(Problem‑Solving in Action is series of skill-specific articles to help you enhance your problem-solving.)
Most of us come up with one idea and move forward. While that’s fast, it isn’t always the best way to solve problems. Better solutions often show up only when we push ourselves to think past the first idea.
You can try several easy techniques to spark new ideas. One method is brainwriting, where people write ideas quietly before sharing them.
Another is reverse thinking, where you flip the problem around to see it differently. Even listing what won’t work can help you uncover what will.
When you explore more than one option, you give yourself choices. You can compare ideas and pick the strongest one instead of just the first one. Thinking past the obvious leads to more creative solutions and better results.
Up next: Collaborating through problems
