Creative problem solving 2
- 2. Module One: Getting Started In the past few decades, psychologists and business people alike have discovered that successful problem solvers tend to use the same type of process to identify and implement the solutions to their problems. This process works for any kind of problem, large or small. No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking. Voltaire
- 3. Workshop Objectives Understand problems Key questions to ask Evaluate potential solutions Identify the tasks and resources
- 4. Module Two: The Problem Solving Method To begin, let’s look at the creative problem solving process. In this module, we will define “problem” and other situations that lend themselves to the creative problem solving process. We will introduce the concept of solving problems using a creative process. Every problem has in it the seeds of its own solution. If you don’t have any problems, you don’t get any seeds. Norman Vincent Peale
- 5. What is a Problem? Doubt Uncertainty Undesired situation Challenges Opportunities
- 6. What is Creative Problem Solving? Structured approach Innovative solutions Improve a situation
- 7. What are the Steps in the Creative Solving Process? Information Gathering Problem Definition Possible Solutions Analyzing Possible Solutions Selecting the Best Solution(s) Next Course of Action
- 8. Understanding Types of Information Fact Assumption Opinion Procedure Concept Process
- 11. Case Study Julia was surrounded by mounds of papers She couldn’t figure out how to organize for the next meeting Leonard suggested they identifying Key Questions Julia and Leonard brainstormed the answers
- 12. Defining the Problem Where the problem originated Present state and the desired state Stating and restating the problem Analyzing the problem
- 13. Determining Where the Problem Originated Clarify the situation Challenge assumptions Possible reasons and evidence Ask more about the original question
- 14. Defining the Present State and the Desired State Write a statement Concrete details Does not contain causes Does not contain solutions
- 15. Stating and Restating the Problem Emphasize different words Replace a word in the statement Remove opinionated words Draw a picture of the problem
- 16. Analyzing the Problem “What” questions help to identify the problem “Where” questions help to locate the problem “When” questions help discover the timing Magnitude of the problem
- 17. Writing the Problem Statement Specific details about the problem Scope of the problem Any mention of possible causes Any potential solutions
- 18. Case Study Cassidy and Dan were stuck negotiating prices for a new product The manufacturing cost was too high to successfully market and mass produce Cassidy and Dan brainstormed and restated their issues They came to a solution which would help them produce and sell the toy at a profit
- 20. Removing Mental Blocks Attitude adjustment Emotional blocks Break the rules Imagination and feelings Encourage creativity
- 21. Stimulating Creativity Change your perspective Go outside Breathe deeply Meditate Use a journal
- 22. Case Study Hercules, Bill and Richard were brainstorming ideas for a business venture They were surrounded by empty sheets of paper and were close to fighting with each other Bill suggested they Identify Mental Blocks They put aside their assumptions, communicated their difficulties and worked together
- 23. Brainstorming Basics As many as possible Defer judgment Wildest ideas Piggybacking
- 24. Brain writing and Mind Mapping Brain writing In silence Nine squares Fill square with ideas Mind mapping One idea Center of paper List ideas around main idea
- 25. Duncker Diagrams Quit Public Accounting Make it okay to NOT Quit Public Accounting General Solutions Find a new job Take a leave of absence More family time Less Stress Functional Solutions Hire recruiter Specific Solutions Start working at 5:00 am to finish by 5 pm Cash in savings; win the lottery Talk to partner about moving to industry Take a long break in afternoon/evening to spend with family before working late
- 26. Case Study Pamela and Lindi were arguing more than brainstorming They had spent two days trying to figure out the best approach to their problem Lindi suggested they use Brainwriting, and invite others to join in At the end of the session, both Pamela and Lindi were overjoyed
- 27. The Morphological Matrix Safety Timeliness Pedestrians Drivers Extra cross guards Stagger arrival time by grade Cross only at crosswalks with crossing guard Students being dropped off from cars or buses enter at north entrance Policeman giving tickets for rule breakers Provide incentives for dropping off early Pedestrians enter at south entrance Lane for drop off; lane for passing
- 28. The Six Thinking Hats White hat – Facts and Information Yellow Hat – Positive Judgment Black Hat – Critical Judgment Blue Hat – The Big Picture Green Hat – Alternatives and Learning Red Hat – Feelings and Emotion
- 29. The Blink Method Information overload Limited information can work Unconscious thought
- 30. Case Study Judy and George figuring out how to organize an important corporate function The room was in a state of disorganization George suggested they use the Morphological Matrix to work out their problem George was relieved that they could create a solution based on the table
- 31. Developing Criteria Timing – Is the problem urgent? Trend – What direction is the problem heading? Impact – Is the problem serious?
- 32. Analyzing Wants and Needs Must be clear Score each item Order of preference
- 33. Using Cost/Benefit Analysis •Include all benefits •Include all costs •Uncover hidden costs and benefits
- 34. Case Study Joseph, Kyle and Victor were discussing the viability of their marketing solution Kyle suggests they use the Cost/Benefit Analysis Together they analyzed the wants and needs of the clientele In the end they banded together and chose the best solution available to them
- 35. Doing a Final Analysis Each potential solution Advantages and disadvantages Short and long term
- 36. Paired Comparison Analysis For example, imagine that a group of children are deciding which fairy tale to perform in a school play. They have listed six favorites: A) Sleeping Beauty B) Cinderella C) Snow White D) Jack and the Beanstalk E) Hansel and Gretel F) The Three Little Pigs Their chart might look like this: A – B 2 A – C 3 B – C 1 A – D 3 B – D 2 C – D 3 A – E 1 B – E 1 C – E 1 D – E 2 A – F 1 B – F 2 C – F 2 D – F 2 E – F 3 A = 1 B = 5 C = 4 D = 12 E = 1 F = 6 In this example, the clear winner is choice D, or Jack and the Beanstalk.
- 37. Analyzing Potential Problems Think forward Brainstorm Evaluate Be flexible
- 38. Case Study Gregory and Henry were working over solutions to prevent loss of cash flow in their small business They were frustrated by their inability to choose the best solution Henry suggested they use the Paired Comparison Analysis They found the best solution to save their business money, using a final analysis
- 39. Identifying Tasks Identify non-critical tasks Identify critical tasks Small group is effective Steps to make solution a reality
- 40. Identifying Resources Time Personnel Equipment Money Information
- 41. Implementing, Evaluating, and Adapting Take action Continue evaluating Adjust with new information
- 42. Case Study Jeremy and Stacy were analyzing a solution to their accounting problem Though they had the solution, they were still unsure of how to proceed Stacy suggested they use the method of Identifying Resources Stacy was happy that they had the resources and could identify them with Jeremy’s expertise
- 43. Planning the Follow-Up Meeting Have an agenda Invite all key members Meeting arrangements Location and time
- 45. Identifying Improvements Lessons learned Apply to future problems Leads to more success
- 46. Case Study Hillary, John and Clinton were happy they implemented a solution to their marketing problem However, they were struggling to come up with a method of recording that success John suggested the hold a follow-up meeting with those who were involved They planned a celebration and were happy that they had come to an amicable solution
- 47. Module Twelve: Wrapping Up Although this workshop is coming to a close, we hope that your journey to improve your creative problem solving skills is just beginning. Please take a moment to review and update your action plan. This will be a key tool to guide your progress in the days, weeks, months, and years to come. We wish you the best of luck on the rest of your travels! The problem is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise and thinking that having problems is a problem. Theodore Rubin
- 48. Words from the Wise John Foster Dulles • The measure of success is not whether you have a tough problem to deal with, but whether it is the same problem you had last year. Henri Kaiser • Problems are only opportunities in work clothes. Albert Einstein • The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them.