Blog

Innovation and creative problem-solving go hand in hand. You cannot have one without the other. But in order to become an expert at problem-solving, you need to develop a team of problem solvers who are willing to think outside of the box to get things done.

Change cannot occur overnight

Now, before we go any further, it is important to understand that you cannot develop an effective team of problem solvers overnight. Nor can you tackle the six steps of problem-solving without a supportive team behind you. It requires strong backing by the corporate culture and a deep sense of trust within the team to actually promote change.

The great thing is, every step you take toward building your team of problem solvers is a move in the right direction.

Motivate your team

Creative problem-solving is more than just a buzzword that some organisations like to throw around from time to time. It is a powerful method to induce change and overcome stumbling blocks. As a leader or business manager, it is your responsibility to demonstrate unwavering support for brainstorming and problem-solving.

It is your job to act as an unofficial motivator or a conduit of creativity, so to speak. This way your team will always feel supported, whatever the outcome.

Promote innovation

Brain storming sessions can go horribly wrong if the team feel threatened or fail to see the big picture. Change can foster fear in unhealthy circumstances, it is up to you to turn resistance into results.

Creative change through dynamic brainstorming sessions is a remarkable thing to be involved in.

All companies face problems from time to time, but it is the manner in which you handle it which separates the wheat from the chaff. Empowering your team not only promotes the change and the innovation you are seeking, but creates a higher sense of job satisfaction and fulfilment.

Change the perspective

Whether it is a marketing issue or an interdepartmental problem, creativity and fresh ideas are always useful. Brainstorming or mind mapping sessions can quickly turn a problem on its head. They are no longer considered “problems” but rather opportunities to move the company forward.

All relevant members of the team should be encouraged to participate; unity and reassurance make a great partnership to kick off a creative problem-solving event.

Build a safe space for ideas

As a leader, it is your job to shut down the negativity that can stem from ideas which seem slightly off-base. Provided it is given with the right intent and follows the criteria laid out before the meeting, then all ideas should be welcome. It is not until the analytical stage, where ideas are assessed for issues such as practicality and cost effectiveness, that they are passed over in favour of other suggestions.

Stimulating your team’s creativity should be high on your priority list as a leader.

Opportunities need to be proactively generated so your team has ample circumstances to work through problems and come up with positive solutions. Once you have taken the time to facilitate the environment and create the setting, you may be pleasantly surprised by what transpires in the meeting.

If you would like to learn more about problem-solving or effective leadership, then contact Glenise Anderson today.