What creative problem solving skills do you need to overcome cognitive biases?

2 Challenge your assumptions

The second step to overcome cognitive biases is to challenge your assumptions. You may tend to rely on your existing knowledge, expectations, or stereotypes when solving problems, which can limit your creativity and innovation. To challenge your assumptions, you can use techniques such as the Five Whys, which helps you dig deeper into the root cause of a problem, or the Six Thinking Hats, which helps you view a problem from different angles. You can also use brainstorming, mind mapping, or analogies to generate alternative ideas or solutions.

3 Test your hypotheses

The third step to overcome cognitive biases is to test your hypotheses. You may tend to confirm your own beliefs, ignore contradictory evidence, or overestimate your abilities when solving problems, which can lead to poor outcomes or errors. To test your hypotheses, you can use methods such as the Scientific Method, which helps you design and conduct experiments, or the Lean Startup Methodology, which helps you validate and iterate your solutions. You can also use prototyping, simulation, or feedback loops to evaluate and improve your solutions.

4 Seek diverse input

The fourth step to overcome cognitive biases is to seek diverse input. You may tend to favor information that supports your views, avoid opinions that challenge you, or conform to group norms when solving problems, which can reduce your creativity and collaboration. To seek diverse input, you can use strategies such as the Delphi Method, which helps you collect and synthesize expert opinions, or the Nominal Group Technique, which helps you rank and prioritize ideas. You can also use tools such as surveys, interviews, or focus groups to gather and analyze data.

5 Review your process

The fifth step to overcome cognitive biases is to review your process. You may tend to stick to familiar or comfortable ways of solving problems, neglect feedback or learning opportunities, or rationalize your failures when solving problems, which can hinder your growth and development. To review your process, you can use frameworks such as the Plan-Do-Check-Act Cycle, which helps you monitor and adjust your actions, or the After Action Review, which helps you reflect and learn from your results. You can also use metrics, indicators, or benchmarks to measure and compare your performance.

6 Cultivate your mindset

The sixth step to overcome cognitive biases is to cultivate your mindset. You may tend to resist change, fear failure, or avoid risk when solving problems, which can affect your motivation and confidence. To cultivate your mindset, you can use practices such as the Growth Mindset, which helps you embrace challenges and learn from feedback, or the Design Thinking Mindset, which helps you empathize with users and experiment with solutions. You can also use affirmations, visualization, or meditation to enhance your mental and emotional state.