CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING

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Creative Problem Solving is...

Adding another ingredient to the usual “stew” of what do I do about whatever…

What is Problem Solving?

Making decisions that you can live with the morning after...

“How do you do this?” By using a “tried & true” approach. “Which is …”

The *Scientific Method

Describe the need.Define goals & criteria.Identify constraints.Generate alternatives.Evaluate alternatives.Select best overall solution.Follow up.

CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING

• What is it?– Using memory to bring both knowledge &

imagination together.– It is uncommon performed by

– It is

getting in the >mind-set

>Suspending judgment

– an open mind– a supportive environment

>Knowing yourself – always …never…

>Fueling the flow of ideas

– Valuing every idea– Encouraging others

Silence & Solitude

Return to Nature

Return to Nurture

Mental or Physical Break - Away

(Source: The Psychology of Achievement, Brian Tracy)

“Sole-Searching” Techniques

APPLICATION

Physical Warm Up

Mental Drill (#1 - 5 with a partner)

Self-Practice (#6 - 10 on your own)

Group Exercise

“Just my Imagination…”1. What fragrance is the letter “X”?2. What flavor is a computer bug?3. How old is the letter “Y”?4. What color is a summer breeze?5. How wide is forever?6. When does a “timeless object” wake up?7. How much does wisdom weigh?8. What is the name of your favorite dust ball?9. What is your happiest sadness?10. What does a rock sound like?

SELF-PRACTICE

GROUP EXERCISE

RESOURCE LIST

1.. Managing Time• Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (New York:

Simon & Schuster, 1990)

• Peter F. Drucker, The Effective Executive (New York: HarperBusiness,1985)

• Franklin Quest, TIMEQUEST The Franklin Day Planner System Increasing Productivity Through Value-Based Time Management

2. Managing Change

• William Bridges, Managing Transitions- Making the Most of Change (Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley, 1991)

• James M. Kouzes & Barry Z. Posner, The Leadership Challenge (San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 1987)

• Peter R. Scholtes, The Team Handbook (Madison, WI: Joiner Associates, 1990)

• Wm. H. Cunningham, R. J. Alday, & M. S. Stone, Business In A Changing World (Cincinnati, Ohio: South-Western College (ITP), 1996)

• Jerry Y. Wind & Jeremy Main, Driving Change (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1998)

3. Creative Problem Solving• Cunningham, et al, Business In A Changing World

• Brian Tracy, The Psychology of Achievement- Creative Problem Solving & Decision Making (Niles, IL: Nightingale-Conant)

• Creative Problem Solving With ThoughtPath, Introduction to Creative Problem Solving (www.thoughtpath.com)

• Teamworks Module: Problem Solving (www.vta.spcomm.u.uc.edu)