In the latest episode of the “People Solve Problems” podcast, host Jamie Flinchbaugh welcomes Joshua Ehrig, Professor of Practice at Lehigh University. Joshua shares insightful perspectives on problem-solving within the realms of entrepreneurship, business model innovation, and corporate innovation.

Joshua begins by highlighting the critical importance of identifying the root cause of problems. He emphasizes a methodical approach, starting with a deep understanding of the problem at hand before jumping into solutions. This involves asking the right questions and employing a mix of analytical tools and empathy to get to the heart of the issue.

When facing multiple problems simultaneously, Joshua advises on the need to prioritize based on impact and urgency. He suggests a strategic approach to problem-solving that involves evaluating the significance of each problem in relation to the overall goals of the organization.

Experimentation plays a key role in Joshua’s problem-solving arsenal. He champions the adoption and integration of new problem-solving techniques, advocating for a mindset of continuous learning and adaptation. By experimenting with various methods, individuals and organizations can discover what works best in different scenarios, leading to innovative solutions.

Throughout the conversation, Joshua’s insights are attributed to his extensive experience and knowledge in the field, reflecting his contributions to teaching and practice at Lehigh University. His approach to problem-solving is not just theoretical but deeply rooted in practical application, aimed at preparing students and professionals to navigate complex business challenges.

The episode not only showcases Joshua’s expertise but also serves as a testament to the power of effective problem-solving in driving innovation and success in business. His perspective underscores the importance of behaviors and culture in shaping problem-solving practices within organizations.

Listeners interested in learning more about Joshua Ehrig can visit his profile at Lehigh University or connect with him on LinkedIn.

What early experience taught you an interesting lesson? These are always fun stories, usually share when acting as a mentor, or perhaps over a drink. Here’s an example from my history, and how this little part taught me some valuable lessons. Those lessons may have helped shape my thinking.

Is problem-solving a technical skill?

I’ve heard many people say things like “I’m an engineer, so already a good problem solver” or “I’m a doctor, what we do is solve problems.” To be certain, I’ve said that about myself. It’s just not an accurate statement. Engineers (to pick on my own kind) are not inherently better problem solvers than non-engineers. Problem-solving is a human capability. Our background, inclusion our professional education, will give us domain expertise, and will shape our problem-solving perspective, but it’s not enough to make us inherently good at solving all problems. Listen to this video for more on this viewpoint.

I’m pleased to share the newly released JFlinch Learning Lab, which offers the video content I’ve provided to my clients in a private offering over the past many years. This subscription at $79 per year includes around 100 videos not available elsewhere across courses which include management systems, culture change, strategic thinking, process design, as well as content built on both my books, People Solve Problems and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Lean. Along with that, we also include numerous white papers and access to other content drawn from others sources for hours and hours of total learning opportunities.

Find the JFlinch Learning Lab here

In this episode of the People Solve Problems podcast, host Jamie Flinchbaugh engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Andrea Jones, the founder of AJC. Andrea shares her extensive knowledge and experiences in project management and change implementation, particularly in mid-market companies. She introduces her unique framework, Executeagility, which stems from both her personal experiences and her professional expertise.

The episode begins with Andrea discussing the challenges she faced in her early career, particularly the lack of clear expectations and frameworks in project management. She vividly recounts a pivotal moment in her career where the absence of a structured approach led to significant challenges. This experience was a key driver in her development of the Executeagility framework, designed to provide clarity and structure in project management.

Andrea emphasizes the importance of prioritizing work in a manner that’s impactful to the business. She outlines her framework’s approach to prioritization, which includes listing all opportunities and considering criteria that are impactful to the business today. The process involves scoring these opportunities against impactful criteria and reassessing them regularly. This method not only aids in efficient prioritization but also ensures that the most important tasks are addressed promptly.

A significant aspect of Andrea’s discussion revolves around the implementation of Agile methodologies in project management. She adapts traditional Agile practices to fit the realities of mid-market companies, where resources are often limited. Her version of Agile includes running sprints with cross-functional teams who are not fully dedicated to a single project. This approach acknowledges the constraints of mid-market companies while still benefiting from the agility and responsiveness of Agile methodologies.

Andrea also highlights the importance of structured frameworks in enhancing employee satisfaction and overall business success. She believes that providing clear expectations and structured methodologies not only leads to improved project outcomes but also contributes to a happier, more productive work environment.

The conversation also touches on the importance of leadership and stakeholder engagement in successful project management. Andrea underscores the need for leaders to actively participate in the process and set clear expectations. This involvement is crucial for the successful implementation of any project management framework.

The episode closes with Andrea offering insights into how leaders can foster a productive and happy work environment through disciplined project management practices. Her perspectives provide valuable takeaways for leaders and professionals in the field of project management.

For further insights and to connect with Andrea Jones, listeners can visit her LinkedIn profile and explore AJC’s website for more information on their services.

If you feel in a rut at work, many people overreach looking for the big problem or the big solution. Sometimes we can simply reactive the beginners mind through small changes, which then activates curiosity, observation, and the spirit of experimentation. These things can spill over from small changes to more important parts of your work. Listen for some advice on how to do that in this video

How do I engage with my clients? This is best described as ACT with Purpose, where ACT stands for Advising, Coaching, and Thought Partner. In this brief video, I explain what that all means, and how it works.

