Skip to main content

PROBLEM TYPES

 


Two professors who study the science of complexity - Brenda Zimmerman of York University and Sholom Glouberman of the University of Toronto have proposed a distinction among three different kinds of problems in the world. 


a. Simple Problems

    • e.g. baking a cake from a mix.
    • There is a recipe. Sometimes there are few basic techniques to learn.
    • But once these are mastered, following the recipe brings a high likelihood of success.
        b. Complicated Problems

    • e.g. sending a rocket to the moon.
    • They can sometimes be broken down into a series of simple problems. But there is no straightforward recipe.
    • Success frequently requires multiple people, often multiple teams, and specialized expertise.
    • Unanticipated difficulties are frequent.
    • Timing and coordination become serious concerns.
        c. Complex Problems

    • e.g. raising a child.
    • Once you learn how to send a rocket to the moon, you can repeat the process and perfect it. One rocket is like another rocket. But not so with raising a child. Every child is unique. Although raising one child may provide experience, it does not guarantee success with the next child.
    • Expertise is valuable but most certainly not sufficient. Indeed, the next child may require an entirely different approach from the previous one.
    • And this brings up another feature of complex problems: Their outcomes remain highly uncertain. Yet we all know that it is possible to raise a child well. It's complex, that’s all. 
                                                       (Source: from the book The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande)


As per the Law of Physical Universe - When you encounter a problem, you also find a way to solve it. 

But we tend to forget this law when we encounter problems in our lives. We feel that our problems or the problems faced by us are unique and nobody else is effected by such a problem. We do that because we want to feel special and this is one of the way to make ourselves feel special. 


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

From Mopping Tables to Owning a Restaurant: The Inspiring Journey of Rafiq Bhai

In the heart of Gandhinagar ’s Sector 17 , a young man once wiped tables with quiet determination, unaware that those humble beginnings would one day lead him to build one of the city’s most beloved restaurants. It was 1992 when Rafiq Bhai began his first job at a local hotel restaurant. His duties were simple — mopping tables, serving guests, and washing dishes — and his pay was a modest ₹300 a month. Yet, he carried out every task with a rare honesty and humility that made him stand out. Over the years, his unwavering work ethic paid off. By 2001, he was earning ₹12,000 a month — a remarkable journey of persistence and growth. But life, as it often does, threw a curveball. The hotel owner, now elderly, could no longer run the business, and the establishment shut down. Many would have stopped there. Rafiq Bhai didn’t. Determined to build a better life, he found his way to the United Kingdom , where he continued working in the restaurant business. There, he joined a Pakistani re...

Transformative Tales: My Top 10 Life-Changing Movies: Discovering Cinematic Brilliance

It's amazing how movies can have such profound effect on our lives, motivating us to take action and strive for excellence. I've immersed myself in countless movies over the years, continuously exploring new ones. Narrowing down my top picks is no easy feat, especially with a catchy title like "top 10 movies." Nevertheless, I've endeavored to compile a selection of films that have profoundly affected my inner being, catalyzing personal growth and transformation. These ten movies have gifted me with fresh perspectives on myself and have played a pivotal role in shaping my journey towards self-improvement. 1. Kung Fu Panda (2008) This movie is truly exceptional, offering a powerful lesson in realizing our own willpower and unlocking our limitless imagination. It underscores a crucial message applicable to all aspects of life, whether in personal careers, corporate environments, or the entrepreneurial journey. The film encourages us to heed the call of our hearts an...

The Airbag and the Insurance Policy: A Lesson That Still Resonates

Years ago, I attended a training seminar on Life Insurance that left a lasting impression on me. The speaker told a story so simple, yet so powerful, that it changed the way I viewed insurance — not as a product, but as a promise. During the session, someone from the audience raised a question : “Sir, how do I know the insurance company will really pay my claim ? ” It’s a fair question — one that many people silently carry in their minds. After all, if a claim isn’t paid when it’s needed most, what’s the point of having insurance? Until that moment arrives, paying premiums can easily feel like a waste of money. The trainer smiled and said, “I understand your concern. Let me explain it in a way that might make sense to you. Do you drive a car? Or have you ever sat in one? Every car comes with an airbag .” He paused, letting everyone lean in. “When was the last time you tested your airbag?” Of course, no one had. The only way to test an airbag is to crash your car — and no...