What do you do if your problem-solving in Interpersonal Communication lacks creativity?

1 Identify the problem clearly

Before you jump into brainstorming or evaluating solutions, you need to define the problem you are facing in a clear and specific way. This will help you avoid confusion, assumptions, or irrelevant issues. You can use the 5W+H method to identify the problem: who is involved, what is the situation, when and where did it happen, why is it a problem, and how does it affect you and others. You can also ask for feedback or perspectives from others to get a more comprehensive and accurate picture of the problem.

2 Diversify your sources of inspiration

One way to enhance your creativity is to expose yourself to different sources of inspiration that can stimulate your imagination and broaden your horizons. You can read books, articles, blogs, or podcasts on topics related to your problem or unrelated ones that interest you. You can also observe how other people or organizations solve similar or different problems and learn from their methods, strategies, or experiences. You can also seek input from people with diverse backgrounds, expertise, or viewpoints and listen to their suggestions, insights, or opinions.

4 Experiment and test your ideas

Once you have some ideas for solving your problem, you need to experiment and test them to see how they work in practice. You can use prototypes, simulations, pilots, or trials to test your ideas on a small scale and get feedback from yourself and others. You can also use the PDCA cycle (plan-do-check-act) to monitor and evaluate your results and make adjustments or improvements as needed. You can also be open to learning from your failures and mistakes and use them as opportunities to improve your creativity and problem-solving skills.

5 Celebrate and share your solutions

Finally, you need to celebrate and share your solutions with yourself and others. You can acknowledge and reward yourself and others for your creative efforts and achievements and express your gratitude and appreciation. You can also share your solutions with others who may benefit from them or learn from them and invite them to give you constructive feedback or suggestions. You can also reflect on your creative process and identify what worked well and what can be improved for future problem-solving situations.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?