Today’s post is from Manikandan on “Create Problem Solving “
When we talk about creative problem solving, we are not talking about solution to a specific problem but we are talking about how to solve a problem. There is misinterpretation that creativity belongs to artists and scientists, but everyone of us can solve our day to day problem/challenges easily if we are more creative.
There are N number of ways to solve a problem; the creative way is generating a solution to a problem that solves the problem in a newer way. Even the following 2 simple ideas are basic steps in problem solving.
1. Simple is Powerful – We can define the problem in simple terms. This may lead to a simple but effective solution. There is story , a group of astronauts spent a lot of money to discover a pen that can be used in space, while cosmonauts used pencil in space for that problem.
Einstein explains his theory of relativity in these simple terms “ For a man sitting near a hot stove one minute will be an hour and for the same guy if he is sitting near a pretty girl an hour will be an minute”. I believe no other scientific theory is explained in such a simple way.
Jack Welch also agrees. He says “You can’t believe how hard it is for people to be simple, how much they fear being simple… Clear tough-minded people are the most simple.”
So when you face a problem or challenge, try to define it in simple terms and look for a solution. For example, Apple ipad may be a complex hi-tech device. But Steve Jobs did not go about creating a complex hi-tech device. He wanted a handy PC, with all essential features that Apple users are addicted to, and superior to similar products in the market in terms of design, usability etc.
2. Look for lot of options – We need to look for lot of options while solving a problem. More the options, the better the chance of getting to our solution soon. Some of the options will give us hope of getting into the solution.
We can try a combination of options that we have generated.
A common problem – “I find it difficult to drive to office due to heavy traffic and a lot of time is wasted.”
Some options that I came up with
- Drive early during non-peak hours to avoid traffic
- Relocate your house near your office or the other way
- If cost permits, hire a driver and the travel time can be spend in reading.
- Use public transport and car pooling to reduce the stress as well as cost
- Find new routes to reach the destination
- Switch on your radio you will get updates on that.
- Negotiate with your boss for work from home.
Some funny ways
- Quit the job and stay at home – The simple and best solution (-:)
- Make a clone of yourself and send to office – How to make a clone? That is one more problem you need a creative solution for that too (-;)
- Scrap your car and get a bicycle. This can be a better solution to reduce your weight also. You can save your time spend in gym (-:)
If your problem and options are more serious that this, You can seek expert’s advice to decide on the best solution.
Related posts:
- Creative problem solving – 2 by Manikandan V
- Creative Problem Solving – 3 by Manikandan V
- Creative problem solving 4 – by Manikandan V
16:13, 13.04.2010
Another approach to problem solving would to “Divide and Conquer”. Cut or divide the problem into smaller chunks and then try to solve each of the smaller chunks. It will make the big problem look small and would make it easy to solve them.
12:07, 15.04.2010
Thanks Hari for you comment. I will elaborate your approach in my next blog.
10:52, 17.04.2010
[...] Creative problem solving – 1 by Manikandan.V [...]
15:40, 21.04.2010
Hi Mani,
Nice one. But some of us even don’t approach the problem in a postive way, which leads us to add more dimensions to problem than solving it.
Sadhasivam S
21:33, 07.05.2010
Creativity comes best in two extreme conditions – either when you are really stressed or perfectly relaxed. Niether of them are possible and plausible in todays living and working conditions.
Some best ideas and solutions come forth in most unlikely of places – like in middle of a shower, upon contemplating silently over a cup of tea, over a funny cartoon strip in morning news, when you stretch out or walk in fresh air, so on. Things really get moving when we get out of the scenario, cubicle, closet, etc. It also gives a third person perspective.
Im an artist myself and have faced a lot of mental blocks before composing my works. The problem is no different than what we face in offices. The solution is always around but we are blind to it. Our minds and bodies are so badly conditioned in this modern world that we have lost the knack of looking within or around for answers.
Indeed we have lost the most important aspect of life – Simplicity.
Management lessons are best understood if we pay more attention to our fore fathers, grandparents, et al. There is a lot more wisdom there than gloss- finish-exhorbitantly-priced management books. (I warn you here I am not a cynic)
Concepts like Zen, lean mgmt, etc are so common that we really dont feel its power and significance and the fact that if they are really applied in its true sense and spirit, a lot can be done.
Creativity belongs to every one. Its the creativity and ingenuity of man that has dragged us this far into 2010, else we would have ceased to exist.
Fire, wheel, utensils, to Nano Technology – it is creativity, madness and a bit of courage to do what you think is right.
This topic can go on and on… very interesting. The other problem with this its relenvace and interconnection to other topics which can be endlessly debated.
.-= Ishrath´s last blog ..Yellow Summer – Contemporary Abstract Acrylic Painting =-.
11:10, 08.05.2010
Ishrath,
Very well said. I also believe that our forefathers and ancient wisdom has great value. You will like the posts in this series – http://msacademy.in/wordpress/management-scholars-academy-blog/2010/01/project-management-in-valmiki-ramayana-1/
Ganapathy