How to Use Creativity for Problem Solving

Problems aren't roadblocks. They're invitations. An invitation to innovate. To rethink. To leap. The difference between stuck and unstoppable? It's not the challenge. It's you. Your lens. Your toolkit. Your willingness to dance with the difficulty. As a tech leader, your ability to solve complex issues can make or break your career. I've led teams across continents, industries, and crises. Here's what I've learned: 𝟭. 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝗶𝘀 Peel back the layers. Ask "Why?" repeatedly. You're not fixing a leak; you're redesigning the plumbing. 𝟮. 𝗦𝗪𝗢𝗧 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝗶𝘀 Map your battlefield. Know your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Sun Tzu would approve. 𝟯. 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 Visualize the chaos. Connect the dots. Your brain on paper, minus the mess. 𝟰. 𝗦𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗼 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 Prepare for multiple futures. Be the chess player who sees ten moves ahead. 𝟱. 𝗦𝗶𝘅 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗮𝘁𝘀 Wear different perspectives. Be the critic, the optimist, the data analyst, the artist, the operator. Your mind is pliable; use it. 𝙒𝙝𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨: - 76% of IT leaders rank problem-solving as the top soft skill (Global Knowledge) - Strong problem-solvers are 3.5x more likely to hit strategic goals (Harvard Business Review) - 70% of problem-solving pros drive more innovation (PwC) These aren't just methods. They're mindsets. Tools to reshape your thinking. I've used these to navigate multi-million-dollar projects and multinational teams. They work. Period. But the real differentiator: consistency. Use these daily. Make them habits. Your problem-solving muscle grows with every rep. Start now. Pick one method. Apply it to a current challenge. Share your results. The best tech leaders aren't born. They're forged in the fires of solving complex problems. What will you solve today?

Warning: Your team may never brainstorm the same way again after this. Master the SCAMPER technique if you want next-level brainstorming. The SCAMPER method is a simple, yet powerful tool for fostering creative thinking within your team. It stands for: ➟ Substitute ➟ Combine ➟ Adapt ➟ Modify ➟ Put to use ➟ Eliminate ➟ Reverse By asking different types of questions about a challenge, you push your team to think beyond the obvious. In my experience, this exercise can turn a stagnant brainstorming session into a high-energy, idea-generating workshop. It helps break through the common barriers that hold innovation back, such as the "𝘸𝘦'𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘺" mentality. Here’s how SCAMPER works (using a bakery example):  𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗲: ↳ Can we swap out an element for something new? ↳ e.g., Can we change the flavor and shape of the cupcake? 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗲: ↳ What if we merge two ideas? ↳ e.g., Can we combine the cupcake with an appetizer or a drink? 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁: ↳ Can this be adjusted for a different use? ↳ e.g., Can we cross-promote cupcakes with nearby stores for more visibility? 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗳𝘆: ↳ What happens if we change the size or shape? ↳ e.g., Can we create extra tall or bite-sized cupcakes to attract different customers?  ↳ 𝗣𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗨𝘀𝗲: ↳ Is there a new way to utilize this? ↳ e.g., Can we make cupcakes that are dog-friendly for visitors of the nearby dog parks? 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲: ↳ What can we remove to simplify the process? ↳ e.g., Can we make healthier cupcakes by removing excess icing or flour? 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲: ↳ What if we did this backward? ↳ e.g., Can we design cupcakes with the frosting inside instead of on top? Challenge your team to use SCAMPER on their next problem. The results may surprise you! __________ ♻️ Repost to benefit those in your network. 🔔 Follow me, Nadeem, for more content like this.

Unlock Creative Solutions with Rory Sutherland’s Counterintuitive Wisdom Feeling stuck on a problem? Sometimes the answer lies beyond logic. Rory Sutherland’s “Alchemy: The Dark Art and Curious Science of Creating Magic in Brands, Business, and Life” challenges us to embrace unconventional thinking. Here are key takeaways to spark inspiration when logic fails: 1️⃣ The Opposite Works Too: Solutions can emerge from exploring the opposite of what feels right—like raising prices to boost perceived value. 2️⃣ Forget “Average”: Designing for outliers, not the median, can drive innovation and breakthroughs. 3️⃣ Defy Logic: If everyone is logical, no one stands out. Dare to zig when others zag. 4️⃣ Reframe the Problem: Perception shapes reality. Sometimes, changing the presentation solves the issue. 5️⃣ Embrace Creativity: Overthinking kills magic. Trust intuition, experiment, and even embrace lucky accidents. 6️⃣ Small Changes Matter: Don’t overlook tiny details—they often yield the biggest impact. 💡 If logic hasn’t worked, maybe it’s time to unleash a little “Alchemy.” Tap into psychology, intuition, and creativity. Solutions are often closer than you think—they just require a fresh perspective. #Inspiration #ProblemSolving #Innovation #Creativity #AlchemyThinking #OutoftheBox #GrowthMindset #RorySutherland #PsychologyInBusiness #ThinkDifferent #DrGPT

Creative blocks aren't the enemy - they're valuable feedback. Every stuck moment is telling you something important about your process, your energy, or your focus. Learning to decode these signals is key to sustained creativity. - Embrace constraints: Instead of seeking complete freedom, deliberately limit your options. For example, challenge yourself to solve a problem using only three tools or resources. Constraints often spark unexpected solutions. - Reverse engineer failure: List all the ways your project could go wrong, then work backward to prevent each scenario. This "pre-mortem" approach can unlock fresh perspectives and highlight overlooked opportunities. - Practice productive procrastination: When stuck on one creative task, switch to an unrelated creative project instead of forcing progress. This keeps your creative energy flowing while allowing your subconscious to work on the original problem. Stop waiting for inspiration. Start building systems. Creativity is a muscle that grows stronger with consistent exercise. The most prolific creators aren't always the most talented. They're the most prepared. They've built habits and routines that support consistent creative output. Remember: Creative block is just a signal to try a different approach. What's your go-to move when creativity stalls? #Creativity #Leadership #Innovation #ProductivityTips #CreativeProcess #PersonalDevelopment == To receive regular tips for staying brave, focused, and brilliant, click Subscribe To Newsletter above.

What do you do when you're out of ideas? You know, To solve a difficult problem or circumstance you are facing. You've tried everything in your toolkit. Still, no results. Well, It's time to play "Yes, And..." That's right, the essential improv game. [It's also a great brainstorming tool] Here's how it works: -You get your team together to discuss the problem -One person starts with a wild solution (the wilder, the better) -You then go around the room, one person at a time -The only thing you can say is: "What I like about that idea is..." -And then you add something to that idea -Or, you can say: "Yes, and..." then add something to that idea For this to be effective, there can be no judgment, analysis, or evaluation. [That can come later] Let someone serve as a scribe to capture all the new creative ideas. I encourage you to give this a try. You will be surprised by how many creative solutions you generate. Contact me if you'd like some help. I've facilitated dozens of teams with this exercise. #Innovation