Do You Prefer Simple Solutions or More Complex Ones?

It may seem like we are all the same-we all want to find the simplest possible solution to whatever problems come our way. This is not necessarily true-nor is there any one "perfect" problem-solving style. In fact, sometimes the best solutions can be reached by a combination of approaches and by a joint effort of more than one person. Having the self-awareness around what kind of problem-solver you are, however, can be helpful in determining how best to approach those solutions-some of DO want to find the simplest possible solutions, while others of us would rather find more complicated and intricate ways to solve a problem.

Some problems just have inherently simple solutions-you are hungry and need something to eat. That simple "solution," however, can actually be executed with varying degrees of complexity. You could simply walk in the kitchen and pull something out of the refrigerator, or head out to your favorite restaurant and order a menu item. You could also prepare a dish or meal or even go to the grocery store or farmer's market to get the items necessary to make the desired meal. Simplicity and/or complexity is all a matter of perspective.

When it comes to other situations (work or other areas of life) the preference for simple solutions or more complex ones can affect the job we do and how well we work with other people. It is important to realize that while either going for the easiest, quickest and simplest solution is our approach or looking at things through a more complicated lense suits us best-there are going to be others who do things differently. Allowing for those differences, all while understanding how we work best, is what makes for the most creative and mutually successful problem-solving.

Consider how being aware of your tendency to a certain style of problem-solving can also help you to keep from suffering from or creating typical pitfalls. If you tend to go for the simplest approach, watch out for over-simplifying or overlooking possible obstacles. If you tend to look for more complicated solutions, watch out for creating more problems than you solve or overlooking the obvious. Whatever your approach, learn how to optimize your own skills while allowing for others to be different.