Solution-Strategies

by Chris Fillebrown on October 31, 2009

Solution-strategy is a generic, self-explanatory term. For the purpose of this blog, the term requires qualification. Developing a solution-strategy is a deliberate and intentional activity focused on solving a specific problem in the real-world. Put another way, there are problems in this world which, if solved, would result in the improvement of some condition in the world. We all engage in problem-solving every day. Solving problems is part of the human capacity to adapt. Problem-solving is programmed in our DNA. Problem-solving is implicit in our education. The purpose of this blog is to focus on how we solve problems. By focusing on the mechanism of developing solution-strategies, we should get better at solving problems. This blog aggregates techniques, methodologies, and disciplines used to generate solution-strategies for problems in the real world.

In 1981 I had an idea for a methodology to generate solution-strategies. I call the methodology Frame of Reference. It is a general methodology that I have applied for nearly thirty years to numerous and diverse situations to bring about successful solutions. Frame of Reference found its conceptual foundation in academics. It is primarily derived from the scientific method. Later, as I used Frame of Reference in my professional career, I came into contact with other methodologies that were developed to do what Frame of Reference was developed to do – to develop solution-strategies for solving real world problems.

Through this blog, Frame of Reference will provide a context for writing about, discovering, discussing, exploring, and understanding methodologies for developing solution-strategies. Why? At one level solution-strategies should be studied because they are important – and often overlooked – in the course of solving problems. At another level, while the importance of developing a solution-strategy is recognized, the various techniques and methodologies available for developing solution-strategies are not well known.

This blog is my solution-strategy for solving the problem of insufficient awareness and understanding of methodologies for developing solution-strategies. The blog format provides the means to the end. Posting articles, topics for discussion, and links to various resources should lead a problem solver to a deeper understanding of various strategies, and may lead to your engagement of a particular methodology. In this world, finding problems that require a solution is easy. Developing strategies to solve them is difficult.

Thank you for your interest,

Chris Fillebrown