Innovation and Problem Solving

Don’t Ask Why — Ask How

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AskingHow

When you’re presented with a complex new project or a problem arises at work, it makes sense to ask “Why?”

“Why did this happen?” “Why are we taking this approach?” “Why are we responsible for this?”

The whys are certainly important. But when you’re trying to find a solution to a difficult problem, the better question to ask might be “How?”

Leadership consultant Betty Parker has devised a problem-solving technique that involves that simple question. Here’s how it works:

  • Gather your project team together and present them with the problem.
  • Ask them how it could be solved. Write down each suggestion.
  • After each suggestion, ask “How can this be done?” Write down each suggestion.
  • Repeat this process until the suggested actions are so small and concrete that asking “how?” would no longer make any sense.

Here’s an example using an actual problem at the building where I work…

  • “People walking outside the building have been startled and frightened by wild foxes. What should we do?” Suggestion: Teach people about foxes and how to avoid them.
  • “How can this be done?” Suggestion: We could put up signs.
  • “How can this be done?” Suggestion: We could create the signs using information provided by Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources.
  • “How can this be done?” Suggestion: Bob can talk to the experts, gather the necessary information, and write the content for the signs. Mary can be in charge of doing the layout. Once the signs are complete, we’ll make sure people see them.
  • “How can this be done?” Suggestion: We’ll ask Ed to post them outside in the areas where people have encountered foxes.

This simple process can help you to divide a large project into small, manageable chunks. It can also help to encourage brainstorming, critical thinking, creativity, and innovation.

At the end of the process, you’ll have a clear, step-by-step plan for how a problem or project should be approached and completed. You’ll also have a list of specific tasks that can be assigned to members of the project team.

 

Parker, B. M. (2016). Move from problem to solution. Talent Development, 70(1), 84-85.

I Tried a Strange Problem-Solving Technique – Here’s What Happened

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Sleepy_Woman

I recently read about an odd problem-solving technique. According to author Josh Waitzkin, there’s no need to spend your waking hours trying to solve a complex or troubling problem. He believes that as long as you follow the proper steps, you can solve difficult problems while your sleep. (Talk about multi-tasking!)

Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Early in the evening, spend a few minutes (or more) really thinking about the problem.
  2. Then put the problem out of your mind. Distract yourself if necessary by doing some chores around the house, cooking dinner, or watching TV.
  3. When you go to bed, put a notebook and pen on your bedside table.
  4. Then when you wake up in the morning, before you do anything else, write down whatever thoughts come to your mind in the notebook. And supposedly, the solution to your problem will be written there!

This was intriguing to me, although I must admit that I was also a little skeptical. When I dream, it tends to be about pretty mundane things (like shopping for peanut butter). I’m not sure I have a lot of deep and insightful thoughts.

But I thought this was definitely worth a try. So yesterday evening, I faithfully followed the necessary steps.

First, I thought about my problem. I don’t really have a work-related problem right now, so I chose a more personal problem. My mom’s birthday is coming up soon, and I have no idea what to get her for a gift. She always tells me that she doesn’t want or need anything, so that makes the gift shopping process even more impossible. Hmm…

Then I put the problem out of my mind. When bedtime rolled around, I made sure to put a notebook and pen on my bedside table. Then I went to sleep and let my mind go to work!

When I woke up the next morning, I wrote down the first thoughts that came into my head. Here’s what I wrote:

  • Dancing
  • Sunshine
  • Dad was telling me something
  • My ear is stuffed up

Were there answers here? I wasn’t sure. My mom isn’t really into dancing, so that seemed like a dead end. My best lead seemed to be “Dad was telling me something.” So I emailed him the next day and asked him what he thought I should buy for Mom. He said that he had no idea. Darn. Another dead end.

So I guess this technique didn’t really work for me. But maybe it’s something that takes practice? I’d certainly be willing to give it another try. If you decide to try it, please let me know how it goes for you in the Comments section below!

 

Semczuk, N. (n.d.). A simple way to solve problems while you sleep. The Muse. Retrieved from https://www.themuse.com/advice/a-simple-way-to-solve-problems-while-you-sleep

 

Have a Problem You Can’t Solve? Try Daydreaming.

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Daydreaming

Do you ever daydream while you’re at work? If you do, you might think that you’re wasting time and being unproductive. But actually, research has shown that this isn’t the case. You may not realize it, but daydreaming is actually a good problem-solving technique!

Studies have shown that it can benefit you in the following ways:

  1. Get the big picture – When you’re dealing with a difficult problem, you can sometimes get bogged down in the details. Daydreaming can help you to envision the big picture. You can develop a better understanding of where you’d like to be in the future and what you need to do to get there.
  2. Develop new ideas – Recent research has shown that if you stop thinking about a problem and let your mind drift, you can actually come up with some unique and innovative ideas. Even though you may not be thinking about the problem directly, your mind will still be working on it in the background. Thinking about nothing for a few minutes gives your brain the chance to see new patterns and make new connections.
  3. Choose the best approach – Sometimes, you might feel pressured to fix a problem immediately, even if it’s not the best solution. But daydreaming can help to alleviate that pressure. Research has shown that daydreaming can help you to see the problem from a unique perspective and choose the best approach to solving it – even if it might take more time and effort. Daydreaming helps you to work towards something better rather than going for a quick fix.

So the next time you’re stuck on a project and you don’t know how to move forward, it’s not a bad idea to take a break and do a little daydreaming. Kick back, relax, and let your mind wander. You just might find the answer that you’re looking for!

 

Fisher, A. (2015, July 29). 3 ways daydreaming can make you more productive. Fortune. Retrieved from http://fortune.com/2015/07/29/daydreaming-work-productivity/

Innovation and Problem Solving

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Innovation

There’s an old adage that goes, “don’t re-invent the wheel” when it comes to creating new concepts, programs, or projects. Instead, try making something better through innovation! A simple way to define innovation is to think of it as problem solving.

Contrary to what many people may think, innovation is different from invention, in that when you innovate, you’re creating something new by applying a new method to an existing invention. It requires you to use problem-solving skills to see the flaws in an existing invention, or to envision better ways of using existing inventions.

Want to learn more about innovation and problem solving? Click here to access the Johns Hopkins Innovation and Problem Solving e-course.