creative problem solving pros and cons

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What Is Creative Problem-Solving & Why Is It Important?

• 01 Feb 2022

One of the biggest hindrances to innovation is complacency—it can be more comfortable to do what you know than venture into the unknown. Business leaders can overcome this barrier by mobilizing creative team members and providing space to innovate.

There are several tools you can use to encourage creativity in the workplace. Creative problem-solving is one of them, which facilitates the development of innovative solutions to difficult problems.

Here’s an overview of creative problem-solving and why it’s important in business.

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What Is Creative Problem-Solving?

Research is necessary when solving a problem. But there are situations where a problem’s specific cause is difficult to pinpoint. This can occur when there’s not enough time to narrow down the problem’s source or there are differing opinions about its root cause.

In such cases, you can use creative problem-solving , which allows you to explore potential solutions regardless of whether a problem has been defined.

Creative problem-solving is less structured than other innovation processes and encourages exploring open-ended solutions. It also focuses on developing new perspectives and fostering creativity in the workplace . Its benefits include:

• Finding creative solutions to complex problems : User research can insufficiently illustrate a situation’s complexity. While other innovation processes rely on this information, creative problem-solving can yield solutions without it.
• Adapting to change : Business is constantly changing, and business leaders need to adapt. Creative problem-solving helps overcome unforeseen challenges and find solutions to unconventional problems.
• Fueling innovation and growth : In addition to solutions, creative problem-solving can spark innovative ideas that drive company growth. These ideas can lead to new product lines, services, or a modified operations structure that improves efficiency.

Creative problem-solving is traditionally based on the following key principles :

1. Balance Divergent and Convergent Thinking

Creative problem-solving uses two primary tools to find solutions: divergence and convergence. Divergence generates ideas in response to a problem, while convergence narrows them down to a shortlist. It balances these two practices and turns ideas into concrete solutions.

2. Reframe Problems as Questions

By framing problems as questions, you shift from focusing on obstacles to solutions. This provides the freedom to brainstorm potential ideas.

3. Defer Judgment of Ideas

When brainstorming, it can be natural to reject or accept ideas right away. Yet, immediate judgments interfere with the idea generation process. Even ideas that seem implausible can turn into outstanding innovations upon further exploration and development.

4. Focus on "Yes, And" Instead of "No, But"

Using negative words like "no" discourages creative thinking. Instead, use positive language to build and maintain an environment that fosters the development of creative and innovative ideas.

Creative Problem-Solving and Design Thinking

Whereas creative problem-solving facilitates developing innovative ideas through a less structured workflow, design thinking takes a far more organized approach.

Design thinking is a human-centered, solutions-based process that fosters the ideation and development of solutions. In the online course Design Thinking and Innovation , Harvard Business School Dean Srikant Datar leverages a four-phase framework to explain design thinking.

The four stages are:

• Clarify: The clarification stage allows you to empathize with the user and identify problems. Observations and insights are informed by thorough research. Findings are then reframed as problem statements or questions.
• Ideate: Ideation is the process of coming up with innovative ideas. The divergence of ideas involved with creative problem-solving is a major focus.
• Develop: In the development stage, ideas evolve into experiments and tests. Ideas converge and are explored through prototyping and open critique.
• Implement: Implementation involves continuing to test and experiment to refine the solution and encourage its adoption.

Creative problem-solving primarily operates in the ideate phase of design thinking but can be applied to others. This is because design thinking is an iterative process that moves between the stages as ideas are generated and pursued. This is normal and encouraged, as innovation requires exploring multiple ideas.

Creative Problem-Solving Tools

While there are many useful tools in the creative problem-solving process, here are three you should know:

Creating a Problem Story

One way to innovate is by creating a story about a problem to understand how it affects users and what solutions best fit their needs. Here are the steps you need to take to use this tool properly.

1. Identify a UDP

Create a problem story to identify the undesired phenomena (UDP). For example, consider a company that produces printers that overheat. In this case, the UDP is "our printers overheat."

2. Move Forward in Time

To move forward in time, ask: “Why is this a problem?” For example, minor damage could be one result of the machines overheating. In more extreme cases, printers may catch fire. Don't be afraid to create multiple problem stories if you think of more than one UDP.

3. Move Backward in Time

To move backward in time, ask: “What caused this UDP?” If you can't identify the root problem, think about what typically causes the UDP to occur. For the overheating printers, overuse could be a cause.

Following the three-step framework above helps illustrate a clear problem story:

• The printer is overused.
• The printer overheats.
• The printer breaks down.

You can extend the problem story in either direction if you think of additional cause-and-effect relationships.

4. Break the Chains

By this point, you’ll have multiple UDP storylines. Take two that are similar and focus on breaking the chains connecting them. This can be accomplished through inversion or neutralization.

• Inversion: Inversion changes the relationship between two UDPs so the cause is the same but the effect is the opposite. For example, if the UDP is "the more X happens, the more likely Y is to happen," inversion changes the equation to "the more X happens, the less likely Y is to happen." Using the printer example, inversion would consider: "What if the more a printer is used, the less likely it’s going to overheat?" Innovation requires an open mind. Just because a solution initially seems unlikely doesn't mean it can't be pursued further or spark additional ideas.
• Neutralization: Neutralization completely eliminates the cause-and-effect relationship between X and Y. This changes the above equation to "the more or less X happens has no effect on Y." In the case of the printers, neutralization would rephrase the relationship to "the more or less a printer is used has no effect on whether it overheats."

Even if creating a problem story doesn't provide a solution, it can offer useful context to users’ problems and additional ideas to be explored. Given that divergence is one of the fundamental practices of creative problem-solving, it’s a good idea to incorporate it into each tool you use.

Brainstorming

Brainstorming is a tool that can be highly effective when guided by the iterative qualities of the design thinking process. It involves openly discussing and debating ideas and topics in a group setting. This facilitates idea generation and exploration as different team members consider the same concept from multiple perspectives.

Hosting brainstorming sessions can result in problems, such as groupthink or social loafing. To combat this, leverage a three-step brainstorming method involving divergence and convergence :

• Have each group member come up with as many ideas as possible and write them down to ensure the brainstorming session is productive.
• Continue the divergence of ideas by collectively sharing and exploring each idea as a group. The goal is to create a setting where new ideas are inspired by open discussion.
• Begin the convergence of ideas by narrowing them down to a few explorable options. There’s no "right number of ideas." Don't be afraid to consider exploring all of them, as long as you have the resources to do so.

Alternate Worlds

The alternate worlds tool is an empathetic approach to creative problem-solving. It encourages you to consider how someone in another world would approach your situation.

For example, if you’re concerned that the printers you produce overheat and catch fire, consider how a different industry would approach the problem. How would an automotive expert solve it? How would a firefighter?

Be creative as you consider and research alternate worlds. The purpose is not to nail down a solution right away but to continue the ideation process through diverging and exploring ideas.

Continue Developing Your Skills

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, marketer, or business leader, learning the ropes of design thinking can be an effective way to build your skills and foster creativity and innovation in any setting.

If you're ready to develop your design thinking and creative problem-solving skills, explore Design Thinking and Innovation , one of our online entrepreneurship and innovation courses. If you aren't sure which course is the right fit, download our free course flowchart to determine which best aligns with your goals.

About the Author

The Disadvantages of Creativity (and What To Do About Them)

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on Published: December 30, 2021  - Last updated: March 25, 2022

Categories Creativity , Productivity

As an artist or creative thinker, you may often feel that your ability to be creative is a gift from the gods. However, being creative doesn’t only have its advantages, but also some disadvantages that come along with it. In this post, we’ll take a look at the downsides of creativity and show you how to deal with them.

There’s Always a Price to Pay for Creativity

In this life, nothing comes for free. You either pay for something with your time, energy, or money. Being creative is no different. Often you want to indulge in as many creative activities as possible.

But like all good things, creativity comes at a price.

Being creative takes us into the realm of imagination and exploration, and that means our minds aren’t always in balance. And that’s on purpose.

