Stay in the problem – an exercise in agility in innovation

The excellent Toby Scott was in action facilitating Creative Problem Solving, a workshop which was as much about agility in innovation as it was about collaboration.

Don’t solve the problem…

I found myself having to sit on my hands and resist my insatiable desire to solve the problem. This resonated so clearly with me – both my daughters and my wife have at some point asked me to “stop trying to solve it!”.

The result was a fascinating journey of discovery with a rich supply of powerful insights coming from every level of exploration. Simple ideas like:

  • phrasing every idea as a question
  • considering the reverse
  • forcing connections between your issue and an everyday object

quickly led to sophisticated analysis.

It made me reflect on the environment we operate in – fast paced, instant solutions, pressure of deadlines – and the challenge that came from the delegates:

  • How do we make time for novelty and innovation?
  • How do we fight the reactive, do it now, do it the same way you always did but quicker culture?
  • How big a risk is it to push against this when the time is right and spend it bit more time in the problem?

I don’t have an answer but I find the techniques we covered sneaking in to so many other workshops we run on Management and Leadership and recommend any leader to spend some time exploring Creative Problem Solving. It will take some time. And you may find something new.

If you would like to explore with us, drop us a line!

David Solomon

Managing Director, Sun and Moon Training

@SunMoonDavid

Photo copyright: David Solomon

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