Unlocking the Power of Mental Models: A Guide to Effective Problem Solving

Everyone faces problems, big or small, at some point in their life. Whether it’s figuring out a way to fix a leaky faucet or solving a complex issue at work, problem-solving is a skill that we all need to have. Simply put, problem-solving is about identifying a problem and then finding a way to fix it. It’s an essential skill that can help us overcome obstacles and reach our goals. With the right mindset and techniques, anyone can become a proficient problem solver. 

There are various mental models through which we can decomplexify problems. We will delve into these models in the hope of building a "Thinking compass".

Occam's Razor

Let's play a guessing game! I'm going to give you some clues and you have to guess what I'm thinking of. Are you ready? 

Okay, I'm thinking of an animal. It's furry and has four legs. It likes to eat carrots and has long ears. What am I thinking of? 

Did you guess a rabbit? Great job! You used Occam's Razor to make your guess. 

Occam's Razor is like a tool that helps us make the simplest and most likely guess based on the information we have. So, when you were trying to guess what animal I was thinking of, you used Occam's Razor by making the simplest guess based on the clues I gave you. A rabbit fits all of the clues, so it was the most likely answer. 

Occam's Razor can also be used in science and problem-solving. It suggests that the simplest explanation for something is usually the best one. For example, if you hear a loud noise outside your window, the simplest explanation is that it's just the wind or a bird, rather than a monster or a UFO. 

So, next time you're trying to solve a problem, remember Occam's Razor and try to make the simplest and most likely guess based on the information you have.

The Hock Principle

Let's play a game of soccer! You're the captain of the team and you have to make a decision about who to put in the goal. You have two choices: your best player who's great at offense, or your second-best player who's great at defense. Who do you choose? 

The Hock Principle says that in a complex system, the best player to put in goal is not necessarily the one with the most skill, but the one who can see the whole field and understand the game as a whole. 

So, in this case, you might choose your second-best player who's great at defense because they have a better understanding of the whole game and can anticipate the other team's moves. 

The Hock Principle can be applied to other areas of life, too. It suggests that sometimes the person with the most knowledge or skill is not the best person to make a decision. Instead, it's the person who can see the big picture and understand how everything is connected.

So, next time you're faced with a tough decision, remember the Hock Principle and think about who has the best understanding of the whole situation. Like a great soccer player, you'll be able to anticipate your opponent's moves and make the best decision for your team!

I hope you enjoyed learning about these problem-solving techniques in a fun and accessible way. These models can be powerful tools to help us make better decisions and solve problems more effectively in our personal and professional lives.

In the next article, we will explore even more problem-solving models and techniques that you can add to your toolkit.