How to Apply Knowledge to Real-World Challenges

As part of my first software engineering job, which was at a manufacturing firm, my manager granted me freedom to choose what I wanted to work on. Little I knew that that meant independently identifying business needs and then crafting solutions. As a novice in the software engineering realm, I lacked the guidance and mentorship typically offered to newcomers. Instead, I was thrust into a role where I was expected to create my own work. In general, those skills are characteristic of mid to senior level engineers. I spent the following months observing mechanical engineers and technicians. I meticulously observed their routines, pinpointed their pain points, and identified the repetitive tasks that were consuming their time. Six months into the role and I prototyped a computer vision solution that automated visual inspection of freshly assembled medical devices. I wrote it fully in C++ using the OpenCV library, with unit tests and proper documentation. My prototype quickly garnered attention and piqued interest, evolving into a full-scale solution that significantly reduced the manual labor required, saving us tens of hours each week. This experience taught me valuable lessons about embarking on new projects and joining teams: 1️⃣ Observe and Inquire: Start by closely observing and asking questions. Take diligent notes as you go along. 2️⃣ Identify Pain Points: Understand where the team is struggling the most, and recognize the areas in need of improvement. 3️⃣ Propose Well-Considered Solutions: Suggest solutions with well-thought alternatives. Be prepared to present your ideas effectively. 4️⃣ Execute and Deliver: Put your plans into action, and ensure your implementation aligns with the team's needs. Following these steps will allow you to become an organizational asset and propel your growth. This journey not only honed my technical skills but also imparted crucial insights into the dynamics of software engineering and problem-solving in a real-world context.

During my time as a Navy SEAL, precision and thorough analysis were not just practices but NECESSITIES! The "Five Whys" method exemplifies this approach outside the battlefield, presenting a clear path to problem-solving. Here's how it worked for the Lincoln Memorial's unexpected challenge: 1️⃣ Why is the memorial dirty?Because of bird droppings. 2️⃣ Why are there bird droppings?Birds are attracted to the area. 3️⃣ Why are birds attracted? They eat the spiders there. 4️⃣ Why are there spiders? Spiders eat the insects 5️⃣ Why are there insects? They're attracted to the lights left on at night. The solution? Adjust the lighting to reduce the insects to deter the spiders and birds, directly addressing the root of the cleanliness issue. This method isn't just for maintaining national monuments; it's a powerful tool for any leader or problem-solver in any field. The next time you're faced with a challenge, I urge you to employ the "Five Whys." Get deep. Understand the problem fully before jumping to solutions. By sharing this method, you're not just passing along a problem-solving tool; you're empowering others to think critically and act decisively. Be the one to inspire change, to lead by example.

Ever wondered how your hobbies can fuel your professional growth, especially in fields as dynamic as instructional design? In the world of instructional design, the ability to solve complex problems and craft creative solutions is paramount. But here's a secret: these skills don't always come from textbooks or training sessions. Sometimes, they're honed in the quiet moments spent engaged in personal passions, like solving logic puzzles before bed. 🙋♀️ Here's how you can leverage your hobbies to enhance your problem-solving skills in instructional design: 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘅 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺𝘀: Approach each project like a challenging puzzle. Start by identifying all the pieces (requirements, constraints, goals) before assembling them. 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀: As in puzzle-solving, instructional design often involves spotting patterns that can lead to innovative learning solutions. Use this skill to create more effective and engaging content. 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Remember, there's often more than one way to solve a problem. Apply the creativity you use in your hobbies to think outside the box and design unique learning experiences. 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: Not every solution will be apparent or work on the first try. Be prepared to iterate, just as you would with a complex puzzle that takes several attempts. 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 '𝗔𝗵𝗮' 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Hold onto that thrill of solving a tough puzzle. Aim to create learning experiences that give your learners their own 'aha' moments, making the material click for them. By viewing your personal passions through a professional lens, you can unlock unexpected avenues for growth and innovation in your career. Let your hobbies inspire your work and see how they can transform how you approach instructional design and how you view problem-solving in all aspects of your life. Engage, innovate, and inspire—not just your learners but yourself.

