In the realm of problem – solving and decision making, Kidlin’s law stands as a guiding principle. “If you write the problem clearly, then the matter is half solved.” The simple yet impactful statement underscores the crucial role of clarity and information in overcoming challenges.
In my upcoming book “Overflow: Live The Life You Want”, I emphasise the essence of contracts and correspondence, echoing the spirit of Kidlin’s Law. The crux of this law is rooted in the notion that meticulously defining an issue, we pave a substantial pathway toward is resolution. Information is indeed power in this context, as understanding the root cause and intricacies of a problem empowers us to devise effective solutions.
Assumptions – the enemy:
“Assumptions are made and most assumptions are wrong” – Albert Einstein
Assumptions, as Kidlin’s law implies, are the worst enemy in problem-solving. They cloud your judgement, distort our perceptions, lead to miscommunication, induce biases or inaccuracies and often lead us astray and those we are engaging with. By avoiding assumptions and embracing clarity and precision in our problem statements, we eliminate room for assumptions and pave the way for targeted and efficient problem-solving.
If you question is unclear or incomplete, you won’t get a truly accurate answer. When we don’t ask precise questions, we force ourselves and others to guess at what we mean. This can lead to wrong answers based on incomplete information. Remember, the quality of the answer depends on the quality of the question.
I Know paradox: Judge, Jury and Verdict
The deceptive simplicity of the phrases “I know” carries profound implications both in a personal as well as public context. “I know”:
1. Shuts down the doors to further exploration and choke the spirit of the problem. This leads to asking half basked questions, limits the depth of the inquiry and may result in incomplete or flawed conclusions due to the preconceived notions held by the questioner.
2. One takes the role of an advocate, a judge and jury issuing a verdict that may lead to unexpected outcomes. In this scenario, does the presented problem truly have an opportunity to be adjudicated from a fair perspective, resulting in impartial conclusions?
The power of ask – not enough:
Moreover, the power of asking the right question and seeking specific information cannot be underestimated. But asking alone may not suffice if the question lack specificity or fail to address the crux of the matter. Without clarity in communication, there remains a risk of receiving inaccurate or incomplete answers. The precision and clarity of our inquiries dictate the depth and accuracy of the answers we receive. Effective communication devoid of assumptions is a potent tool, particularly in navigating through ambiguity and anticipation and averting future conflicts.
Simply put, if you question is unclear or incomplete, you won’t get a truly accurate answer. When we don’t ask precise questions, we force ourselves and others to guess at what we mean. This can lead to wrong answers based on incomplete information. Remember, the quality of the answer depends on the quality of the question.
Conclusion: In essence, Kidlin’s law underscores the transformative effect of clarity, information, and precise communication in problem-solving. By embracing these principles, we equip ourselves with the tools needed to unravel complexity, mitigate risks, and chart a course towards successful resolutions.