Have you reached a dead end with a difficult task? Whether it's a confusing project plan or a report that doesn't add up, try the "Rubber Duck Debugging" method.

The essence is simple: you take any inanimate object (classic duck) and begin to explain your problem to him aloud, in as much detail as possible and step by step.

For example, a project manager explains a product launch plan to a duck. He gets to the point: "... and the testing team starts working a week after the start of development..." — and immediately catches himself making a mistake. After all, the first ready-made module will appear only in two weeks! There will simply be nothing to test.

The problem he had been struggling with for hours had been solved.

Why does it work?

1. Organizing thoughts. When we say something out loud, we are forced to build chaotic thoughts into a clear logical chain. It is at this point that errors are detected.
2. A fresh look. You look at the problem from the outside, as if through the eyes of a "beginner", and immediately notice the obvious mistakes that you missed earlier.

This technique works not only in IT. It is universal for any complex task where logic is important. Next time you come to a dead end, try it. Your silent companion may surprise you.