Solving Puzzles, Not Problems: 5 Strategies for Growth in the Age of Change

As a leader, how do you approach challenges in your organization? Do you see them as problems to be solved, or puzzles to be pieced together? In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, this distinction could be the key to unlocking innovation and thriving in uncertain times.

The shift from problem-solving to puzzle-solving isn’t just a change in terminology – it’s a fundamental shift in mindset that can transform how your team tackles complex issues. Let’s explore why this matters and how you can implement it in your organization.

Why Puzzle-Solving Matters for Modern Leaders

1. HOLISTIC PERSPECTIVE

Puzzle-solving encourages leaders to step back and consider all possible pieces before jumping to solutions. This holistic view is crucial when dealing with the multifaceted challenges presented to the modern leader.

2. OPPORTUNITY MINDSET

The Japanese business philosophy kaizen sees problems or challenges as a crucial step in the cycle of improvement. Puzzle-solvers adopt this frame of mind and see difficulty as an opportunity for growth and improvement.

3. EMBRACING DIVERSITY

Puzzle-solving thrives on diverse perspectives. By bringing together varied viewpoints, you can uncover pieces of the puzzle you didn’t even know were missing.

4. CONTINUOUS GROWTH

Puzzle-solving doesn’t just shift us into an opportunity mindset – it also fosters a culture of continuous learning and adaptation. As you piece together each new puzzle, you and your team grow in knowledge and capability.

Puzzle-Solving in Action

Let me share a personal experience that illustrates the power of this approach. During an organizational development event, our team faced the challenge of reducing a contract closure process from several weeks to just two days – a goal that initially seemed impossible.

Instead of being overwhelmed, we reframed the challenge by asking, “What must be true to achieve a two-day turnaround?” This shift in perspective allowed us to rethink the entire process and innovate a solution that met the ambitious target.

By approaching the challenge as a puzzle rather than a problem, we identified aspects of the process we hadn’t previously considered. We brought together team members from different departments, each offering unique insights. This diversity of perspective, combined with a willingness to question our assumptions, led to a breakthrough that transformed our operations.

How to Shift to a Puzzle-Solving Mindset

1. REFRAME CHALLENGES AS GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

Train your team to see “red” on a scorecard not as a failure, but as an area ripe for improvement and personal growth. This simple reframing can dramatically change how your team approaches challenges.

2. IDENTIFY MISSING PIECES

Before jumping into solution mode, ask, “What information or perspectives might we be overlooking?” This critical thinking approach can reveal crucial insights and areas for development.

3. ASSEMBLE DIVERSE TEAMS

Bring together people from different functions, backgrounds, and thinking styles to enrich your problem-solving process and foster mutual growth.

4. LEVERAGE AI FOR DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES

Use generative AI tools to access a wealth of existing knowledge and frameworks. This can provide you with an unprecedented number of lenses through which to examine a challenge and grow your understanding.

5. CREATE A CULTURE OF CURIOSITY AND GROWTH

Foster an environment where asking questions, seeking out new viewpoints, and continuous learning are encouraged and rewarded.

Growth is the only guarantee that tomorrow will be better.

John C. Maxwell

The Future of Leadership in the Face of Constant Change

As we navigate the technological complexities of the modern era – including generative AI – the ability to shift from problem-solving to puzzle-solving will be a critical skill for leaders. This approach not only helps us tackle immediate challenges more effectively, but also reinforces our organization’s ability to adapt and innovate in the face of rapid technological change.

Remember, the goal isn’t just to solve the problem at hand, but to build a culture and mindset that thrives on complexity and change. By viewing challenges as puzzles and embracing diverse perspectives – both human and AI-generated – you’ll be better equipped to lead your team through the ever-changing landscape of modern business.

Your Challenge

What challenge are you currently facing that could benefit from a puzzle-solving approach? How might reframing this challenge and seeking out diverse perspectives lead to innovative solutions?

Take some time this week to practice puzzle-solving with your team. Start by reframing a current challenge as an opportunity, then brainstorm what pieces might be missing from your current understanding. You might be surprised at the innovative solutions that emerge.

Interested in discovering other practical growth tips to help you and your team keep pace with constant change?

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About the author

Daniel Englebretson is an AI researcher, innovator, and entrepreneur. He is also the founder and CEO of Elynox, the co-founder and managing partner of ShiftHX, and an adjunct professor of artificial intelligence and communications at Wake Forest University and Elon University. Daniel is committed to empowering and enabling others with the skills and mindset shifts required to create opportunities to collaborate more effectively with AI.