#49 Problem-Solving as a Leader: How Giving Your Mind a Break Can Lead to Innovative Solutions

As a leader, problem-solving is a critical skill that you use every day. But have you ever found that the stress and anxiety that comes along with trying to solve a problem can actually make it all worse? If so, you're not alone.

​The first thing to understand is that it's natural to feel anxious and uncertain when faced with a problem. However, if you want to be a better problem solver, you need to recognise that pushing away uncertainty won't help you find the best solution. So, what can you do?
 
Believe it or not, stepping back and giving your mind a break can actually help you solve complex problems. This means taking a break from actively thinking about the problem, but still keeping it in the back of your mind. It's during these moments of downtime that your mind can make connections and find solutions that you may not have considered before.
 
Of course, you still need to do your due diligence by collecting all the necessary information and immersing yourself in the problem. But once you've done that, trust in the power of your exceptional mind to keep working on it even when you're not consciously thinking about it.
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Those who can't let go of their dependence on concrete, countable information often find it difficult to see solutions that don't fit into what they already know. This kind of singular focus not only wastes energy, but it also stifles innovation, creates frustration, and ultimately leads to poor performance and health outcomes. This is a serious problem, not just for individuals, but for entire teams and organisations.
 
So, as a leader, remember to take a step back and trust in your exceptional mind to work on the problem, even when you're not consciously thinking about it. This can lead to better solutions, improved innovation, and ultimately better performance and health outcomes for yourself, your team, and your organisation.