The Invisible Mentor

On a scale of one to 10, how do you rate yourself when it comes to problem solving? People who excel at problem solving have the distinct ability to:

•  Observe
• Listen and hear
• Get along with others
• Secure reliable information
• Look at what’s been done before
• Pay attention to detail
• Take a break
• Reflect on options
• Trust their instincts
• Adapt
• Take decisive actions

How many of the above traits do you have? Even if you consider yourself to be a great problem solver, there is always room for improvement. So let’s practice our problem solving skills! Describe a challenge or problem that you’re having. Writing down the problem makes it more concrete for you. Make sure that your problem statement is not too broadly or narrowly defined.

Look closely at the photographs above, how does each of the photographs connect to your problem? What elements do they have in common? For example, in what way does the problem expand beyond prescribed boundaries? What elements of the problem is blurred, or simply an illusion? How will a solution to the problem free you like a swan and ducks in a pond at High Park?

Now that you are seeing your challenge or problem in a new light, how can you creatively solve it? What tools do you need? Do you have access to those tools, and if not, where can you find them? Do you have tools in your tool kit that would help us expand the collective intelligence?

For other creative problem solving techniques How Stuff Works delivers!

Related Resources

Inspirer, Reflector, Innovator or Influencer, Which One Are You?

What Type of Problem Solver Are You?

The Importance of Problem-Solving by Ken Watanabe

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Adventures In Creative Thinking (tokitover.com)
4 Pocket-Sized Tools to Help You Generate Killer Ideas Any Time, Anywhere (lifehack.org)

Photo Credits: Avil Beckford

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