Shooting from the Hip

"Shooting from the hip" can mean, literally, shooting a handgun from near the hip, presumably after it is drawn from a holster, without taking time to properly grasp the handgun with both hands and aim it at the target.  While it is quicker than the proper technique, it is also wildly inaccurate, which leads to the metaphorical use of the term, where it means, "taking action without proper thought or preparation."

As the title of this blog states, "i am an engineer."  A fundamental process taught to all engineers is problem solving.  Of course, this process is not limited to engineers; it is useful in all walks of life, whether at home or at work.  There are many variations on the problem solving theme, with differing numbers of steps, but they can all be summarized in the following three steps:

1. Indentify and define the problem.
2. Determine the "root cause(s)" of the problem.
3. Develop and implement the solution -- one or more correct actions -- to resolve the "root cause(s)."

Of course, in step 3, you should ensure that the solution adequately resolves the "root cause(s)" and does not introduce other problems.

Sadly, step 2 is often omitted; this is justified on the basis of saving time and effort.  However, the "solution" developed frequently does not actually solve the problem; instead, it may make the problem worse.  In this case, the time and effort needed to revisit and actually solve the problem will far exceed that "saved" in the initial attempt.

Anyone who skips step 2 of the problem solving process is just "shooting from the hip."