How to develop a broad, open-minded approach to problem-solving.

When faced with a problem, human instinct is to immediately seek a solution. However, sometimes focusing on the solution from the outset can lead to incomplete decisions or missed opportunities for innovation. Here are some suggestions for developing a broader problem-solving mindset.

Ask the right questions.

Instead of asking, "How can we solve this problem?", ask yourself, "Why did this problem occur? What factors are involved? Who is affected and why? What will happen if it's not solved?"

Learning how to ask multi-faceted questions will help you understand the root causes and uncover potential opportunities for solutions.

The "5 Whys" technique encourages you to ask "Why?" five times in a row to get to the root of the problem. For example, with the problem of declining sales, you need to ask "why" five times to find the answer:

Why have sales decreased? Because customers are buying less.

Why are sales declining? Because customers are dissatisfied with the product.

Why are sales declining? Because the product is not meeting current needs.

Why did sales decline? Because we didn't research the market thoroughly enough.

Why are sales declining? Because of a lack of budget and suitable personnel.

This process not only helps you identify the root cause but also broadens the scope of problem-solving.

Think systems

Imagine the problem as part of a system. For example, if you struggle with time management, the problem might not be solely your fault but also related to your work schedule, your superiors' expectations, or how you prioritize.

By viewing the problem within a systemic context, you can identify necessary changes on a broader scale.

Apply reverse thinking.

Try thinking in reverse: Instead of looking for ways to improve sales, ask, "How can sales decrease even further?"; instead of asking, "How can I complete the work on time?", ask, "How can I delay the work?". Reverse thinking helps you identify hidden factors and new approaches that you wouldn't normally consider.

Use creative thinking tools.

Mind mapping: Developing ideas around a main issue and exploring the connections between elements.

SWOT analysis: Identifying the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to the issue.

Think collaboratively and contribute ideas: Create a space to gather ideas without judgment, then analyze each idea in depth.

Learn from multiple perspectives.

Seek opinions from people with different expertise or those directly affected by the issue. They may offer new perspectives or solutions you hadn't considered.

Embrace ambiguity and flexibility.

You won't always have the answer immediately. Accept that expanding on the issue might lead you to unexpected results. Flexibility in adjusting your approach is key to achieving the best outcomes.

Analyze and evaluate the solutions.

Evaluate different options: Once you've expanded your solutions, evaluate them based on factors such as feasibility, cost, effectiveness, and long-term impact. This step will help you not only find a solution but also make the right decision.

Learning from failure: Sometimes, broad problem-solving also includes learning from failures. Failure helps you identify overlooked elements and improve your solutions.

Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/cach-xay-dung-tu-duy-mo-rong-van-de-20241205114903374.htm