The Problem Is NOT the Problem

How many times have you caught yourself saying that there could be no other solution to a problem or that the problem leads to a dead end? How many times have you felt frustrated knowing that the problem is one you cannot solve. 

No leads...No options... No solutions.  

The pressure of having to solve such a problem can be overwhelming.But with some creative problem-solving techniques you may be able to look at your problem in a different light. And that light might just be the end of the tunnel that leads to possible solutions.

First, in creative problem-solving, you must change your mindset to the fact that there may be more than just one solution to the problem. And, you must be open to the fact that there may be solutions to problems you thought were unsolvable.

Now, with this mindset, we can be more creative in solving our problems. Here are the ways to look at the problem to uncover possible solutions.

The problem is not the problem

It could be the reason we cannot solve our problems is that we have not really taken a hard look at what the problem is. 

I was asked to work with a client on a problem they were having. I asked “What problem were they having?” and he said “Teamwork.”  

Teamwork is the answer not the problem.

I find this happens every time. We do not answer the question of what is the problem, instead we give the result we want. So, what do you do? 

I could have stopped there and begin to develop a proposal to for a teamwork workshop...but I didn’t. 

What did I do? I asked this key question “What problem will teamwork solve?” 

He told me “Increase productivity” and I asked the same question “What problem will increased productivity solve?” 

After a few minutes of asking my question with his responses...I discovered the real problem. 

A new Vice President had been hired and he was not cooperating with my client. He was not getting the product to his team in time for them to do their job to meet the production standards. My client said that each time he had a meeting with the new vice president he left frustrated. He was not getting any cooperation in solving the problem.

The real problem was teamwork all right but it was between two people...not his team. I could have easily developed a proposal to solve the wrong problem. 

Here is what you can do to look at your problem

Ask yourself or you team “What problem will  (insert your answer) solve? Continue to do this until you get to the core issue....the real problem.

This will give you an understanding the problem and having a concrete understanding of its workings is integral solving the problem. If you know how it works, what the problem is, then you have a better foundation towards solving the problem.

Next, make a simple statement of what problem is. Now, ask this question “Because we have this problem (insert your problem) what other problems is this causing? And for who?

Identify the participating entities and what their relationships with one another are. Take note of the things you stand to gain any stand to lose from the current problem. Now you have a simple statement of what the entire problem is.

Take note of all the constraints and assumptions you have for the problem

Sometimes it is these assumptions that obstruct our view of possible solutions. You have to identify which assumptions are valid, in which assumptions need to be addressed.

Solve the problem by parts 

Solve it going from general view towards the more detailed parts of the problem. This is called the top-down approach. Write down the question, and then come up with a one-sentence solution to that from them. The solution should be a general statement of what will solve the problem. From here you can develop the solution further, and increase its complexity little by little.

Be creative

It helps to have critical thinking as you solve a problem, you must also keep a creative, analytical voice at the back of your head. 

When someone comes up with a prospective solution, tried to think how you could make that solution work. Be creative. Then, be critical to see if this solution can work.

Two heads are better than one

 Always be open to new ideas. You can only benefit from listening to all the ideas each person has. This is especially true when the person you're talking to has had experience solving problems similar to yours.

You don't have to be a gung-ho, solo hero to solve the problem. If you can organize collective thought on the subject, it would be much better.

Be patient

As long as you persevere, there is always a chance that a solution will present itself. Remember that no one was able to create an invention the first time around.

So, next time you see a problem you think you cannot solve, think again. 

The solution might just be staring you right in the face. All it takes is just a little creative thinking, some planning, and a whole lot of work.

Change your Mindset and Change your Results,

Rich