During the creative process, our minds can become unstable or negative, which can be very difficult. Creative thinking is associated with mood swings and depression.

Related: Why Creative Process Matters

Sometimes these mental problems are a result of neglecting other, healthy activities because we’re so focused on creative pursuits and the creative idea in front of us. Or they can be an undesirable result of the isolation that intense creative work often requires.

This doesn’t mean we should stop listening or speaking our primary “creative language.” It’s okay to let ideas run through our heads or to engage more with creative impulses and feelings. To see the light, we need the dark.

Or, as J.R.R. Tolkein put it when speaking of his creative writing process with Lord of the Rings, to draw inspiration from the “ leaf-mould of the mind .”

Only we have to take care of our mental and physical health.

Taming the Clash of Ideas and Thoughts

A necessary ingredient of creativity is to have a wide range of ideas.

Some of them are new, others are crazy. The creative process is called divergent thinking, where we find many possible solutions to a given problem or creative task. This includes artistic creativity, where we must resolve, for example, the line on a canvas or the resonance of a chapter in a work of fiction.

This in turn means that many ideas pop into our heads at any given time, which can be a problem. Social media and modern technology serve to accentuate the phenomenon, because of the welter of ideas you find there.

If we don’t learn to process these ideas, they can easily overwhelm us and cause us stress, anxiety, and depression.

Not to mention that they get in the way of our work.

This doesn’t mean that we should stop coming up with ideas, but that we should learn to deal with them.

The most important solution is to have a reliable and trustworthy new idea capture system that allows you to dump all the things floating around in your brain and retrieve them at a meaningful time.

Also, remember Stephen King’s sage advice that the ideas worth using are the ones that refuse to go away!

Creativity also involves combining many ideas into one bigger idea. You can do this by writing down your ideas and looking at them objectively – by stepping back and taking some distance. Sometimes just changing the way you look at a problem is enough to generate new, original ideas.

Creative Project Overload

A side effect of the collision of ideas described above is that as creative thinkers and doers, we begin to accumulate many projects.

This can become a similar disadvantage to the idea and thought overload issue, above – too many projects mean we don’t have time to work on any of them.

In turn, if we can’t successfully complete projects, it can lead to inactivity and even depression.

I can think of few things as discouraging as a list of unfinished projects staring accusingly at you, saying, “What the hell were you thinking? Why didn’t you finish that project?’

The good news is that we can use a similar technique to capture and manage multiple ideas to deal with this. The main difference is that we pay more attention to building in a priority system to identify and focus on the really important projects. And so you don’t feel bad about dropping the less important projects.

Some sayings I’ve come across that are useful:

“ We can do anything, but we can’t do everything “

“ Learn to sacrifice your darlings “

“ Priorities are like arms – you should have two of them”.

Divided Focus as a Creativity Trap

One thing to be aware of as a creative person is that the very characteristics and practices of creativity – for example, drifting into daydreaming as part of a creative ideation process – can make it difficult to focus on authentic work.

You might also choose to read a chapter from a book or watch a movie scene on YouTube. As little inspirations for your own work.

These times of creative reverie can distract you from more important and immediate tasks (such as working with clients, meeting deadlines, and managing time for other activities and life demands).

Personally, I deal with this challenge by using apps like Session when I write to help me focus on writing. I don’t use them by default, but only when I really need them.

Also, a (seemingly) more appealing project may come up and you start thinking about that project instead of the one you were supposed to finish.

In this context, my mind goes to

Henry Miller’s personal “commandments” of writing

1. Work on one thing at a time until finished. 2. Start no more new books, add no more new material to Black Spring. 3. Don’t be nervous. Work calmly, joyously, recklessly on whatever is in hand. 4. Work according to Program and not according to mood. Stop at the appointed time! 5. When you can’t create you can work. 6. Cement a little every day, rather than add new fertilisers. 7. Keep human! See people, go places, drink if you feel like it. 8. Don’t be a draught-horse! Work with pleasure only. 9. Discard the Program when you feel like it – but go back to it next day. Concentrate. Narrow down. Exclude. 10. Forget the books you want to write. Think only of the book you are writing. 11. Write first and always. Painting, music, friends, cinema, all these come afterwards. HENRY MILLER

especially numbers 1, 2, 3, and 10!

I think his sayings apply to other forms of creative work as well.

Disadvantages and Limitations of Creativity in Business

The business and the corporate world sometimes give the impression that creativity is something to be harnessed rather than given free rein.

That’s why you’ll find all sorts of analyzes in the Harvard Business Review and elsewhere that try to model creativity skills and package them into “innovation.”

This makes sense if you consider that creativity always involves risk, whereas business is often about managing risk and executing a plan worked out in advance.

Creativity and creative people are difficult to control from a management perspective. When strategies and plans that have taken months or even years are at stake, not to mention large sums of money, it becomes clear why creativity in business can have its downsides.

There are also concerns that creative people can be unproductive in a business environment.

Yet creativity often offers the best opportunity to outperform the competition using innovative ideas and creative solutions. Therefore, companies need to recognize this and accept the risk if it gives their business a greater chance of competitive advantage and success.

Anything that smacks of “artistic creativity” tends to be viewed with suspicion in companies.

From an employee’s perspective, this means that if you’re a creative person, you may end up losing out to less creative and more business-oriented employees. You may even have to employ strategies and change your profile and public appearance accordingly. As awful as that sounds.

Related: What Does It Mean to Be Creative

Creativity as a Marker for Undesirable Character Traits

Research seems to show that those who see themselves as creative people are often more narcissistic and that this trait also comes into play in actual creative performance.

In a British study published in Thinking Skills and Creativity , subjects who described themselves as creative were more likely to agree with statements such as “People always recognize my authority” and “I like to be the center of attention.”

It seems that creativity is also associated with a sense of entitlement and dishonesty – which I imagine is because creativity requires lateral thinking and breaking the rules.

Acting dishonestly can give the sense that the person isn’t only being creative, but also freeing themselves from the usual constraints.

This freedom is usually accompanied by rebellion, which is often one of the key factors in a creative mind – but which can also have a negative impact on society.

Disadvantages of Being a Creative Artist

Frankly, one of the biggest drawbacks of an artistic vocation or working in a creative industry is probably financial insecurity. The fact is that while most jobs in the arts pay well, they’re temporary.

Also, artists have to spend a lot of time working, which limits the time they’ve for other activities, such as a regular job.

Depending on where you live, it can be very difficult to find and share your creative skills with others, as many people aren’t as interested in actively pursuing the arts.

So you may find yourself in a certain isolation and loneliness. This isn’t always a bad thing: Isolation is often an aspect of creativity. It takes a lot of courage, discipline, and focus to stay creative and committed to creative work.

The description of a “struggling artist” doesn’t just refer to financial hardships. Every artist knows an inner struggle as he or she wrestles with concepts that are often intangible and just within reach before they finally bear fruit. This can take the form of depression, anxiety, and even fear.

How Can You Minimize Common Creativity Disadvantages?

By being aware of the above drawbacks and taking care of yourself (sleep, nutrition, community, and more), you can do a lot to reduce the drawbacks of creative work.

Always remember that being creative and working creatively is worth it, especially for yourself.

Not only does it offer the prospect of successes worth having, but it connects you on a deep level with your true potential.

That is the real advantage of being a creative human being!

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Article • 10 min read

Creative Problem Solving

Finding innovative solutions to challenges.

By the Mind Tools Content Team

Imagine that you're vacuuming your house in a hurry because you've got friends coming over. Frustratingly, you're working hard but you're not getting very far. You kneel down, open up the vacuum cleaner, and pull out the bag. In a cloud of dust, you realize that it's full... again. Coughing, you empty it and wonder why vacuum cleaners with bags still exist!

