Passing the baton

Part of proficient problem-solving is knowing when to directly involve yourself and when to pass the problem to someone else.

The variables domain knowledge, skillset, and bandwidth will help you make this determination.

When you have a combination of these factors that is well suited to the problem (you’ll know), then it makes sense to directly involve yourself in resolving it.

When someone else has a combination of these factors that is better suited to the problem, then the best thing you can do is pass the baton over to them knowing that they are the shortest path to resolution.

The burden of every problem you come into contact with does not need to rest exclusively on your shoulders, nor should it if the goal is to move quickly.

For the sake of progress and of your sanity, know when to ask for help and don’t be afraid to ask for it.

This is precisely why we work in teams.