Let’s face it problems are just a part of life. What kind of problems and challenges are you facing every day where you have to devise a solution? Here are a few ideas on how to practice good creative problem-solving.
What is the problem? How can leaders implement creative solutions?
A problem can be defined as a scenario in which the current situation does not match the desired situation or anytime actual performance does not match expectations. Other labels for a problem include challenges or opportunities or any situation or circumstance for which there is room for improvement.
The problem-solving process involves creativity. Now that we can identify the basics of a problem, how can we devise a creative way to solve problems? Problem-solvers develop innovative solutions rather than obtaining help to learn the answers or implementing standard procedures.
The creative problem-solving process is at work anytime you identify solutions that have value or somehow improve a situation for someone.
Here are six significant steps to implementing solutions to any problem.
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Understand more about the problem before moving forward. That can be done with information gathering and improving understanding. The first step in the creative problem-solving process is to gather information about the problem. To effectively solve the correct situation, you need to know as much about it as possible.
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Problem Definition: Make sure you understand the correct problem before proceeding. Define the present state of the problem and the desired state. Work on the right end of the problem by writing a problem statement.
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Generate possible solutions using various tools. Prepare for brainstorming, identify mental blocks, and remove them. Get creative about the solution. Identify different considerations of the problem. It can also help formulate comprehensive solutions to complex problems.
There are many tools available to analyze problems. Malcolm Gladwell popularizes the “blink method”. The Power of Thinking Without Thinking. Gladwell’s premise is that in an age of information overload, our decisions based on limited information are often as good as, or better than, decisions made with ample critical thinking.
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Analyzing possible solutions and the effectiveness of those solutions before proceeding. With many different solutions in hand, the problem solvers need to study those solutions to determine the effectiveness of each one.
- Select the best solution
The next step in the process is to select one or more solutions from the possibilities.
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Plan the next course of action.
Identify the tasks, the necessary resources, and an implementation plan.
Try putting this 6-step process into action by implementing the steps above.
Two heads are usually better than one. If you are struggling with an issue, why not chat about it? We can brainstorm a problem together. I offer a free discovery session for leaders.
Be sure to check out my courses at https://chidgeyleadershipmethod.com. Get them for a big discount during Black Friday.