James Dyson, inventor and founder of Dyson® vacuum cleaners, had exactly the same problem, and he used creative problem solving to find the answer. While many companies focused on developing a better vacuum cleaner filter, he realized that he had to think differently and find a more creative solution. So, he devised a revolutionary way to separate the dirt from the air, and invented the world's first bagless vacuum cleaner. [1]

Creative problem solving (CPS) is a way of solving problems or identifying opportunities when conventional thinking has failed. It encourages you to find fresh perspectives and come up with innovative solutions, so that you can formulate a plan to overcome obstacles and reach your goals.

In this article, we'll explore what CPS is, and we'll look at its key principles. We'll also provide a model that you can use to generate creative solutions.

About Creative Problem Solving

Alex Osborn, founder of the Creative Education Foundation, first developed creative problem solving in the 1940s, along with the term "brainstorming." And, together with Sid Parnes, he developed the Osborn-Parnes Creative Problem Solving Process. Despite its age, this model remains a valuable approach to problem solving. [2]

The early Osborn-Parnes model inspired a number of other tools. One of these is the 2011 CPS Learner's Model, also from the Creative Education Foundation, developed by Dr Gerard J. Puccio, Marie Mance, and co-workers. In this article, we'll use this modern four-step model to explore how you can use CPS to generate innovative, effective solutions.

Why Use Creative Problem Solving?

Dealing with obstacles and challenges is a regular part of working life, and overcoming them isn't always easy. To improve your products, services, communications, and interpersonal skills, and for you and your organization to excel, you need to encourage creative thinking and find innovative solutions that work.

CPS asks you to separate your "divergent" and "convergent" thinking as a way to do this. Divergent thinking is the process of generating lots of potential solutions and possibilities, otherwise known as brainstorming. And convergent thinking involves evaluating those options and choosing the most promising one. Often, we use a combination of the two to develop new ideas or solutions. However, using them simultaneously can result in unbalanced or biased decisions, and can stifle idea generation.

For more on divergent and convergent thinking, and for a useful diagram, see the book "Facilitator's Guide to Participatory Decision-Making." [3]

Core Principles of Creative Problem Solving

CPS has four core principles. Let's explore each one in more detail:

• Divergent and convergent thinking must be balanced. The key to creativity is learning how to identify and balance divergent and convergent thinking (done separately), and knowing when to practice each one.
• Ask problems as questions. When you rephrase problems and challenges as open-ended questions with multiple possibilities, it's easier to come up with solutions. Asking these types of questions generates lots of rich information, while asking closed questions tends to elicit short answers, such as confirmations or disagreements. Problem statements tend to generate limited responses, or none at all.
• Defer or suspend judgment. As Alex Osborn learned from his work on brainstorming, judging solutions early on tends to shut down idea generation. Instead, there's an appropriate and necessary time to judge ideas during the convergence stage.
• Focus on "Yes, and," rather than "No, but." Language matters when you're generating information and ideas. "Yes, and" encourages people to expand their thoughts, which is necessary during certain stages of CPS. Using the word "but" – preceded by "yes" or "no" – ends conversation, and often negates what's come before it.

How to Use the Tool

Let's explore how you can use each of the four steps of the CPS Learner's Model (shown in figure 1, below) to generate innovative ideas and solutions.

Figure 1 – CPS Learner's Model

Explore the Vision

Identify your goal, desire or challenge. This is a crucial first step because it's easy to assume, incorrectly, that you know what the problem is. However, you may have missed something or have failed to understand the issue fully, and defining your objective can provide clarity. Read our article, 5 Whys , for more on getting to the root of a problem quickly.

Gather Data

Once you've identified and understood the problem, you can collect information about it and develop a clear understanding of it. Make a note of details such as who and what is involved, all the relevant facts, and everyone's feelings and opinions.

Formulate Questions

When you've increased your awareness of the challenge or problem you've identified, ask questions that will generate solutions. Think about the obstacles you might face and the opportunities they could present.

Explore Ideas

Generate ideas that answer the challenge questions you identified in step 1. It can be tempting to consider solutions that you've tried before, as our minds tend to return to habitual thinking patterns that stop us from producing new ideas. However, this is a chance to use your creativity .

Brainstorming and Mind Maps are great ways to explore ideas during this divergent stage of CPS. And our articles, Encouraging Team Creativity , Problem Solving , Rolestorming , Hurson's Productive Thinking Model , and The Four-Step Innovation Process , can also help boost your creativity.

See our Brainstorming resources within our Creativity section for more on this.

Formulate Solutions

This is the convergent stage of CPS, where you begin to focus on evaluating all of your possible options and come up with solutions. Analyze whether potential solutions meet your needs and criteria, and decide whether you can implement them successfully. Next, consider how you can strengthen them and determine which ones are the best "fit." Our articles, Critical Thinking and ORAPAPA , are useful here.

4. Implement

Formulate a plan.

Once you've chosen the best solution, it's time to develop a plan of action. Start by identifying resources and actions that will allow you to implement your chosen solution. Next, communicate your plan and make sure that everyone involved understands and accepts it.

There have been many adaptations of CPS since its inception, because nobody owns the idea.

For example, Scott Isaksen and Donald Treffinger formed The Creative Problem Solving Group Inc . and the Center for Creative Learning , and their model has evolved over many versions. Blair Miller, Jonathan Vehar and Roger L. Firestien also created their own version, and Dr Gerard J. Puccio, Mary C. Murdock, and Marie Mance developed CPS: The Thinking Skills Model. [4] Tim Hurson created The Productive Thinking Model , and Paul Reali developed CPS: Competencies Model. [5]

Sid Parnes continued to adapt the CPS model by adding concepts such as imagery and visualization , and he founded the Creative Studies Project to teach CPS. For more information on the evolution and development of the CPS process, see Creative Problem Solving Version 6.1 by Donald J. Treffinger, Scott G. Isaksen, and K. Brian Dorval. [6]

Creative Problem Solving (CPS) Infographic

See our infographic on Creative Problem Solving .

Creative problem solving (CPS) is a way of using your creativity to develop new ideas and solutions to problems. The process is based on separating divergent and convergent thinking styles, so that you can focus your mind on creating at the first stage, and then evaluating at the second stage.

There have been many adaptations of the original Osborn-Parnes model, but they all involve a clear structure of identifying the problem, generating new ideas, evaluating the options, and then formulating a plan for successful implementation.

[1] Entrepreneur (2012). James Dyson on Using Failure to Drive Success [online]. Available here . [Accessed May 27, 2022.]

[2] Creative Education Foundation (2015). The CPS Process [online]. Available here . [Accessed May 26, 2022.]

[3] Kaner, S. et al. (2014). 'Facilitator′s Guide to Participatory Decision–Making,' San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

[4] Puccio, G., Mance, M., and Murdock, M. (2011). 'Creative Leadership: Skils That Drive Change' (2nd Ed.), Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

[5] OmniSkills (2013). Creative Problem Solving [online]. Available here . [Accessed May 26, 2022].

[6] Treffinger, G., Isaksen, S., and Dorval, B. (2010). Creative Problem Solving (CPS Version 6.1). Center for Creative Learning, Inc. & Creative Problem Solving Group, Inc. Available here .

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5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Problem-Based Learning [+ Activity Design Steps]

Written by Marcus Guido

Easily differentiate learning and engage your students with Prodigy Math.

• Teaching Strategies

Advantages of Problem-Based Learning

Disadvantages of problem-based learning, steps to designing problem-based learning activities.

Used since the 1960s, many teachers express concerns about the effectiveness of problem-based learning (PBL) in certain classroom settings.

Whether you introduce the student-centred pedagogy as a one-time activity or mainstay exercise, grouping students together to solve open-ended problems can present pros and cons.

Below are five advantages and disadvantages of problem-based learning to help you determine if it can work in your classroom.

If you decide to introduce an activity, there are also design creation steps and a downloadable guide to keep at your desk for easy reference.

1. Development of Long-Term Knowledge Retention

Students who participate in problem-based learning activities can improve their abilities to retain and recall information, according to a literature review of studies about the pedagogy .

