Problem-solving Guru Mugs

"Tell me about a time you identified a problem that others didn't see coming."

I'm Possible.

'These are excellent solutions you've come up with, I'd hate to waste them on our current trivial problems.'

'Sorry I'm late. Couldn't find a parking space so I crashed into the building.'

"You bring up an important concern, but I'm looking for a problem that better fits my preconceived solution."

"Don't over think it. Just go with your beer gut."

"We're sending you on special assignment to analyze our shipping problems."

"Scott sent me an email. He's locked in the bathroom and he can't get out. Should I type in 411?"

Thought balloon shaped like the missing piece from a jigsaw puzzle.

'Don't feel bad about falsifying the solution. I falsified the problem.'

COUNCIL OF ECONOMIC ADVISORS, 'Really? -- I heard the same theory from MY barber.'

Dept. of Mathematics and Frustration.

'Gee, no — we were hoping you'd have the solution to all our problems.'

'So far, sir, we've rejected plans A,B, C, D, E, F, and right now we're evaluating'G'.'

'Next time you lose your keys, lets call a locksmith instead of blow torching the door.'

'While we appreciate your hard work Eddie, I think we are going to have to go a different direction with this position.'

"Mr. Do-It-Yourself was trying to build a better mouse trap."

"Looks like our days at the think tank are numbered."

"You know me. Never criticize,always optimize. The eternal Ms. Masking Tape."

The Businessmen Have to Make Decisions from Many Options

boy plugging leak in a barrel with his finger

"Good" "Bad" "Work on it" "Keep working - maybe it's not as bad as you think it is" "Put it to a committee" "Give up" "Make it worse" "Make it better" "Still a bad idea" "Overthink it" "Throw yourself into a pit of wild badgers" "Throw it away" "Call it done" "Sigh."

"We can waste time and look for a solution or...just find a scapegoat?"

"Someday she'll solve the world's problems."

'I solved the problem of dead zones on my cell phone with a personal satellite,'

'Due to cutbacks, he lost his company vehicle, so he has to improvise.'

"Is this a 'GOTCHA' question?"

'I solve so many work problems at home.'

"We only got up to three 'whys' and a 'what the hell'."

Brainstorm in progress.

"Managing a major project in these challenging times requires IMAGINATION, the FIRST thing I'd like you to imagine is that you have a team to help you."

"Try unplugging it and throwing it out the window."

Early Tech Support

"I can't solve for X. I have a fear of the unknown!"

"We're all well aware of the madness, Phipps...where's the method?"