Multiple tools
Multiple tools
Is one tool good?
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could solve every problem with the appropriate tool.
Just consider the problem, go down the list of options to tackle it and out comes the solution.
When you have a job to do around the house you may choose a tool from the garage.
You find it is not quite right and choose another or you add to a tool to get what you need to complete the job.
This is pretty common practice and so it should be for problem solving.
Just because you have a solution doesn’t mean it is the right one or even the best one.
However, if you approach a problem using different tools you may get nearer to the ideal solution.
So, when presented with an issue be prepared to use a variety of techniques to see what solutions you come up with.
Once you have done this you will have the luxury of options to evaluate.
Build on solutions
This process is not just about starting afresh with new techniques and generating a list of potential solutions.
It is possible to build on one solution by trying to extend it using other techniques.
In this way you may be able to improve on the solution that you already have.
Still not satisfied then add another tool and see where that leads.
When using any tools or considering a problem it can be useful to draw on the experiences of yourself or others.
If you know of the solution to a similar problem then why not use it as a spring board to think about how they solved it.
Try and incorporate these ideas into your own solutions.