Process (method)

What

A method or process is a defined set of steps designed to produce a specific, useful result.

Rationale

Skill with methods is worthwhile for several reasons.

  1. Consistently create high-quality results.

  2. Minimize drawback: cost, time, use of materials, and so on.

  3. Methods can be taught, learning and implied.

  4. Methods can be improved.

Excellent Methods (How To)

Principles

  1. There is a best method for getting a given result. This “best method” can be improved. Best mean the most rewards with the fewest drawbacks taken holistically. Best is subjective.

  2. Some methods are linear, like baking a cake, which means that they proceed in a stepwise fashion.

  3. Some methods are nonlinear, which means that steps may be repeated, skipped, or revisited in a flexible order depending on context, feedback, changing conditions, or evolving understanding.

  4. A framework is a method for doing something that is hard to do well like writing a play, thinking critically, building a math model, starting a company, and so on.

Framework

Repetitions: For each result you care about, take the following actions while progressively increasing your payoffs.

  1. Figure out the best method and write it down.

  2. Systematically apply this method.

  3. Apply Reflective Thinking (RT) to improve the method, figure out next steps, and so on.

Tips

  1. Here are some ways to figure out the best method.
    1. Find it explained by someone else.
    2. Observe people who get unusually great results, and figure out what they do.
    3. Take your best shot at the method.
  2. The essence is to start with a method and then progressively improve it with RT.