Unleash your business creativity – 3 of 4
OVERCOME PERCEPTUAL BLOCKS
To be creative, you must first perceive a problem clearly and correctly. Pay particular attention to how your mind searches for solutions. Here are the most commonly encountered perceptual blocks:
Poor problem definition
Few of us enjoy being presented with a problem. Our natural tendency when faced with one is to solve it as quickly as we can and then move on to something else. The trouble is, a poorly considered problem typically leads to a poorly conceived solution.
Taking time to examine a situation from a number of completely different viewpoints will clarify the problem and most likely suggest novel and creative solutions.
Using the wrong approach
Some problems need to be solved using words, others with numbers or with pictures, and even some using “gut feelings” or other emotional and intuitive languages. When confronted with a need to find a creative solution, ask yourself if defining the problem requires:
- A drawing or diagram
- An equation or numbers
- Words, written or spoken
- Sounds, such as music
- Emotion, such as inspiration
- Time
- Physical change, such as movement
- Logic
- Intuition
Using the wrong data
“Garbage in, garbage out.” Examine all the variables of a problem carefully - the ‘facts’ could be faulty. Beware too the possibility of misreading the facts.
Facts are like people. Torture them long enough, and they’ll tell you whatever you want.
originalthinking
Failure to use your senses
Each of the human senses plays a role in creative problem solving. To unblock your sensory perceptions and expand the depth and breadth of your creative thinking, try asking yourself what the problem/solution looks, tastes, smells, feels, and/or sounds like. Experiment with metaphors and analogies to make this easier.
Inability to use all of your abilities
Sometimes our self-image won’t let us recognize or use certain skills or talents we naturally possess. To think more creatively, be prepared to change your self-image to make these accessible.
[To continue learning about Cultural blocks to creativity, read part 4 of the series.]