Tuesday, November 7, 2017

“Out-of-the-Box” Problem-Solving

“Out of the box” problem-solvers have developed a series of habits to connect the dots effortlessly and trigger creativity frequently in order to solve problems elegantly.

Every mind has a certain box, some smaller, some bigger. the commonality is that "the box" tends to be what people with certain experience in the topic can identify as being "commonly known." It can also mean "solutions/answers" they have heard before. It is usually about how to fix problems in conventional ways. On the opposite, Out-of-the-Box” problem-solving is about continuing to break down the old box or known method, and shape the new box thinking to discover alternatives and solve complex problems via creativity and collaboration.


Creative people seek alternatives and creative problem-solving: Out-of-the-Box problem solving is about how to think differently, unconventionally, or from a new perspective for either defining or solving old or emergent problems. “Out of Box” problem-solvers usually can think both creatively and critically, ask open questions such as “What If,” or “Why Not,” to stimulate deep brainstorming, embrace broad perspectives, and collect relevant information, in order to think about alternative solutions. When business leaders say, "give me some out of the box solutions to this problem" they imply "I don't want to hear what's already been said or done." In the business world, at least, you can't always wait for the "best" solution to emerge. It is important to experiment, explore, and encourage a new way to solve problems. Because with the increasing pace of changes and frequent disruptions, the best practices are outdated sooner than ever and “commonly known” method is no longer working anymore when the circumstances change. It takes courage to get out of the conventional thinking box, practice creative thinking to come out novel ideas, broaden thoughts and connect wider dots for coming up alternative solutions to tough problems.


Creative minds have the ability to reframe the circumstances or conditions around a problem and solve it creatively. An innovative problem-solver doesn’t do different things, but they do things differently. When solving problems or brainstorming new ideas, being in a state of flow is a creative mind would like to achieve because it is the most productive state. On the opposite, the negative reactions to the problems come from a state of distrust, disengagement, and disempowerment. Often problem-solving ineffectiveness and failure are caused by “We always do things like that,” mentality, even circumstances already change the long time ago. Always challenge your own thinking by asking questions which often lead to discovering situations others do not see at first. With a culture of learning and creativity, individuals will be more innovative if they are so passionate about their work, encouraged to thinking creatively, and enjoy the problem-solving jigsaw puzzles. All of the above make the “out of box” problem-solving practice everything but simple.


Being creative is about how to solve a problem in an intelligent manner: Though it is important to take a logical and stepwise approach to problem-solving, logic or process shouldn’t stifle creativity. It is about how to establish the framework to apply creativity for problem-solving in an intelligent manner. When defining and solving problems, initial solutions are often more complex than required, and then adoption and progress come with simplification and intuitiveness. All intelligent things have certain complexity in it, still, being creative is about how to solve a problem intelligently and come up with elegant solutions via following the simplicity principle. People can unlock their creativity, every person has the ability to be creative, just tearing down the mental barriers they have and tapping into their inherent abilities. Creativity needs a problem, and people can learn about their own problem-solving style as well. To nurture “out-of-the-box” problem-solvers, it is important to get out of the "fear" that blocks our own genius, learn how to liberate imagination and come up with a new approach to problem-solving.


Problem-solving is a mindset with curiosity, self-inclusiveness, creativity, and progress. Creativity is about connecting the dots. Unless there is a problem there is no creativity. Creativity is a symbol of life, people who thrive as “out of the box” or creative problem-solvers have developed a series of habits to connect the dots effortlessly and trigger creativity frequently in order to solve problems elegantly.



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