There is no doubt that today’s business challenges are more complex and global than ever before. But I see my colleagues and business leaders still using the same strategies that worked for them years ago. Ambitious new business owners often overlook simple details that cost them time, energy, and success, spending millions of dollars on innovations and marketing plans that never take off.
For example, many companies are currently struggling to get employees back to the office and on the job to improve business productivity, accountability, and customer satisfaction. In fact, this challenge clearly includes business implications as well as personal team considerations. Many people prefer the flexibility and comfort of working from home over accomplishments and growth.
I don’t know if the real problem here is business processes, talent management, or both, but I’m sure there’s a lot of room for error on both sides. As a consultant, I have worked with Buffalo State University, Innovation His Resources, and more in Dr. Roger L. Fierstein’s recent book, Solving Real Problems, a great strategy for not solving the wrong problems. I found some.
He has solid credentials in academia and experience in problem solving and innovation in many companies around the world. He provides some key recommendations, which I also support, on how to focus on the fundamental issues and avoid wasting a lot of time and money that you can’t afford.
1. Creative questions are key to problem definition. Focus on a series of fact-finding questions and judgment or decision-making questions to elicit solution ideas. In all cases, postpone judgment and avoid excuses such as “I don’t have time.” One good question can open up entirely new areas of inquiry and challenge stereotypes.
Creative questions can also help you explore new business ideas. Remember, the challenge here is to solve a customer problem, not an internal problem. The process and results are the same and start with creative questions to find real opportunities.
2. Adopt a more effective problem-solving mindset. Analyze your habitual approach to problem solving and be prepared to challenge your own assumptions. Avoid treating symptoms as problems or jumping to conclusions based on poor information or your own biases. Sometimes we get stuck in our own ways and end up working on the wrong things.
This strategy applies not only to organizational issues but also to new opportunities for customer growth. I still see too many engineers whose mindset is focused on the beauty of innovation rather than solving customer problems.
3. Don’t believe or act on first impressions. We all make poor judgments based on first impressions, especially when it comes to recurring issues and people of different nationalities, races, and ethnicities. First impressions are usually wrong, especially when made in an emotional environment, under time constraints, or with too little information.
Four. Get an outside perspective without having an agenda. The best way to get an outside perspective is to tap into people who are active in different circles than your own. Look for “creative catalysts” that can provide new perspectives and potential solutions to problems. Please note that experts in the relevant technology may have their own biases.
Five. Look at the big picture, not the small details. Be careful not to focus only on the details of a problem and lose sight of the forest for the trees. Consciously take a step back and look at the challenges ahead in a broader perspective. This approach also builds alignment with related perspectives and issues, leading to better long-term solutions.
In the real world, in my experience, none of these strategies work without honest business leaders, dedicated team members, a forward-looking business model, and viable customer opportunities. Teams also need creativity skills and training to properly diagnose problems and challenges, generate solutions, and put those solutions into action.
I encourage everyone to recognize that every business in today’s world faces challenges and global issues. Therefore, it is up to all of us to continually update our business problem-solving strategies, support a culture of innovation, keep moving forward in our quest to make the world a better place, and enjoy the journey to get there. It’s an obligation.
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