Puzzles and Project Management

The next time I am looking for a team building exercise, I'm going to just pour puzzle pieces on a table and say -- GO!

So much to learn from puzzling. ??

Novice Puzzling

When my family was new to doing puzzles, without any process we would just slap it all together. Innocent and inexperienced, we would tediously hunt for any pieces that might fit, while swirling around the table and getting in each other's way. Our whole process (while usually good family fun) was counter-productive and inefficient (with sometimes some accompanying frustrations).

Eventually, it would come together. Faking it until making it -- clearly we needed a strong Project (or Puzzle) Manager ("PM").

Experienced Puzzling

Over time and with experience, learnings naturally developed and a logical process (a sidewalk paved, if you will) emerged, and one person would naturally take the PM lead.

With an informed, experienced, innovative, mission driven and wise hand (my teen son, the PM) guiding us with his learnings, people skills, and servant leadership, this puzzle process is PRODUCTIVE and EFFICIENT.

1) Turn over all the pieces; 2) Separate out all the edges; 3) Organize by color/pattern/shape; 4) Assign responsibilities; and 5) CONQUER. ??

Professional (and Personal) Puzzles

Isn't this the same process we go through when we start a new job or project (or have a new life partner or child)?

We start off excited and eager, yet innocent and inexperienced. We have impostor syndrome, but some humble confidence that we can GET IT DONE. We fumble and stumble through with purpose until...a learned trusted informed efficient process starts to emerge.

My Point ??

Puzzles are like many life projects -- new things can be so daunting at first, but eventually with faith, patience and experience become fluid. What starts off haphazard eventually becomes established process.

Efficiencies start to take the place of randomness. Something that at first feels like a hopeless mess that couldn't possibly ever coalesce is replaced by a sense; no, a CONFIDENCE, that this is totally doable -- one...piece...at...a...time. ?

Science! ??

Puzzling is good for you!

"Puzzles are more than just a way to pass the time," Dr. Michelle McCoy Barrett, a licensed clinical psychologist, says. "Particularly during periods of high stress, becoming immersed in a puzzle can be like practicing a mindful meditation — relaxing your mind and body, decreasing stress, and even slowing your heart rate and lowering your blood pressure."

The Big Finish ??

But it's more than just a mindful mind hack.

Puzzles are an experience, and experience is the best teacher.

Puzzles TEACH us time, project and talent management, teamwork and collaboration, coping skills and, ultimately, how to process the sentimental feelings to an ending to something enjoyable, but finished. ??

??? "It always seems impossible until it's done." - Nelson Mandela

??: Jigsaw Puzzle by The Rolling Stones

??: The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Hokusai (above puzzle)