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More than One Way to Skin a Cat: Adventures in Creative ThinkingHow many times have you caught yourself saying that there could be no other solution to a problem – and that that problem leads to a dead end? How many times have you felt stumped knowing that the problem laying before you is one you cannot solve. No leads. No options. No solutions. Did it feel like you had exhausted all possible options and yet are still before the mountain – large, unconquerable, and impregnable? When encountering such enormous problems, you may feel like you're hammering against a steel mountain. The pressure of having to solve such a problem may be overwhelming. But rejoice! There might be some hope yet! With some creative problem-solving techniques you may be able to look at your problem in a different light. And that light might just be the end of the tunnel that leads to possible solutions. First of all, in the light of creative problem-solving, you must be open-minded to the fact that there may be more than just one solution to the problem. And, you must be open to the fact that there may be solutions to problems you thought were unsolvable. Now, with this optimistic mindset, we can try to be a little bit more creative in solving our problems. Number one; maybe the reason we cannot solve our problems is that we have not really taken a hard look at what the problem is. Here, trying to understanding the problem and having a concrete understanding of its workings is integral solving the problem. If you know how it works, what the problem is, then you have a better foundation towards solving the problem. Not trying to make the simple statement of what problem is. Try to identify the participating entities and what their relationships with one another are. Take note of the things you stand to gain any stand to lose from the current problem. Now you have a simple statement of what the problem is. Number two; try to take note of all of the constraints and assumptions you have the words of problem. Sometimes it is these assumptions that obstruct our view of possible solutions. You have to identify which assumptions are valid, in which assumptions need to be addressed. Number three; try to solve the problem by parts. Solve it going from general view towards the more detailed parts of the problem. This is called the top-down approach. Write down the question, and then come up with a one-sentence solution to that from them. The solution should be a general statement of what will solve the problem. From here you can develop the solution further, and increase its complexity little by little. Number four; although it helps to have critical thinking aboard as you solve a problem, you must also keep a creative, analytical voice at the back of your head. When someone comes up with a prospective solution, tried to think how you could make that solution work. Try to be creative. At the same time, look for chinks in the armor of that solution. Number five; it pays to remember that there may be more than just one solution being developed at one time. Try to keep track of all the solutions and their developments. Remember, there may be more than just one solution to the problem. Number six; remember that old adage," two heads are better than one." That one is truer than it sounds. Always be open to new ideas. You can only benefit from listening to all the ideas each person has. This is especially true when the person you're talking to has had experience solving problems similar to yours. You don't have to be a gung-ho, solo hero to solve the problem. If you can organize collective thought on the subject, it would be much better. Number seven; be patient. As long as you persevere, there is always a chance that a solution will present itself. Remember that no one was able to create an invention the first time around. Creative thinking exercises can also help you in your quest be a more creative problems solver. Here is one example. Take a piece of paper and write any word that comes to mind at the center. Now look at that word then write the first two words that come to your mind. This can go on until you can build a tree of related words. This helps you build analogical skills, and fortify your creative processes. So, next time you see a problem you think you can not solve, think again.
The solution might just be staring you right in the face. All it takes
is just a little creative thinking, some planning, and a whole lot of
work.
Thinking and Working Smarter, how to learn from othersThere are going to be times when you will want to focus on something other than your pride. You ma y be able to do a good job, but you may lack technique and so on. You may just find that there are things that you cannot do because you are not familiar with the work. You will find that if you allow someone to come over and help you you'll be able to get the work done and on time, but your co-workers will see you as more workable. The thing is that when you refuse the help of a co-worker you will make them feel bad, and then there will be tension. You will want to do everything you can to keep your relationships with your co-workers solid. However, there are times when they will offer help, but you may not feel like you need it because you will be able to handle it on your own. You will also find that if you take the time to learn from them, you will be able to preserve your relationship with them at work. You will want to do what you think is best. If you know you have no clue as to what you should do first in something, ask your co-worker. If you aren't sure about something, ask someone around you. If you take the time to get the opinion of others you will be able to learn from them and make the right decision next time. You will also learn the quality standards of the company and what is expected from you. When it comes to thinking about what you can learn from others, you have to think positively. There is so much that you can learn from others if you just keep an open mind about it all. If you keep an open mind then you'll be able to take some positive outcomes from the experience. When you learn from others and allow them to show you something, you'll be able to grow and bond with the person. Teaching others make people feel good, however, if you take the time to really pay attention and get something out of their teachings, then you will feel better also. If you know someone does something better then you or are faster then you, you should pull them aside and ask how they do things. You will be able to improve on your skills and then you'll find that work will get easier. You need to put your pride aside when it comes to things that you lack skill in. It's better to talk to someone about your job issues, then it is to just let things go. You shouldn't feel like you're stuck in a job that you don't like. If you reach out to others they will tutor you and show you the way that the company likes things and you'll begin to feel a lot better about your job. You shouldn't feel intimidated to ask your co-workers question either. In fact, most of the time, your performance will reflect on the whole department and they will be more than happy to give you a few pointers. You will notice that when you learn from others you can use it within the job, but also you'll be more likely to take the advice of others. You will find that when you get home things are just as hard, but if you allow your spouse to help you do things, then your whole day will change. In fact, everything can be a lot better if you learn how to be a leader and follower. There are times when you are going to need to stand out and take charge, but then there are times when you should hold back and listen to