A520.3.3.RB - Constraints on Creative Problem Solving

While reading this week's Chapter on solving problems analytically and creatively, I realized I place several constraints on myself.  Constancy and Complacency are probably the two conceptual blocks that that inhibit my problem solving the most.  I am a creature of habit.  Therefore, when I get in a good routine I fail to deviate and often fall into a pattern of not paying attention or a drone mentality.  This is similar to the "Bias against Thinking conceptual block, "an inclination to avoid to doing mental work." Whetten & Cameron, 2016) Although I don't have an issue solving problems, I often don't make the effort to think critically about situations or problems.  



One example is when complacency prevented me from solving a problem happened recently.  Despite my endeavor to reflect and thinking critically about situations, I let life get the better of me.  We have a manning situation recently in my section that is only getting worse.  We have several people that forecasted leave throughout the June/July and we had three personnel expecting babies through the summer.  We had to support several deployments and last minutes tasks while still maintaining a good schedule at home-station.  Additionally, we had about six people out-processing to separate from the military therefore they had various appointments and scheduling conflicts.  Needless to say, it's been a struggle to maintain a good schedule without overworking the team.  This past week was especially trying.  We have six personnel out, several others scheduled for classes and one that had to leave unexpectedly for a family situation.  On top of that, we had to provide two people for three separate ceremonies, basically they were "rent a crowds".  We were also preparing for one of the largest inspections of the year.  Tensions were high and attitudes were short. Reflecting back, I could have avoided this situation. 


I remember quickly making the schedule a few months ago and not spending much time on it.  Although I knew I should think about the calendar of events (ceremonies, babies, deployments, training), I had other stuff on my plate and didn't want to put in too much effort or time into the schedule.  Looking back, I understand the implications of my complacency.  Rather than solving a problem, I created several more.  In the future, I need to generate more alternatives or find "holes" in the schedule.  Instead of relying on my own ideas, I can brainstorm with my team to see if I missed any details.  Furthermore, I could expand alternatives by subdividing the problem (schedule) in to several parts such as leave, deployments, training, inspections & exercises, appointments, and other events.

In the future, I will be more mindful and self-aware of when I am avoiding thinking.  Not only will this create a better working environment for my team, it will help me manage my (and my teams) time more effectively, thus reducing tension and undue stress.  While I thought I've done a good job, I have to maintain focus and remember the bigger picture. This will be a continuous struggle and endeavor. 

Whetten, D. A., & Cameron, K. S. (2016). Developing management skills (9th ed.). Essex, England: Pearson Education.