There are those who say problem solving looks backwards and innovation looks forward. I would argue that sometimes effective problem solving requires innovation and sometimes creating a different future can benefit from leveraging problem-solving methodologies.

To problem solve the future, begin to focus on the gap between “what is happening” and “what could be happening” instead of on the traditional problem-solving question of “what should be happening.”

What does your mission and vision implore you to do that you’re not currently accomplishing?

Ask “why can’t we?” 

Ask “why haven’t we?”

Ask “what’s slowing us down?”

Ask “what opportunity are we not fully leveraging?”

Look backwards to solve the most impactful problems, and forward to create the future. And of course, no matter which methodologies you use, always remember to Finish Strong®.