others. The key is to knowing when you need to be a leader and when you need to be a follower. Thinking and Working Smarter, learning by listeningThere are a lot of people who do not understand that there are many things that you can get from listening to someone. You will find that you can learn from listening, however, you have to learn how to listen first. There are many people who think that listening is hearing, however, it's much more than that. You will not only have to hear a message being spoken, but you will have to understand it. To understand you are going to have to questions and pay close attention to the speaker. When you give someone that attention, you'll find that they will be able to communicate with you better. When it comes to learning by listening you will find that there are many different situations that you are going to have to deal with, but if you listen you'll be able to get something from it all. You will find that when you are at work you will learn the most. You may find that a demonstration will show you how to do things, but if you listen to what is being said you'll effectively understand it all. You will learn the facts and also how you can improve at your job. You will find that if you improve and learn how to make your weaknesses strengths, you'll be able to go far in the company and improve. When you are learning by listening you will make the most out of things. You may end up finding that you can go further in life by listening and learning. You will find that it works in all areas of your life. You will be able to improve your life at work, your life at home, and you'll be able to feel a lot better. You will find that there are things that you can improve in your job and relationships that will make you happy. Once you are able to make things go smoother and become better at your work or with people you will be able to feel a lot better about life in general. Not only will you find things will seem to be easier, you'll be able to enjoy your time at work or with those around you since you'll be able to relax. You don't have to worry about your boss coming in and yelling at you for doing bad work , because you will find that if you can take inconsideration their thoughts about the way that you should do work, then you'll be able to please the higher managers. You will begin to get noticed more and with a promotion comes more things to enjoy about work and life. You can have it all if you only learn how to learn and listen. When you take the time to really hear those around you, you'll be able to do things better and you'll be able to get along with others more as well. You will find that there are tons of things that you can do in hopes of making a relationship work, but it is the listening that will help you learn what your mate likes and dislikes so that you can embrace the relationship and the person will open ears and with an open heart. You will find that you can have a lot of success in life if you only could listen to others who only want to help you. There are tons of things that you can get from listening, but you have
to want to hear the person. When you want to do something you'll be able
to really be able to focus and you'll also be able to improve. Listening
is the key to many relationships, personally and professionally.
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Customer Service and Call Center Outsourcing, Whats The Buzz?
How to Become an Ideal LeaderWhen you are at work, do you get frustrated because things don't seem to be happening the way they’re supposed to be? You see people milling around but nothing gets accomplished. And in the daily hustle and bustle, do you feel that your goals remain just that – goals. Then maybe its time for you to stand up and do something about it. Most people are content just to stand around listening for orders. And it isn't unusual to adopt a follow-the-leader mentality. But maybe, somewhere inside of you, you feel the desire to make things happen – to be the head, not the tail. Then maybe leadership just suits you fine. Some people believe that great leaders are made, not born. Yes, it may be true that some people are born with natural talents. However, without practice, without drive, without enthusiasm, and without experience, there can be no true development in leadership. You must also remember that good leaders are continually working and studying to improve their natural skills. This takes a commitment to constantly improve in whatever endeavor a person chooses. First of all, let's define leadership. To be a leader, one must be able to influence others to accomplish a goal, or an objective. He contributes to the organization and cohesion of a group. Contrary to what most people believe, leadership is not about power. It is not about harassing people or driving them using fear. It is about encouraging others towards the goal of the organization. It is putting everyone on the same page and helping them see the big picture of the organization. You must be a leader not a boss. First of all, you have to get people to follow you. How is this accomplished? People follow others when they see a clear sense of purpose. People will only follow you if they see that you know where you are going. Remember that bumper sticker? The one that says, don't follow me, I'm lost too? The same holds true for leadership. If you yourself do not know where you're headed to, chances are people will not follow you at all. You yourself must know the vision of the organization. Having a clear sense of hierarchy, knowing who the bosses are, who to talk to, the organization's goals and objectives, and how the organization works is the only way to show others you know what you are doing. Being a leader is not about what you make others do. It's about who you are, what you know, and what you do. You are a reflection of what you're subordinates must be. Studies have shown that one other bases of good leadership is the trust and confidence your subordinates have of you. If they trust you they will go through hell and high water for you and for the organization. Trust and confidence is built on good relationships, trustworthiness, and high ethics. The way you deal with your people, and the relationships you build will lay the foundation for the strength of your group. The stronger your relationship, the stronger their trust and confidence is in your capabilities. Once you have their trust and confidence, you may now proceed to communicate the goals and objectives you are to undertake. Communication is a very important key to good leadership. Without this you can not be a good leader. The knowledge and technical expertise you have must be clearly imparted to other people. Also, you can not be a good leader and unless you have good judgment. You must be able to assess situations, weigh the pros and cons of any decision, and actively seek out a solution. It is this judgment that your subordinates will come to rely upon. Therefore, good decision-making is vital to the success of your organization. Leaders are not do-it-all heroes. You should not claim to know everything, and you should not rely upon your skills alone. You should recognize and take advantage of the skills and talents your subordinates have. Only when you come to this realization will you be able to work as one cohesive unit. Remember being a leader takes a good deal of work and time. It is not learned overnight. Remember, also, that it is not about just you. It is about you and the people around you. So, do you have the drive and the desire to serve required of leaders?
Do you have the desire to work cooperatively with other people? Then start
now. Take your stand and be leader today.
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