Monday, January 22, 2007

The Quandary breaker:

A recent realization: Complex situations can have simple solutions. Well at least simple methods to solve complex problems.

In journalism, the students are thought the 5 W’s and 1 H. They are asked to practice this so that they have a complete understanding of the story. I believe this is the perfect method to solve any problem.

What are these "5 W’s and a H"…??? What, When, Where, Why, Who and How?
Simply put:

  • What needs to be done?
  • Why it needs to be done?
  • How it should be done?
  • Who should do it?
  • When it needs to be done?
  • Where should it be done (implemented)?

Each question should be answered completely, truthfully and in isolation. The third condition is very critical here. When answering any question, do NOT consider the other questions. When seeking “Why” do not dwell on “When”.

I have found this method effective. If not an outright solution it will point you to a more precise definition of the problem, or it will at least create sub problems which can be solved using the method again.


Simple… Problem Solved!!!

2 comments:

Moses John Wesley said...

sounds good, just wonder how all these journalists manage to become so mediocre!!

Anonymous said...

This pertains to stimulus and response for things which are in ones hands.

Most of the complex things occur due to the response of things beyond control.

As the forced patience, we are going thru now :-)