From Problems to Possibilities – how to snap into creative thinking mode
Frankie Kemp
17 February 2025
In our daily lives and professional environments, we can easily habitualise our reactions to certain situations and people.
These reactions are not always helpful. Although we’re aware that those communication skills are not working for us at that moment, it’s like we’re wedged into this way of thinking.
It’s that same mental mode that stops us being more resourceful – in all areas of our lives, blocking the capacity to solve problems and open up to more creative thinking strategies.
However, a swift mental switch allows us to encounter challenges that will lead us to entirely different conclusions.
One of the most popular exercises in my creative problem solving training is The “Problem Frame / Outcome Frame” concept. It provides a valuable framework for shifting our mindset from dwelling on issues to focusing on solutions. The magic of this is that you can see:
a) which frame is more instinctive and
b) how to internally switch to a more constructive mode.
By recognizing when we’re stuck in the Problem Frame and consciously moving to the Outcome Frame, we can enhance our problem-solving abilities and achieve better results.
How to Use This with Yourself (Intrapersonally)
Many of us have a tendency to stay in the Problem Frame, while others naturally sit in the Outcome Frame. You need both in life and work. The Problem Frame is crucial for identifying problems and uncovering root causes but also to be able to actively shift to the Outcome Frame to find solutions.
Here’s a personal example:
Many years ago, I wrote a collection of plays for children in large classes, aimed at teaching English through drama. During a book tour preparation in Turkey, the publisher had asked me via email to prepare workshops for each of the 10 schools I was visiting. One month later, as we were en route to the school, he asked about the second hour of the workshops. “What second hour?” I was baffled. I had understood it to be two workshops of one hour each. With only 40 minutes before the workshop started, I initially fell into the Problem Frame, blaming miscommunication. I quickly shifted to the Outcome Frame: What did I need to do now? How could he help me? We brainstormed solutions, and I managed to successfully conduct the second hour and plan the subsequent workshops. An internal shift changed the whole interaction, impacting on the outcome.
How to Use This with Others (Interpersonally)
When we interact with others, we often get pulled down a negative drain because they’re stuck in the Problem Frame. On the other hand, there are some who tend to look for outcomes that ignore inherent issues. To counteract this, here’s a list of questions that help switch others switch to a more constructive mindset. Ask the right questions to provoke solutions, thereby fostering a more positive and productive environment.
Problem Frame vs. Outcome Frame Questions
| Problem Frame | Outcome Frame |
| What’s your problem? | What do you want?
|
| How long have you had it? | How will you get what you want?
|
| Whose fault is it? | How will you know when you’ve got it?
|
| Why can’t you solve it? | What resources do you have that can help you achieve your outcome? |
| What are the other consequences of this problem? | What else will improve when you achieve your outcome? |
| Why haven’t you solved it yet? | What’s something similar you’ve achieved in the past? |
| If you don’t solve it what will happen? | What’s the next step? |
Good questions to trigger an Outcome Response in others when they’re stuck in Problem Frame:
- How could you improve the way things are?
- How would you like to progress?
- What are you trying to do?
- What changes do you want made?
- What do you envisage?
- What do you need?
- Where are we going from here?
- What would you like to see happen?
- What outcome would you like?
Scroll down for the downloadable version of this.
Here’s an example
You’ll notice that the questioning will lead you down completely different routes and end at contrasting outcomes. It’s as applicable for personal issues as it is for professional ones in that the mental switch is instant and tangible.
| Problem Frame | Outcome Frame |
| What’s your problem? The project is behind schedule and we’re pressing against the deadline. | What do you want? Successfully complete the project by steamlining it. |
| How long have you had it? It’s been behind for the last few weeks. | How will you get what you want? Borrow some from other teams in the German office, and prioritise critical tasks for a partial roll out.
|
| Whose fault is it? The team are at the mercy of different project and there were unexpected technical issues. Management problem? | How will you know when you’ve got it? The priority tasks will be completed within a week of the deadline and users will be satisfied with results. |
| Why can’t you solve it? We’ve only just got the root cause of the issue and now we’re playing catch up | What resources do you have that can help you achieve your outcome? We have a couple of people in Product in Berlin plus Stav, our coding wizard, who may be able to customise the SaaS CRM. |
| What are the other consequences of this problem? Stress. Pressure managing other projects now mounting. Tiredness and arguments at home. We’ll start smashing plates soon. | What else will improve when you achieve your outcome? I’ll be able to move on to other projects with Corinne, which will be more enjoyable. Plus I’ll have the satisfaction of a job well done with the credibility to go with it. |
| Why haven’t you solved it yet? Because no-one’s asked, “What if we could make this easier?” | What’s something similar you’ve achieved in the past? There was the phone line service that was also up against a deadline with technical issues and again we customised our existing service with outside help.
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| If you don’t solve it what will happen? I’ll fall behind on other projects and risk my credibility at work, resulting in no bonus. Evenutally, we’ll run out of plates to smash at home. | What’s the next step? Create a detailed action plan, present it to Stav’s manager and plot in clear milestones and responsibilities for the rest of the team. |
The Importance of Switching Mindsets
When we talk about creative problem-solving, getting into the right state for the issue at hand is key. In ‘real life,’ we’re constantly switching between tasks. So, whether you’re ideating alone or with others, switching your mindset is crucial, and this is one simple way to do it.
Action Steps
1. Be aware of which frame you’re in when solving a problem.
2. Switch to the Outcome Frame if the Problem Frame isn’t leading you anywhere!
3. Practice these questions regularly to make the shift more intuitive: click below to get your Problem Outcome Frame so you can have it at hand.
If you’re looking at upgrading your Creative Problem Solving go here. Tap into your resourcefulness – independently or as a team. See how I help individuals and companies generate ideas and know how to filter and action them. Want to know more? Get in touch with me here.
