Q1: Are you a good problem solver?

No matter if I'm working on a car, solving an engineering problem, fixing a sink drain, or helping a person with their own problems, I always seem to employ the same methodology for solving problems. I first attempt to understand the problem in its proper context. I feel that this initial step helps me to identify the source of the problem, and subsequently the best solution. Secondly, the problem is then broken into its constituent parts. At this point, if a solution is not evident, the problem is further broken down until a proper starting point is found. What do I mean by this? - Let me share some examples ...

• I get into my truck and it won't start - what do I do? After the sinking feeling that I'm about to be spending some money AND my plans just got rearranged subsides, my brain immediately goes into "diagnosis overdrive". Is the engine turning over? Is it completely dead? Is it attempting to start only to be choked? Then, I start analyzing what is happening on a mechanical level from the turn of the key, all the way to the point of the problem. Then I can start troubleshooting. With the exception of major (transmission or timing chain) problems, I've always done most of my own mechanical work on vehicles for several reasons. One, I'm frugal. Two, why pay upwards of 100% more, when I have the mechanical know-how to fix the problem? Third, it's enjoyable to work with my hands occasionally - it's somewhat of a tradition in my family. Also, I'm frugal. When friends have car problems, I usually shake my head when they neglect to ask for my help, and choose to pay a LOT more to put it in the shop - "convenience" sure is expensive!

• At a recent family cookout, a family member told me that they were planning to erect a gazebo that had been given to them. The only problem was that no instructions were included, and no one had any idea (included the people who had given it to them) how to put it up. I thought to myself, "I'm an engineer, I should be able to figure this out." After assessing the situation, I put together a plan of attack and dived in. At first, things weren't going well and I began to doubt that I could figure it out. Just before giving up, I realized that I was about to be beaten by a Wal-mart gazebo! It was at this point were I resolved to erect the thing even if it took the rest of the weekend. Of course, after giving it my complete focus, I had it erected in just a few minutes. A couple of weeks later, I drew up (from memory) a couple of diagrams by hand to serve as assembly instructions and emailed them to my family member. It feels good to be able to solve problems that others have been unable to solve.

• Sometimes I hear people explain why they cannot do something. "I can't go to college because...", "I can't make it to an event because...", "I can't apply for that job because...". Initially, I don't typically recognize these reasons as excuses meant to justify inaction or as cause to yield to personal fears. Generally, I begin analyzing the logistics involved to "help" the person realize that they can do the thing they believed impossible after all. After I navigate this initial "dense" phase, it dawns on me that unless the person specifically asked for my help in solving their problem, they probably just want someone to listen to them. I believe that I have a reputation for being a good listener, but this trait only beams through after I pull the reins in on my natural tendency to "help" people with their problems. Occasionally, I am asked for my advice in handling certain situations; these occasions are not taken lightly, as I'm touched that anyone cares about what I think about their own life and/or problems.

These are just a few representative examples of the application of my problem-solving skills to a variety of problems encountered in the course of living life.