There are certain qualities of geniuses that have been observed of highly intelligent people throughout the ages. One of these qualities is that they approach each problem in their field systematically and logically.
This powerful method is aimed at keeping emotions out of the problem-solving methodology as long as possible. It forces the problem solver to take a more objective view of the problem and work it through, step-by-step.
There are nine steps to this systematic method of problem solving.
Assume a Logical Solution
Step one is for you to always assume a logical solution to any problem, difficulty, or goal. Your attitude toward a problem at the beginning is going to determine whether you release your creativity or keep it locked up. Approach every problem or difficulty as though there were a logical, practical solution just waiting to be found.
One of your goals as a creative thinker is to keep calm and unemotional as much as possible throughout the creative thinking process.
Use Positive Language
Step two, as I described previously, is for you to use positive language to describe the problem or difficulty. Instead of calling something a problem, you should use the word situation. Whereas a problem conjures up a negative condition that activates the emotional brain, a situation is neutral and enables you to deal with the difficulty in a calm, objective manner.
Even better is for you to use the word challenge rather than problem. A challenge is something that you rise to, that brings out the best in you, whereas a problem is an obstacle or negative condition that causes stress or frustration.
The best word of all is opportunity. When you begin to define each situation you face as a challenge or opportunity, you begin to see possibilities that may have been blocked or obscured up till now.
Define It Clearly
Step three is for you to define the situation clearly, whatever it is. What is the situation, exactly? Accurate diagnosis is half the cure. When discussing a difficult situation with a group, use a whiteboard or flipchart to write out a definition of the situation so clearly that everyone agrees with it.
Often, a problem well defined, especially as a challenge or opportunity, can be quickly solved once it becomes clear to everyone.
Diagnose the Situation
Step four is to ask, “What are all the possible causes of this situation?” Just as a doctor conducts a complete series of tests to determine how an illness or ailment came about, the business executive has the job of determining what caused the problem in the first place.
In many cases, the causative factor was a unique event that happened only once and that does not require a systemwide change in activities or operations. In some cases, the problem is a systemic problem that requires a total change in the way the business is run in that area.
Expand the Possibilities
Step five is to ask, “What are all the possible solutions?” There is a direct relationship between the number of possible solutions that you develop for a problem situation and the quality of the solution that you eventually settle upon in the end.
In the systematic, investigative part of the problem-solving process, your job is to develop the greatest number of possible solutions, including doing nothing at all, before you begin moving to the decision-making phase of the process.
Step number six is to make a decision. In many cases, if you have followed the first five steps calmly and logically, the ideal decision will emerge logically as well, as cream rises to the top of the milk.
In most cases, any decision is usually better than no decision at all. If you cannot make a decision at the moment because you need further information, set a deadline for when you will make a final decision. Don’t let a problem situation hang in the air with no resolution.
Assign Who Will Be Responsible
Step seven is to assign specific responsibility. Who is going to do what, and by when? Especially, set a measure for the solution so that everyone can be clear about whether the solution has been achieved.
Set Deadlines and Take Action
Step eight is to set a deadline. A decision without a deadline is simply a circular discussion. Agree with everyone on the timing of the solution and when progress toward the solution can be determined.
Step nine is for you to take action immediately. Implement the solution right away. In the final analysis, action is everything. The faster you take action, the faster you get constructive feedback that enables you to change course and take even more effective actions.
The whole purpose of this problem-solving process is to prepare you and the people around you to take positive, constructive action toward achieving specific, desired results. If action is not taken, then the whole exercise of creative thinking becomes merely a process of intellectual amusement.
Every good solution has not only an action plan, but also a monitoring, controlling, and testing plan built into it so that you can determine whether or not the solution was effective.
What the Top Executives Do
In my work with more than 1,000 large companies worldwide, I have had the opportunity to sit in with several high-level executives, often billionaires and multibillionaires, and observe them when they are required to deal with a large problem or a crisis in their corporations.
Without exception, I have noticed that top leaders go completely calm when dealing with a problem that causes other people around them to become upset and angry.
Keep your mind calm, clear, and objective whenever you are required to deal with a major setback or problem. Follow the steps outlined in this chapter until they become second nature. You will be pleasantly amazed at the quality of the solutions you come up with and the excellence of the decisions that you make.
ACTION EXERCISES
1. What is the biggest business problem or challenge you are dealing with right now? Define it clearly in writing.
2. List seven different things you could do, including doing nothing, to solve this problem or remove this obstacle.