One - Thirteen- Twenty-One?
Having clearly defined your problem...
have you really explored enough options for a better solution?
In our May Newsletter we looked at a 5 Stage Problem Solving process and highlighted the importance of clearly defining the problem you are trying to solve. This month we're focusing on the need to create as many options as possible if you want to improve your current level of thinking.
If you can't find a solution to your problem, you probably haven't generated enough new ideas. This needs to be done in two stages; the first using creative thinking to expand our horizons, and the second using critical thinking to hone in on what will actually work.
Creative Thinking
This process involves writing down every possible option you can think of. The more the better. Start with the obvious, then those that seem more radical. Even ideas that seem wild and crazy - these may lead you to think of a more practical version, or may blend with something obvious to give it a new and viable twist.
The aim is to identify between 13 to 21 potential solutions, more if you can. Don't be afraid to think big - imagine the ideal solution with unlimited resources, or boundaries. A classic mistake is for team members to point out why an idea won't work. This kills the creativity in the room, so hold back on making judgments.
Once you have decided on your best option, your next step is to test, refine, and implement that solution... We'll go into more detail next time.
have you really explored enough options for a better solution?
In our May Newsletter we looked at a 5 Stage Problem Solving process and highlighted the importance of clearly defining the problem you are trying to solve. This month we're focusing on the need to create as many options as possible if you want to improve your current level of thinking.
If you can't find a solution to your problem, you probably haven't generated enough new ideas. This needs to be done in two stages; the first using creative thinking to expand our horizons, and the second using critical thinking to hone in on what will actually work.
This process involves writing down every possible option you can think of. The more the better. Start with the obvious, then those that seem more radical. Even ideas that seem wild and crazy - these may lead you to think of a more practical version, or may blend with something obvious to give it a new and viable twist.
The aim is to identify between 13 to 21 potential solutions, more if you can. Don't be afraid to think big - imagine the ideal solution with unlimited resources, or boundaries. A classic mistake is for team members to point out why an idea won't work. This kills the creativity in the room, so hold back on making judgments.
Critical Thinking
Now it's time for rational and considered debate of each idea. Critical thinking is used to test ideas to destruction and most importantly ask "When will this idea work, and when might it fail?" Some will be immediately dismissed, while others will provide insight into potential solutions.
Ideas can be evolved, combined with others or simply developed further if they have merit.
Now it's time for rational and considered debate of each idea. Critical thinking is used to test ideas to destruction and most importantly ask "When will this idea work, and when might it fail?" Some will be immediately dismissed, while others will provide insight into potential solutions.
Ideas can be evolved, combined with others or simply developed further if they have merit.
Your perfect solution may be a blend of ideas
one, thirteen and twenty-one.
Once you have decided on your best option, your next step is to test, refine, and implement that solution... We'll go into more detail next time.
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