How Can I Problem Solve With "How Might We"?

When we're brainstorming, sometimes we can get boxed in by what we think is realistic.

We don't have the budget for that.

It'll never work here.

We've never done that before

But putting too many limits on a brainstorm stops the flow of creative ideas.

If the goal is to find the best solution, we need to be open to creative possibilities.

Learn about one way to do this: "How Might We" statements in the video below.

Start your next brainstorming session with a "How Might We" statement. Complete the sentence with whatever your goal is. For example..

• How might we increase sales by 20%?

• How might we work more efficiently as a team?

• How might we adapt our business model for a recession?

Using the word "might" opens up a world of possibilities. We aren't limited by what we should do. It encourages everyone to think more flexibly about how things could work.

Blue Sky: All Ideas Welcome

Use the first half of your brainstorming time sharing ideas and responses to the prompt. The sky is the limit on the creativity of your ideas.

Invite everyone to participate and share ideas for how you might be able to approach the "How Might We Statement."

Don't go too far into detail on any single idea. For now, just record the ideas as they come up.

Now that you've generated a creative list of possibilities, it's time to decide which ideas are most realistic and appropriate.

Use the process of elimination to remove ideas from your list until you're left with a handful of options.

Now that you have a few realistic and appropriate solutions, consider: what are the strengths and weaknesses of each one?

There's no need to commit to a single approach.

Can you combine elements from different options to build an even stronger approach?

Ask yourself: How might I bring together the strengths of all of these ideas?

Depending on your timeline, you may make a plan of action at this stage. Or, you may choose to take some more time to discuss with others and make the solution even stronger.

Using "How Might We" is a minor adjustment to a brainstorm prompt. But the creative and flexible thinking it unlocks can be powerful.

As you continue with your week, ask yourself: How might I incorporate this strategy into my approach to problem solving?