The literature review states “elaboration of knowledge at the time of learning” -- by sharing facts and ideas through discussion and answering questions -- “enhances subsequent retrieval.” This form of elaborating reinforces understanding of subject matter , making it easier to remember.

Small-group discussion can be especially beneficial -- ideally, each student will get chances to participate.

But regardless of group size, problem-based learning promotes long-term knowledge retention by encouraging students to discuss -- and answer questions about -- new concepts as they’re learning them.

2. Use of Diverse Instruction Types

You can use problem-based learning activities to the meet the diverse learning needs and styles of your students, effectively engaging a diverse classroom in the process. In general, grouping students together for problem-based learning will allow them to:

• Address real-life issues that require real-life solutions, appealing to students who struggle to grasp abstract concepts
• Participate in small-group and large-group learning, helping students who don’t excel during solo work grasp new material
• Talk about their ideas and challenge each other in a constructive manner, giving participatory learners an avenue to excel
• Tackle a problem using a range of content you provide -- such as videos, audio recordings, news articles and other applicable material -- allowing the lesson to appeal to distinct learning styles

Since running a problem-based learning scenario will give you a way to use these differentiated instruction approaches , it can be especially worthwhile if your students don’t have similar learning preferences.

3. Continuous Engagement

Providing a problem-based learning challenge can engage students by acting as a break from normal lessons and common exercises.

It’s not hard to see the potential for engagement, as kids collaborate to solve real-world problems that directly affect or heavily interest them.

Although conducted with post-secondary students, a study published by the Association for the Study of Medical Education reported increased student attendance to -- and better attitudes towards -- courses that feature problem-based learning.

These activities may lose some inherent engagement if you repeat them too often, but can certainly inject excitement into class.

4. Development of Transferable Skills

Problem-based learning can help students develop skills they can transfer to real-world scenarios, according to a 2015 book that outlines theories and characteristics of the pedagogy .

The tangible contexts and consequences presented in a problem-based learning activity “allow learning to become more profound and durable.” As you present lessons through these real-life scenarios, students should be able to apply learnings if they eventually face similar issues.

For example, if they work together to address a dispute within the school, they may develop lifelong skills related to negotiation and communicating their thoughts with others.

As long as the problem’s context applies to out-of-class scenarios, students should be able to build skills they can use again.

5. Improvement of Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills

Successful completion of a problem-based learning challenge hinges on interaction and communication, meaning students should also build transferable skills based on teamwork and collaboration . Instead of memorizing facts, they get chances to present their ideas to a group, defending and revising them when needed.

What’s more, this should help them understand a group dynamic. Depending on a given student, this can involve developing listening skills and a sense of responsibility when completing one’s tasks. Such skills and knowledge should serve your students well when they enter higher education levels and, eventually, the working world.

1. Potentially Poorer Performance on Tests

Devoting too much time to problem-based learning can cause issues when students take standardized tests, as they may not have the breadth of knowledge needed to achieve high scores. Whereas problem-based learners develop skills related to collaboration and justifying their reasoning, many tests reward fact-based learning with multiple choice and short answer questions. Despite offering many advantages, you could spot this problem develop if you run problem-based learning activities too regularly.

2. Student Unpreparedness

Problem-based learning exercises can engage many of your kids, but others may feel disengaged as a result of not being ready to handle this type of exercise for a number of reasons. On a class-by-class and activity-by-activity basis, participation may be hindered due to:

• Immaturity  -- Some students may not display enough maturity to effectively work in a group, not fulfilling expectations and distracting other students.
• Unfamiliarity  -- Some kids may struggle to grasp the concept of an open problem, since they can’t rely on you for answers.
• Lack of Prerequisite Knowledge  -- Although the activity should address a relevant and tangible problem, students may require new or abstract information to create an effective solution.

You can partially mitigate these issues by actively monitoring the classroom and distributing helpful resources, such as guiding questions and articles to read. This should keep students focused and help them overcome knowledge gaps. But if you foresee facing these challenges too frequently, you may decide to avoid or seldom introduce problem-based learning exercises.

3. Teacher Unpreparedness

If supervising a problem-based learning activity is a new experience, you may have to prepare to adjust some teaching habits . For example, overtly correcting students who make flawed assumptions or statements can prevent them from thinking through difficult concepts and questions. Similarly, you shouldn’t teach to promote the fast recall of facts. Instead, you should concentrate on:

• Giving hints to help fix improper reasoning
• Questioning student logic and ideas in a constructive manner
• Distributing content for research and to reinforce new concepts
• Asking targeted questions to a group or the class, focusing their attention on a specific aspect of the problem

Depending on your teaching style, it may take time to prepare yourself to successfully run a problem-based learning lesson.

4. Time-Consuming Assessment

If you choose to give marks, assessing a student’s performance throughout a problem-based learning exercise demands constant monitoring and note-taking. You must take factors into account such as:

• Completed tasks
• The quality of those tasks
• The group’s overall work and solution
• Communication among team members
• Anything you outlined on the activity’s rubric

Monitoring these criteria is required for each student, making it time-consuming to give and justify a mark for everyone.

5. Varying Degrees of Relevancy and Applicability

It can be difficult to identify a tangible problem that students can solve with content they’re studying and skills they’re mastering. This introduces two clear issues. First, if it is easy for students to divert from the challenge’s objectives, they may miss pertinent information. Second, you could veer off the problem’s focus and purpose as students run into unanticipated obstacles. Overcoming obstacles has benefits, but may compromise the planning you did. It can also make it hard to get back on track once the activity is complete. Because of the difficulty associated with keeping activities relevant and applicable, you may see problem-based learning as too taxing.

If the advantages outweigh the disadvantages -- or you just want to give problem-based learning a shot -- follow these steps:

1. Identify an Applicable Real-Life Problem

Find a tangible problem that’s relevant to your students, allowing them to easily contextualize it and hopefully apply it to future challenges. To identify an appropriate real-world problem, look at issues related to your:

• Students’ shared interests

You must also ensure that students understand the problem and the information around it. So, not all problems are appropriate for all grade levels.

2. Determine the Overarching Purpose of the Activity

Depending on the problem you choose, determine what you want to accomplish by running the challenge. For example, you may intend to help your students improve skills related to:

• Collaboration
• Problem-solving
• Curriculum-aligned topics
• Processing diverse content

A more precise example, you may prioritize collaboration skills by assigning specific tasks to pairs of students within each team. In doing so, students will continuously develop communication and collaboration abilities by working as a couple and part of a small group. By defining a clear purpose, you’ll also have an easier time following the next step.

3. Create and Distribute Helpful Material

Handouts and other content not only act as a set of resources, but help students stay focused on the activity and its purpose. For example, if you want them to improve a certain math skill , you should make material that highlights the mathematical aspects of the problem. You may decide to provide items such as:

• Data that helps quantify and add context to the problem
• Videos, presentations and other audio-visual material
• A list of preliminary questions to investigate

Providing a range of resources can be especially important for elementary students and struggling students in higher grades, who may not have self-direction skills to work without them.

4. Set Goals and Expectations for Your Students

Along with the aforementioned materials, give students a guide or rubric that details goals and expectations. It will allow you to further highlight the purpose of the problem-based learning exercise, as you can explain what you’re looking for in terms of collaboration, the final product and anything else. It should also help students stay on track by acting as a reference throughout the activity.

5. Participate

Although explicitly correcting students may be discouraged, you can still help them and ask questions to dig into their thought processes. When you see an opportunity, consider if it’s worthwhile to:

• Fill gaps in knowledge
• Provide hints, not answers
• Question a student’s conclusion or logic regarding a certain point, helping them think through tough spots

By participating in these ways, you can provide insight when students need it most, encouraging them to effectively analyze the problem.

6. Have Students Present Ideas and Findings

If you divided them into small groups, requiring students to present their thoughts and results in front the class adds a large-group learning component to the lesson. Encourage other students to ask questions, allowing the presenting group to elaborate and provide evidence for their thoughts. This wraps up the activity and gives your class a final chance to find solutions to the problem.

