Most people encounter new problems every day but not all are inclined to quickly solve problems. Bill Gates, the former CEO of Microsoft shares his secrets on how to solve big problems.
His secret in solving complicated problems is by asking questions. Questions that will help him address existing issues.
Bill Gates stated on his Instagram that “ever since I was a teenager, I’ve tackled every big new problem the same way: by starting off with two questions. I used this technique at Microsoft, and I still use it today. I ask these questions literally every week about COVID-19. Here they are: Who has dealt with this problem well? And what can we learn from them?”
When we encounter problems, the majority of people automatically search for solutions. But Gates emphasized his approach of asking questions that helps him solve big problems. For him, it is important to recognize that we can learn from others who already know or had experience it in the past.
As they said, in order to learn, we need to relearn. That’s why prominent CEOs around the world continue to read books because they believe people from the past have already encountered today’s problems.
Gates explained that if we have difficulty, we search for tutorials and other information because he believes that other people already experienced it. This is the reason why there are communities online like Medium, Reddit, Quora, and other platforms wherein people can discuss about certain things.
The said questions obtain certain essential leadership traits. First, acknowledge that you do not know a certain matter. Second, look for certain information or mentors who can help you. Lastly, to learn.
Importantly, true leaders are humble enough to admit that they do not know all things and they can’t monopolize all ideas. Most importantly, the willingness to learn makes you better.
To be humble and to seek learnings are the secrets on how to solve big problems. By doing this, you save a lot of time than searching for solutions by yourself.
