For the longest time, society has placed a high value on problem-solving abilities. We see this especially in our education system where students receive a problem statement and are asked to solve it based on given parameters, or in some cases, relying on the tips and guides given. This learning environment has shaped us to react when problem arises. I call this approach to problem solving reactive.
In tackling problems, there is a passive and reactive approach, which pays homage to the saying, “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.” Sit back and utilise your expertise or skills only when the problem arises? — that’s probably the mindset of most people.
The real business innovators are a proactive bunch of problem finders. They do not bide their time crossing their arms and waiting for problems to arrive at their doorstep. There seems to be some kind of active agents flushed in their blood stream, constantly stimulating their thinking to look for concrete problems that cause significant headaches for their customers.
They explore existing data to search for underlying problems and tap on each other’s brains to identify the root causes. These innovators are frequently able to piece discrete bits of information they have gathered and analysed into a comprehensible picture. This picture is further enhanced by synthesising input from multiple perspectives, such as customer, market, product, services and technical.
Problem-finding innovators tend to see the value in creativity. They associate creativity with expertise and purpose to break new ground while the typical problem-solvers solve challenges using a more conventional approach. Ruth Noller, a Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of Creative Studies at Buffalo State College, has developed a symbolic equation to capture the essence of creativity. She suggested that creativity is a function of knowledge, imagination and evaluation, coupled with a positive interpersonal attitude toward personal creativity (refer to Figure 1).
C = fa(K, I, E)
C: Creativity
a: Attitude
K: Knowledge
I: Imagination
E: Evaluation
Figure 1: Ruth Noller’s Symbolic Equation of Creativity
The symbolic equation of creativity perfectly describes the core character of a problem-finding innovator – one who proactively leverages on his know-how and makes in-depth analysis to spot problems and derive at creative yet practical solutions to address the pain that keeps customers awake at night. To succeed, one must be able to use creativity to react to foreseen changes and trends, followed by proactively seizing opportunities inherent in change.
To stay on the competitive edge, we do not just solve problems. We search for problems. And to deliver creative solutions, we now know that the key formula is C = fa(K, I, E). So, start working this formula into your approach to be a problem-finding innovator in your business!
