Sometimes the best answers for solving a problem come from someone who knows a lot less than you about what you are facing. It’s an innovative problem solving strategy called lack of knowledge and it involves getting the input of a thoughtful but otherwise uninformed individual about the problem you face. They do not have to be a stranger to you.  They just need to be a stranger to your problem. They are uninformed and this makes them free from all of the insider knowledge that you have. This also makes their perspective very valuable.

You can use an individual’s lack of knowledge as one tool for innovative and creative thinking and problem solving:

Have you ever heard the sayings, Get a Fresh Perspective or You Cannot See the Forest for the Trees?  These popular sayings reflect the value of a new perspective that is not hindered by knowledge of an operation or situation.  It is an outsider’s perspective.  The outsider perspective is valuable because it is not bound by limitations or assumptions.  An outsider does not know your limitations or assumptions—unless you tell them.  Getting the opinion of people who have no idea of the specifics of your issue or of the problem you face can assist you in finding breakthrough solutions.

If you manage or lead a group and confidentiality is not a concern, encourage your team to obtain outsider perspectives on a problem your unit faces from individuals that they know.  By expanding the group of outsiders beyond your own immediate circle, you improve the chances of obtaining breakthrough solutions to solve your most difficult problems. You improve the diversity and depth of potential innovative and creative ideas.

When you face a difficult problem, find ways to get an outsider’s perspective.  Get the point of view of someone who does not know the specifics of your situation, the limitations you face, and the assumptions that are built into your problem.  You will often find that even if they do not have the complete solution for your problem, their outsider perspective will often spark you to think differently and come up with a breakthrough solution.