with a simple problem-solving framework

Before the miracle of streaming, the use of the VCR was the first time that watching films over and over again was practical. This allowed children of the time to cement phrases into popular culture and usher in the first generation of memes.

“You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.”

—Inigo Montoya, The Princess Bride (1987)

meme (mēm): an idea, behavior, style, or usage that spreads from one person to another in a culture (M-W)

A meme allows us to communicate a thought, usually using a popular culture element to add weight. When used well, memes are effective because they attach to a strong memory. Just like repeating a phrase from the Blues Brothers a thousand times to your buddies, if it’s executed well, it strengthens the memory; if delivered poorly, it changes a memory into a bad one.

“We’re putting the band back together.”

—Jake Blues, The Blues Brothers (1980)

We run into memes when we’re in the mood for entertainment. Entertainment is something we all crave at one point or another as an escape from our problems big and small. Entertainment often provides a low return on investment of our time because it offers only temporary distraction from our thoughts. On the upside, maybe we are rewarded by feeling rejuvenated and creative, or perhaps we end up regretting the time spent because we burnt an hour on TikTok watching cat videos. Entertainment is like taking a vitamin in the sense that we’re not certain that the reward will be worth it, but the downside is probably minimal.

When you’re up for tackling those tough problems by looking for solutions, try being systematic and go after the root of the problem. There are many problem-solving approaches out there so you can find one that matches your style. Here’s my version:

1. Clarify – write down the problem and desired outcome
2. Seek out quality information (match your effort to the criticality of the problem)
   1. Are my assumptions and information accurate?
   1. Is it possible to get more good information?
3. Counteract your biases
   1. Team approach – Do you have a variety of viewpoints?
   1. Awareness of bias – Try to convince yourself of the opposite of your position
   1. Openness – What are the good arguments against your choices
4. Decide on a solution quickly and thoughtfully to reduce stress and free up resources (Many times you’ll have to knock down a problem with a temporary solution, but be sure to keep it on your to-do list until you find a full solution)
5. Communicate the decision and your reasoning to affected colleagues to help accept and strengthen your integrity and leadership
6. Verify the problem is solved.
   1. If no, repeat.

“I’ll be back”                       —Terminator, The Terminator (1984)

• If yes, celebrate.

Party on, Dudes!”             —Bill & Ted, Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)

Flintstones “Vitamins” image by Mark Bonica is licensed under CC BY 2.0.