Problem Solving—The Cure to Unmanaged Complexity
Welcome to Day 4 Detective ???! Too often, problem solving is framed as something you should do—sometimes even a box to check. I’ve worked at companies where leaders judged you for not doing enough of it. But today, let’s flip the script. Instead of pressure and expectations, let’s talk about when problem solving actually makes your life easier. In other words—let’s focus on the carrot?? and forget the stick!
?? Embracing Complexity (But Not Too Much)
As project managers, we're taught to embrace complexity. It’s part of the job. The more complex the project, the more valuable our skills become. But what happens when that complexity spirals out of control?
?? When Complexity Becomes Unmanageable
Some projects push past normal levels of complexity, making standard processes ineffective. These are the moments when project teams start scrambling, patching holes instead of fixing the foundation.
Consider these all-too-common scenarios:
?? A technical architecture that seemed solid falls apart under real-world conditions.
?? A key resource disappears—pulled into another project or leaving the company.
?? Product costs bloat, slashing profit margins.
?? A competitor launches your biggest feature before you, forcing a strategy shake-up.
?? A stubborn bug won’t die, devouring time and patience.
Each of these problems adds layers of chaos that weren’t in the plan, pushing teams into crisis mode.
?? Grinding: The Default Response
When teams hit this level of unmanaged complexity, their natural instinct is to grind. Work harder. Stay later. Maybe even stay quiet and hope no one notices. But sheer effort won’t solve problems that require deeper thinking.
??? The Power of Formal Problem Solving
Instead of grinding, what if the team took a structured approach? Formal problem solving isn’t just a bureaucratic checklist—it’s a full-team effort to break through complexity. In just a few days, a structured process can:
? Challenge assumptions that might be limiting progress.
? Explore new angles and alternative solutions.
? Bring in diverse perspectives to avoid blind spots.
? Use data-driven analysis instead of gut reactions.
When done right, formal problem solving is exponentially more effective than one person working in isolation. It brings together the team’s collective intelligence, experience, and critical thinking to tackle the problem head-on.
?? Breaking Through Complexity
Next time your project slows to a crawl, marked by confusion and setbacks, recognize the signs of unmanaged complexity. Then, instead of doubling down on grinding, lead your team through structured problem solving. It’s what they want to do anyway—break down barriers and get the job done.
?? Continue the Conversation:
What’s your go-to method for breaking design blocks? Drop it in the comments! And if you liked this, give it a thumbs-up ??. I hope you enjoyed this week's edition of Day 4 Detective. See you next time!