Latest news with #problemSolving
The Guardian
17-07-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Archimedes knew the golden power of boredom – so why can't we stop bringing our phones into the bathroom?
Archimedes, the ancient Greek mathematician and inventor, was tasked with solving a tricky problem for King Hiero II of Syracuse. The story goes that the king suspected his new golden crown had been mixed with cheaper metals, but he didn't want it damaged. Archimedes had to figure out whether the crown was pure gold without melting it down. Tough brief. Then, one day, while sinking into a public bath, he noticed something: the water level rose as he slid in. The volume of water displaced was equal to the volume of his body. That was it! The key. He could weigh the crown and measure its volume by how much water it displaced. Archimedes was so thrilled he reportedly leapt out of the bath and ran naked through the streets screaming, 'Eureka!' – the sudden flash when your brain wanders off and comes back holding the answer like a prize. These moments don't usually happen when you're trying: they happen when you're not. When your brain is doing nothing, or at least pretending to. Walking. Driving. Showering. Zoning out in a university lecture. Or, say, a wife on the brink of divorce, nodding along while her husband's mouth foams at the sides as he monologues about cryptocurrency. 'I'm done,' she whispers. Eureka. There's a scientific name for this wandering mind magic: the Default Mode Network (DMN). It's your brain's background mode, active when you're not. It switches on when you're daydreaming, reminiscing or imagining fake conversations you'll never have. When you're 'doing nothing,' the DMN is doing everything. It's where creativity, reflection, and unexpected insight come from. And one of its greatest allies? Boredom. Boredom is not the enemy. It's the invitation. A quiet stage your brain builds to see what might show up. But these days, we don't let it. Boredom tries to knock, and we shove a screen in its face. The moment a little stillness arrives, in line, on the train, on the toilet, we reach for stimulation. Our brains never get to drop into the DMN. No daydreams. No deep thought. Just dopamine on loop. Even Reddit noticed the death of the idle mind. r/Showerthoughts, the subreddit born in 2013, was a shrine to those aimless, brilliant, dumb observations that bubble up when you're bored and wet. At its peak, it was full of lines like: 'Your stomach thinks all potatoes are mashed.' 'Clapping is just hitting yourself because you like something.' 'Is Sand called Sand because it's in between the sea and land?' It was silly, accidental genius. The internet's record of DMN activity. But over time, it changed. The posts got shinier. Less 'I just thought of this while shampooing' and more 'I've been drafting this for three days in photoshop.' People in the comments began calling it out: these weren't shower thoughts anymore. They were scheduled thoughts. Viral bait. Branded content in bullet point form. The shower thought had been domesticated. Trademarked. Monetised. But maybe it's simpler than that. Maybe it's not that the thoughts changed, maybe it's us. The shower and the toilet used to be our last bastions of solitude. Now we bring our phones. People listen to full albums while exfoliating their scalp. Take business calls while walking the dog. Check emails mid-poo. There's no more empty space for thought to wander through. We've filled every corner. And when there's no space, there's no spark. No boredom, no Eureka. No quiet, no insight. Just us, endlessly occupied. Expecting our next big idea to load, buffering behind five open tabs. So stop taking your phone to the toilet! Allow yourself that loo-time clarity! Miski Omar is a speech pathologist, writer and director from Sydney
Associated Press
09-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Turn Every Challenge into a Breakthrough – PRIZ Guru Unveils Change Flow Thinking Tool for Engineers and Innovators
WILMINGTON, Del., July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PRIZ Guru, the provider of an all-in-one Engineering Thinking platform, has launched Change Flow Thinking (CFT) – a game-changing tool that transforms how companies tackle complex engineering challenges. Billed as the ultimate 'stubborn challenge to celebrated win' machine, CFT guides teams through a systematic yet creative problem-solving journey, from pinpointing root causes to implementing innovative fixes. The result? Resilient, high-quality solutions delivered with scientific precision, turning every tough problem into an opportunity for measurable impact. PRIZ Guru's latest offering underscores its mission: to elevate engineering teams from reactive troubleshooting to proactive innovation, ensuring organizations can generate the innovative solutions that they need to stay competitive and profitable. The CFT Difference What sets Change Flow Thinking apart is its unique ability to merge change and risk management with systematic innovation tools into one visual workflow. In practice, CFT acts as a central command center for improvement projects: engineers map each step of a proposed change, flag potential risks or roadblocks, and collaborate on solutions in real time. Using CFT, a team can chart an entire production line upgrade on a single screen – linking every task to responsible owners, expected costs, and risk levels. If a step is marked 'problematic' or 'blocking,' the team can instantly run a root-cause analysis (like 5 Whys or Cause-and-Effect Chain) within the same platform. 'Change is inevitable; CFT makes it manageable by illuminating the entire path from idea to implementation,' said the product manager at PRIZ Guru. By combining all facets of problem-solving into one flow, CFT ensures teams are fully equipped to convert even the toughest problems into innovative solutions that keep businesses ahead of the competition. Strategic Business Impact PRIZ Guru emphasizes that CFT isn't just an engineering tool – it's a strategic business enabler. Every problem solved systematically is a competitive edge gained. By using CFT, companies can prevent costly failures and seize opportunities that would otherwise be missed. Hidden factory issues that once drained resources now become fuel for innovation. With clearer visibility and quantifiable risk, managers make faster, smarter decisions – accelerating time-to-market. Early users have reported dramatic reductions in unplanned downtime and scrap thanks to CFT's early identification and mitigation of potential blockers. 