Introduction:
The other day, I was reading an article by James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits. In it, he invites us to reconsider how we solve problems, which got me thinking. We know it’s essential to constantly assess and adapt our strategies to meet the evolving challenges faced by the VUCA (Volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) world in which we operate. Of course, embracing this reflective mindset is an option; however, one would be foolish not to adopt it in this modern world.
Understanding the Need for Change:
Although traditional problem-solving methods are reliable, they may only sometimes be sufficient in the rapidly changing environment we operate in today. As a leader, you must recognise that your old approaches might become the obstacles you need to face new challenges and require a fresh perspective. Being able to embrace change and innovation in your thinking can open doors to unexpected solutions, fostering a culture of adaptability and growth.
The Art of Creative Thinking:
To be an innovative leader, you must embrace creative thinking as your lifeblood. This can be done by brainstorming sessions, thinking outside conventional boundaries, and seeking inspiration from a diverse field. What ways have other industries used to solve problems that you can use and adapt? They may not immediately seem relevant; however, give them some thought, and you may see a solution appropriate to your needs.
Practical Tips:
Why don’t you start by setting aside time for creative brainstorming, promoting open discussion, and being receptive to unconventional ideas? Encouraging this not only enhances problem-solving capabilities but also an innovative team culture. No idea is a stupid or dumb idea; put them all out there, and then start working backwards. Is there anything in that idea that’s workable? Is there anything in the idea that can be adapted with the resources we have at our disposal?
Why not invite another industry in for a group discussion? What are they doing, what are you currently doing, and what can be learned? If nothing else, you’ve gained insight from the outside, met some interesting people (hopefully) and extended your network.
Working Example:
Here’s an example of creative thinking in action, also known as cross-pollination (learning from other industries). The airline industry looked at the Formula One (F1) industry to solve a problem because it struggled with the aircraft’s turnaround time and wanted to improve efficiency (I’ve certainly looked at the F1 model and hoped the garage could sort my car out in the same amount of time as a pit stop).
F1 looked at the airline industry and adopted its black box technology to monitor and record the performance and the conditions of the cars and the drivers during the race.
Conclusion:
Embracing change and seeking new perspectives are vital for effective leadership. It’s important to remain adaptable and continually explore innovative approaches, which may not always work. However, there’s nothing wrong with asking the question.
How do you keep yourself mentally agile?