Problem-solving is a vital skill for staff development, but sometimes you may feel stuck or frustrated when facing a challenging situation. How can you overcome a mental block and find a creative solution? Here are some tips to help you out.
The first step to overcome a mental block is to identify the root cause of your problem. Sometimes, the problem may be unclear, vague, or complex, making it hard to define and solve. To clarify the problem, you can use tools such as the 5 Whys, the fishbone diagram, or the SWOT analysis. These tools can help you break down the problem into smaller and more manageable parts, and reveal the underlying factors that contribute to it.
The second step to overcome a mental block is to seek different perspectives on the problem. Sometimes, you may be too close to the problem, or too attached to your own assumptions and biases, to see the bigger picture or the alternative options. To broaden your perspective, you can ask for feedback, advice, or input from other people, such as your colleagues, mentors, customers, or experts. You can also use techniques such as brainstorming, mind mapping, or SCAMPER to generate new ideas and approaches.
The third step to overcome a mental block is to take a break from the problem. Sometimes, you may be too stressed, tired, or overwhelmed by the problem, to think clearly and creatively. To refresh your mind and energy, you can take a short break, do something else, or engage in a relaxing or enjoyable activity. This can help you reduce your mental fatigue, improve your mood, and stimulate your subconscious thinking.
The fourth step to overcome a mental block is to challenge your assumptions about the problem. Sometimes, you may be limited by your own beliefs, expectations, or habits, that prevent you from seeing the problem in a different way or trying something new. To challenge your assumptions, you can use tools such as the six thinking hats, the four frames, or the ladder of inference. These tools can help you examine the problem from different angles, perspectives, and levels of abstraction.
The fifth step to overcome a mental block is to experiment and learn from the problem. Sometimes, you may be afraid of making mistakes, failing, or facing uncertainty, that stop you from taking action or testing your ideas. To overcome your fear, you can use tools such as the PDCA cycle, the MVP model, or the feedback loop. These tools can help you plan, execute, evaluate, and improve your solutions in a systematic and iterative way.
The sixth and final step to overcome a mental block is to celebrate your success. Sometimes, you may forget to acknowledge your achievements, progress, or learning, that motivate you to keep solving problems and developing your skills. To celebrate your success, you can use tools such as the SMART goals, the KPIs, or the reward system. These tools can help you set, measure, and reward your outcomes in a specific and meaningful way.