'PRIZ empowers you to flex your critical-thinking muscle and deliver high-quality solutions with systematic precision – from uncovering root causes to driving continuous innovation,' said a PRIZ spokesperson. Key Features & Benefits Leadership Quote 'Our goal with CFT was to create the ultimate problem-solving workflow – one that turns stubborn engineering puzzles into celebrated breakthroughs,' said Alex Agulyansky, CEO of PRIZ Guru. 'We've essentially closed the gap between identifying a root cause and implementing the solution. Now, an engineer can map out a complex change, analyze every risk, generate innovative solutions, and get management buy-in – all in one place. This means faster solutions, smarter use of resources, and teams that win accolades for overcoming challenges that once seemed impossible.' A New Way of Thinking To support adoption, PRIZ Guru provides robust onboarding, training, and facilitation. From interactive workshops to one-on-one guidance, PRIZ helps engineering teams master systematic innovation. Managers also receive training to instill a culture of continuous improvement and measure ROI. 'It's not magic – it's method,' the team emphasized. 'We've seen reactive teams become proactive innovators by embracing this structured way of thinking.' About us: Change Flow Thinking is now available as part of the PRIZ Guru platform. Teams can try CFT in the PRIZ Playground for free by visiting Interested teams are also invited to a live demo webinar on July 16, 2025, where the PRIZ team will showcase CFT using real-world examples and answer questions on integrating the tool into existing workflows. Reserve Your Spot With CFT's launch, PRIZ Guru delivers a clear message: every problem is a potential breakthrough – with the right tools, every team can innovate with confidence and clarity. Contact: Alex Agulyansky [email protected] Disclaimer:This content is provided byPRIZ Guru. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or business advice. All investments carry inherent risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own due diligence and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any inaccuracies, misrepresentations, or financial losses resulting from the use or reliance on the information in this press release. Speculate only with funds you can afford to lose. In the event of any legal claims or concerns regarding this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page. Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an 'as-is' basis, without warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained herein. Any complaints, copyright issues, or inquiries regarding this article should be directed to the content provider listed above. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
3 Birth Months Are Smart, Jack of All Trades, Per Experts
3 Birth Months Are Smart, Jack of All Trades, Per Experts originally appeared on Parade. Accumulated life experiences, an insatiable curiosity, and a desire to gain firsthand knowledge make some people exceptionally intelligent. Three birth months are blessed with everyday problem-solving skills and a knack for memorizing various facts, often becoming a jack-of-all-trades, dabbling in a wide range of life skills. Their ability to study and learn quickly enables them to discover many helpful approaches. However, this should not be mistaken for scatterbrained thinking. They can also master their chosen craft, making them highly intelligent in their specific niche while being skilled in various other areas for additional growth. Check for the month you were born for pro insights. READ: 3 Zodiac Signs With Beautiful Souls, According to Astrologers Those born in February are known to be intellectually motivated, yet still intuitively aligned. Their wise, old soul wisdom, coupled with youthful open-mindedness, makes them an ever-evolving spirit. Whether they are innovative Aquarius or sensitive Pisces, these individuals pick up new skills, information, and ideas with ease. They know how to build upon existing concepts, making them more modern, useful, or practical for an expanding society. Their wit shines brightest when they're asked to find tangible routines or results to implement meaningful, connective ways of bridging gaps in humanity. OTHER: People Born on These 4 Dates Don't Chase—They Attract Effortlessly People born in September are often regarded as exceptionally intelligent. Whether they are meticulous Virgos or relationship-oriented Libras, these individuals are intentional about expanding their minds. With a hunger to learn, mindful attention to detail, and careful observational skills, September birthdays seek to accumulate as much useful information as possible. Within their chosen career path or purposeful calling, they excel due to the variety of life experiences they have, solving the mysteries that arise throughout life's many twists and turns. RELATED: 3 Birth Months Luckiest in Love, According to Experts November birthdays are often known to be philosophically curious and seek deep, core truths. Whether they are soulful Scorpios or explorative Sagittarius, these individuals aren't ones to beat around the bush. Their tunnel vision and investigative approach allow them to unlock riddles, crack codes, and make sense of innermost dynamics with ease. While others settle for a surface-level understanding, November-born individuals aren't satisfied until they understand how something or someone works from the inside out. Thorough learners, these spirits tend to learn many valuable skills, cultural values, social skills, healing powers, and unspoken moral codes. 3 Birth Months Are Smart, Jack of All Trades, Per Experts first appeared on Parade on Jul 3, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
The Guardian
06-07-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Why can some people solve anagrams immediately?
Why can some people see the solutions to anagrams instantly? I stare at them for some time and cannot work them out, while I have friends who can solve them immediately. Annie Wilshere, St Asaph Post your answers (and new questions) below or send them to nq@ A selection will be published next Sunday.
