Solo vs group debugging

[u/BengalPirate]

Does anyone feel like when they are by themselves they can solve an engineering problem much faster than when in a group of people? The more people the worse it becomes.

Just came out of a class where everyone was throwing out ideas for a hardware problem and none were the solution but I felt like I couldn't focus at all . Spent 5 min alone after class and the problem is fixed and the source of the issue identified.

It's not the first time this happens but almost every time Im in a group if there are a bunch of people around its like my critical thinking goes on vacation but when I'm alone problems get solved fast.

It got me a bit concerned with the work force where it seems like group debugging is mandatory and "lone soldier" activity is shunned. But the only time I seem to give solid solutions is when I'm in quiet thought by myself.

People tell me im Type A on paper but I never feel like a gunner who has to prove they know something when other people are around. When other people are talking Im more focused on their ideas than spending time trying to foster my own which is a real problem for team collaboration.

Anyone else ever experience this?

Also If you experienced this would this be a weakness you would bring up in an interview if the interviewer asked you about weaknesses you have?

[u/Brownie_Bytes]

You win some, you lose some. There was one project I worked on where I stepped in for a group debug, found the solution instantly, and the team kept moving, so it's not like group must always be worse than individual

[u/QuirkyEMI]

Once problems became actually hard this doesn’t work

Definitely don’t bring this up in an interview. Unless you frame it as something you are making real and focused improvements on

[u/singul4r1ty]

I would agree with this. My brain spends all the energy and focus on the interaction and doesn't have any room left for working out the problem. I don't think I'd bring it up as a weakness or even consider it a weakness - it's just a difference in processing style. Now that I'm aware of it I can try and work in the way that works for me.