Innovation is the lifeblood of successful organisations. It fuels growth, improves efficiency, and creates competitive advantages. At its core, innovation stems from inspired problem-solving. But truly thinking outside the box? That’s a skill that teams across the globe are constantly striving to master.
Understanding Traditional Approaches to Problem-Solving
Most organisations rely on conventional problem-solving frameworks, such as brainstorming sessions or structured “SWOT” analyses. These methods can be helpful but often limit creativity. Why? Because they rely on linear thinking and rigid processes that guide participants to “play it safe.”
For instance:
- Brainstorming can sometimes result in “groupthink,” where individual perspectives are nudged aside in favour of a safer, shared consensus.
- Traditional analyses (like SWOT or pros-and-cons lists) draw heavily on past data and trends, rather than allowing for fresh, blue-sky thinking.
While these tools shouldn’t necessarily be abandoned, innovative problem-solving requires moving beyond the expected. This means breaking out of safe, predictable patterns and letting creativity unfold.
83% of Senior Executives
Rank Innovation Among Their Organisation’s Top Three Priorities.
Source: Boston Consulting Group
Why Mental Barriers Hold Teams Back
Simply knowing a few innovative tools isn’t enough. To truly shift gears, teams need to address the mental blocks that stifle creative thinking, including:
Cognitive Biases
Unconscious biases often cause us to dismiss unconventional ideas. For example:
- The Status Quo Bias: Preferring familiar methods, even if they’re no longer the most efficient.
- Confirmation Bias: Focusing on information that supports pre-existing solutions while ignoring alternative ideas.
Fear of Failure
A common blocker to innovation is the fear of being wrong. Teams that are overly risk-averse tend to stick to “tried and tested” methods even in situations where bold solutions are necessary.
Over-Reliance on Hierarchies
When a team feels innovation is the responsibility of leadership alone, their ability to contribute ideas diminishes. Collaborative creativity happens when everyone feels equally empowered to speak up.
Strategies for Thinking Outside the Box
The good news? There are proven methods that can help any team foster creative problem-solving and innovative thinking. Here are some actionable strategies to get started:
1. Brainstorm Using Creative Constraints
Yes, brainstorming can still be effective—but add a twist. Instead of setting broad parameters, create imaginative constraints. For example:
- “How would we solve this problem with zero budget?”
- “What solutions would we use in a different industry entirely?”
These limitations often force unexpected creativity.
2. Mind Mapping for Clarity
Visualise ideas using tools like mind maps. Start with the main challenge and branch out with potential solutions, no matter how unconventional. This process encourages free-form thinking while keeping ideas connected.
3. Use Lateral Thinking Techniques
Employ tools like Edward de Bono’s “Six Thinking Hats,” which approach problems from alternate perspectives (creative, emotional, logical, etc.). This makes brainstorming sessions multi-dimensional and ensures ideas are reviewed from a balanced viewpoint.
4. Collaborate Through Cross-Functional Teaming
Bring together employees from different departments for problem-solving. Fresh perspectives from diverse roles or disciplines can inspire creative solutions through collaborative discussions.
5. Engage in Team-Building Activities
Sometimes building a team’s creative capacity starts outside of the workspace. Engaging in structured, fun activities designed to develop leadership, collaboration, and adaptability lays the groundwork for innovative teamwork. (Psst! If you’d like help planning a workshop, we’ve got you covered! )
Did You Know?
87% Of Executives Believe Innovation Is Essential To Their Organisation’s Success And Growth.
Source: Orchidea Blog
Real-World Examples of Innovation in Action
Want proof that thinking outside the box works? Take a page from these success stories:
LEGO’s Transformation
LEGO experienced declining profits in the early 2000s. Instead of focusing on making more products, they thought differently about their offering. By inviting ideas from new collaborators (like adult fans), LEGO created storytelling-oriented products that revitalised the brand, including their LEGO movie franchise.
NASA’s Crowdsourced Solutions
NASA faced a challenge in identifying optimal algorithms for one of their experiments. Instead of relying solely on internal experts, the space agency launched a public competition via “open innovation.” Within weeks, it sourced remarkable solutions from unlikely contributors worldwide.
Why Teams Must See Failure Differently
Here’s a bold truth that leaders need to embed into their workplace culture: failure fuels innovation.
Thomas Edison famously failed thousands of times before perfecting the light bulb. Henry Ford went bankrupt multiple times before revolutionising the automobile industry. Why? Because every stumble taught them what didn’t work, leading them closer to a winning idea.
Encourage transparent dialogue about mistakes within your team. Instead of avoiding risk entirely, review and reflect on lessons learned after setbacks. This builds resilience and ensures teams are ready to iterate and improve next time.
Empower Your Team to Innovate Today
The ability to solve problems isn’t about being a genius or having unlimited resources. It’s about tapping into your team’s potential, encouraging different perspectives, and fostering a fresh, creative approach to challenges.
If you’re ready to tackle those mental blocks and add some spark to your team’s brainstorming sessions, why not invest in a tailored team-building experience? At Total Team Building, our activities go beyond just being fun. They help teams develop essential leadership, communication, and collaborative skills that translate into real-world innovation.
Whether you’re building a more united team or wanting to crack that next big business challenge, we’d love to help. Get in touch with our friendly team today to brainstorm your next team-building event!