Challenge yourself to view a problem differently. I have always enjoyed being the one to challenge the mainstream thinking whether it was working on a project or as a member of the staff. You owe it to your boss, your clients, and your team to provide the best results, the best product, and the best experience.
How do you think differently? First, you must have the courage for adversity and be willing to challenge the status quo. You will find that people will go along with the boss and the group. Additionally, listening first will always afford an opportunity to learn about a differing viewpoint before developing your own.
Thinking differently is not about being an inflexible team member. It is about adding the most value so you push the team to excellence. By thinking differently, you can offer a way for the team to avoid group think, tunnel vision and a diminished result.
“Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.” – Steve Jobs
How to develop yourself to think differently:
- Framing your mind to circumvent conventional wisdom. The point is to avoid group think, which can create a disastrous outcome. Avoiding the norm often involves you knowing the data about the situation you are working and not giving in to unfounded assumptions. Practice innovative thinking and be open to change. Conventional wisdom is often an obstacle to new ideas.
- Eliminate excuses, biases, and blaming. The influences we allow into our lives and how we were raised tends to bias our thinking. It is difficult sometimes to let go of a bad habit our parents taught us or to be open minded about ideas when we watch the same news programs every day. Be cautious of who is skewing your views. It may be a teacher, a talk show host, a musical artist or a close family member. Further, excuses and blaming limits your thought processes by taking your focus away from originality.
- Do your research and develop insights. Become a subject matter expert on what you deliver to the team. Know the trends, know the metrics, and know that is working and what is not working in your industry. Other team members may not be doing their research, and they will make invalid assumptions. Thinking strategically will help you to see the potential results for many business periods in to the future. Finding relevant connections and data relationships will build toward a competitive advantage.
- Have the courage to be different, but maintain a positive attitude. You will be criticized for going against the group, but you must be strong and have confidence that your input has added value, whether it is accepted or not. Be secure in your analysis and have strength to engage the team positively.
- Listen always and see beyond the problem. Keep an open mind to all ideas and let other people do most of the talking. Evaluate the best input and frame your thoughts before speaking.
I recommend appraising every situation uniquely. You may find the best solution possible is the one being generated by the team so do not waste your resources if that is true. Apply your best to another problem and also apply your best effort that creates the biggest impact.
“Challenge yourself to view a problem differently.”
-Stephen McLain
In the Army, I have surprised many senior officers over the years by providing a different lens through which to view a problem. I was thanked for being bold enough to provide an alternative view. Some leaders really do want the differing opinions. Just possess the courage to deliver it.
What can you change to begin offering a different analytical process to problem solving? Please comment or email at comment@stephenmclain.com.
Copyright 2016-Stephen McLain