42 Managing straightforward tasks Generating opportunities and solutions The checklists on pages 37­40 will help you to understand the problems you have. Problems are overcome by solutions. Fortunately, life is not just about solving problems ­ there are also opportunities for improve- ment. This checklist is written from the viewpoint of a solution to a known problem, but it will also work in identifying new opportunities. 1 Make sure there is a clear understanding of what is wanted. Don't jump too soon to a solution. You are answering a question like `I want to overcome problem X', not something of the form `I want to do Y'. For example, `I want to transport a 250kg box from London to Edinburgh', not `I want to hire a Ford Transit van'. Document the problem succinctly and unambiguously. If you can't express it in a sentence or two, you won't be able to focus people on working out a solution to it. Challenge yourself and your team, and if appropriate your customers and suppliers, with regard to this problem: 2 3 What do your competitors do? Who really understands this issue? Are there other organisations who you can talk to, to discuss ideas? What books, journals, websites, blogs are available on this topic? Who is reading them? Are there specialists or consultants who can advise you? Are there other areas we can gain inspiration from? What is an off-the-wall suggestion? 4 Create an atmosphere in which innovation and creativity thrive. Build expertise, motivation and excitement for creativity, and creative thinking skills. Do not set too tight constraints or limits. Identify and challenge inherent assumptions.