Mental Blocks & Problem Solving
So what do you do when you identify a mental block?
Carol Goman identified several structured techniques for Blockbusting.
The first technique is an attitude adjustment....remove blocks arising from a negative attitude, list the positive aspects or possible outcomes of the problem.
The second technique deals with risk taking....remove emotional blocks arising from a fear of failure, define the risk and why it is important. Define what the worst possible outcome might be and what options there are in that scenario.
The third technique Some rules are important, but when rules create an unnecessary imaginary boundary, consider disregarding them so you can come up with some innovative solutions.
The fourth technique is to allow imagination, feelings, and a sense of humor to overcome a reliance on logic and a need to conduct problem solving in a step-by-step manner.
The fifth technique involves encouraging your creativity.
But remember when determining where the problem originated successful problem solvers get to the root of the problem by interviewing or questioning anyone who might know something useful about the problem. They ask questions, including questions that:
*Clarify the situation * Challenge assumptions about the problem*
*Determine possible reasons and evidence * Explore different perspectives concerning the problem*
If you did not personally define the problem, find out who did. Think about that person’s motivations....challenge their assumptions to dig deeper into the problem.
"Remember problems are also opportunities for your self improvement"
So what do you do when you identify a mental block?
Carol Goman identified several structured techniques for Blockbusting.
The first technique is an attitude adjustment....remove blocks arising from a negative attitude, list the positive aspects or possible outcomes of the problem.
The second technique deals with risk taking....remove emotional blocks arising from a fear of failure, define the risk and why it is important. Define what the worst possible outcome might be and what options there are in that scenario.
The third technique Some rules are important, but when rules create an unnecessary imaginary boundary, consider disregarding them so you can come up with some innovative solutions.
The fourth technique is to allow imagination, feelings, and a sense of humor to overcome a reliance on logic and a need to conduct problem solving in a step-by-step manner.
The fifth technique involves encouraging your creativity.
But remember when determining where the problem originated successful problem solvers get to the root of the problem by interviewing or questioning anyone who might know something useful about the problem. They ask questions, including questions that:
*Clarify the situation * Challenge assumptions about the problem*
*Determine possible reasons and evidence * Explore different perspectives concerning the problem*
If you did not personally define the problem, find out who did. Think about that person’s motivations....challenge their assumptions to dig deeper into the problem.
"Remember problems are also opportunities for your self improvement"
RSS Feed