Problem-solving is valued a lot at work. Employees are wired to find what’s not working within and outside them and focus on fixing it.
Example: “Oh no, business writing is my weakness” or “Argh, we missed the project deadline.”
When you are constantly looking for what’s broken, you are in a stress response which stops you from getting into a flow or an effortless state.
But – What can help you get into flow is appreciative inquiry – that is looking within and outside yourself and asking – what’s working well and why. This allows you to relax, be confident and enjoy your work.
Example: “I am way more creative in a silent brainstorm” or “No meeting-Fridays are helping the team focus more”
I am not saying problem-solving is useless. I’m saying, at work, we need to focus equally on appreciative inquiry as well.
