Significant Career Lesson From a Chief Product Officer at Stanza Systems
Stacie, Chief Product Officer at Stanza Systems, emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in problem-solving, stating, "it's amazing how much we just get bogged down." This involves recognizing when to take a break or seek another perspective, transforming roadblocks into opportunities for innovative solutions by utilizing tools and strategies for overcoming challenges.
Problem-Solving, Resilience, Leadership, Self-Awareness, Communication
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Stacie Frederick
Chief Product Officer
Stanza Systems
UC Berkeley
USC, MS Computer Science
Computer Science
Technology
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans
Video Highlights
1. Knowing when to seek help from others and/or take a break from a problem is crucial for effective problem-solving. Stacie highlights the importance of recognizing when you've spent enough time on a problem and it's time for a fresh perspective or assistance from others.
2. Stepping away from a problem to gain a fresh perspective can significantly improve problem-solving abilities. Stacie emphasizes the value of disengaging from a problem temporarily, allowing the mind to rest and approach the issue with renewed clarity.
3. Communication and collaboration are key to overcoming challenges, especially in management roles. Seeking input from other leaders and team members can spark new ideas and perspectives that lead to effective solutions.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
A good lesson I've learned, and this one has stayed with me for a long time, is to really monitor your own progress on problems and work. You need to know when you've spent enough time noodling over it or banging your head against the wall.
When you've spent enough time, it's time to talk to someone else about it or give yourself a timeout. I remember early on, as an engineer, I would spend hours trying to solve a problem. Then I learned to walk away for a bit and come back.
Every time I did this, I found I could solve the problem within the next hour. It was about disengaging my brain from what it was looping on. Taking a break allows your mind to breathe, and then you can return with a fresh perspective.
You see things differently, and it's similar in other areas, like management. If you and your team are pounding on a problem, you can go talk to another leader. Asking them questions can spark something in you, helping you realize you need to think about the problem differently.
It's that different perspective that can put you on the path to the right solution. It's amazing how much we get bogged down. It's about knowing yourself and recognizing the signs that you've hit a wall.
Then, you need to identify that quickly and use your tools to move beyond it. A lot of this comes down to knowing yourself best: what you need to work effectively, when you're stuck, and how to break yourself out of that.