Most people are better editors than authors.
Some business problems are more difficult than others. They may require more mental muscle. Assembling a team may be the answer, but before calling a meeting, invest an hour to tackle the problem yourself (and get it shaped for a broader meeting).
How many chances do we get to test our mental limits and stress our own intellectual muscle? Not having the answer, does not mean you cannot, with a bit of practice and technique, find the answer (or at least put a dent in it for the rest of the team). Solving a problem in a group setting rarely brings results anyway. The pre-work makes the difference.
Here’s a five-step approach I use. In the solitude of your office, using paper and pencil…
Write down the problem… clearly and simply: This is the most important step. “A problem well-stated is a problem half-solved.” Charles Kettering.
Ask yourself questions - out loud: This is where the power of questions really proves its effectiveness, Use “Five Why’s.” It works on yourself too and will generate ideas that were not there before.
“Draw” your thoughts: Draw circles, group similar ideas, attach with lines, etc. The combination of writing words, drawing shapes, connecting with lines, stimulates the mind. New ideas will emerge.
List all the potential solutions: There are normally fewer options than you think. Don’t forget to consider status quo. There is wisdom and history in understanding the default option.
Develop a simple model against the best option and say it to yourself (out loud) and then to someone else: Verbalizing an idea always makes an idea better. Its flaws become obvious.
As someone famously said, “None of us is as dumb as all of us.” This quote is a back-handed compliment to individual effort. Close your door, pick up a pencil, and exercise your problem-solving muscle (author!). Your colleagues will thank you for it and provide their best input (editor!).
Bonus tip: Don’t over polish the idea. You won’t get the same input if you do.