This is my 4th year teaching at DePaul, and each time, I learn more about myself and the importance of being a constant practitioner. This group of students was particularly committed, driven, and passionate; reinforcing my optimism about people's desire to improve themselves and the world around them. This class explored core concepts like sensemaking, small data, biomimicry, nature-based solutions, Indigenous wisdom, doughnut economics, and social enterprise. These lenses are crucial for understanding and addressing real-world issues. One of the best quotes from Christian Madsbjerg that we all must reconsider is that we must "go to the savannah and not the zoo." This is a reminder to spend time with our end users in their element and not assume we have all the answers within a simulated environment. Our class dove into three final projects using the UNLEASH design thinking method.  Below is a short snippet of the high-level insights. 1. Pulaski Pedestrian Safety Project Problem: Addressing the alarming pedestrian safety issues on Pulaski Street in Chicago. Challenges: Resistance from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and increasing pedestrian accidents. Solutions: Community engagement, increased enforcement, and advocating for infrastructural changes. Impact: Highlighted the critical role of grassroots efforts and the power of community voices in pushing for change. 2. Combating Food Deserts in Englewood Problem: Tackling food scarcity and poor nutrition in the Englewood area. Challenges: Limited access to fresh produce and educational resources. Solutions: Planting fruit trees, educational programs on healthy eating, and creating urban gardens utilizing church lands. Impact: A holistic approach that combines education with practical solutions, aiming to improve the community's physical and mental well-being. 3. Electric Vehicle (EV) Feasibility Study Problem: Enhancing the adoption of electric vehicles by addressing battery life, range, and charging infrastructure. Challenges: High costs, long charging times, and limited charging stations. Solutions: Implementing battery swapping technology to reduce charging times and improve convenience. Impact: Promoting environmental sustainability and making EVs more accessible to middle and low-income consumers through innovative technology and public-private partnerships. I am grateful to all my DePaul students over the years! Please let me know if I can ever be of assistance. Onward ;) Bruce Leech Emily Doyle Alyssa Westring Melissa Rountree Maija Renko Zoharia Drizin Joona Mikkola Gretchen Shuler Lisa Gundry Katie Morris Amy Marie Amaon Al Parkalob Dan Morgan Marzena Fiolek, MBA Caitlin Fuller Makayla Read, MSSM Brady Furleigh Kathia Hernandez Ryan H. George Brigandi Nicole Laumer Jean-Stéphane Naas Joseph Knight Alejandra Pineda Hajarah Ashraf Michael Wiencek Virginia Head Preeti Iqbal Natalie Probstein David Townsend, MBA Rachel Habegger Olawale Babatunde (MS)

🌟 Embracing Clarity in a World of Complexity 🌟 Wanted to share my latest piece, "Navigating Complexity with Clarity," a reflection of my journey with the Asymmetric Warfare Group’s Problem-Solving Methodology. In this article, you will dive deep into the structured yet flexible approach of “Observe and Collect – Assess and Develop – Disseminate and Integrate.” This isn't just a methodology; it's a mindset that fosters thoroughness, adaptability, and, most importantly, clarity in the face of complexity. 🔍 Why This Matters: A Compass for Leadership: Discover how a structured framework acts like a compass in leadership, guiding you through the dense forest of challenges. Simplicity and Completeness: Learn why this approach is both easy to grasp and comprehensive, aligning every action with your ultimate goal. Adaptability in Uncertain Times: Find out how this method helps navigate situations where the end state isn’t clearly defined, turning ambiguity into opportunity. I've experienced firsthand how this approach can transform decision-making processes, not just in military scenarios but in everyday life and business environments. It's about making sense of the world around us, even when the path isn’t clear. 💡 Key Takeaways: Gain insights into each phase of the methodology. Understand how to apply these principles in various scenarios. Learn to disseminate complex information effectively. This article is more than just a sharing of knowledge; it's a call to embrace adaptability and continuous learning. In our fast-evolving world, having a clear and adaptable problem-solving framework is indispensable. 📣 Call to Action: I invite you to read the article, reflect on your approach to complexity, and join me in a meaningful conversation. Let's discuss how these methods can be applied in your personal and professional life. Your thoughts and experiences are valuable, and I look forward to hearing how you navigate complexity with clarity. 🔗 Link to article: https://lnkd.in/ezr9WgDX #Leadership #ProblemSolving #Adaptability #AsymmetricWarfare

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞. 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐬 𝐚 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞, 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬, 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. My family recently encountered a distressing situation abroad – losing belongings, passports, and a rental car. Reflecting on our learnings has been valuable. The emotions we felt and steps we took to navigate this incident were no different from a customer escalation or a live site issue. We experienced emotions like fear, guilt, and disappointment. An urgency to assess the situation and identify where things went sideways. The desire to fix the problem quickly and get back to a state where everything is good. The process we went through to resolve issues was also the same. 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐞𝐭. Come back to the present moment. Seek perspective. Embrace humor. Cultivate gratitude. 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑖𝑟𝑑𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑠𝑜𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔. 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. Where are the gaps in security? Who has been impacted, and how? Where did communication break down? 𝐶𝑎𝑛 𝑤𝑒 𝑏𝑜𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑓𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑠? 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥. Build an action plan and prioritize the tasks. Put unactionable issues aside. 𝐺𝑒𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡. 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑐𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒. 𝐏𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬. Identify subject-matter experts and ask for help. Divvy up tasks aligned to people’s strengths. Escalate when necessary. 𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝑎 𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟. 𝐵𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑟𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐶ℎ𝑖𝑒𝑓 𝐼𝑛𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟. I often speak about the power of playing games like Minecraft Education to learn real world skills, like communication, collaboration and problem solving. This experience was an excellent reminder that 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 – 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. #mindset #perspective #teamwork #productleadership #growthmindset #education