Here's how you can infuse creativity into problem solving at work.

One component of creativity is knowledge. Apply the What, How, Why, and When questions daily. Do not be afraid to ask these questions, even though you might already have an answer to your problem. By asking questions, you give yourself the opportunity to learn from new perspectives. Sometimes, what others know might be a better solution than yours. That is why the first step to solving any problem successfully is to gather information, even if you already have a solution to it. Once you have enough information, then you can pick the best solution to your problem.

By having a whole different view and not just accepting things the way they are, we have new perspective and mindset, therefore new approach for action. Taking a good look at the problem and asking ourself: what's really causing it? Are there different ways to think about it or solve it? It's not about distrusting what we already know; it's about being ready for fresh, innovative thoughts and different angles. We should give ourself the freedom to explore these questions without feeling like we need to have all the answers right away. Always having in mind that the most important step is the first step. This journey of exploration often leads to surprising discoveries and clever solutions.

It's human to be curious, we were both that way. Tap into your childlike wonder whenever you are feeling your problem solving is becoming stagnant, or creativity dull. One way to keep yourself accountable to your curiosity is to schedule and time block your freedom to be creative. Take a dancing class, learn to sing, join a painting guild, volunteer at your local community garden, do the things that make you feel childlike again.

Diverse perspectives drive creativity!🌟 Embrace diversity in thought. Collaborating with individuals from varied backgrounds and perspectives can ignite creativity and lead to innovative solutions. Before generating ideas, ask yourself; How can you incorporate diverse perspectives into your brainstorming sessions? This can resource you for creative success.

Meet and learn from a wide variety of people. For example, learn from different age groups, industries, career levels, cultures, races, etc. Even though it might be difficult to meet everyone, have an open mind to meet and learn from others when you approach them. Don't limit your learning by saying that you cannot learn from others because they are different from you because you believe they will not understand you. Your job is to learn as much information as possible, and learning from different people will fulfill that criteria.

Divergence and convergence of different ideas from different perspectives is one great formula for innovation. Remember, creative problem solving doesn't just happen when you put different people in a room. You need to do the work to get the collaborative culture right too!

Here’s 4 good ways to do visual thinking: 1. Mind Mapping: Use mind maps to brainstorm ideas, organize thoughts, or plan projects. Start with a central concept and branch out with related ideas. 2. Storyboarding: Create storyboards to outline narratives, whether for presentations or marketing campaigns. 3. Data Visualization: Transform complex data sets into visually appealing charts, graphs, or infographics to make information more accessible and understandable. 4. Sketchnoting: Take visual notes during meetings, lectures, or brainstorming sessions using a combination of words and drawings. Capture key points, concepts, and ideas in a visual format to enhance retention and comprehension.

Imagine a time before words ruled the world, when our ancestors were the ultimate visual storytellers. Long before language had its moment in the sun, humans were already flipping through mental picture books like pros. It's called the picture superiority effect, and it's basically our brain's way of saying, "Who needs words when you've got pictures?" Back in those caveman days, survival was all about quick thinking and even quicker reactions, and nothing captured the essence of a saber-toothed tiger quite like a well-drawn cave painting. So, the next time you're breezing through a presentation or scrolling through your favorite social media feed, just remember: you're channeling some seriously ancient vibes.

If you are looking to embrace creativity in your problem solving prices, consider enhancing your workplace neuroinclusivity. People who are neurodiverse tend to be amazing visual thinkers. We often think in mind-maps and see patterns that neurotypical people may not.

Visual thinking can be a powerful tool for unlocking creativity. Instead of relying solely on words or numbers, use diagrams, mind maps, or sketches to represent the problem and potential solutions visually. This method can help clarify complex issues by making them more tangible and can often reveal connections or patterns that were not immediately obvious. Visual thinking also encourages a more playful and experimental approach, allowing you to manipulate elements in a way that words alone might not permit.

Super simple approach: switch yourself out as if you were advising a friend going through the same problem. What would you suggest for them? - Take a walk or listen to some relaxing music first - Think of just the next three steps to take - Ask for help from someone who's done it before Most of us unlock far more creative ideas when it's to help loved ones, so use that part of our caring nature to our advantage.

First principle thinking - question every assumption that has been made about the problem, and create a new solution from scratch. A problem well understood is a problem half-solved. Our assumptions are blindspots in understanding a problem properly. Getting into a habit of challenging assumptions helps reframe and understand the problems properly.

See problems as opportunities. Solving problems can lead to personal growth because you will learn new knowledge and skills, which is a positive thing. You will be more motivated to solve your problems successfully when you see them as opportunities. In contrast, seeing problems as negative things automatically shuts down your brain because your brain doesn't like to do negative things.

The more you learn, the more knowledge, methods, and skills you will have to create new things to solve your problems. One component of creativity is to become a lifelong learner.

1. Brainstorming Sessions: Encourage open dialogue to generate diverse ideas and perspectives. 2. Visual Tools: Utilize mind maps, flowcharts, and diagrams to visualize complex issues and solutions. 3. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Engage team members from different departments to bring varied insights to the table. 4. Challenge Assumptions: Question existing norms and approaches to foster innovative thinking. 5. Playful Exploration: Incorporate playful activities or games to stimulate creative thinking and break mental blocks.

The creative process takes time! Having a break (a few days) allows mind to "creatively" wander and come up with more creative ideas to enhance your project. We all need deadlines but we also need space and time to create the best project we can. If you are not getting the result you want, give the project space and time, and then come back with fresh eyes.