How to Solve Problems: Build a Model

This picture shows my favorite kindergarten activity - playing with blocks. There were always new ways to build the tallest, coolest building. And when it fell down with a crash; that was just part of the fun.

Modeling (creating intentionally temporary, experimental solutions to problems) should be engaging and as creative as playing with blocks. Despite what many people promise, there is not a standard solution to your problem. Your challenges are unique. Yes, there are things you can learn from others in similar situations (I wouldn't be writing this if I didn't think so). But the call of leadership is to craft a solution that fits the needs of your enterprise. Modeling is the way to do this.

How do you build models to solve problems?

Be specific

Get quick, accurate feedback

Iterate

Launch

Personal example: I found that my painting (art, not walls) was getting stiff and I wasn't enjoying the work or the results. So I decided to build a model. First I was specific. I wanted to focus on loosening up my style. So I took small pieces of cardboard that I found and cut them into 4x6 rectangles, and shifted to an abstract style to produce dozens of them in one sitting. To get quick, accurate feedback I posted one image a day for 30 days on my Instagram feed (@vicarsam). Not only did I post a pic, I "released" the tiny paintings into the wild by posting them around town like street art. I could easily see which styles people liked and which ones people took down. I also discovered ones I really missed when I let them go. From this information I was able to iterate and focus my energy on styles that I and my friends resonated with. Armed with this information, I then have launched my hobby of painting with new excitement and creativity.

Work gets dull when we forget to bring to it the curiosity we had on the floor of kindergarten playing with blocks.