“The problem is the solution”How to Quickly Transform Problems into solutions

Guidance sheet, C. Billy, Basel

“If only I could have more time, it would be so much easier to solve this issue!” “Sorry, I don’t have time to think about this now with all the work I have to do.” “It is so complex and stressful that I don’t even know where to start!”

May be this sounds familiar to you? Time is a precious resource, becoming more and more precious for all of us. The solution may not be to work more hours. We can actually tackle things differently. Our brains can process informations, identify new ideas and take decisions very effi-ciently, even with minimal knowledge. The “speed thinking” method was developed by coaches based on extensive experience working with leaders and teams. The fact being that the less time we have, the more ideas we get. And even more important, the more creative these ideas are! The timing constraint actually becomes a relief, leaving no space for judging and filtering of our thinking.

Let’s look at two examples below, of how the method can help individuals and teams.

-Example of team exercise and impact:Apollo XIII story:The mission was scheduled to be the third manned landing on the Moon. The landing was aborted due to an oxygen tank explosion and the lives of the crew were put into grave danger. It is hard work and speed thinking by both the crew and the mission control which brought the astronauts home safely. Although the mission failed in accomplishing its primary goals, it was called a “successful failure” because it succeeded in saving the crew. It is an exemplary leadership and teamwork story.Multiple questions were developed, reframed and solved successfully in record times.Initial question: “What is the best way to get the astronauts back to earth?”Reframed as: “Do we get them home as fast as possible, or as safely as possible?” More detailed questions were used to tackle the multiple issues they were facing: “How can we remove carbon dioxide from the spacecraft?” was reframed into: “How can we fit the square canisters into the round openings of the lunar module environment control system?”Ideas generated: adapter, fit, plastic bags, cardboard, taping, all.Solution/action plan: “We will use all the materials available in the aircraft to build an adapter.”

-Example of scientific question : The initial question was: “ Why is this compound toxic?”Reframed question: “Is this compound toxic?”Ideas: chemistry, unique, family, body, opposite, unfair Solution to the initial question/action plan: “We will explore the likelihood that the target is at the origin of the toxicity”.The method led to take the decision to stop the project and refocus the research efforts toward another interesting target.

The method can be practiced anywhere, alone or in team. It could be a team already formed or formed on the fly, with people spontaneously gathered around you. You can plan for it or do it whenever/wherever you need it (spontaneous approach). It is a good approach for problem solving, as well as team building. It provides results with a fun, playful approach. It has relaxing/destressing effects. It works best with up to 5 people. The method can also be done alone (no facilitation), with a piece of paper instead of a board. It can be done anywhere, anytime. With practice, the word generation phase can be progressively restricted to 30 seconds.

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Guidance for facilitation (whole exercise requires 5 to 15’):1/ The facilitator ask a person/team for the question of the moment. Whatever the prob-lem, it should be expressed in one sentence. The sentence is written on a board. The fa-cilitator helps to refine the sentence, so it is clear and most relevant for the person or the team.2/ The facilitator tells people that they will now have 1 minute to spontaneously provide the facilitator with as many words as they can. Each person must provide at least nine words. The facilitator ensures that the words come freely, without thinking. The facilitator writes the words on the board. 3/ The facilitator ask the person/team to select the most inspiring word for further explo-ration (another 1 min exercise).4/ The facilitator helps the person or the team to develop one simple action from the final word selected. The action must be done just after the meeting. References:-Speed Thinking: how to thrive in a time-poor world, K. Hudson, 2011.-The Progress Principle: Using Small Wins to Ignite Joy, Engagement, and Creativity at Work, T. Amabile and S. Kramer, 2011.

For questions or support, please reach to christine.billy@hotmail.fr

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