Creative problem solvers often make mistakes. What are some of the biggest ones?

When we talk about creative problem-solving, we generally focus on a problem as the name suggests. It’s certainly important to define the problem well, and a number of techniques, like the 5-why method and root cause analysis, can help understand what the fundamental issue is (vs the symptoms), and if a creative solution is needed (ie. if a simple one won’t do). But a more common pitfall is that the enthusiasm for creativity leads to a loss of focus on the real problem and the creation of solutions that address a new perception of the issue, which evolved in the creative process. So always go back and look again at the fundamental problem. Refocus as needed and ensure that the creative process doesn’t alter your problem definition.

The main and the firs mistake on problem solving is not giving to the solver the mandate to do it and allowance to touch on sensitive stuff. When a problem is raised is because something or someone didn't perform accordingly. And another one: people don't like very much when someone is looking around their department...

"The problem is the problem". More than we think problems are not well defined, other times a problem well defined gets solved so quickly. The big difference is how the problem is approached and then how it's defined. In all this process a big and key player is the language, the words have different meanings and even different meanings for people.

In the realm of Healthcare IT, where the stakes are always high, the pivotal first step of precisely defining the problem often goes overlooked. Rushing to find solutions without a clear understanding of the issue at hand can lead to misguided efforts. It's akin to treating symptoms without diagnosing the disease, something we unequivocally avoid in healthcare.

The biggest mistake creative problem solvers make is rushing to a solution without pausing to understand the limits of their resources (intellectual or material). The second biggest mistake is prioritizing outcomes over process.

Usually people from the inside (the problem) is trying to solve problematic things. They don't want anyone from the outside to catch or identify inconsistencies or lack of organization that led to the problem raised. You must be open minded, always try to look from another angle, sides and distances. And the main one (in my opinion) is to allow you to "ask questions as a kid". Keeping it simple.

Transitioning from identifying to solving problems, a significant oversight is the failure to explore diverse perspectives. In healthcare technology, where multifaceted challenges are the norm, considering the viewpoints of staff, clinicians, administrators, and patients can unveil innovative solutions otherwise hidden by a unilateral approach.

A very commom mistake at Solving Problems its when the professional "Build up" a barrier, Paradigm or Dogmas Within a industry. Thats Lead directly to not oversees some problems and potentially to not provide the best practices to solve it. A Creative Problem Solving Professional roadmap consists mostly in gather the correct information from the professionals that has a better and complete understand of each step. Sometimes Working in accordance with the experts its really helpfull to view the best solutions in it. And Often the solutions comes through other professionals, with different levels of knowledge, and that are always looking for the better environment ( but are not the experts on it) . Keep you Comm. Channels Open.

En mi experiencia, al confiar únicamente en sus propias suposiciones y preferencias, sin considerar otras formas de ver la situación, se limita su capacidad para descubrir nuevas oportunidades y enriquecer su conocimiento. Para contrarrestar esta tendencia, es crucial abrirse a una gama más amplia de opiniones. Esto implica buscar y valorar los comentarios diversos y constructivos de diversas fuentes, ya sean clientes, colegas, expertos o partes interesadas. Poder preguntarnos: ?Cómo podrían otros interpretarlo de manera diferente? ?Cuáles podrían ser los beneficios potenciales de considerar estas alternativas? Este proceso de apertura y reflexión amplía el horizonte de posibilidades y fomenta una solución más completa y creativa.

The reluctance to experiment and iterate forms a barrier to innovation. In the fast-evolving field of Healthcare IT, solutions often require refinement through trial and error. Embracing this iterative process, akin to the development cycles of new treatments, allows us to refine technology solutions that truly meet the needs of our users.

Test and refine. You have to establish limits to what will be tested, how long and how much. You can also combine alternatives and have better results.

Hello. To move foward on a Chain of processes its necessary to put on prove some 'experiences' as in a Lab; To keep the track. And Even before testing it, its needed to understand the project your enrolled to. If its Agile, Scrum, Predictive, or other for example. Because each statements of the project you are part of it will surely need a different approach. And by 'Different Approaches' it means you have to have a new perspective, a different way of dealing with, leading also to a different results. So don't wait, start using your best practices ( brainstorming, user card case, case of study, benchmarking... whatever you may find useful to it.) But don't forget, there is no correct formula. Each enviroment has their own needings.

