The ability to solve problems, and the ability to find problems.

Hello.
This is Aoyagi.

This time, I'd like to write about "the ability to solve problems" and "the ability to identify problems."

Both are important skills to have in life.

However, in my opinion, Japanese education seems to focus primarily on "the ability to solve problems."





School tests and entrance exams are basically about "correctly answering prepared questions."

The structure was such that those who could solve problems quickly and accurately were considered "the smart kids in class."

Of course, even after finishing school and becoming an adult, the ability to solve problems is extremely important.

In fact, without this ability, there are many situations where progress is impossible.


However, what I realized once I started working was that
often, "the problems themselves are not prepared."


For example, consider the situation, "Please send this package to Mr. A."

Simply sending the package to Mr. A is the correct answer.

This can be accomplished with the ability to solve problems.

On the other hand, with the ability to identify problems, one would consider "the reason for sending the package to Mr. A."

If the reason for sending the package to Mr. A was "I want to give them a surprise birthday present!", then

・Knowing their birthday and arranging to send it before their birthday
・Adding gift wrapping and a message card

and so on, you can take preemptive action.

By taking preemptive action, "thank yous" multiply.


By the way, what happens if you can't identify problems?

・A feeling of frustration from working hard but not making progress
・Not only is one not appreciated despite doing the job properly, but one gets angry instead

This can be very tough.

Both for the person making the request and the person receiving it.


That's why I personally feel that "the ability to identify problems" is even more important than "the ability to solve problems."





Noticing inconsistencies.

Pausing to ask, "Why am I even doing this in the first place?"

Digging deeper into things that haven't yet been articulated.


I think this mindset is very close to HIPHOP and skateboarding culture.

There's no right answer from the start, and no one prepares the problems for you.

You pick up on your own inconsistencies in the city and in daily life, and from there, you create expressions and actions.

Just doing that, I feel, naturally changes the quality and speed of your actions.