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Phase 2: Finding Solutions
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Once a detailed assessment was done of the problem, the manager should find alternative solutions and plan the implementation thereof. Develop a clear plan of action. Beware of the barriers and consider consequences of the solutions. Different thinking strategies can be useful to find alternative solutions.
Trial-And-Error
Definition: In the trial-and-error approach to problem solving you try several solutions until you find one that works.
Where will you use this approach?
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When would you use this approach? |
When will you not use this approach? |
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Risk is small |
Risk to great |
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Alternatives just randomly selected |
Needs systematic alternatives |
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Solution obvious |
Solution complex |
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Consequences small |
Consequences great |
Intuition
Definition: Intuition can be described as a sixth sense, presentiment, hunch, instinct, insight or thinking that is instinctive, involuntary, spontaneous, unreflecting, and untaught.
Where will you use this approach?
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When would you use this approach? |
When will you not use this approach? |
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Together with other strategies |
Not on its own – critical thinking should be used to verify facts |
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Risk small |
Risk great |
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Solution emotional |
Solution rational |
Creative Thinking
To be creative means to be imaginative, inspired, inventive, original, productive, stimulating, and visionary. Creative thinking involves the generation of many new and novel ideas or perspectives. This includes associative and imaginative thinking. Associative thinking is the identification of commonalties and the relation between facts or ideas. It is the ability to set up new relationships and concepts and find novel solutions to problems.
Imaginative thinking is the ability to visualise an image from reality, non-reality or the ideal.
Where will you use this approach?
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When would you use this approach? |
When will you not use this approach? |
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To inject some fun |
Straightforward solution |
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Associations are needed |
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Solution needs to be innovative |
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Difficult problems |
Techniques to Encourage Creativity:
- Use vertical and lateral thinking
- Adopt a questioning approach
- Realise that innovative ideas can come from anywhere
- Focus on what is needed of the task, team and individual
- Expert pressure and keep momentum
- Remove constraints and continue driving innovation
- Ensure that innovations are realistic
- Plan the implementation of innovative ideas
Factors Preventing Creativity:
Failure to define the problem
Failure to understand the problem and find the solution
- Subjective irrational analysis
- Lack of sensitivity
- Lack of focus and direction
- Lack of innovation
- A focus of peripheral issues rather than substance
- Overconfidence
- Being to risk averse
Mind Mapping
Definition: It is a technique for organising information and presenting it visually in the form of a “spider web”.
A mind map is drawn as follows:
- Write the topic in the centre.
- Write keywords on the line.
- Use colour or symbols, signs, images, or pictures.
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When would you use this approach? |
When will you not use this approach? |
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Generate new ideas |
Simple problem (concept) |
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Promote memorisation through visual images |
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Plan an assignment or project |
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Make notes and summaries |
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Difficult problem |
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Multiple concepts on the same topic |
Visualisation
Definition: It is a powerful mental ability through which you can picture and imagine things in your mind.
Where will you use this approached?
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When would you use this approach? |
When will you not use this approach? |
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When you are relaxed |
Problems that cannot really be visualised |
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When you can visualise a problem |
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See the perfect state with the mind’s eye |
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Visualisation is a powerful skill for problem-solving.
The RADAR technique supplies a step-by-step procedure for visualising:
R- Relax by closing your eyes and breathe deeply
A- Look at a blank screen
D- Now begin to direct the picture
A- You are central to the picture
R- Reward yourself
Brainstorming
Definition: It is an effective creative skill that generates many ideas.
The procedure for brainstorming is as follows:
- Think of as many ideas as you can in a brief period
- Say whatever comes into your head – even wild, impractical ideas.
- Do not stop to ask if it will work or how practical it is
- Write absolutely every idea down
Where would you use this approach?
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When would you use this approach? |
When will you not use this approach? |
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When you need some ideas to solve a complex problem |
Solution is obvious |
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A creative solution is needed |
There is only one correct answer |
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High risks involved |
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You need the buy-in form everyone |
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More than one possibility |
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Unusual problems |