I agree with this point, BUT from my experience, there's a delicate balance that needs to be maintained. In one of my most recent projects, gathering different insights and feedback from teams and other departments proved very valuable and gave a better understanding of things that might have been overlooked. While I support the broad range of perspectives, inputs, and feedback, I also learned it was important to filter these through a lens of structured decision-making. This way, we avoided confusion and ensured the project was not only enriched by multiple viewpoints but also remained focused and on track, guided by decisive leadership.

Another common pitfall is underestimating the power of collaboration and communication. As leaders, fostering an environment where team members freely exchange ideas and feedback can catalyze groundbreaking developments in healthcare technology. It's through these collective efforts that we can surmount complex challenges.

Don't keep it as a secret, never. You might not have all the answers and information. Usually, details are hidden and you have to digg (with the right person) to find it.

A frequently overlooked aspect of problem-solving is the failure to celebrate successes and learn from failures. Recognizing achievements, no matter how small, boosts morale and encourages a culture of continuous improvement, something that is a critical element in the fast-paced world of Healthcare IT.

I personally don't like to celebrate. I keep success to myself and share all the losses into my lessons learned library. In both cases, shared whenever required.

Celebrating its a moment that everybody wants to enjoy. The Learning path is a moment that everybody wants to run of it. (boring...) Actually, this intro was just to reminds the professionals that everybody wants the moments of being "Rewarded". The celebration moments has to be a very determined via the project\personnal Milestones achieved, or Goals sucessfully attendent. It's also important that the team has to have their metrics and fluently communication to overcome bad moments (Tech Debts, for example.) Otherwise your project will be full of individualised professional. And to conclude these "bad moments" has to be assigned to the learning track\path of the project, to give a clear big picture even for a new hired member.

A common problem is staying stuck on the initial idea or solutions which would prevent you from being flexible, open and considering alternative approaches. To make good progress as a creative problem solver, you must remain open minded and willing to explore various possibilities to arrive at the best solution.

One of the biggest mistakes creative problem solvers can make is becoming too attached to their initial ideas or solutions, which can lead to a lack of flexibility and an unwillingness to consider alternative approaches. Another common error is overlooking the importance of feedback and collaboration, which can limit the diversity of perspectives and potential solutions. Additionally, creative problem solvers may sometimes rush the process, sacrificing thorough analysis or testing, which can result in incomplete or ineffective solutions. Finally, a tendency to overcomplicate solutions or disregard practical constraints can hinder implementation and effectiveness.

Beyond these common pitfalls, it's crucial to remain agile and adaptable. The healthcare landscape is constantly changing, and so too must our approaches to IT challenges. Staying informed about emerging technologies and being willing to pivot strategies accordingly will ensure that we continue to provide innovative and effective solutions.

You will be always have to be open to new ideas, to new industries, to developing, to learning, to communicating, to listening, to undertanding... Resuming, in a Creative Problem Solving Environment you have to be FLEXIBLE. The market its changing everyday ( piece by piece, as "the Ship of Theseus paradox" ). So then be open to renew your thoughts and mostly Learning, Learning and learning.

Vivenciei de perto a dinamica de solucionar problemas criativos. Embora essa habilidade seja um motor para inova??o, está sujeita a armadilhas comuns. Como se apegar a uma ideia inicial sem considerar outras possibilidades. Além disso, enfrentei desafios ao negligenciar feedbacks valiosos e ao falhar na comunica??o das minhas ideias, e é impotente estar aberto a críticas. Focar intensamente em um aspecto do problema, negligenciando outros, aprendi o valor de uma perspectiva holística. Essas experiências ensinaram-me a valorizar a flexibilidade, o planejamento, a abertura a feedbacks, a comunica??o clara e a importancia de considerar todos os aspectos de um problema na busca por solu??es criativas.