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When I was a child, my parents and teachers used to ask me to do the most infuriating thing. I would get stuck trying to solve a problem. I would go to them and ask, sometimes plead, for them to give me the answer. Instead, they would say, “Figure it out.” At the time, I thought, “How cruel! They don’t love me. They’re atrocious parents and horrible teachers.” Of course, in retrospect “figure it out” is probably the most important lesson I’ve learned.
These days, the top lament I hear from employers and teachers is how many young people seem unwilling or unable to solve problems outside their comfort zone. Parents relate stories of how hard it can be to enforce this simple principle. Sometimes, it’s just more expedient to hand them the answer or do it for them. I have to admit that I have succumbed to this temptation myself.
A colleague of mine is fond of asking “Have you ever grown without discomfort?” In many ways, that captures the essence of what we need to do to ensure that the emerging generation develops the skills and confidence to navigate the daily challenges that life will throw at them. So what to do? Here are three quick strategies:
First, teach the principles of problem solving. Most people have never been taught a system for solving problems and overcoming obstacles. They tend to muddle through daily situations without learning from these experiences. Teaching individuals to think critically about these challenges can make a world of difference over time. Not only do they become more strategic in their methodology, they grow in confidence about facing life’s challenges.
Second, conduct think-alouds. This is a method being popularized in educational circles. It simply means asking a person who comes to you with a problem to think it through out loud as you’re listening. In doing this, three things happen: 1) You get a chance to understand the person’s approach and level of confidence; 2) It provides you with an opportunity to correct any flaws in their thinking. They may be on target and that’s good to know as well; 3) It gives you a chance to coach and encourage. We can all use a little bit of that sometimes.
Finally, exercise patience. This is, by far, the most difficult of the three strategies to implement. It is also the most critical. If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve developed some good critical thinking skills. Many of the challenges facing those you supervise may seem elementary, but not to them. Resist the temptation to hand out solutions for the sake of expediency or display your impatience with their “simple-mindedness.” Patience and nurturing begets confidence. That’s where the pay-off occurs.
There’s no secret to what I’ve suggested. More than anything else, we simply have to resist the temptation to solve every problem and answer every question when first requested. Will this make life more complicated at times? Yes, but consider it an investment in the future of our society. After all, who else will require this emerging generation to – figure it out?