Paul MacCready , considered to be one of the best mechanical engineers of the 20th century, said it best: The problem is we don’t understand the problem. "You Are Solving The Wrong Problem" outlines the fundamental steps, mental processes, strategies, and common hurdles involved in effective problem-solving. Summary Problem-Solving Steps: It details a structured, multi-step approach: identifying the issue by gathering and analyzing information, deciding to address the problem by weighing the pros and cons of taking action, understanding the issue to avoid making it worse, investigating various options to make an informed decision, and finally, taking steps to achieve your objectives based on a clear understanding of the root cause. Mental Processes: The article explains the cognitive aspects of problem-solving, such as identifying a problem cognitively (recognizing and correcting biased thinking), making a mental representation of the situation (visualizing the problem to ...