Using ChatGPT for creative and actionable problem solving
Overcome work challenges using a simple ChatGPT prompt
Like everyone, I face quite a few challenges at work daily.
I prefer to approach all of my tasks, problems included, in a structured and organised way.
However, when creative blocks hit, why not use the tools like ChatGPT for a fresh perspective?
I think it’s worth exploring how AI can present us with new solutions to our problems.
While using AI for personal dilemmas might feel morally controversial, when it comes to work, there's no reason not to make your life easier.
Steps and cognitive strategies
There are many different approaches to problem-solving, but certain steps remain the same across most methods.
The fundamentals typically include defining the problem, analysing the root cause, generating solutions, implementing and testing them, and finally standardising adjusting the solutions as needed.
These steps help to make sure that you're actually addressing the main issue, not just its symptoms.
Along with this structured approach, cognitive strategies play an important role in problem-solving processes.
Reframing the problem can help you see it from a fresh perspective and open up new solutions.
Breaking down a large issue into smaller parts also makes the problem more manageable.
Additionally, systems thinking encourages you to look at how different parts of a problem interact with each other.
I believe that combining the cognitive techniques with the step-by-step problem-solving framework can make even the most complex challenges easier to handle.
Copy-paste ChatGPT prompt for actionable
problem solutions
Here is a ready ChatGPT prompt designed to help you generate actionable solutions to your problems.
Remember to fill in the specific definition of your problem, what you want to achieve and your desired deadline for the resolution.
Using a streamlined problem-solving technique, write a comprehensive solution to the following problem. Follow each step carefully and provide concise responses.
Problem definition:
What is the problem: (write the issue you are dealing with here)
Goals:
What is your desired outcome?: (here write what you want to achieve)
What is the timeline for resolution? : (write a timeline here)
Now:
Develop an action plan:
List actions required to address the root cause.
Write how you verify that actions are completed?
I wrote about the issues with my mailbox:
Using a streamlined problem-solving technique, write a comprehensive solution to the following problem. Follow each step carefully and provide concise responses.
Problem definition:
What is the problem: (I can't handle my mailbox it is too much and I miss my deadlines)
Goals:
What is your desired outcome?: (Have less mess in my emails and do tasks on time)
What is the timeline for resolution? : (ASAP)
Now:
Develop an action plan:
List actions required to address the root cause.
Write how you verify that actions are completed?
And this is what I got:
Here’s a comprehensive solution based on the streamlined problem-solving technique you provided, including the action plan and verification steps:
Using a Streamlined Problem-Solving Technique
Problem Definition:
What is the problem: I can't handle my mailbox; it is too much, and I miss my deadlines.
Goals:
What is your desired outcome? Have less mess in my emails and complete tasks on time.
What is the timeline for resolution? ASAP.
Develop an Action Plan:
List actions required to address the root cause:
Set Up Email Folders: Create specific folders (e.g., "Urgent," "Pending," "Completed") to categorise emails and reduce clutter.
Implement Email Filters: Use filters to automatically sort incoming emails into the designated folders based on criteria (e.g., sender, subject).
Schedule Regular Email Check-Ins: Dedicate specific times each day to check and process emails (e.g., 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the afternoon).
Prioritise Tasks Using a To-Do List: Maintain a to-do list to track tasks based on email deadlines, ensuring that urgent items are addressed first.
Adopt the Two-Minute Rule: If an email can be addressed in two minutes or less, handle it immediately to prevent backlog.
Archive or Delete Unnecessary Emails: Regularly go through your inbox to archive or delete emails that are no longer relevant to keep your inbox manageable.
Write how you verify that actions are completed:
Daily Review: Check off completed actions on a checklist at the end of each day to ensure all tasks are addressed.
Weekly Audit: Conduct a weekly review of your inbox and folders to assess whether emails are being managed effectively and deadlines are met.
Track Missed Deadlines: Keep a record of any missed deadlines to identify if email management improves over time and adjust strategies accordingly.
Gather Feedback: If applicable, seek feedback from colleagues on whether your responsiveness to emails has improved.
Conclusions
At the end of the day, we all run into problems at work, and sometimes they can feel overwhelming.
With a bit of structure and a little help from tools like ChatGPT, solving them is not that big of a deal anymore.
By breaking things down, reframing the problem, and using cognitive strategies, some upsetting challenges can start to feel easier to handle.
Plus, with an actionable plan in place, you’ll stay on top of things.
Why not make things a bit simpler? Start using AI and let is solve your issues on daily basis!