Wrapping Up

The effectiveness of problem-based learning may differ between classrooms and individual students, depending on how significant specific advantages and disadvantages are to you. Evaluative research consistently shows value in giving students a question and letting them take control of their learning. But the extent of this value can depend on the difficulties you face.It may be wise to try a problem-based learning activity, and go forward based on results.

Create or log into your teacher account on Prodigy -- an adaptive math game that adjusts content to accommodate player trouble spots and learning speeds. Aligned to US and Canadian curricula, it’s used by more than 350,000 teachers and 10 million students. It may be wise to try a problem-based learning activity, and go forward based on results.

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How to improve your creative skills for effective problem-solving

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What’s creative thinking?

Creative thinking versus critical thinking

Creative thinking skills

How to develop creative thinking skills

4 creative thinking examples to include on your resume

Sharpen your creativity

Creative thinking is the key to unlocking innovation and problem-solving excellence. 

In the whirlwind of everyday professional challenges, we’ve all encountered moments when fresh ideas feel elusive. If you’ve found yourself struggling to inspire your team or spinning out during a brainstorming session , it may be a sign you need to develop your creative skills. Plus, creative problem solving looks excellent on a resume .

As a leader or team member, your ability to think outside the box can ignite a spark of ingenuity that propels your team to new heights. Fan the flames of growth and learn how to improve your creative thinking (and highlight your new skills in your next job application).

What’s creative thinking? 

Creative thinking is the dynamic process of transforming your ideas into actions. The skillset equips you to think differently and approach challenges from innovative angles.

At its core, creative thinking empowers you to break free from the constraints of the status quo and dream up fresh, original ideas. It breathes life into your decisions, encouraging you to embrace your imaginative instincts. 

By daring to challenge traditional approaches, your creativity opens doors to uncharted innovations and groundbreaking solutions.

Creative thinking versus critical thinking 

Although creative and critical thinking are both used in problem-solving , the two skills are marked by key differences. 

Creative thinking is the catalyst for generating innovative ideas and crafting novel approaches to the challenges around them. With an open mind and a wild imagination, creative thinkers produce and explore unconventional solutions to the problems that stand in their way.

Critical thinking analyzes available information with an unbiased and rational approach. It involves questioning perceptions, ensuring that decisions are devoid of bias and reasoning remains grounded in sound judgment. 

Creative thinking skills 

When you look at creative thinking as a set of particular abilities, it becomes easier to develop and perfect. These creative skill examples can help you thrive inside and outside of the workplace:

1. Open-mindedness

When you’re open-minded, you can readily adapt to new information and look for fresh problem-solving approaches. You’re receptive to the opinions and ideas of others because you view them as constructive rather than criticizing . This openness also encourages you to freely share your creative ideas without fearing judgement.

2. Curiosity

You might find that you tap into creative potential the most when you’re challenging convention and posing new ways of thinking. Analyzing processes and asking yourself how you can improve them is an exciting way to make more efficient systems.

Whether you’re new to a job or have worked at the company for years, you may wonder why procedures are what they are — lean into this curiosity to develop new and better ways to work. 

3. Ability to brainstorm

There are numerous ways to solve a problem, and brainstorming helps to get them onto paper so you can weigh their pros and cons. This way of lateral thinking encourages you to view solutions as multifaceted rather than a single, straightforward answer.

4. Experimentation

Creative people experiment with various ways of solving a problem before deciding on the best way to take action. Emulate this mindset in your projects and tasks. For instance, if you work in web design, you might try several page layouts before deciding on a final visual identity for your client.

5. Networking

Speaking with people from different professional backgrounds is an excellent way to stimulate creative thinking and develop new perspectives. When you network with professionals with diverse skill sets and experiences, they might influence you to look at the world differently or suggest an innovative way to tackle a problem.

6. Observation

It’s important to know when to take the backseat and listen in. Observing how others tackle complex issues might inspire you to make changes within your team. Always keep an eye out for opportunities to learn from more experienced peers and innovative colleagues.

7. Organization

Although some individuals claim to thrive in clutter, keeping your work organized creates an environment where you can work freely without distraction. This involves keeping your workspace tidy, creating clear to-do lists, and using visual maps to express your plans and processes.

8. Communication

Proper communication empowers you to share valuable insight and ideas with your teammates. You need strong verbal and written skills to pitch and describe your thoughts and actively listen to others’ feedback and advice.

9. Analysis

Before you can dream up a creative approach to an obstacle, you must fully understand the problem at hand. Without proper analysis, your solution may contain flaws, or you could miss important details of your problem. Practice sifting through every detail of the issue and pinpointing the causes. 

10. Problem-solving

No matter your industry, problem-solving is always a valuable skill. Consider how to tackle a problem without asking the advice of others to see what creative solutions arise. This way, you can see what inventive ideas you can come up with before external opinions influence you.

Although some of your coworkers may seem to have a natural talent for creativity and creative thinking, it’s a skill anyone can develop and improve. Here are seven ways to advance your innovative problem-solving:

Reading is an effective way to exercise your mind, increase your vocabulary, and expose yourself to new ways of thinking. Whether your book is on a problem you’re facing at work or a new and exciting subject, reading is an excellent opportunity to learn. That’s right: simply cracking open a book can help you grow . 

Keep a notepad nearby and write down thoughts and ideas as they arise. Writing helps you to process information, and you can revisit your musing whenever you need to get your creative juices flowing. If you’ve never tried journaling before, it’s an excellent way to process your thoughts and feelings in a safe and private space. 

3. Exercise

Exercising improves your sleep and ability to cope with stress, making it easier to stay alert and contribute fresh ideas at work. 

4. Listen to music

Music can affect your mood and place you in the mindset to solve problems. If you’re struggling with creative writing or creating a visual piece of work, listening to music could push you toward expressing yourself more meaningfully. 

5. Ask for feedback

Collaboration and teamwork are key when developing creative solutions in the workplace. You can ask teammates or superiors for feedback on your ideas to gain insight into potential flaws in your reasoning and streamline your solutions.

6. Find a mentor or coach

Having an experienced person to bounce ideas off is a catalyst for creativity. A mentor or coach who’s dealt with similar obstacles can provide insight into what worked and what didn’t, saving you valuable brainstorming time. 

7. Change your approach

If you’ve been approaching your tasks the same way, adjusting your processes may bring a fresh perspective and stimulate change. Ask yourself why you tackle work from a similar angle each time and consider more creative ways to conduct your day-to-day operations.

4 creative thinking examples to include on your resume 

Employers want to add creative people to their teams because solving problems takes a lot of ingenuity. Use these four examples and bullet points for inspiration when listing creative thinking skills on your resume.

On a graphic designer’s resume:

• Collaborated on rebranding [company’s] visual identity and social media content strategy
• Developed unique and innovative branding material for [company A] , [company B] , and [company C]

On a copywriter’s resume:

• Revised [company’s] website and blog content to be more engaging, exciting, and SEO-focused
• Contributed original and innovative articles on [topic] to [publication A] and [publication B]

On a public relations specialist’s resume:

• Increased [company’s] brand awareness by planning [event] to launch [product]
• Collaborated with [brand] on [product’s] creative marketing strategy to reach a wider audience

On a teacher’s resume:

• Developed a novel approach to teaching [subject or class] to students with various learning styles and needs
• Introduced [extracurricular] , the first of its kind in [the school board] , to engage students in [activity]

Sharpen your creativity 

Critical and creative thinking broaden your perspective and allow you to devise unique solutions to everyday problems. You can develop your creative skills by changing your environment, learning from others, and adjusting your approach to work. 

Regardless of how you choose to spark creativity at work, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and confidently contribute your ideas. You never know — you might just come up with the next big company innovation.

Cultivate your creativity

Foster creativity and continuous learning with guidance from our certified Coaches.

