Today I took our generator to a mechanic at Cockle Bay. The moment we dropped it, he checked the fuel gauge, he checked the oil and checked that the spark plugs is well placed. Then he tried to start it.
It didn't start, so he tried cleaning up the plug area, still didn't start, he took out the air filter. He then opened the uppermost compartment of the engine. As he kept trying to start the engine, he could now see how key parts are moving together. He noticed that the spark plug is new but doesn't seem quite the right one. He asked that we replaced it. I asked how much, he gave me 3 different types one 15k, one 25k and a third one 35k. I asked what's the difference, he said 'quality'. Being frugal I chose the mid-level one at 25k - bottom line I settled for less quality.
What lessons can we learn from the generator mechanic's approach to solving problems? Here's some that I took from the encounter:
1. You have got to discover the problem first before you start providing solutions. Sometimes we provide solutions rather than taking an objective step-by-step approach to situations. Our hunches and intuitions can be true and insightful but they can also be deathly misleading as they carry with them our ego, biases, weaknesses and desires etc. These are all great allies, they have their place but they can interfere with our objectivity, especially in situations where it's most needed.
2. In trying to discover problems start diagnosing from the most common problems before starting the search for more advanced and extraneous ones - common problems are common. Often problems have their roots in the open but we get too hung up on going deep that we forget to pick the low hanging fruits.
3. Trust the professional and let them discover the problem themselves - but check. The mechanic brought a spark plug It came in an oldish looking box. I objected, he said that's not the point; 'the key is that it proves itself'. The other thing is (as is usually the case), I have this inclination to explain what I think the problem is before the mechanic diagnoses it. Today, I held my self tight from doing so, I answered questions but nothing more. For instance they discovered that there was oil spillage as the repair was going on. I had a hunch that there was a seal that we inserted some months back, that it may have gotten loose. The point is that there may even be other problems; you will interfere with this natural discovery process if you inject your views of the problem too early. Let professionals do their job.
4. Solve problems in a modular fashion. Most things/systems are made up of independent parts that work together in a harmonious manner. After diagnosing the whole system - then take one part out (the one that most clearly seems faulty) and try to fix it as an independent element, then test the system again. If the problem continues then move on to another part. It's impractical to try to reform a whole system at once but in life and in business we try to do it.
5. The breath of the tools available at your hands can impact the quality of your problem diagnosis and solving. While the number of tools is important, the range of areas those tools can be applied is also of great import.
What are your thoughts on these lessons from a seemingly ordinary encounter?
Have a great week.
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