Sitting with the problem longer

The pressure of meetings, deadlines and things to do can mean we accept the first idea. 

But try and stay with the problem longer. Really pick it apart, with other minds and perspectives. 

It might be easier to fall in behind the first or dominant voice with a solution, rather than offering up something else. 

If you’re leading the meeting, it’s vital that additional contributions are invited at solution time and that those suggestions are welcomed when they’re given. 

Or when problem solving alone, allow time to work longer on the problem, to ponder and wonder over it. 

The race is not for the first or quickest answer. It’s for the most effective solution with the time and resources available. 

If you usually jump in first ... wait. 
And if you usually wait ... step in as soon as you have something.