What do you do if you're a leader facing complex problems and need alternative solutions?

Be humble and open minded. Just because you are a leader does not mean you have the answer to everything. More often than not, we try to rely on our own experiences and knowledge to solve problems. But sometimes, we need to speak to others to gain a wider perspective. And the others you speak to need not be in leadership positions. You'd be surprised how different perspectives from different levels of people can trigger solutions.

As a leader, this problem is an invitation to embrace transparency and vulnerability AS WELL as uncertainty. What makes uncertainty less awful? Company! Bring the team along, let them know where you're challenged, ask for support and input, make it a project where you're an equal player rather than the boss - nobody gets to be wrong... "yes, and" the hell out of that sucker! THEN let's see what sticks - don't edit your menu until you know what all the choices are, though.

Embracing uncertainty became my mantra when faced with complex problems. Acknowledging that not all variables can be controlled or predicted allowed me to approach challenges with flexibility and openness to alternative solutions. This mindset encouraged my team to think creatively, without fear of the unknown. We focused on adaptability, testing different strategies, and learning from each outcome. This approach not only led to innovative solutions but also built resilience within the team. Facing uncertainty with a positive attitude transformed daunting challenges into opportunities for growth and development, strengthening our leadership and problem-solving capabilities.

Addressing complex problems as a leader involves assembling a diverse team capable of offering varied perspectives and solutions. By leveraging the insights of seasoned and early-career professionals, cross-functional partners, clients, and specialists familiar with the challenges, a comprehensive analysis can be achieved, leading to more robust solutions. Additionally, exploring neurodivergent and cultural diversity beyond traditional factors like age, ethnicity, and gender enriches the breadth of perspectives.

Facing complex problems, I learned the power of seeking diverse input. I made it a point to gather perspectives from every level of the organisation, believing that varied viewpoints could spark innovative solutions. This approach broke down hierarchical barriers, creating an inclusive culture where every voice was valued. By integrating insights from different departments and backgrounds, we uncovered unique approaches to tackle our challenges. This collective brainstorming not only led to more effective solutions but also enhanced team cohesion and creativity. Embracing diversity in thought became a cornerstone of our problem-solving strategy, driving us towards more comprehensive and creative solutions.

I feel that consideration of experimentation along with prototype solutions is the key. Encouraging experimentation means creating a safe space where trying new things and taking some risks is okay. It's about understanding that not every new idea will work perfectly right away, but each try teaches us something useful. When leaders support experimentation, they help their teams think creatively and adapt to challenges. This mindset not only boosts innovation but also shows that learning and improving are part of the process.

Brainstorming Sessions: Organize brainstorming sessions that encourage free thinking and the sharing of all ideas, no matter how unconventional. This can often lead to innovative solutions. Integrating the power of collective intelligence into problem-solving processes significantly enhances the ability to address complex issues. Collective intelligence emerges when diverse groups collaborate, pooling their knowledge, skills, and perspectives to generate solutions that are often more innovative, comprehensive, and resilient than those any individual could produce alone. By harnessing the collective intelligence of a group, leaders can navigate the complexities of modern challenges more effectively.

As the business environment changes and becomes more complex, leaders must shift how they view and approach their work. This is the cornerstone shift and the first domino that allows the rest of the efforts to work. Prioritize time in your schedules for reflection. Engage an outside voice to talk through your challenges. If possible, participate in an executive coaching program designed to upgrade the leadership mindset in ways that help shift your thinking and approach.

A few thoughts. First - update your team on what you are looking for - out-of-the-box solutions. Ask them for their thoughts on how you collectively find out-of-the-box solutions. Secondly, ask the people who use your services, buy your products. In fact, run a competition - set out what you are seeking to achieve and ask them to share how they would achieve it. This could bring you your out-of-the-box solutions. Thirdly, go outside of the team, and industry and explore. Ask people who have never thought about your product/service for their thoughts. Three ideas that can be run concurrently to help you find your out-of-the-box solution.