In an earlier post, I shared some steps for identifying the problem using a creative problem solving or Leading Innovation process. This systemic process of problem-solving I often use to fight the desire of team and leaders to brainstorm. Brainstorming is usually carried out in a group situation, each member of the group suggesting ideas … Continued
The need for Creative Problem Solving. Competitive demands require quicker, more effective and innovative problem-solving. Problem solvers are expected to quickly provide solutions to increasingly complex problems, develop and design new innovative products and processes – all while reducing research and development time and costs. To solve creative problems that require creative “out-of-the-box” thinking, we … Continued
Image Credit “If a terrible simplificateur is someone who sees no problem where there is one, his philosophical antipode is the utopian who see a solution where there is none… [Upotian] extremism is solving human problems seems to occur most frequently as a result of the belief that one has found (or even can find) the ultimate, … Continued
“I do not believe that change needs a robust and compelling vision because I do not think that most change efforts have an idea of the endpoint or view until they get there. Also, when you have that clarity of vision it is no longer a change effort it is a project to accomplish someone’s … Continued
“Workplace complexity dwells in set(s) of options about what is possible rather than a set of options about what is probable.” – Simple Habits for Complex Times Sitting with a senior management team, we were talking about how to understand and prepare the company to work through workplace complexity and change, one of the managers … Continued
Consulting a team of managers in the Understanding organizational complexity and change process, one of them asked me what types of questions I may ask a team or person to understand better how to support their progress in change and complexity. I smiled, and we worked out a series of questions. Many of them are … Continued
The ‘5 Whys’ can be useful. Identifying the possible root cause can get things started…the next logical step to create a solutions bank.
I have found that it is easier and people on the team move with greater enthusiasm and collaboration when you ‘Start With What’ and determine the solution in the first step.
Society is an extremely large and complexly interacting system and, whether we like it or not, such systems are error controlled. This means, paradoxically, that in them change and evolution can come about only as the result of deviation and pathology, and that without these imperfections a system would become hopelessly stagnant and sterile.
The goal of team building is to develop a method that will reduce the dysfunctional interaction and allow future problems to be ameliorated before a team breakdown occurs.
Learning, and making progress on meaningful work are the 2 easiest ways to increase creativity and retain the talented people within your organization.