Key problem-solving mindsets for very uncertain times
We all see that uncertainty that was introduced by COVID-19 pandemic will stay with us for a while – everybody expects economic recession caused by recent political, economics, and war developments

To be successful in this permanently changing setup, businesses need to adopt new problem-solving mindsets. We found several recent research teams that identified six problem-solving mindsets that can help organizations to thrive in very uncertain times.
Great problem solvers are made, not born. That's what decades of problem solving with leaders across business, nonprofit, and policy sectors show. Such leaders learn to adopt a particularly open and curious mindset and adhere to a systematic process for cracking even the most inscrutable problems. They're excellent problem solvers under any conditions. And when conditions of uncertainty are at their peak, they're at their brilliant best.
Six mutually reinforcing approaches underly their success: (1) being ever-curious about every element of a problem; (2) being imperfectionists, with a high tolerance for ambiguity; (3) having a "dragonfly eye" view of the world, to see through multiple lenses; (4) pursuing occurrent behavior and experimenting relentlessly; (5) tapping into the collective intelligence, acknowledging that the smartest people are not in the room; and (6) practicing "show and tell" because storytelling begets action
1. The Explorer Mindset
The explorer mindset involves taking a broad view of the situation and gathering as much information as possible to understand the problem. This mindset involves being curious, asking questions, and seeking out new perspectives. It is essential to explore a range of options and consider multiple scenarios to make informed decisions.

2. The Problem Solver Mindset
The problem solver mindset involves breaking down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts. This mindset involves identifying the root cause of the problem and developing a plan to address it. It is important to prioritize the most critical issues and focus on solving them first.

3. The Challenger Mindset
The challenger mindset involves questioning assumptions and challenging the status quo. This mindset involves looking beyond conventional thinking and exploring new ideas and approaches. It is essential to be open to feedback and willing to challenge your own assumptions.

4. The Innovator Mindset
The innovator mindset involves embracing creativity and experimentation. This mindset involves exploring new solutions and approaches that may not have been tried before. It is important to be willing to take risks and learn from failures.

5. The Resilient Mindset
The resilient mindset involves being adaptable and flexible in the face of uncertainty. This mindset involves embracing change and being willing to pivot when necessary. It is important to have a long-term perspective and focus on building resilience over time.

6. The Collaborative Mindset
The collaborative mindset involves working together with others to solve problems. This mindset involves building strong relationships and partnerships with stakeholders and leveraging diverse perspectives and expertise. It is important to communicate effectively and build trust with others.

To effectively navigate very uncertain times, businesses must adopt a combination of these mindsets. By embracing curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, organizations can develop innovative solutions to complex problems. By being adaptable and resilient, businesses can weather the storm of uncertainty and emerge stronger on the other side.
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