In business, you will be from time to time faced with tough decisions, problems and issues. It may be about an employee, student or parent. Maybe it is a money issue or dealing with your landlord. How many times have you caught yourself thinking that there couldn’t possibly be a solution to a problem – and that a particular problem just leads to a dead end? How many times have you felt stumped knowing that the problem before you is one you cannot solve or that you have little or no options to do so?  The pressure of having to solve such a problem may be overwhelming. The worst thing to do is to avoid it. However, once you start to address issues and find solutions you are on your way to becoming a problem solver! Problem solving can be very empowering to the business owner. Every solution will bring you to a higher level of knowing you can resolve issues.

With some creative problem-solving techniques you may be able to look at your problem in a different light. And you might just be able to see that light at 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 you cannot solve your problem is that you have not really taken a hard look at what the problem is. It is important to really understand where the problem lies in order to be able to solve it. Make a mental note of the things you stand to gain and lose from the current problem.

Number two; try to get as much information from both sides as to what the problem is and why it exists. You need to look at all angles in an unbiased way in order to be able to figure out exactly what needs to be done. It is a whole lot easier to resolve something when you have all the facts.

Number three; try to solve the problem by parts. Start looking at the overall issue and then you can get in to the more detailed parts. Ask yourself how you would resolve whatever it is that has become the problem. Then analyze all the things that have become difficult as a result of that problem.

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. If an associate comes up with a possible solution, try to think how you could make that solution work. Try to be creative.

Number five; be aware that you may have to look at a number of solutions before you or someone else comes up with the one you feel best about.

Number six; remember that old adage," Two heads are better than one." It is always helpful to have someone that you can discuss problems with. 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 get trusted opinions on the subject, it’s a good idea.

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 and Rome wasn’t built in a day!

So, next time you see a problem you think you cannot 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, some work and perhaps some help from someone you trust.