Creative problem solving (CPS) is a skill that helps you generate and implement innovative solutions for various challenges. However, not every creative solution is accepted or appreciated by your clients, customers, or stakeholders. How do you handle rejected creative solutions and learn from them? Here are some tips to help you cope with feedback and improve your CPS skills.
Rejection can hurt, especially when you have invested time, energy, and passion into your creative solution. It is normal to feel disappointed, frustrated, or angry when your solution is rejected. However, you should not let your emotions cloud your judgment or damage your relationships. Acknowledge your feelings, but do not take the rejection personally or lash out at the feedback giver. Instead, try to calm yourself and focus on the positive aspects of your solution and your CPS process.
You need to detach yourself from your work. The rejection of your solution is not the rejection of yourself. Instead, try to ask yourself "why is this being rejected?", "did I understood the briefing correctly?", "what can I learn from this?" and listen to the feedback given with open mind. Sometimes, the reasons why your work is being rejected can be out your control and you need to be confident that you did your best.
Sometimes, rejection is not clear or constructive, leaving you uncertain as to why your solution was rejected, what the feedback giver expected, or how you can improve your solution. In such cases, it's important to ask open-ended questions to the feedback giver. These could include inquiries about the main reasons for rejecting the solution, how the solution fails to meet needs or goals of the project, specific criteria or standards for evaluating the solution, and examples of solutions that would meet expectations. Through seeking clarification and understanding, you can avoid misunderstandings, gain valuable insights, and demonstrate respect for the feedback giver's perspective.
I found that looking the bigger picture is really helpful in this situations. Your work is just a small piece in a bigger context. Don't be afraid to ask question until you have a clear vision of the goals of the project and the expectations set up for your work.
Once you have clarified and understood the feedback, you can evaluate and revise your solution accordingly. You may need to return to some steps of the CPS process, such as re-defining the problem, generating ideas, testing and refining your solution, and communicating and presenting it. Additionally, you should consider factors like the feasibility and viability of your solution, the resources and constraints of the project, the preferences and values of the target audience, and any trends or changes in the market or industry. By doing so, you can improve the quality, relevance, and appeal of your solution.
I usually find really easy to go back and change what I know it doesn't work after receiving feedback, but there are situations where I feel like I can't come out with a better solution. My personal advise here is to take a walk, stop looking at your screen and think about something else for a while. When you come back with clear mind, just start from zero. You'll be able to use the best of your rejected solution and find a new way.
Rejection is not the end of your creative journey, but rather a chance to learn and grow from the experience. With feedback and revision, you can identify your strengths and weaknesses in CPS, develop new skills and knowledge, explore opportunities and challenges, and build resilience and confidence. Additionally, this experience can be used to reflect on your goals and motivations in CPS. Ask yourself why you want to solve problems creatively, what you hope to achieve with your solutions, and how you measure success. By learning and growing from the experience, you can deepen your passion and purpose in CPS.
Rejection can be isolating and discouraging, making you feel like giving up or doubting your creative abilities. However, you don't have to face it alone. Joining a community or network of creative problem solvers, finding a mentor or coach, and asking for feedback from peers, experts, or potential users can all help you cope and improve. Additionally, celebrating your achievements and progress with people who appreciate and value your creativity can help expand your horizons, boost your morale, and enrich your CPS journey.