Welcome to this week's issue of Executive Insight.  

 

The definition of insanity (doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results) came to mind during a recent discussion with a colleague. I thought about this because I had been trying every imaginable way to solve a problem, and getting poor results.

Although I was not doing the same thing over and over again (far from it), I was thinking about the problem from the same point of view. I discovered that I hadn't thought through the "why", and as a result, no matter how many different ways I tried to solve it, I wouldn't achieve a satisfying outcome.

Effective problem solving is a core competency for most professionals, and this episode is a good example of how unintentionally we can get stuck in the wrong groove.

Here are some questions to consider that go beyond the obvious when a problem has you baffled:

• Can you identify common characteristics among the pieces of the problem that may provide clues to an answer?
• Is there a theme among the different solutions you've tried that may trigger an idea?
• Does your ideal desired outcome provide clues that you haven't "seen"?

The last question is a reminder that one of the best ways to reach a successful resolution is to look at the challenge with fresh eyes.

It's not always easy to see with fresh eyes on your own, because you may be too close to the problem. When you brainstorm with someone who isn't involved with the situation, you can often receive new and fresh insights.

Try these ideas the next time you find yourself stuck, and before you know it, you'll be back in the right groove.

Have a great week!

 

 

Copyright 2010 Lisa M. Aldisert

 

 

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Our goal is to provide you with timely tips so that you can more effectively run your business. We know you have a ton of mail in your inbox, so we're committed to brevity and practicality.

 

 

Quote of the Day 
"It has never been my object to record my dreams, just the determination to realize them."
      -  Man Ray