172: Think Outside the Box: How to Master Creative Problem-Solving

Welcome to another episode of The Professional Creative! As I approach fourteen years in business, I have learned that creative problem solving is so important for overcoming the challenges that help us grow as leaders!

I used to make decisions alone, but I have since come to realize how vital it is to have support in entrepreneurship, even when it can feel isolating. This episode of the show digs deep into the significance of thinking outside the box, whether you’re a solopreneur or part of a larger team.

Join me as I share a memorable story from my recent family vacation to Iceland, where we faced an unexpected challenge that forced us to get creative. I reveal how I was taught a valuable lesson about adapting to unpredictable situations and avoiding panic, and I contrast conventional problem-solving approaches with more flexible, innovative strategies, demonstrating how we can truly all benefit from thinking creatively!

I also provide you with five practical steps to apply creative problem-solving in your business. From encouraging wild ideas to embracing constraints and deferring judgment, these tips are sure to help you develop innovative solutions when faced with obstacles, and you will learn how organizations like Facebook truly harness the power of ideation to fuel their success!

Please tune in so that we can build resilience together as entrepreneurs and transform challenges into opportunities for growth! This episode is sure to help you discover how you can create the beauty you want to see in your business and beyond!

When you learn to think creatively, you develop the endurance to bounce back when things don't go as planned.

Discussed in this episode:

In this episode, hear my five practical steps for applying creative problem-solving:

• Quantity Over Quality: Brainstorm without limits to free up mental space!
• Encourage Wild Ideas: Give yourself permission to think outside the box! Breaking away from routine can lead to groundbreaking ideas!
• Embrace Constraints: Limited resources can actually spark creativity.
• Defer Judgment: Let ideas flow freely without judgment!
• Seek Feedback at the Right Time: Share ideas when they’re about 80-90% complete to gather valuable input without risking derailment too early! 

Links and Resources:

• Episode 44: Mastering the Hotseat: Unlock the Power of Group Problem-Solving
• Episode 155: Exploring Iceland: Tips, Tales, and Travel Insights

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Review of the week: 

BONNIE IS THE BEST!

I love hearing what Bonnie has to say, especially in her podcasts! Even though I’m a veteran in the design industry I learn so many new things from her. And she is so encouraging. When I feel discouraged, I listen to one of her podcasts and instantly feel energized and hopeful. She is so easy to listen to. I took her Immersion class last year and got tons out of it. In all the things she takes on, she does it with thoughtfulness, intention, and excellence. Go Bonnie!

— Rising-17

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