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

How to develop critical thinking skills

6 ways to leverage ai for hyper-personalized corporate learning, self directed learning is the key to new skills and knowledge, the power of professional learning communities, why asynchronous learning is the key to successful upskilling, 8 creative solutions to your most challenging problems, why creativity isn't just for creatives and how to find it anywhere, the 10 best ted talks about life for inspiration and encouragement, can dreams help you solve problems 6 ways to try, similar articles, 10 problem-solving strategies to turn challenges on their head, thinking outside the box: 8 ways to become a creative problem solver, what is creative thinking and why does it matter, essential decision-making skills to guide your tough choices, what are professional skills, and which should you add to your resume, professional leadership skills to incorporate on your resume, stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

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What Is Problem-Solving? How to Use Problem-Solving Skills to Resolve Issues

What is problem-solving, what is the general process of problem-solving, the best problem-solving strategies and tools, what to do when a problem feels too big to solve.

Great businesses don’t exist to simply grow and make money. Instead, they solve the world’s problems , from tiny issues to giant dilemmas. Problem-solving is essentially the main function of organizations. An effective organization will have systems and processes in place to reach their goals and solve problems. If a company has team members and leaders who have poor problem-solving skills, that means they’re ineffective at one of the core functions of a business.

You need to be good at both external problem-solving (solving problems for others) and internal problem-solving (solving problems before or when they arise within the business). An organization that can solve problems will see its teams come closer together as they bond over providing solutions to serious issues. Companies that solve problems well will also be able to carry out their purpose more efficiently.

Learn the steps you can follow to solve problems both great and small. Additionally, discover some real-world methods and problem-solving skills successful business leaders use to solve problems of their own.

Problem-solving involves the search for solutions that follow an effective process of discovery, identification, ideation, and execution. Problem-solving usually requires overcoming numerous obstacles that stand in the way of reaching your goal. Often, the act of problem-solving includes coming up with solutions to many smaller problems before eventually solving the main issue that prompted the process in the first place.

The key to cultivating excellent problem-solving skills is having a distinct process designed to produce solutions. While it may seem like problem-solving involves a complex strategy, it features several steps that are easy to follow. The following steps represent a general problem-solving process you can use when you need to find a solution.

1. Define the Problem

The first step to take as part of the problem-solving process involves defining what that problem is. While this may seem like a simple idea to follow, the key is to get to the root of the problem . Only once you’re able to identify the root issue you’re tackling through a root cause analysis can you be sure you’re on the right path. Sometimes the surface issue isn’t what you need to address. Just like an earthquake, organizational issues have an epicenter—complete with shockwaves that negatively impact the business. If you don’t resolve the core problem, it can expand , and the damage becomes detrimental. All problem-solving jobs begin with this important first step.

If your organization has a problem with employee retention , you may think you’ll solve it by increasing pay or perks. However, that might not address the root of the issue. If you were to investigate further, you may discover that a manager is creating a toxic work environment, causing good employees to find work elsewhere. 

2. Brainstorm Possible Solutions

Once you have a solid idea of what the real problem is, you can proceed to create possible solutions you can pursue. Take the time to brainstorm different solutions. No two problems are the same, and each one will require a creative approach. Make sure you write down the alternative solutions so you can research them in depth. During the course of your brainstorming, you may stumble upon a solution you wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.

As you follow this step, you may need to find the best way to inspire your critical thinking skills. Think about when and where you generate ideas and get the creative juices flowing. Then, try to put yourself in that environment as often as possible.

Sara Blakely , the founder of SPANX®, says her most productive creative thinking happens when she’s driving in her car . Even though she doesn’t have a real commute, she gets in the car and makes one up. “I live really close to Spanx,” she said on the “Masters of Scale” podcast, “so I’ve created what my friends call my ‘fake commute,’ and I get up an hour early before I’m supposed to go to Spanx, and I drive around aimlessly in Atlanta with my commute so that I can have my thoughts come to me.” As a result, she sets time aside for developing her best problem-solving strategies every single day.

3. Research Several Options

After you’ve come up with several possible alternative solutions, pick two or three that seem the most promising using your analytical skills. Then you’ll need to buckle down and do some research to see which one to pursue. Conduct your research using primary and secondary resources.

Conduct primary research by:

• Having a discussion with a mentor
• Interviewing a person who’s successfully solved this problem before
• Strategizing with team members closest to the issue

Great secondary sources include:

• Trustworthy online articles and news sources from credible websites
• Leadership books from experts who have written about the problem
• Business podcast interviews on the issue
• YouTube videos featuring established leaders

4. Select a Solution

At the conclusion of your research, you’ll be better equipped to select the right solution. Evaluate the data you have gathered. To ensure you make a good pick, you’ll need to keep several considerations in mind. 

Here are some good questions to ask when picking a solution:

• Is this solution in line with the company’s core values?
• Is it a realistic option?
• Could it lead to additional problems?
• Will everyone involved accept the solution?
• Does it truly solve the problem, or does it only delay negative effects?

As you employ your creative thinking skills in answering these questions, you’ll eventually need to settle on a single solution. Adhering to a decision-making process helps you objectively choose the best solution out of many options. Don’t make a quick decision you may later regret. Be deliberate in your analysis, and try to remain as objective as possible.

In order to make the most objective decision:

• Get into a humble mindset and make sure you’re willing to listen and learn.
• Don’t let emotions influence the choice.
• Reverse-engineer the possible outcome of any given solution.
• Weigh the pros and cons of each choice.
• Seek wise counsel from trusted mentors, leaders, and team members.

5. Develop an Action Plan

Once you’ve settled on a solution, you’ll be ready to pursue it. Before moving too quickly, revisit step one and make sure your choice aligns with the main objective . If it doesn’t, although it may be a valid choice, it’s most likely not the best for your team. If this is the case, don’t get discouraged. Creative problem-solving takes time.

When the right choice is made, and the solution is placed into the overall strategy, start developing an action plan . Lay out the “who,” “what,” “when,” “why,” and “how.” Visualize exactly what success looks like with this new plan. When working through the problem-solving process, write all the details down. This helps leaders construct action items and delegate them accordingly. Never leave this part of the process empty-handed. Your team needs a clear picture of expectations so they can properly implement the solution. And if everything works, you can use this problem-solving model in the future.

You will undoubtedly encounter many problems that need to be solved in your life. There are a variety of ways to solve those problems. With all the problem-solving techniques out there, it can be helpful to learn some of them so you can employ the best one at the right moment. The following are just a few examples of what these strategies and problem-solving tools look like in the real world.

One of the best ways to discover the root cause of a problem is by utilizing the 5 Whys method. This strategy was developed by Sakichi Toyoda, founder of Toyota Industries. It’s as simple as it sounds. When a problem occurs, ask why it happened five times. In theory, the last answer should get to the heart of the issue.

Here’s an example of how the 5 Whys work in action:

When business leaders use the 5 Whys method , problems are given more context. Uncovering how, when, and why they happen helps company owners and executives identify the organization’s core issues.

First Principles Thinking

When one engages in first principles thinking , they end up questioning what everyone just assumes to be true. It effectively removes those assumptions , breaking things down into their most basic elements that are probably true. It’s all about getting to that core foundation of truth and building out from there. Problem-solving skills should always include first principles thinking.

Elon Musk most famously pursued this strategy when it comes to space travel. Instead of accepting that building a rocket was too expensive, he got to the fundamental truths of construction, all the way down to pricing each component. Musk once explained that he follows first principles thinking by following three simple steps .

• Identify the assumptions
• Break down the issue into its core, fundamental components
• Innovate by creating new solutions

Other business leaders have engaged in similar strategies, such as Jeff Bezos when he advised the need for finding out key truths for yourself. First principles thinking is an important part of innovating beyond what we assume can’t be changed. It’s a way to use analytical skills to discover potential solutions through constant learning and acquiring new information.

Steve Jobs’ Problem-Solving Method

Steve Jobs gained a reputation for solving problems through Apple. He was always on the lookout for simple solutions to complex problems. He followed his own three-step method that helped him tackle difficult issues.

