Embrace Creative Problem Solving

Hello there! In this edition of "Let's Talk!" we touch upon the nuances of problem-solving using creativity and how you can make it a part of your professional as well as personal life. The moment I hear creativity & problem-solving in the same sentence, the next jargon that often comes to mind is "Design Thinking" of course! But, this time around, we focus on this little corner of the Design Thinking world that I like to call "Limitless Creativity" rather than the ocean that it is.

To learn more about what typically entails Creative Problem Solving or CPS, I encourage you to read through this informative blog by HBS Online. The one step where I have often seen a lot of people limit themselves is thinking about a solution within the boundaries of existing constraints that exist today - in the present. While the more rewarding route is thinking of solutions that may look outrageous today but are often forward-looking and serve well in the long term.

Think Above & Beyond

There are several real-life examples where CPS has changed the course of businesses such as Netflix, IKEA, and so on. While tools such as mind mapping, brainstorming, storyboarding or even simply doing a rapid fire of prompts or alternatives to solving a given problem can help expand your horizon.

The focus is sometimes on finding fresh perspectives to existing problems rather than reinventing the wheel altogether. So, let's do a small activity now.

1. Take a problem you/your business is currently facing.
2. Gather the relevant people or for starters do this activity with yourself first.
3. Do not think of any existing boundaries or constraints, assume you have unlimited resources and proceed. (This is typically the divergent thinking part of the process) - Spend maximum time at this step as this is where all your creative juices will be flowing. There is ample opportunity to innovate during this time.
4. Now map the various solutions in terms of feasibility, speak with stakeholders/experts/mentors who may have more information than you - and you might notice that from time to time - what you thought of as a constraint may cease to be one!
5. Onwards to implementation and the rest is history.

This is very well applicable to a range of different problems though not to every type of problem. But this approach keeps your mind active, and your work interesting!

Here is some more inspiration on how CPS has made all the difference to businesses. When we say creative, it doesn't necessarily mean "new" it means approaching a task/problem/challenge in a way that's not traditional or it could even mean gaining fresh perspectives on existing problems.Try it and let me know how it goes!