Always approach problem-solving using the Six Thinking Hats framework, which is a valuable tool for examining issues from various perspectives:
White Hat (Facts and Information): Start by gathering all the available data and facts related to the problem. What do we know?
Red Hat (Emotions and Feelings): Consider the emotional aspects of the problem. How do you and your team feel about it? What are your initial gut reactions?
Black Hat (Critical Thinking): Analyze the potential drawbacks, risks, and challenges associated with the problem. What are the potential pitfalls and obstacles?
Yellow Hat (Optimism and Positivity): Focus on the positive aspects and opportunities that may arise from solving the problem. What are the potential benefits and solutions?
Green Hat (Creativity and Innovation): Encourage creative thinking and brainstorming for new ideas and solutions. What innovative approaches can you explore?
Blue Hat (Process Control): Finally, take control of the thinking process. Summarize the insights gained from the other hats, prioritize actions, and outline a plan to address the problem. What’s the next step?
By systematically examining the problem from these different angles, you can arrive at a well-rounded and thoughtful solution.
In the realm of creative pursuits, the feeling of being stuck can be disheartening. It’s that moment when inspiration seems to dwindle, and doubt starts to creep in. However, recent research sheds light on the power of persistence, suggesting that pushing through these moments of uncertainty can lead to unexpected breakthroughs. This article explores the value of persistence, emphasizing the importance of disregarding the instinct to give up and instead forging ahead in pursuit of better solutions.
Persistence
1. Defying the Feeling of Stagnation:When faced with a creative challenge, it’s common to reach a point where ideas appear to have dried up. According to studies, this feeling is often deceptive and shouldn’t be taken as a sign of actual creative depletion. Researchers suggest that disregarding this instinctual urge to quit can be pivotal in discovering new possibilities. 2. Challenging Assumptions: The research emphasizes the need to challenge assumptions about creative limits. By persisting beyond the point where one might assume all ideas have been exhausted, individuals can tap into reservoirs of creativity they never knew existed. This mindset shift opens doors to innovative thinking and alternative solutions. 3. Short-Term Persistence Yields Results: Although the study participants worked on their tasks for relatively short periods, the findings offer valuable insights. It remains unclear whether the results apply to longer timeframes, but the implications of persistence are evident. The act of persisting, even in short bursts, can lead to enhanced outcomes and greater satisfaction with the final results. 4. Applying the Lessons in Everyday Life: The researchers themselves find practical applications for their findings in their own work. For instance, when faced with a meeting that generates mediocre ideas, they refuse to surrender. Instead, they evaluate the quality of the existing solutions and recognize the potential for improvement. By persisting, they believe better solutions can be found and implemented. 5. A Journey Without a Formula: While persistence is vital, there is no one-size-fits-all formula to determine when the best solution has been reached. Each creative endeavor is unique, and progress is often subjective. The key lies in evaluating the current solutions and acknowledging their shortcomings. This process propels individuals forward, instilling confidence that better alternatives lie ahead.
The value of persistence in creative endeavors cannot be understated. Pushing through moments of stagnation and resisting the urge to give up can lead to unexpected breakthroughs. It’s crucial to remember that feeling stuck does not equate to running out of ideas but rather signals an opportunity for growth and exploration. By persisting, we open ourselves up to new solutions, unleashing our full creative potential and achieving greater heights of success. So, the next time you feel stuck, embrace persistence as your ally and discover the limitless possibilities that await.
In most part of the world, companies go through their corporate planning exercises, at this time in December, January and February. There are decisions, trade-offs and choices you have to make during this period as many Corporate planning techniques like portfolio planning, core competence analysis, corporate mission statements, value-based management, and parenting concepts will be employed. A good planning process should be focused on creating value. So now its more than ever important to discuss the precision of value.
What is the precision of value? It’s the specifics. Delivering value means you need to produce things in a certain way. This means stepping outside your narrow thought and understand the why’s. Focusing on the elements that’s scarce and valuable , keeps you in the long-term value game. If something is no longer scarce, it’s not going to be valuable for long. This is where society eventually wants to go, and you’ll get paid extremely well with a huge competitive advantage.
Maverick 