An honest look at the problem – Gateway to the Solution

September 24th, 2009 by Steve Swann | Filed under Problem Solving, Thinking.

Here is a short and delightful telephone automated response message – allegedly from an Australian High School.

The reason for including it here (other than it being very amusing) is that it lists what might be perceived as problems – until the final option that summaries the actual problem. What it illustrates is that our first thoughts in a problem solving situation are often quite superficial and based on unchallenged assumptions. Pushing on and challenging the assumptions will ultimately get you to the real problem. And therefore a real solution.