Employ Your Inner C.E.O to Problem Solve Best

I'm in the middle of executing a three-week workshop series about problem solving. The first week was focused on individual approaches to problem solving and I wanted to show you the model that I shared with them. 

When I think about the effective problem solvers whom I know, three characteristics bubble to the top as being responsible for why their problem solving is effective.

Employ your inner C.E.O. for  your best problem solving.

C = Creativity 
Leaders who excel at problem solving are able to find solutions born from creative thinking. They see themselves as builders, or creators, of the solution, and don't impose unnecessary limits on themselves. There is an empowered mindset in the problem solver that says “I create the solution.” This is different from an attitude of finding solutions.

E = Exploration
Leaders who excel at problem solving know how to explore uncharted territory. They harness the courage to ask open-ended questions to which they don't know the answer. There's an element here of embracing newness and novelty when it comes to solutions. Solutions are born out of new connections where no solution obviously existed before.

O = Optimism
Leaders who excel at problem solving are optimistic that they can and will solve the problems before them. They're able to hold the "tension" that's created when they acknowledge the gap between where they are and where they want to be. This doesn't mean they're not realistic; it means they're focused on and believe in ultimate success, even amidst twists, turns and setbacks.

Next time you feel a bit stuck in your problem solving efforts, ask yourself if you could embrace these qualities more. These qualities are your inner C.E.O. 

If you find that you're uninspired and your energy is dim, what can you do to reconnect to your creativity?

If you find that you're stuck on the solution being a certain way, what can you do to get your head out of the sand and explore the possibilities?

If you find that you're worried about failure, ask yourself, "Do I honestly believe success is possible?" and if so, "How?" so that you can tap into your optimism.

Problem solving is about closing the gap between where you are and where you want to be. As long as you're alive, there will always be problems to solve. If you tap your inner C.E.O. and take it easy on yourself, many "problems" can be a meaningful, even joyful, experience.