Leaders, The Art of Creative Problem Solving

Problem-solving is a time-consuming process. It’s why we solve many problems before they’re allowed to become serious problems. When a potential problem is identified in its earliest stages, a solution can be found and implemented to avoid it entirely.

That requires analyzing the issue to find weaknesses that can be shored up. A savvy person recognizes that the best approach is to avoid the problem altogether. Unfortunately, that isn’t always possible.

There are then two things you need to focus on.

One is early detection.

Two are creative problem-solving.

If you want to live and/or work in an environment that elevates creative problem-solving, then it’s up to you to create that environment. There are several ways that you can do this.

First, you must create an environment of open and honest communication.

People should feel free to approach you with a remedy when they encounter a problem.

You should also be proactive in finding problems. Speak to people to find out if potential problems are bubbling. This allows you plenty of time to find the root cause and therefore create a creative solution.

Often, problems reappear because we don’t treat the root cause; rather, we focus on dealing with the symptoms that stem from that root cause.

The root issue should always receive the focus of our attention.

Problems should always be viewed as an opportunity. A mistake isn’t the end; it’s progress. Why? It turns traditional problem-solving on its head and forces you to think more creatively. With creative problem-solving, you can progress matters.

Practice techniques that will enable you to find the best solution from a list of good solutions.

Since you’ve created an open and honest line of communication with everyone, you can use those lines to communicate the ultimate solution.

Share the creative problem-solving solution, share the process, and show your work.

It starts with you. Share your goals and let people use your criteria list to bring you solutions to problems as they arise.

If you allow everyone to play an active role, then you create an environment that generates creative problem-solving.

In the workplace, it makes employees more satisfied with their roles. They feel a part of the overall process; they feel like they’re more than just a job description.

Managers set their employee’s goals. They encourage action plans. What they don’t but should encourage is creative problem-solving.

If you encounter a problem, you should seek to resolve it independently. If it’s above your pay grade, you should find a potential solution and take it to the powers that be.

If you’re the leader, it’s up to you to gather insight from your employees. In marketing, focus groups bring customers together to sense-check their products before they bring them to market. Think of it in that sense.

If a solution fails, you simply go again. Failure isn’t final; it’s just a little bump in the road. Ultimately, every mistake we make is the progress of some kind, and every problem we encounter is an opportunity to improve.

Part of the creative problem-solving process is completely changing how we frame problems and solutions. It requires a radically different mindset.

The words that you choose influence how you and others view a problem. If you talk about coping with, minimizing, or eliminating, you still see a problem in traditional terms.

If you talk about gaining, enhancing, maximizing, or accomplishing, you’re flipping it on its head and taking a positive view of the situation.

Be the leader people want to follow.

Richard Grehalva

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