Have you ever encountered a problem at work, that, despite your best intentions, has been too difficult to solve? You are not alone, as the inevitable, difficult challenge will test your limits, when trying to find a solution. Sometimes, the traditional means of solving an issue will not work at all.
In this light, it would be best to think outside of the box. You’d be surprised to find that many answers to our business interests can be found through creativity. All it takes is a bit of intuitive thinking, alongside several other techniques, to find them.
These tips on how to be a creative problem solver in business will get you thinking bigger, and better:
1. Design Thinking
As mentioned previously, the conventional tactics we use at work can be rendered obsolete at some point. That is because some problems will have to be solved in an alternative manner. If you are trying to find a way to circumvent your current issues, use design thinking. It is a stellar process to facilitate creative thinking through and through.
Moreover, design thinking is as comprehensive as ever, as it meticulously outlines several stages encountered. All of these stages serve to benefit your operations, and make them much more efficient. After you have completed the process, the prototype you put out there will be successful!
2. Gathering Metrics
Gathering metrics is a great way on how to be a creative problem solver in business. The modern day business world is set up to test your mettle, in a number of acute ways. To solve the issues you are presented with, you’ll have to use data to reach a creative solution. There is nothing more holistic, in terms of problem solving, than having the right metrics behind your solutions.
To gather your data, you’ll have to ask yourself several questions. For example, who will be involved in the issue? Do you have to speak to other third parties for their own opinions? The qualitative and quantitative data you receive afterwards will be imperative in the long term.
3. Increase Collaboration
If you run a business, it is more than likely that you will have several team members on board with you. These individuals are integral to your company, as each person will have a part to play. There is no better way to solve an issue than to collaborate with like-minded individuals.
Collaboration is more than just getting together to solve an issue. This process allows everyone to have their opinions heard first and foremost. Moreover, new ideas can be brought about in unforeseen ways, because everyone was given a chance to have their voices heard. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your colleagues, in order to kickstart the process!
4. Mind Mapping
There are a ton of ways in which you can meticulously outline the issue at hand, before solving it. Don’t discount the ability for a visual representation to aid you in your endeavours, as they can be vital. Mind mapping is one such visual tactic to use, which displays all of your ideas in an organized format.
5. Prototypes
One key aspect of the design thinking process has to do with prototyping. Your first prototype should not be your final product. Create a test product, see what errors or mistakes are made, and head back to the drawing board afterwards.
6. Analyze And Launch
Eventually you will find the solution that works best for your immediate needs. Launch the solution, and see how it fares. With enough luck, the problem at hand will have been solved. The results are always around for you to reach. All it takes is a bit of ingenuity and patience on your end!