Forbes
03-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How To Embrace Neurodiversity In The Workplace To Improve Innovation
How To Embrace Neurodiversity In The Workplace To Improve Innovation Neurodiversity means there is no single "correct" way for the brain to work. The reality is that the workplace includes people who have a wide range of conditions, including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, dyslexia, and learning disabilities. Research has found that 19% of Americans identify as neurodivergent. Neurodiverse individuals can bring "fresh eyes" to problems. Their unique ways of thinking are valuable because employees often get stuck in doing things the way they have always done them. When you bring in someone who has a unique perspective or has not been influenced by status-quo thinking, that is when the best ideas can happen. When individuals stay focused, question routines, and bring original thinking that challenges assumptions, it creates innovative ideas. Sometimes these thinkers go unnoticed, or worse, ignored. But when leaders start paying attention to how people solve problems, that is when their teams adapt faster, think more clearly, and produce stronger results. How Can Neurodiversity In The Workplace Improve Problem-Solving? How Can Neurodiversity In The Workplace Improve Problem-Solving? When team members think differently, they often notice things that others miss. This is especially true when facing complex challenges that have no clear solution. A Deloitte study found that teams including neurodivergent talent outperformed others on tasks requiring creativity, accuracy, and pattern recognition. These thinkers tend to spot gaps in logic, inconsistencies in data, or errors in execution before anyone else does. Some companies have started to see how problem-solving improves when diverse minds are involved from the beginning. SAP's Autism at Work program led to measurable increases in productivity across several teams. They noticed that when neurodivergent employees were hired and supported properly, their ways of working led to better questions, deeper analysis, and clearer workflows. Fresh ideas often come from people who have not been conditioned to accept what everyone else accepts. Neurodivergent individuals often bring that perspective because they experience the world differently. What Makes Neurodiversity In The Workplace Difficult To Manage? What Makes Neurodiversity In The Workplace Difficult To Manage? Leaders often say they support inclusion, but they sometimes overlook what inclusion really involves. Neurodiversity introduces differences in communication, work rhythms, and ways of processing information. These differences can be misunderstood as performance issues when the real issue is a mismatch between the environment and the person's strengths. Many neurodivergent professionals report that unspoken rules are the hardest part of working in a traditional office. If someone needs more time to respond, prefers written instructions, or skips small talk, they may be misjudged as uncooperative or disengaged. But when managers get specific about goals and outcomes, they start to see that these same employees often produce more consistent, high-quality results than expected. The mistake is assuming one communication style or workflow suits everyone. That assumption limits potential and often leads to disengagement. When leaders ask questions instead of making assumptions, they open the door to understanding how to bring out the best in each person. What Should Leaders Do To Support Neurodiversity In The Workplace? What Should Leaders Do To Support Neurodiversity In The Workplace? Support starts with curiosity and the willingness to meet people where they are. A simple question like 'How can I help you do your best work?' can lead to a breakthrough. That question signals that differences are respected. Many of the adjustments that help neurodivergent employees—like using clear written communication, offering flexible deadlines, or minimizing background noise—benefit everyone. Instead of singling people out, this designs work in a way that supports how the brain functions under pressure. There are also cultural shifts that leaders can make. Try having meetings that include time for reflection, allow written follow-ups instead of immediate responses, and avoid fast-paced brainstorming where only the loudest voices are heard. These changes can increase inclusion without compromising results. How Does Neurodiversity In The Workplace Increase Innovation? How Does Neurodiversity In The Workplace Increase Innovation? Innovation grows in teams that welcome mental friction. Not the kind that creates conflict, but the kind that invites different patterns of thinking. Neurodivergent individuals are often the ones who explore ideas that seem unconventional. This kind of focus is especially valuable in roles that require deep concentration or attention to detail. For example, JPMorgan Chase launched a program to recruit autistic talent for quality assurance and cybersecurity roles. They reported higher productivity, lower error rates, and greater retention in those roles compared to traditional hires. These outcomes came from giving employees the freedom to approach their work in the way that suited them best. How Can You Build A Workplace That Embraces Neurodiversity Starting This Week? How Can You Build A Workplace That Embraces Neurodiversity Starting This Week? You can start building a workplace that embraces neurodiversity by using both written and verbal communication. After meetings or assignments, follow up with a quick written summary. It helps those who process information more slowly and makes instructions easier to refer back to. Ask about preferred work styles. Not everyone works best under pressure or in noisy environments. Some thrive on routines, while others need more autonomy. Listen when people tell you what works for them. Using vague terms like 'be more engaged' or 'speak up more' is not helpful. Be specific and focus on the quality of their contributions. Why Neurodiversity In The Workplace Deserves More Attention Now Why Neurodiversity In The Workplace Deserves More Attention Now As jobs become more complex, companies will need to create space for different types of minds to thrive. The goal is to recognize that these individuals often hold the key to better outcomes. Neurodiversity already exists in your organization. The question is whether these people's strengths are being seen, heard, and supported. When organizations build a culture that embraces curiosity, they begin asking better questions about support, performance, and leadership. In that process, they often discover that some of their most overlooked employees may also be their most innovative.
