Creative Problem Solving: Business Strategy Series

We have great experience. We can offer our expertise that can help others learn and grow. We have made many important business decisions throughout our careers. We have made mistakes and used them to develop lessons learned and best practices along the way. However, is our way always the best way?

The answer is a resounding 'No!' Brainstorming around an idea, issue, challenge, or problem breeds new ideas, and quite possibly, new directions. Brainstorming brings creativity and innovation to the forefront. We must be open-minded to accept new ideas that may be more formidable than just our own. When we are faced with opportunities to employ creative problem solving, a team of great minds is better than just your own. 

Throughout my career, I have had the pleasure (and challenge) of building high-performance work teams. When building high-performance work teams, consider the needs of the team you are creating. High-performing people are primarily internally motivated, so be certain to identify their needs to drive production and results to the next level. 

Some of the top needs of high-performing teams that I’ve discovered are:

1. Creative Problem Solving Opportunities: Drives the need to find solutions to complex problems or issues and think. 
2. Clear expectations, priorities, and direction: Work backwards from what is expected. 
3. Buy into vision, mission, purpose, and values: Solid organizational foundation with shared objectives and established guiding principles. 
4. Engaged and competent leadership: The ability to build trust and know they are supported. 
5. Continuous training and learning: Mental stimulation and new knowledge is paramount. 
6. Honest, open, and timely feedback: Transparency and collaboration. 
7. Consistent and positive organizational culture and work environment: Consistent communication and a strong and reliable culture drives success. 
8. Challenge, rewards, and recognition: Avoid boredom and be appreciated for their efforts and results. 
9. Flexibility in schedule: Less formality and trust they will get their job done. 
10. Mentorship and coaching: adding to their thirst for knowledge and best practices from industry experts. 

With creative problem solving being a top need for high-performing teams, we must develop the habit of connecting with others to find the best solution. In order to identify the ideal solution, it takes great minds to collectively and collaboratively work together. The goal of any creative problem solving effort must be a focus on the best possible solution or best way to move forward. There needs to be consensus around the proposed solution, along with action to bring that solution to life. We need to stop thinking that we know everything or often have the best solution, and start relying on other people to add to the conversation. Together, we can identify the best way forward by making brainstorming sessions the norm for any issue, problem, challenge or obstacle. Creative Problem Solving enhances the accomplishment as thought, expertise and passion are brought to the equation. Embrace creativity and innovation in all of your people.

Mark Krajnik, LSSGB, CPC, (The Culture Coach) is the CEO at Performance Mindset Associates (PMA). Mark is a tenured Talent Strategist, Executive Coach, and experienced people leader, and offers fractional chief people officer services. He is an Executive Talent Leader in recruitment operations, executive search, talent acquisition, L&D, culture coaching, human capital consulting, change management, and talent management. He is very passionate about people, building high-performance teams, creating retention-focused cultures, and career development. He brings a focus on performance, execution, creative problem solving, and goal achievement. Please go to performancemindset.co for more information or send an email to info@performancemindset.co.