I just got a bunch of pro tips about how to solve problems. Wanna hear them?
Here are a few, and the last one is my favorite:
* Read the problem 1-3 times
* Try the problem three different ways
* If you do not understand the problem, circle it and move on, but come back to the problem
* STAY FOCUSED
Who gave the tips? An 8-year-old. (Showing that actionable advice can come from anywhere!)
In the March series, Unforgettable, In-Demand Soft Skills, we’re discussing three ways you can be unforgettable. Problem-solving is an essential skill no matter what age you are. But here’s the kicker: Finding a solution is only half the battle.
When people look back, they often skip past the answer to Final Jeopardy. What do they remember instead? How you got there. So, to be an unforgettable problem solver at work or in community groups, you must also master soft skills like collaborating with respect and empathy and managing your emotions.
Let’s meet an NFL executive who crafted multiple qualities into a winning combination.
Seahawks General Manager John Schneider is no stranger to high-pressure, high-stakes negotiations. However, something was unusual about how the deal to re-sign quarterback Geno Smith came together.
Smith could have had a huge chip on his shoulder. The Seahawks originally signed him in 2019 and kept renewing. But they crawled along, extending only one year at a time. That meant Smith constantly re-auditioned for his job.
When Geno Smith’s team got down to business, Schneider wasn’t sure what to expect. But he was pleasantly surprised, describing the negotiation this way: “His representation, they were so calm and easy to work with—challenging, great questions, but not in a condescending manner. It really was like we were together. We were working together. It’s not like someone was trying to get over, like Team A was trying to get over on Team B. It was very collaborative. It was not in the media.”
In the end, both sides were happy. The Seahawks got the quarterback they wanted, and Geno Smith walked away with a 3-year, $105 million deal.
The case study shows it’s possible to overcome barriers to collaboration, even in the smack-talking NFL! But problem-solving is more than data—there’s a human factor. So, getting to solutions requires building the muscle of people skills.
Does that goal sound too vague? Then let’s deconstruct John Schneider’s quote. As you take a second look, try to identify the keywords showing attributes you could model to be an unforgettable problem solver. How about:
Now, let’s personalize these qualities so you can easily describe your problem-solving expertise to others, adding in the pro tips from the third grader for good measure! Start with these three short and sweet examples, or brainstorm custom replies.
When someone asks, “How do you problem solve within teams?” you could say:
The old way of bossing up was to try to take advantage of others, driving for a one-sided solution. But the new way of working is collaborative problem-solving. So, emulate qualities such as keeping confidences, finding common ground, and putting ideas forward that benefit both parties. Taking good faith actions will make you unforgettable.