We’ve all been there. You’ve identified a problem and come up with what you think is the perfect solution, only to find it doesn’t quite fit or that it is met with much resistance. Frustration sets in, but instead of looking for alternative approaches or a compromise, you stubbornly persist with the same solution, hoping it will eventually work. It’s like trying to put a square peg into a round hole. Why do we do this? And how can we shift our mindset to be more open to exploring multiple alternatives when problem-solving?
Understanding Our Need for Control
Managers, leaders, and individual contributors alike can feel a strong urge to steer the ship their way. While this need for control might be understandable, it can sometimes blind us to better solutions. We stick to a single solution because of our inherent need for control, but this can limit our potential for growth and innovation.
Over the years, Jennifer Garvey Berger’s work has resonated with me, helping me understand the need for control and rightness. In her book Unlocking Leadership Mindtraps, she elaborates on the fact that humans are hardwired with cognitive and emotional biases that can prevent us from moving out of our comfort zones. Rather than grow, our natural preference is to lean into our egos; however, if we focus on our developmental path forward, we can overcome our need to be right and in control and move into evolving through complexity in the workplace.
Three thought-provoking questions Jennifer poses to facilitate this process of evolution are:
1. Why do I believe what I believe?
2. How could I be wrong?
3. Who do I want to be next?
Embracing this growth mindset makes it easier to explore and welcome different solutions. It also provides a framework for inquiry with the opportunity for a more profound understanding of our identity, beliefs, and emotions.
The Advantages of Exploring Multiple Alternatives
There are several benefits to being open-minded in your problem-solving approach:
Better Outcomes: Multiple perspectives can lead to more comprehensive solutions. You’re more likely to find a solution that fits the problem.
Increased Innovation: By considering multiple alternatives, you foster a culture of innovation. Your team feels empowered to share creative solutions.
Reduced Stress: When you’re not fixated on a single solution, there’s less pressure and stress. This often leads to better decision-making.
Strategies to Help You Avoid Forcing a Solution
Even the best problem-solvers can fall into the trap of trying to force a solution that doesn’t work. Here are some practical strategies to help you navigate these situations:
Take a Step Back: Sometimes, the best thing you can do is step away from the problem. A fresh set of eyes or a break can clear your mind and offer new insights. Take time to reflect upon and answer the three questions I shared above.
Reframe the Problem: Look at the problem from a different angle. Ask yourself if you’re asking the right questions or if there’s a different way to define the issue.
Collaborate: Leverage your team’s collective brainpower. What’s clear to one person can be murky for another, and vice versa. Host a casual brainstorming session where everyone can voice their ideas without judgment.
Embrace Flexibility: Be prepared to pivot and adjust your approach. Sticking rigidly to one solution can limit your options and creativity. Create a plan with multiple pathways and be willing to explore each one to see what works best.
Seek External Advice: Sometimes, an outsider’s perspective is just what you need. Don’t hesitate to reach out to mentors, advisors, or colleagues for their input. Explain your problem succinctly and ask for their fresh take on it.
Shifting your mindset to be open to exploring multiple alternatives when problem-solving can be challenging but it can also be incredibly rewarding. By letting go of the need for control, overcoming stubbornness, and adopting a growth mindset, you’ll find that the solutions you discover are more innovative, effective, and less stressful to implement.
Ready to shift your mindset and start solving problems more effectively? Let’s grow together!
