Page 52 - October 2020 Voices

SKILLS 2.0 CORNER

up with a completely unexpected root cause, Benefits of improved Problem Solving
which is that the bedroom is not dark enough skills

and there are all kinds of electronic devices Here are a few possible benefits of improved
negatively impacting the quality of sleep, leading problem solving skills:
to tiredness during the day. • Improved surroundings/environment

• Better resource utilization
Step 3—Develop an effective plan • Enhanced overall well-being

An effective plan would be one that would • Better career advancement
maximize the chances of eliminating the • Better art

problem, given the circumstances and resources • Increased confidence
available. Targeting the root cause(s) and leaving • More time available for other things
everything else alone is important. In other • Less chance of creating new problems
words – don’t fix what ain’t broke. In our example, from old ones.

an effective plan might be to get blackout curtains • Better prospects for the future of
and throw your devices with green blinking lights humanity
out of your bedroom. If you have a problem you would like
Also, don’t take sleeping pills or two-hour- to crack, especially related to joining a

long baths because they have nothing to do with Toastmaster club, contact us via jeffersonstate.
the problem root cause(s). toastmastersclubs.org. We have a customized
solution for you.
Step 4—Execute plan Sudhir Gautam is a technologist, TEDxSpeaker,

Now that you understand the problem Moth Storyteller, Standup Comedian and a Hospice
clearly, know the root cause and have an Volunteer. He joined Jefferson State Toastmasters
effective plan, it’s time to start executing it in 2018 and is currently serving as club President.
like a soldier. Implement it, see if it fixes the You can reach him at yawsudgautgc@gmail.

problem, close the loop and adjust the plan if com or through the club website jeffersonstate.
necessary, lather, rinse, repeat. toastmastersclubs.org.

The greatest problem solvers are not necessarily the

smartest people but the ones who are willing to stick to

the problems until they find a breakthrough. Grit and

persistence can make all the difference! —Simerjeet Singh

52 ONE COMMUNITY