Fighting problem zones is tedious, annoying, lengthy, and above all: it is difficult to start and to persevere.
It's the same with problems in companies: Projects that always suffer from the same problems; teams that constantly discuss the same things without finding each other; change projects that one would like to tackle if only one had the time (and knew how...) and the like.
Where is the biggest problem area? In the heads!
No matter how innovative a company thinks it is, no matter what certifications, education, training etc. people go through, one thing is neglected: generic problem-solving competence! people go through, one thing is neglected: generic problem-solving competence!
Why do we need problem-solving skills?
- Because we increasingly have to tackle new kinds of problems and cannot fall back on tried and tested standard solutions.
- Because we have to identify the "right" problems in a forward-looking way, whereby we can rely less on past experiences and facts.
- Because the thicket of information, opinions and trends is becoming more complex and direct causal connections more rare.
- Because we have to think more flexibly and break new ground to solve "novel" problems, and rigid rules and processes don't help us much.
- Because it makes companies more successful in the long run to enable their employees to solve their problems themselves rather than resting on the selective use of external experts.
- Because we have to solve problems faster, otherwise we ourselves become the problem.
How do I increase my problem-solving skills?
Solving most problems requires creativity. Most people think of design, brainstorming, a firework of ideas and "creative minds", something for exceptional talents.
But we think: Process!
Finally, the good news: "Creativity is not a personality trait. Creativity is process and can be learned and applied". This is the result of many years of research by Dr. Min Basadur, former professor of innovation and driving force for many innovative companies such as Procter & Gamble and Coca Cola.
When we tackle problems and challenges systematically, the quality and sustainability of the solutions found increases and we optimise the capacities of our teams and staff.