Creative problem solving skills are a tremendous asset in a fast-paced world. Discover how to tap into your creative self.
In the business world, solving problems is not only important, it’s essential to keeping things moving along smoothly. Most of us appreciate it when a good I.T. person can solve our computer problems in a timely manner, but there are some problems in life and work which require more of an abstract and creative approach to problem solving. This type of approach is just as important, and requires a person to have a strong commitment to thought processes. The person who is able to take those thought processes, and applies them in a practical and creative manner to solve problems, is an asset to any company.
Enhancing one’s creative problem solving skills is a task
similar to exercising. Just like the person who works the
physical body to lose weight and firm up muscles, so must the
creative problem solver work his mental muscles to firm up his
strategies for solving problems. There are various ways to do
this, and each person must apply various means into their
thinking mechanism to accomplish their intended purpose.
Following are some five general ideas for improving one’s
creative problem solving skills. By taking these principles
and applying them into one’s life, the individual will be
accessing his or her own abstract mental processes of problem
solving.
1. All problems have solutions. The first step to improving
your creative problem solving skills is to recognize that
there are solutions to ALL problems. This step is essential in
opening up your mind to the possibilities available to you as
you proceed into the realm of finding a solution.
2. Allow yourself space to think. All of us function better
when we allow ourselves a special place in time and space
where we can think. Create a place in your home, garden,
workplace or some other location where you can go to think.
This should be a place that promotes creative thinking and
brainstorming. Go there not only when you need a problem
solved, but also when you need to be energized before a
stressful project.
3. How would a genius solve this problem? For some, putting
on the creative thinking cap means putting themselves in
someone else’s shoes. Asking how would Einstein solve this
problem (or some other genius)? allows them to tap into a
higher self where the answers are always ready to be accessed.
It allows them to think outside the box and reach new methods
for solving age old problems.
4. Free association and open-mind thinking. A great way to
improve your creative problem solving skills is to begin a
series of free association word patterns related to the
problem at hand. This allows you to be open-minded to a
variety of different channels within and outside of yourself
for reaching a rational, yet creative solution.
5. Weighing in on the options. Begin making mental or
written notes with a list of potential creative solutions.
Select one solution at a time and look at the pros and cons of
each. After carefully analyzing each choice, decide which
method or option is best. Apply it. When it comes to
creativity, remember not to block yourself or allow yourself
to “feel stupid” at some of the ideas that might burst forth.
If you are in a group situation, you might feel extra pressure
and embarrassment and not want to share your thoughts and
ideas freely, but each person in the group must be assured
that ALL ideas are welcome, no matter how silly they may seem.
Many great ideas and solutions have come from these types of
brainstorming sessions. Sometimes they emerge as crazy, but
sometimes crazy is just what you need to gain the attention of
a certain target group. Think like the advertisers do.
Creative problem solving skills are a tremendous asset in a
fast-paced world. Some people, because of lack of time and
creative skill, choose the first solution that comes up,
though it may not be the best. There are creative
alternatives, and this is where the creative individual comes
in. Using the five ideas above, the creative problem solver
will emerge on top, with his or her imagination and ingenuity
as guides. The creative solution selected will satisfy not
only the problem at hand, but other potential problems that
might occur in the future.