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Problem Solving versus Problem Prevention: How to best use your energy

We have a limited amount of time in our day, and need to optimize it. Ideally, we spend it with problem prevention, however this is not always possible. We will go in depth to uncover that general problems are not a black box, but fall into a few distinct categories, each with their own unique consequence and solution technique. In addition, we’ll review what the best prevention methods are that will most effectively address your specific problem from occurring.

In the end, we’ll see a direct correlation between specific problem prevention measures, and their exact consequences if not taken. This way, busy professionals can make intentional decisions on whether a certain action is indeed worth the effort now, versus dealing with a solution method later.

With this, managers and leaders can decide on how to best utilize their efforts. Navigating this roadmap correctly will help to solve the problem while maintaining lasting relationships in the process, instead of compromising relationships in order to solve problems.

Steven Mitchell is a Senior Project Manager, Engineering, for Freeport McMoRan, an exploration and mining company, with his work supporting the Indonesia copper and gold mine. His scope is management of the Underground Capital Expansions, which primarily focus on the crushing and conveying system, including other brown field upgrades and operational support.

Steven has been with Freeport for 21 years, located in both the field and office environments, in which about half of the time has been in Project Management. He currently oversees a team of Project Managers to achieve the $600-900M of scope currently under his responsibility. Steven received his PMP in 2018, and recently his PfMP in Portfolio Management this past year.

Steven graduated from Louisiana Tech University in Mechanical Engineering, and currently works in the New Orleans project office.