• Zoom Out: When facing a problem, zoom out to get a larger view of the bigger picture. This is another way to help you define the problem and pinpoint the root cause.
• Focus In: After defining the problem, focus all your attention on solving it. Concentrate your efforts, and don’t stop until the problem is fixed. Give yourself a period of intense focus and dedication as you bring the solution to life.
• Disconnect: If things aren’t proceeding the way you thought they would, it may be time to disconnect. That means walking away and giving yourself a break so you can clear your mind. Sometimes, a break is all you need to approach the problem once more, this time from a fresh angle with your mind fully reenergized.

From increasing sales to engaging in conflict resolution , business leaders have a lot of problems to solve. However, some people may still feel overwhelmed, especially if the problem is large in scope and could even threaten to close the company. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to get in the right mindset as outlined by James Clear, author of Atomic Habits :

• Break the bigger problem down into a lot of smaller problems
• Focus on one small problem and solve it
• Use what you learned from solving that problem to increase your knowledge about the bigger problem
• Repeat these steps until the larger problem is solved

Tackling a problem that feels too big to solve requires a can-do, positive mindset. In order to improve your problem-solving, you’ll need to take remember these steps. Imagine what is possible instead of focusing on what seems impossible. As you do so, you’ll become skilled in solving all sorts of problems while also improving your decision-making.

For more help in growing your skillset, check out the following article:

Growth Mindset: Creating an Environment for Innovation

Leaders Media has established sourcing guidelines and relies on relevant, and credible sources for the data, facts, and expert insights and analysis we reference. You can learn more about our mission, ethics, and how we cite sources in our editorial policy .

• Abadi, Mark. “The CEO of Spanx Wakes up an Hour Early to Drive around ‘Aimlessly’ on a ‘Fake Commute’ Because She Does Her Best Thinking in the Car.”  Insider , 15 Nov. 2018, https://www.businessinsider.com/spanx-ceo-sara-blakely-fake-commute-2018-11.
• Oshin, Mayo. “Elon Musks’ ‘3-Step’ First Principles Thinking: How to Think and Solve Difficult Problems Like A….”  Mission.Org , 2 Nov. 2020, https://medium.com/the-mission/elon-musks-3-step-first-principles-thinking-how-to-think-and-solve-difficult-problems-like-a-ba1e73a9f6c0.
• Clear, James. “How to Solve Big Problems.”  James Clear , 25 July 2014, https://jamesclear.com/narrow-focus.
• Nast, C. (n.d.). WIRED. https://www.wired.com/2012/10/ff-elon-musk-qa/all/
• Just a moment. . . (n.d.). https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/5-whys-example
• inc.com . (n.d.). https://www.inc.com/kelly-main/apple-steve-jobs-problem-solving.html
• How to find your big idea . (2022, October 6). Masters of Scale. https://mastersofscale.com/sara-blakely-how-to-find-your-big-idea/
• EX-99.1 . (n.d.). https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1018724/000119312517120198/d373368dex991.htm

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The Art of Problem-Solving: 4 Creative Strategies to Tackle Your Biggest Obstacles

Problems never stop.

To be alive means constant challenges, big and small. Life’s question for you is not, how can I avoid problems , but, how can I eat problems for breakfast? I’m sure you’re dealing with multiple problems today, from what to wear to how to find more clients, to last night’s fight with your partner.

It’s tempting to throw up your hands, but when you cultivate a growth mindset you can learn to love your problems . If knowledge is power, then these 4 creative problem-solving strategies will help you unlock your hidden strength.

3 Types of Problems

Problems come in three flavors:

• Setbacks and failures: Why did my car break down? Why is company revenue down 20 percent? Why am I so tired all the time?
• Goals: How can I attract 10 more clients this month? What’s the best way to clean out my garage? How can I convince him to date me?
• Decisions: Should I move to Finland? Should I confront my boss? Leave the toxic relationship? Go to Dave’s pool party or Mel’s dinner? 

Rather than dump a bunch of problem-solving strategies in your lap, let’s look at four real-ish case studies and use them to illustrate our four new strategies. 

1. Six Thinking Hats

The scenario: You are an e-commerce solopreneur, and your startup teaches aspiring speakers how to book paid gigs with corporate clients. You launched this side hustle in 2017 but recently left your salaried job to take this business seriously. 

The problem: Revenue was $50,000 last year, but 2021 is off to a slow start; you sold zero training packages in January and February. You made the tough decision to let go of your one part-time employee. Your goal is to turn the ship around and double revenue to $100,000 by the end of the year.

The problem-solving strategy : Six Thinking Hats

Here you have a problem (flagging revenue) and a goal (sales target). Doubling revenue is ambitious even in a healthy economy, so a bold strategy and massive action is needed. 

You might be tempted to take immediate action and work twice as hard, but your efforts are more likely to succeed if you slow down . Thankfully, there are excellent frameworks for thinking methodically, and Six Thinking Hats is among the most reliable.

How it works : 

In 1985 Edward De Bono published Six Thinking Hats . In it, he observed that our brains can think in several different modes depending on our aims. In this moment, we might use deduction to figure out why the lawnmower won’t start. Later, we might design a more reliable engine. That night, you imagine hiring a gardener.

De Bono organized thinking styles into six categories, represented by colored hats:

Blue hat : One hat to rule them all! This exercise can be done in groups or alone. It starts with the imaginary blue hat, which calls for high-level leadership thinking. We clarify: what’s the problem (revenue is down); what’s our goal (earn $100,000); and what is our first priority?

White hat : Just the facts, ma’am . Here we stick to logical, fact-based thinking. We review key performance indicators and note: 

• First-quarter 2021 revenue was only $3,000, down 71%.
• Paradoxically, website visits increased 38% because of massive new search engine traffic to two blog posts.
• The lion’s share of our sales comes from email marketing , but very few blog readers (1%) subscribe.
• Many new visitors are arriving from the U.K. and Australia.

Green hat : There are no dumb ideas . Green is the creative hat. In this phase, we brainstorm new or “crazy” ideas, seek elegant solutions, alternatives and opportunities. As a solopreneur, you do this alone, and here’s what comes up:

• What if we create a new offer for website visitors arriving at our two most popular blog posts to capture more subscribers?
• What if we create a new offer for visitors from the U.K. and Australia?
• What if we host more free workshops to build trust?
• What if we created pre-recorded courses instead of live webinars?

Yellow hat : The future is bright . This is the optimist hat; while wearing it, you imagine all potential benefits tied to Green Hat ideas.

• If we increase our email subscriber rate from 1% to just 2%, we could capture 150 additional leads each month just from our top two blog posts.
• If we create a special offer for British and Australian visitors, we could sign five new clients per month.
• Our last free webinar recruited 95 new hot leads. Repeat this and we could create five to 10 new clients per month.
• Adding pre-recorded content to our service lineup means passive, recurring revenue, with fewer expenses. This could mean $3,000 in new revenue monthly or one-third of our $100,000 goal.

Red hat : Go with your gut . Under this hat, you’re free to explore feelings and hunches, fears and excitement. 

• You sense that your ideal clients are those who experienced your training live before making a purchase.
• Your gut says email marketing has huge potential if only you’d double your efforts here.
• You feel that chasing customers from overseas will be fruitless.
• You believe that creating on-demand virtual training courses will be popular, but you fear that hiring a video editor and web designer will eat up profits.

Black hat : Danger, Will Robinson . This is the cap of caution, the sombrero of sober thought. Careful entrepreneurs ask, “What could go wrong?” then act to manage risks. We note:

• Hosting free workshops requires time and money with no guarantee of sales.
• Getting better at email marketing means switching to paid plans for both Mailchimp and pop-up software. Can we cut costs elsewhere?
• You’re not sure about how your trainers will feel about turning their recorded sessions into on-demand products—or whether you can do that without getting sued. Let’s talk to our lawyer.

This process should be done on paper, and you only need to spend two to five minutes under each hat. The Six Thinking Hats method forces disciplined thinking and delivers better decisions, faster. 

