How experts solve problems faster
They solve problems faster because they start in the right place.
Most people faced with complex problems feel overwhelmed and unsure where to begin. They waste energy on possible solutions to early on that go nowhere.
But here's the thing: solving hard problems isn't about effort, it's about leverage. Leverage points are your secret weapon. They're the "holds" experts use to scale difficult challenges. Think of a leverage point like a foothold on a climbing wall, it helps you get a hold to move to the next place. Leverage points are possibilities, pressure points or critical factors that might lead to something useful.
For example, a paramedic treating an accident victim with a severely damaged throat used bubbles as a guide to insert a breathing tube. With no clear view of where to insert the tube, the paramedic recognised that the bubbles indicated escaping air and the best spot place to put the tube in.
We also need to spot leverage points that can work against us in order to uncover weaknesses in our plans. Choke points can work against us, but identifying them early allows us to take preventative action.
Experts instinctively recognise leverage points because they have more experience to draw on. But novices can take a shortcut.
Next time you're stuck, ask yourself:
What one thing could unravel this entire problem?
What could work against me? And what action could I take to prevent this?
What does the solution look like? - mentally walk through your solution step by step to see what you may have missed.
By focusing on leverage points, anticipating choke points and visualising the solution, you can approach problem solving like an expert by starting smarter.