Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is struggling to make money in movie theatres around the world because it’s fine, not awesome. The film follows Harrison Ford’s iconic, world-saving, colonially/neo-colonially-problematic, whip-slinging, problem solving character and his estranged goddaughter, Helena Shaw (the incredible Phoebe Waller-Bridge), around the world as they smash, scramble, and science their way to a device that “could change the course of history” if it falls into the hands of Jürgen Voller (Mads Mikkelsen), a Nazi-turned-NASA scientist, can take it for himself and go back in time to change the outcome of World War II. The film ends the series on a very high note.
Problem-solving is an art that requires a combination of knowledge, resourcefulness, and bravery. Few fictional creations exemplify these qualities better than my favourite on-screen-character-of-all-time, Indiana Jones. Masterfully played at 79-year-old Ford, The Dial of Destiny showcases Indy’s unwavering dedication to learning, his diverse network of supporters, and his masterful improvisation skills. Here are three problem solving traits of Indiana Jones that you can bring to your most complex worklife challenges.
Know the most
Dr. Henry Jones Jr. outworks, outreads, and outstudies his competition. Indy is known for his vast knowledge and expertise in ancient civilizations, cultures, and artifacts – he is a well-rounded generalist who is as comfortable swinging over crocodiles as he is grubbing in the archives for obscure bits of information. Whether it’s deciphering hieroglyphics or recalling and interpreting scrawlings from ancient texts, Indy’s commitment to learning equips him with valuable insights that always eclipse those of his rivals. By immersing himself in his field of expertise and expanding his generalism into, you know, fist-fighting and boulder-evasion, he gains a significant advantage when faced with complex challenges because of the range of intellectual and physical tools in his toolbox.
Example: In Raiders of the Lost Ark Indy implores that Marion Ravenwood closes her eyes to avoid “the wrath of God”, which is some information that Belloq and his Nazi pals wished they knew as their faces melted off. He also schools supposed experts in the Thuggee cult, Archimedes, El Dorado, and the occult, which any academic will tell you requires incredible range and depth.
Build a community
Indiana Jones may be a solitary adventurer and introverted bookworm, but he is far from alone on his adventures. From John Rhys-Davies’s ever-loyal Sallah to tragically-low-on-screen-time Renaldo (Antonio Banderas), Indy has cultivated a diverse network of supporters from around the world, each possessing unique skills and knowledge that help him crack codes and solve puzzles. These allies offer guidance, resources, and expertise, bolstering his problem-solving abilities when the odds seem insurmountable or when Belloq’s staff is too long. While Indy might not always recognize the strength in collaboration – he, Helena, and Teddy struggle through Al Pittampalli’s five stages of group problem solving – our hero knows that obstacles are more easily overcome with a community of supporters.
Example: In the deeply problematic Temple of Doom, Indy’s relationship with his friend Short Round, a crafty and caring sidekick who is as good in a fight as he is in a getaway, proves vital in escaping the evil catacombs of Pankot Palace. In Last Crusade Indy solves big, hairy problems – from Holy Grail secrets to love triangles to castle, blimp, biplane, and tank escapes – with his dad, Sean Connery’s legendary Henry Jones Sr.
Improvise
We all know the look. That look of mixed-up excitement, enlightenment, fear, “fuck it – let’s go!”, confidence, and recklessness that glows from Harrison Ford’s iconic character as he is about to improvise.
My favourite example of Indiana Jones’s improvisation is quoted above – like, 15 minutes after that line he’s taken down a Nazi convoy and recaptured the Ark with the help of a horse. He also survived a nuclear explosion by hiding in a refrigerator and that’s all that I’ll write about Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Also minecar chases. Also magic boxes on circus trains. Also jumping across library bookstacks. Also bringing a gun to a knife fight.
By continuously learning, building diverse communities of support, and embracing improvisation, we can our problem-solving abilities like part-time archeologist Indiana Jones. So, the next time you find yourself facing a challenge, channel your inner Indy and approach it with tenacity, an open mind, and the determination to overcome anything that stands in your way.
Enjoy the adventure.
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Photo credit: Lucas Film