The Art of Solving the Right Problems: Insights from HBR’s Podcast with Thomas Wedell-Wedellsborg
In a world where problem-solving skills are lauded as a critical asset, it’s easy to forget the importance of ensuring we’re actually solving the right problems. This notion was brilliantly illuminated in a recent episode of the Harvard Business Review’s podcast, “HBR on Leadership,” where Thomas Wedell-Wedellsborg, an innovation expert and author, shared profound insights into the art of problem reframing. His perspectives are particularly relevant for us at Seedworks, a coworking space where diverse minds converge and innovation thrives.
Wedell-Wedellsborg introduces a compelling argument: too often, we dive headfirst into solution mode without fully understanding the problem at hand. His discussion on reframing problems, asking pivotal questions, and the use of experimentation and rapid prototyping as tools for innovative problem-solving resonate deeply with our ethos at Seedworks.
The episode, titled “Do You Understand the Problem You’re Trying to Solve?”, delves into the common pitfall of attacking symptoms rather than root causes and the value in pausing to reassess what the actual problem might be. This approach is not just about problem-solving; it’s about creative problem identification and transformation.
At Seedworks, we’ve seen firsthand how the physical and intellectual environment can catalyze such transformational thinking. The concept of a coworking space is, in itself, a response to a reframed problem: rather than seeing the isolation of freelance work as an unavoidable condition, we see it as an opportunity to create a community of collaboration and innovation.
Wedell-Wedellsborg’s discussion on the “slow elevator problem” illustrates the power of reframing brilliantly. Instead of focusing on the technical aspect of making an elevator faster, placing a mirror next to it to engage people’s attention shows a creative leap in addressing the real issue – the experience of waiting.
Furthermore, the podcast highlights the importance of questioning our assumptions and exploring problems from multiple angles. This multidisciplinary approach is what Seedworks is all about. By bringing together professionals from various fields under one roof, we’re setting the stage for a cross-pollination of ideas that can lead to innovative solutions and, more importantly, to questioning whether we’re solving the right problems.
Wedell-Wedellsborg’s insights are a reminder of the significance of pausing, reflecting, and asking, “Is there a better problem to solve?” In the bustling environment of Seedworks, where the air is thick with the promise of the next big idea, this question serves as a grounding force, directing our energies towards meaningful, impactful solutions.
In essence, the podcast episode is not just a lesson in problem-solving; it’s a blueprint for cultivating a culture of innovation. It’s an invitation to look beyond the obvious, to challenge our preconceptions, and to embrace the complex, messy process of truly understanding the problems worth solving. For the community at Seedworks and beyond, it’s a call to action: to refine our problems, to innovate with purpose, and to improve our world, one reframed problem at a time.
As we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities of our times, let’s take inspiration from Wedell-Wedellsborg’s insights and the collaborative spirit of Seedworks. By focusing on the right problems, we’re not just solving issues; we’re opening doors to a future of limitless possibilities.
