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Why is creative problem solving important? Because it is such a valuable skill for every knowledge worker out there, helping them tackle challenges more effectively and think outside the box.
But it takes years to develop the right frame of mind to develop creative solutions to complex problems that don’t have obvious resolutions.
After all, brilliant thinking doesn’t appear out of thin air. It results from deeply understanding your field of work and thinking toward solving well-defined problems.
We will look closer at this valuable skill that can drive business and innovation forward. We will also break down the process into actionable steps that you can use within your organization to tackle the challenges ahead.
Creative Problem-Solving Definition
Creative problem-solving is a process of solving complex problems with innovative solutions. CPS is a planned process that consists of three main stages:
- Problem definition.
- Idea generation.
- Applying solutions.
Creative problem-solving has built some of the biggest companies we admire today. However, Elon Musk did not come up with his brilliant ideas overnight. Steve Jobs didn’t build Apple on a whim. It results from years of research, trial and error, and innovation.
If you are naturally creative, you have probably been using this problem-solving sequence without even realizing it. However, we will break down these stages even further to clarify the entire concept. Here is a framework that you can try.
Creative Problem-Solving Steps
A solution to a problem is not simply discovered out of nowhere. Creative problem-solving takes time and careful planning. To make the process a little bit simpler, you can break it down into actionable steps that force you to think creatively and analyze your situation.
Below is a template of steps and methodologies you can follow in your creative problem-solving endeavors. Remember that some of these steps may not apply to your line of work and the type of your organization.
Problem Identification
This is a vital step in the process when dealing with elusive problems.
For instance, you might be trying to reduce your company’s expenses when it would actually make more sense to grow it and increase your profits.
Figuring Out the Root Cause (Creative Problem Solving Questions)
There is a saying that the word why is always an accusation. So, let’s use it sparingly when we talk to our colleagues and replace it with “what are the reasons” for this and that. So, ask yourself, “What is the reason” for solving the problem you are dealing with?
Write down the answer and ask yourself again, what makes this the problem?
Repeat this at least five times. This way, you will paint a clear picture of the situation and might realize that you need to shift your focus.
There is no need to limit yourself. You can also ask additional questions, such as:
- What do you want to accomplish in the next six months?
- What are your current limitations?
- Has anyone else dealt with this problem, and how have they solved it?
- Which kind of brings us to the next point.
Research the Problem (How to Enhance Creative Problem-Solving Skills Through Research)
Improving creative problem-solving skills takes dedication and focus. To grasp the entirety of the problem you are trying to solve, you need to direct your efforts toward researching it. This may entail a comprehensive investigation or just a little digging around.
So, how do you approach all this?
Sure, firing up the trusty old search engine is one way to start, but consider visiting one of those modern state-of-the-art libraries where each subject has its own dedicated book written by experts in the respective field.
Of course, you can consult with colleagues in the office who may know a thing or two about what you are trying to achieve. And, of course, you can utilize the power of social media. Indeed, you will find some relevant Facebook groups.
It is about approaching the problem from multiple angles to see the bigger picture.
State the Challenges
Now, to come up with a creative solution for your problem, you must clearly state the challenge ahead of you. For example, “getting richer” might be your problem, but “finding a better-paying job” or “starting your own business” would be the proper challenges to overcome as part of creative problem-solving techniques in entrepreneurship.
The fundamental notion here is to keep your statements simple. Also, do not alter them with criteria because those would be limiting factors.
For example, “How do I start my own business with minimal risk?” is a challenge that includes criteria, so your creativity might be limited.
Brainstorming and Ideation
Thus, our journey to achieve creative problem-solving reaches its most exciting point.
Let your creative juices flow and enrich the bubbling dish of innovation. Or whatever it is that you are trying to achieve
You can sit down with a pen and paper and write a few ideas. Or you can gather your team, fire up a few screens and a multimedia projector, and spend the day brainstorming.
If you’d like to check a few alternative ways to brainstorm, you can look at this helpful amalgamation of methods that you can try later.
But when it comes to idea generation, write everything down.
Even the ideas that sound bad or ridiculous.
Remember that you can be your own worst criticizing voice, so don’t limit yourself.
Or, in case you are generating ideas with your colleagues in the office, clearly state at the beginning of the session that all ideas are welcome and no objections will be noted. Even the slightest sign of disapproval can silence those shy voices who might have great ideas at the end of the day.
Set a target of at least 50 ideas and get to work. Make that think pudding work and urge those around you to keep talking. Oh, and brainstorming can happen pretty much anywhere, so don’t limit yourself to the office space.
You can walk or go to a local coffee shop. Or a pub. After all, brilliant ideas can strike us anywhere, even under the shower.
Idea Evaluation
Okay, now that the fun part is over, it’s time to get to work. It’s time you face that scary list of ideas and kill your darlings. Ideally, do this the following day. Let your brain sleep on it. Our brains can quietly work on creative solutions in the background while we sleep. So, when you finally read the list of 50 ideas, try to generate a few more. Take advantage of the creative thinking second wind. It’s a thing.
Besides, you are free to do anything you want. You can combine ideas and remix them. You can come up with entirely new concepts. You can discover altogether new modalities of thinking. This way, you will come up with your final list of ideas.
Now, formulate a bundle of criteria. This is where you need to face the brutal reality of limitations. But indeed, some apply to you. The standards check each idea and mark those that fit.
Keep in mind that criteria are your moral compass. You will find that you favor some ideas more than others, but ultimately, you should consider those that fit your criteria best. Now that you have your final list of usable ideas, you might be tempted to jump into implementation. However, it would be best to evaluate the more complex ideas and maybe even seek an expert’s opinion.
Formulate an Action Plan
Now that you have your arsenal of well-researched ideas, it’s time to face the challenges head-on. Break down every challenge into small actionable steps that you need to take. Big work projects can be intimidating, so it is a good way to break them down into steps and stages.
This will help you approach them with some sense of order. On the other hand, if you feel a little unmotivated to begin working, you should check our piece on procrastination.
Innovation and Creative Problem Solving
As we established, creative problem-solving is a planned process. It does not occur spontaneously. The same applies to innovation as well. Therefore, a framework that does not utilize creative problem-solving the right way is not likely to bring forth any innovation within a particular field.
Also, you have to remember that there is a difference between innovation and invention. Innovating is a process that builds an existing body of work, while inventing entails the creation of an entirely new entity.
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