. To navigate these challenges, it’s essential to adopt a multi-faceted approach. Here’s a comprehensive guide to problem-solving based on the concepts of Green, Orange, and Red zones, raising your energy, valuing your time, and leveraging the wisdom of the right mentors.
1. The Green, Orange, Red Approach
Green Zone: This represents a state of clarity and calm where solutions seem evident.
• Strategy: When in the green, utilize this clear mind to address problems that require thoughtful and creative solutions. Engage in brainstorming sessions and thorough research.
Orange Zone: This is the caution area where problems are starting to appear but are not critical.
• Strategy: Address these issues promptly before they escalate. Implement preventive measures and mitigate risks. It’s a good time to troubleshoot, fix minor issues, and tweak existing systems.
Red Zone: This is the emergency zone where problems are urgent and critical.
• Strategy: Prioritize and act decisively. Use rapid response tools and straightforward solutions to stabilize the situation. After immediate control, reflect and create strategies to prevent future occurrences.
2. Raise Your Energy and Rise Above Problems
Often, solving problems from within the thick of them leads to “analysis paralysis.” Counterintuitively, the best solutions sometimes arise from getting a broader perspective and higher energy state.
• Strategy: Engage in activities that elevate your mood and energy—exercise, meditation, or a break to clear your mind. With renewed energy and enthusiasm, you can rise above problems and view them from a new, more objective perspective.
3. Go on Offense: Embrace Growth
Instead of being reactive (constantly putting out fires), take proactive steps to grow.
• Strategy: Focus on growth opportunities that align with long-term goals. Anticipate potential problems and prepare strategies to tackle them before they appear, thereby transforming challenges into stepping stones for success.
4. Value Your Time: Conduct a Time Audit
Your time is incredibly valuable. To utilize it efficiently:
• Strategy: Conduct a time audit using tools like Toggl to track how you spend your time. Assign a monetary value to your hours to understand the true cost of tasks and activities.
5. Hire to Buy Your Time Back
Outsourcing and delegation are critical to freeing up your time for higher-value tasks.
• Strategy: Identify tasks that can be outsourced and hire professionals to manage these areas. This allows you to focus on strategic activities that directly contribute to your goals.
6. Be Fearless: Positive Intentions and Trust
Fear is a natural reaction but don’t let it drive your actions.
• Strategy: Listen to your fears, but focus on positive intentions and trust in a greater purpose or guiding principle. This mindset helps in making fearless decisions fueled by positive energy and clear intentions.
7. The Value of Letting Go
Holding on to past mistakes, regrets, or unproductive tasks can be detrimental.
• Strategy: Practice the art of letting go—of grudges, non-essential tasks, and outdated ideas. This mental decluttering makes room for growth and clearer problem-solving.
8. Valuing Advice: Seek Wisdom from Proven Success
The quality of advice you follow is crucial.
• Strategy: Only seek advice from individuals who have achieved what you aspire to or whose lives you respect. Disregard unsolicited advice from those without relevant experience or success.
9. The Power of Writing Stuff Out
Literally writing down problems helps in defining and solving them.
• Strategy: Define the issue clearly, break it into smaller components, and explore possible solutions. Use a problem-solving template to systematically address each part of the problem.
10. Eliminate, Automate, Delegate
Optimizing workflow and reducing inefficiencies can significantly improve problem-solving.
• Strategy: Regularly review tasks and processes. Eliminate unnecessary steps, automate repetitive tasks, and delegate duties that can be effectively managed by others.
Conclusion
Effective problem-solving is a blend of strategic thinking, positive mindset, and efficient use of resources. By adopting the Green, Orange, and Red approach, raising your energy, valuing your time, and seeking the right advice, you can not only solve problems but also foster growth and innovation. Let go of what doesn’t serve you, trust in a larger guiding principle, and remember—actively managing your time and energy is as crucial as the solutions you find.
