On Thursday, July 25, the Qubit Bot robotics team had the pleasure of hosting an enlightening virtual outreach event with Ms. Jessica Cole, the Managing Director of PMO and Operations at SHI International Corporation. The event was organized by team member Harper and provided a platform for the team to delve into the intricacies of problem-solving—a skill that Jessica emphasized is vital in both professional and personal contexts.
Introduction to Jessica
Jessica, with her extensive experience in managing over 1000 projects and leading a team of 50 employees, shared invaluable insights on problem-solving. Her role at SHI International Corporation involves constant problem-solving, making her the perfect speaker to impart wisdom on this critical skill. Jessica's presentation was engaging and highly relevant, as she shared strategies and frameworks that are applicable not only in the workplace but also in everyday life.
Understanding Problems as Opportunities
Jessica began by encouraging the team to view problems as opportunities for growth and innovation. She highlighted that every challenge is a chance to learn something new and create a solution that adds value.
Steps to Effective Problem-Solving
Ms. Cole’s presentation centered on a structured approach to problem-solving, which she detailed through several key points:
Identifying the Problem
The first step in problem-solving is to clearly define the issue at hand. This involves understanding what needs to be fixed and who is affected by the problem.
Understanding the Involved Parties
It's essential to determine who needs to take action, who is experiencing the problem, and who will benefit from its resolution.
Assessing the Scale of the Problem
Consider how widespread the issue is, the challenges that may arise in solving it, any deadlines, and the consequences of failure.
Levels of Problem Solving
Jessica introduced the team to the five levels of problem-solving capabilities:
Level 1: Recognizing a problem without knowing how to solve it.
Level 2: Identifying the problem but not yet having potential solutions.
Level 3: Proposing possible solutions and seeking input on the best one.
Level 4: Choosing a solution and seeking validation from others.
Level 5: Mastering the process of identifying problems, proposing solutions, and confidently implementing them.
Interactive Discussion and Learnings
The session included an interactive discussion where team members shared their own problem-solving experiences. Jessica emphasized the importance of feedback and collaboration in the problem-solving process. This interactive element allowed team members to reflect on their own approaches and consider how they could improve.
Applications to the Robotics Team
The insights gained from Jessica's presentation are directly applicable to the Qubit Bot robotics team's activities. The team can leverage these problem-solving strategies to enhance their performance in the upcoming FTC season in several ways:
Improving Design and Coding
By breaking down complex challenges into manageable steps, the team can develop more effective robot designs and code solutions.
Enhancing Team Collaboration
Understanding the different levels of problem-solving can help team members work together more efficiently, seeking and providing feedback to arrive at the best solutions.
Handling Technical Issues
The structured approach to problem-solving will be invaluable when debugging hardware or software issues, ensuring the team can quickly identify and resolve problems.
Structured Approach
Adopting Ms. Cole's framework for assessing and solving problems will help us navigate the complexities of incorporating AI and machine learning into our robot hardware and software.
Boosting Confidence
By aspiring to be Level 5 problem solvers, team members can build confidence in their abilities, leading to more innovative and effective solutions.
Conclusion
The outreach event with Jessica Cole was a resounding success, providing the Qubit Bot robotics team with practical tools and strategies for effective problem-solving. By applying these learnings, the team is well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the upcoming FTC season with confidence and creativity. The emphasis on continuous learning and collaboration sets the stage for a season of growth, innovation, and success for the Qubit Bot team.
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