A Universal Approach to Creative Problem-SolvingDiana Laboy-Rush

What is Problem-Solving?The world is full of problemsA Problem is: A situation in need of improvementA goal, intention, or desireA project or taskAn obstacle to be overcomeProblem solving is a part of living.Without a process, one may become overwhelmed with options.

What is Creative Problem-Solving?Creativity = uniqueness, innovationCreative problem-solving (CPS) ~ Design A sequence of actions that lead to a specific goal or product.An intentional, process with a purpose.To be effective, a problem solving process must be consistent AND flexible.Creative Problem-Solvers make living look easy.

Universal Stages of Creative Problem-Solving

Stage 1: AcceptanceGetting started and staying involved.Absolutely necessary step; without it there is no motivation to continue the process.Methods for Accepting the Problem:Listing the benefits.Success at first!Give it up.By accepting the problem, you take responsibility, commit energies to the issue and move on to next stage.

Stage 2: AnalysisGathering InformationOften overlooked as an early or initial stage in the process.Methods of gathering information:Insight vs. OutsightIdea-DumpAny related knowledge at-a-glance.Quickly aware of what you dont know, yetLook it up!Under a RockGoal: Research the topic, to become familiar with the problem.

Stage 3: DefinitionA single definition: good enough to live with for the length of project.Translation of findings from stage 2 into meaning and direction I.e. Mission.Strategies for defining a problem:Paraphrased connectionsPrioritiesRecipes and FormulaeGoal: To objectives and specify standards for success.

Stage 4: Ideation BrainstormingIdeas = options, alternativesLots of ideas, better than just a few.Logically follows definition stage, but could change previous decisions.Methods for Ideation:Brainstorming: individually or groupLateral thinkingGoal: Generate possibilities.

Stage 5: SelectionMatching what is possible with what is desired.If either is uncertain, this becomes difficult.Methods for choosing between options:Try them allRank and weighPotpourri methodGoal: Determine the most likely path to success.

Stage 6: ImplementationFulfill the expectation (previously defined) with the best idea.Final test of the plan.Action; give physical form to the ideaStrategies for implementation:Advocate for solutionPerformance specificationGoal: To Go for it!

Stage 7: EvaluationMeasure accomplishments against expectations.3 areas to evaluate:GoalsAchievementsPlans for improvementMethods:Jury of peersOver period of timeGoal: Qualify as a solution or return to selection stage.

BenefitsCreative Problem Solvers seem to bound over barriers.No limit of options.Creative Problem Solvers have a positive attitudeWith a consistent process, anything is possible.Creative Problem Solvers change the world.By bringing unique alternatives to lifes problems

Creative Problem SolvingUniversal StagesStage 1: Commitment Stage 2: AnalysisStage 3: DefinitionStage 4: IdeationStage 5: SelectionStage 6: ImplementationStage 7: Evaluation

ReferencesThe Universal Traveler: a Soft-Systems Guide to Creativity, Problem-Solving, & the Process of Reaching Goals, by Don Koberg and Jim BagnallThe Care and Feeding of the Brain, by Jack MaguireThe Thinkers Toolkit, by Morgan D. JonesAha, How to Free Your Creative Spirit, by Jordan Ayan

Selling your ideas is challenging. First, you must get your listeners to agree with you in principle. Then, you must move them to action. Use the Dale Carnegie Training Evidence Action Benefit formula, and you will deliver a motivational, action-oriented presentation.Next, state the action step. Make your action step specific, clear and brief. Be sure you can visualize your audience taking the action. If you cant, they cant either. Be confident when you state the action step, and you will be more likely to motivate the audience to action.