When I began JFlinch in January of 2020, I simply got started because I really wanted to decide slowly over time what work I truly wanted to do. While the pandemic forced some changes, it also set a path of my honing of my strategic heuristics for decision making, and ultimately the shape of what is JFlinch. Heading into 2024, I’m doing less exploring and more relentless focus and simplification. For those interested in either the outcome of that process, or in the thought process itself, here’s a brief synopsis of how my work evolved.

Episode 44: “New Year’s Resolutions, just not Dry January. Boeing makes one too”

In Episode 44, Mark Graban and Jamie Flinchbaugh get back together for this first episode of 2024. Since we’re not doing Dry January, we go right into the whiskey first by talking about old bottles including one very old one found at auction. We then did our own comparison tasting, with Jamie trying two different age statements of Knob Creek bourbon, and Mark trying two different expressions of Glen Scotia scotch from Campbeltown.

Dry January is like a New Year’s Resolution that you don’t intend to keep past a month. We discuss New Year’s Resolutions and their reasons for failure. We relate all of this to goals, hoshin kanri, SMART goals, systems, and small steps. So if you’re still working on clarifying your goals or resolutions for the year, take a listen.

Boeing’s recent troubles with the Alaska Airlines door plug falling off mid-flight was also discussed, including Boeing’s resolution/commitment to add more inspectors to the process. Will more inspectors, and more inspections, make a difference? If not, what will make a difference? We may not know the final answer, but we break it all down for you in this discussion.

We wrap things up with a little football talk, both the NFL and College. Cheers!

• Vintage bottle sold at auction, from York, PA
• Jamie’s selection: Knob Creek
• Mark’s selection: Glen Scotia
• NPR on abandoned New Year’s resolutions
• Jamie’s 2010 blog post on goals
• Jamie’s 2021 short video on working with goals
• Boeing’s own updates on the 737-9
• On Senator Cantwell’s letter to the FAA
• Yup, University of Michigan wins the National Championship
• Podcast feed at LeanWhiskey.com or leanblog.org/leanwhiskey or jflinch.com/leanwhiskey

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In this episode of People Solve Problems, host Jamie Flinchbaugh invites a thought-provoking guest, Frank Nestore, Vice President at Mathtech’s public sector consulting practice. The episode delves into the intricate world of problem-solving within governmental agencies, a realm where Frank has extensive experience and deep insights.

Frank begins by outlining the unique challenges faced by government agencies in problem-solving, which differ significantly from those in the private sector. He emphasizes the need to prioritize problems in complex and often politically charged environments. Drawing on his rich experience, Frank shares strategies for identifying the most impactful problems, taking into account both their immediate effects and long-term implications. He stresses the importance of weighing the urgency of problems against available resources, a balancing act that he’s mastered over the years.

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Frank’s approaches to tackling long-standing issues in government operations. He details his experiences transitioning agencies from manual, paper-based processes to more efficient, automated systems. This transition, while technically challenging, also involves managing change within large, often resistant organizations. Frank discusses the techniques he’s employed to facilitate this change, including stakeholder engagement, transparent communication, and phased implementation strategies.

Leadership and decision-making form another core theme of the discussion. Frank candidly shares the challenges he faces as a leader, particularly in making high-stakes decisions that can impact millions. He talks about the delicate balance between delegating tasks and maintaining personal involvement in critical projects. His insights into fostering effective team dynamics and encouraging collaborative problem-solving are particularly enlightening.

A highlight of the episode is Frank’s introduction of the OODA Loop—a decision-making framework originally developed for military strategies. He elucidates how this framework can be adapted to the context of public sector problem-solving, emphasizing the need for rapid and responsive decision-making in dynamic environments. Frank’s ability to apply such frameworks in practical, real-world scenarios is a testament to his expertise.

The conversation shifts to Frank’s philosophy on coaching and team leadership. He advocates for a leadership style that is adaptable, humble, and centered around building a non-hierarchical team environment. Frank believes in empowering team members, giving them ownership of problems, and fostering an atmosphere where ideas can be freely exchanged. This approach, he argues, not only leads to better solutions but also builds a stronger, more cohesive team.

Frank also touches upon the importance of continuous learning and development in his field. He shares his approach to staying abreast of new technologies, methodologies, and trends in public sector management. His commitment to lifelong learning is a key factor in his success and serves as an inspiration for listeners.

The episode concludes with Frank offering advice to young professionals aspiring to careers in public sector consulting. He emphasizes the importance of developing a broad skill set, including technical knowledge, communication skills, and an understanding of political dynamics. He encourages persistence, open-mindedness, and a commitment to public service as the cornerstones of a fulfilling career in this field.

Overall, this episode of People Solve Problems presents a comprehensive and insightful look into the world of problem-solving in the public sector, guided by Frank Nestore’s expert knowledge and experiences. His perspectives on strategic problem-solving, leadership, and adapting decision-making frameworks provide valuable lessons for anyone interested in public administration, management, or consulting.

For more insights and updates from Frank Nestore and Mathtech, you can visit Mathtech’s website.

Additionally, you can explore their YouTube channel for informative content.

Frank’s professional achievements and contributions can also be followed through his LinkedIn profile