Creative problem solving with a beginner’s mindset
An ability to look at challenges with a fresh set of eyes and create innovative solutions can be the biggest game-changer for businesses that want to differentiate themselves in the market. But innovation without the right toolset can be challenging.
In this article, you will find out how to approach challenges from a fresh perspective using Beginner’s Mind technique and how to incorporate it into your workflow.
What is a beginner’s mindset?
The idea was first articulated by Shunryu Suzuki, a Zen monk, teacher, and author of the book Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind. Suzuki wrote about challenging the status quo—the customary ways of doing things and approaching life with openness and lack of preconceptions to embrace progressive thinking.
Today Beginner’s Mind is a popular technique applied in problem-solving workshops to open possibilities for new, innovative ideas. When using this technique, the team is asked to put all their knowledge about a subject aside and approach the workshop as if they came as a novice with opinions that may or may not work. The benefit of this approach is that it allows the participants to see the subject from a fresh perspective and find new ways to solve the problem in front of them.
“If your mind is empty, it is always ready for anything, it is open to everything. In the beginner’s mind, there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s mind, there are few.”
Why is this technique important?
By default, our brain is trying to solve problems based on previous knowledge. The more experience we have in a specific field, the more knowledge we have accumulated over the years. This is great - knowledge creates expertise. But familiarity with the subject also means that we lose the ability to see it from a fresh perspective as a complete beginner would. This prevents innovation as we are approaching problem-solving based on solutions that will work but are not new.
“The key in reevaluating current approaches and discovering new possibilities is to create space for curiosity, playfulness and creativity.”
How to use it in your workflow?
Wondering how to be more innovative and find creative solutions? Try this:
When approaching a new project be aware of biases that come with your expertise and try to approach the ideation process objectively.
Look at a problem as if you have never solved it before and note ALL the possible solutions - as a novice would.
Challenge the status quo by questioning everything. Why do you need to do it? Why this way? Can this be done differently?
Be curious and don’t disregard the wacky solutions. Let yourself dream big and have fun.
The key in reevaluating current approaches and discovering new possibilities is to allow curiosity, playfulness and creativity into your workflow. Set a side sometimes when you can question what you know, dream up unconstrained possibilities and let ideas flow.
