The-wright-way

words THE “WRIGHT WAY” TO SOLVE PROBLEMS

When Wilbur and Orville Wright finished the first successful manned flight on Dec. , , they amazed and astonished the world. They also demonstrated the power of their problem solving method.

They not only solved a problem that others had found too complex and technical, but they did it without any help from outsiders. These brothers had little formal training or education, but they had amazing brainpower. Few accomplishments can match what these two former bicycle mechanics did with that flying machine.

The key principles of problem-solving used by the Wright brothers are still relevant for business owners today. There are only eight of them, and here they are:

CONSTRUCTIVE CONFLICT: This conflict can be used to discover and validate new ideas/strategies to find a practical answer. TACKLE WORST THINGS FIRST: When big problems are put first, the cost for the whole is limited to this set should a solution prove unachievable. JUST PLAIN TINKERING: New approaches can be created by tinkering with parts of a problem when you’re trying to understand it. RIGID FLEXIBILITY: Flexing the mind allows for thinking of possibilities outside the realm of policy, tradition, or experience. FOREVER LEARNING: Learning as a lifelong passion is essential for finding the information to solve problems. METHODICAL METICULOUSNESS: The fastest, most efficient way to solve a problem is by being meticulous and methodical in your approach. EQUITABLE TEAMWORK: The force of a group with a common purpose is multi-plied by interdependence and powered by trust, effort, profits, power, and honor.

A side benefit to these steps is that there is an added financial bonus. By using these principles, the Wright brothers minimized their costs to less than $, and solved the problem of flight with mind-boggling speed. What business owner wouldn’t want to solve a problem in his business and cut cost at the same time?