I am frequently criticized as being too unemotional. In general people think that you should feel about things. Contrary to popular opinion, I do feel emotional about many things. But not about solving problems. My methodology in dealing with problems in the world around me is rank ordered and always works.

There are three steps that are required to address any problem which becomes part of your life. First, you have to define the problem. Second you have to consider all possible solutions to your problem. Third you have to pick one solution to implement. These are simple (in concept).

The definition of the problem is the first step. There are more errors made here than in any other part of the process. You put the problem into words, and frequently, not very carefully. All the people who are working with you nod, smile, and you assume that all of your colleagues (buddies, friends, etc) understand the words that you have used in the same way that you meant them to be understood. This assumption is frequently wrong. In order to be successful the problem definition must be understood in the same way by all the participants. They may use the same words, or not, but they must all understand the problem definition in precisely the same way. If not, disaster is just a step away.

Once the problem is defined you can proceed to the second step: possible solutions. These solutions should be based upon physics, administrative constraints, financial requirements, etc. It doesn’t matter what the constraints are, but the solutions must fit within a defined world which is feasible. So far we have not mentioned emotion. There is none. You may, or may not, like the possible solutions to the problem. But that issue comes later. The question you must address and answer is: is this particular proposed set of actions a solution to the well defined problem?

Now the rest is easy. Consider the set of allowable, feasible solutions. Some will be liked by you and not others. Some will be like by others but not you. Note the verb here defines an emotional response. There is really no method of selecting one solution over another except emotion. This is where your emotions come into play.

Now you have a proposed course of action. You have defined the problem. You have considered a set of possible solutions. And, you have selected one of the solutions for implementation. This approach, while considered by some to be a little cold-blooded, always works. It works for all problems: physical, managerial, and even emotional. I commend it to all of you.