Here's how you can demonstrate your problem-solving skills to your tech-related job boss.

First step is to understand and make a list of your organization's top technical focus areas/projects and match those with your skill sets. Some may be in your own team and the rest may be with other technical groups. Based on your interest, pick one or two. Tell your boss that you have unique skill sets and expertise to help in these priority projects. Of course, you will not let your current assignments suffer. Boss will likely take this up with other group(s) as a part of his/her leadership expectations. You have to deliver "big" to gain attention. This is a win-win for everyone, including your boss, other team leaders and yourself. Rinse and repeat. You will get noticed and emerge over time as the "go-to" person for problem solving.

I've found that being proactive in tech is like playing chess. You're always thinking several moves ahead, anticipating issues before they blow up in your face. It's not about paranoia; it's about smart planning. Think of it as giving your future self a high five. When you tackle potential problems early, you're saving yourself (and your team) a world of headaches down the line. It might be optimizing that clunky code or rethinking how your system handles traffic spikes. Here's the kicker: this approach doesn't just prevent fires – it shows you're leadership material. When you consistently spot and solve problems before they escalate, you're proving your value in a big way.

What I've learned from working with big corporates and small startups is that, corporates keep track of each steps including the successes, and the possible upcoming challenges, however, startups are more oriented to just reach the final goal which sometimes they will fail due to not having a systematic approach (as one of the reasons).

Break down problems methodically (use simple frameworks like root cause analysis or the 5 Whys, SWOT etc. to identify the core issue). Propose alternative routes and use data to support them. Make a plan to course correct based on the options at hand.

I've learned that tackling tech problems is like being a detective. You've got to gather all the clues before you start pointing fingers. It's about taking a step back, looking at the big picture, and connecting the dots. Think of it as assembling a puzzle. You need all the pieces in front of you before you can see the full image. This approach isn't just about finding solutions; it's about finding the right solutions. Here's the thing: being adaptable is your secret weapon. When you show you can roll with the punches and adjust your strategy on the fly, you're not just solving problems – you're proving you're an asset. It's this kind of flexible thinking that sets you apart in the fast-paced world of tech.

Indeed that's correct and I would say in every situation the collaborators should remain relax and find the best solution. What I have seen as a difference between working in American and Swisssystems is that Swiss people always remain calm and try to find the best solution while American are more in rush for the valuable output to be the first and obtain the higher capital.

As a technical person, it's hard to understand that the bosses are also humans and they may not be familiar with all details of the project. In this regard, the best solution is to explain the details of the project in the simplest format for the supervisors and the project partners. Indeed usage of slides and other visual aids would be invaluable.

Maybe I was lucky to obtain my Ph.D. in the AI era, but clearly now with the speed of technology it's impossible to claim knowledge (even with a Ph.D.) for more than a year. I immediately figured out that my degrees and knowledge will be outdated in a year if I stop learning. Learning is a never ending task to have a successful career, personal life, etc.