Reframe Thinking to Boost Problem Solving

Need to think outside the box to solve a problem? Try one of these strategies to stretch your thinking:

• Take the opposite approach. Imagine how an organization completely unlike yours would approach the situation. If you work for a Fortune 100 corporation, for instance, explore what solutions a mom-and-pop operation would try.

• Question your assumptions. Make a list of everything you think you know for sure about the situation. Then look at each item and ask whether it’s really true. You may uncover a mistaken belief that’s creating needless difficulties.