MacGyver vs. Jack Ryan: Problem-Solving Styles for Real Life

Last week, I found myself in a captivating debate with our management team, comparing the unique approaches of MacGyver, the resourceful secret agent, and Jack Ryan, the analytical CIA analyst. Both characters are known for their unique approaches to problem-solving. While their methods differ, both characters offer valuable lessons for tackling real-world challenges.

As many of you know, I’ve always deeply admired both characters. While they may be fictional, their stories and values resonate with me personally. I’m a dreamer, a thinker, and a doer, always seeking possibilities. These characters have motivated me and significantly shaped my character, fostering creativity, resilience, flexibility, and a strong sense of mission. I believe their stories can inspire us all to reach our full potential.?

I was somewhat appalled because the argument was that MacGyver could solve problems without killing people. In contrast, Jack Ryan tends to solve problems in a messy way, which has resulted in some injuries. Yes, both are different problem-solvers on different missions. MacGyver led with resourcefulness and strong improvisation skills, demonstrating a keen ability to think independently. We all recall the unconventional uses of a chewing gum wrapper, paperclip, or duct tape as ways to diffuse a bomb or break down a door. In contrast, Jack Ryan uses analytical thinking and strategic planning to think broader, anticipate consequences, and forecast outward. He identified interdependencies and what-if scenarios, which in one case helped to recognize that a fast-moving car was about to make an abrupt stop and perform an assassination attempt.?

In our debate, it was inferred that MacGyver was better because he solved problems in a polished, clean way. I found myself defending Jack Ryan for the patriot that he was, that those were not his casualties, and that his challenges were on a global scale. Whereas, yes, MacGyver was able to do the impossible with the least amount of resources needed; he came into his challenges at the last minute, requiring no need to take down a cartel or chase down the bad guys through a busy town street because his challenge wasn’t focusing on solving the complete problem, just the life-threatening need to do right now. Both are do-gooders; both did what was right, yet both took on life missions to be problem solvers but with different approaches. Both are great sets to pull from for our own real-life problem-solving today.?

One key lesson we can draw from MacGyver and Jack Ryan is the importance of defining and prioritizing outcomes. MacGyver, for instance, prioritized saving lives over taking down the bad guy. Jack Ryan, on the other hand, focused on saving the world, sometimes at the cost of human life. This underscores the need to clearly define and prioritize our desired outcomes in problem-solving. By doing so, we can effectively direct our efforts and resources, a crucial step in effective problem-solving.

Another valuable lesson we can learn from MacGyver and Jack Ryan is the importance of critical thinking in problem-solving. Challenges are rarely straightforward, and a one-size-fits-all solution is often not the best approach. Critical thinking allows us to thoroughly evaluate potential solutions, considering risks, unintended consequences, and potential benefits. Challenging conventional approaches and considering creative, outside-the-box solutions that best address the prioritized risks and capitalize on the opportunity at hand is important. This is a key aspect of problem-solving, as MacGyver and Jack Ryan demonstrated in their quests to save the day.?

Problem-solving is an element of change management.? Effective problem-solving requires adaptability and using the right approach for the situation/need. Change inevitably involves challenges and unexpected roadblocks. Effective problem-solving skills are crucial for adapting to these situations and finding solutions that keep the change process moving forward. Through characters like MacGyver and Jack Ryan, we have those aspirational stories of possibility within the impossible.?

The next time you face a challenge, channel your inner MacGyver or Jack Ryan (or maybe a bit of both!). Do you have a good example that you already have??