When using it in a group, it will help you sidestep adversarial thinking, where each person entrenches on a side. This process won’t feel natural at first, so practice.

Strategy 2: The McKinsey Method, Featuring the Issue Tree

The scenario : You recently left a teaching job to become a financial coach , and you’re wondering how to find clients.

The problem : You had a crop of clients when you launched early last year, but the pipeline dried up, and you’re struggling with monthly bills. Half your clients continue to return, but the other half disappear without warning.

The problem-solving strategy : The McKinsey Method and Issue Tree

In this scenario, you again have a problem—lack of clients—and an opportunity to set a goal. You look at your monthly budget and see that by signing only two new clients per month, you can not only cover your expenses, but also stash some cash. 

This is a complicated challenge because there are many potential causes and solutions. We need to approach it with a framework that is efficient and thorough.

How it works :

Global consulting firm McKinsey & Co. has worked with top companies worldwide since 1926 to solve their most intractable problems. Naturally, its people have to be exceptional problem solvers. Lucky for us, many of them have pulled back the curtain to share their methods. 

Step 1: Generate a hypothesis. The McKinsey method starts by formulating a hypothesis about the problem using our intuition. In this scenario, we guess that we’re not seeing the number of clients we want because we’re not generating nearly enough leads. And we’re not attracting the type of clients we want because we’re talking to the wrong leads . Now we have some ideas we can test with hard data.

Step 2: Create a map of the problem. Solving a problem like this requires a complete picture of all of its facets. The Issue Tree (or Logic Tree) is the perfect tool for mapping out the challenge at hand. It will guide your research and prevent you from stumbling down dead-end alleys. It will help you identify the most likely cause and solutions, and move to action quickly. 

You can use any free mind mapping tool to create issue trees. I like Mindmeister . An issue tree looks like this:

A good issue tree is MECE: mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive. Don’t sweat the jargon—all this means is that the issue tree should capture all facets of the problem and that none of the boxes overlap.

In our scenario, we might start like this:

The blue box captures the problem concisely, and it’s also a testable hypothesis. The four white boxes break the problem into smaller parts, and each is a separate issue that doesn’t overlap with any other. In other words, the four boxes together should be a complete map of all the root causes of this problem.

Going deeper, your issue tree could expand like this:

Breaking a large, nebulous problem into smaller parts like this makes it much easier to solve. This will also let us focus on the highest value tasks first. And what are those? 

• Limiting beliefs : This coach has some unhelpful beliefs about what he’s worth, and about making sales calls . 
• Lack of focus : Our coach seems to be trying to do too much—generating leads by phone, email and Instagram. It’s possible to do all these well, but if none of these marketing channels is delivering leads, it makes sense to laser-focus on just one until you create a reliable system that works.
• Wasting resources : We know that activity does not equal effectiveness. It’s possible for a coach to generate hordes of leads, and have them convert into clients at a high rate, but if the pipeline is filled with less-than-ideal clients, you won’t enjoy your work , build your personal brand or see high-quality referrals. 

Step 3: Develop an action plan. Which bucket of issues is most pressing? Nine times out of 10, the greatest gains come from a change in mindset. The limit to any business is the leader, and until these limiting beliefs are addressed, problems will persist. Perhaps he should hire a coach of his own?

Many coach schools also say that the No. 1 determinant of a coach’s success is to own a niche . This coach should get clear on his ideal client and not work with anyone else.

Now, create a list of concrete actions you can take, then start implementing them one at a time.

Strategy 3: Fishbone Diagrams

The scenario : You’re Elon Musk and it’s Aug. 4, 2008. Your third Falcon 1 rocket just crashed into the ocean.

The problem : SpaceX needs to demonstrate the viability of its rocket technology to secure crucial new investment, but only has cash for one more launch. The previous three launches failed. This fourth launch has to work. 

The problem-solving strategy : The fishbone diagram

Also called the Ishikawa diagram , after its creator, this problem-solving strategy has been used since the 1960s by companies like Toyota and Mazda not only to root out product defects, but also to invent new blockbuster products. It’s used within lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other techniques. 

A fishbone diagram visually organizes a problem so you can see its root causes. Like the issue tree, it’s a structured way of thinking that aims to leave no stones unturned. It looks like a fish skeleton, hence the name:

I use Miro’s handy template to create fishbone diagrams using a free account. Note: I have no idea if SpaceX used this strategy to understand its problem; this is for illustration purposes only.

Step 1: Clearly define the problem . Here, SpaceX has an obvious but complex problem: its expensive rockets aren’t making it safely to space. 

Step 2: Group causes of the problem into categories . Normally, we want at least two, but no more than six categories. Appropriate here are the 5 M’s of manufacturing here: M an (people), M achine, M aterial, M ethod, M easurement.

Step 3: Identify specific causes of the problem .

The first Falcon 1 rocket crashed because a fuel line leak caused a fire. The post-mortem showed that a single nut failed because of corrosion from saltwater. Terrible luck. This falls into the materials category.

The second, redesigned rocket used stainless steel instead of aluminum nuts to avoid corrosion, and upgraded software ( measurement ). The launch started well, but to vastly oversimplify, the bottom half of the rocket was spinning quicker than expected (a problem of methods ), and the liquid oxygen fuel was splashing around too much (a problem of the design of the machine ), and the rocket plummeted back to earth.

The next rocket performed almost flawlessly, except that the two stages bumped each other during separation—this time because the halves separated too soon. A delay of one or two seconds could have ensured success ( methods , again).

Here’s what Musk’s basic fishbone might have looked like:

Step 4: Plan and implement solutions . The SpaceX team looks at all root causes of previous failures and determines that only a simple timing delay would be necessary. In reality, they were right: Falcon 1’s fourth flight became a triumphant milestone in spaceflight history and a $74 billion-dollar company.

Strategy 4: OOC/EMR

The scenario : You are employed full time at the bank and also have a side hustle: an e-commerce store that sells retro video game systems.

The problem : Essentially, should I quit my day job? You’re bored to tears of cashing checks day in and day out, and know your 9-to-5 days are numbered. But you also like the lifestyle that your salary pays for: weekly dinner and drinks… lease payments on your Audi… the waterfront condo. Can you make the leap with minimal austerity measures?

The problem-solving strategy : OOC/EMR .

It’s a cumbersome acronym developed by Tony Robbins , but this strategy’s effectiveness is unquestionable. It stands for:

O: Get clear on your outcomes

O: Know your options

C: Assess possible consequences

E: Evaluate your options

M: Mitigate the damage

R: Resolve to act on your chosen option

Sometimes a problem is a major life decision , and choosing one path over another can create ripples decades into your future. Choose wisely. Sure, you can check with your gut or ask friends, but a systematic approach wins every time. 

Step 1: Get clear on your outcomes . What do you truly want? You decide that: 

• Covering your $1,800 monthly mortgage is non-negotiable; you love your home. 
• Becoming your own boss is a powerful enticement. Each day you love your job less, and ideally want to quit by December 31.
• You would love to maintain your lifestyle, but are willing to tighten your belt when it comes to entertainment and vacations.

Step 2: Know your options . As Tony Robbins says, “Write down all of your options, including those that initially may sound far-fetched. Remember: One option is no choice. Two options is a dilemma. Three options is a choice.” 

• Option 1 : Give notice to your employer today; burn the boats.
• Option 2 : Resolve to quit no later than December 31, six months from today, and hope for the best.
• Option 3 : Maintain your day job until you are consistently generating $3,000 per month from your e-commerce venture, and make up the shortfall from your savings.
• Option 4 : Stay at the bank until your business can replace your salary dollar-for-dollar.

Step 3: Assess possible consequences . For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Let’s look at the pros and cons:

• Option 1 : Quit today, and you’d enjoy that freedom you’ve been craving. However, you might run out of money in six months, and alienate your bosses—not smart if you ever need to return. 
• Option 2 : Hanging out at the bank until the end of the year would help you feel more secure in transitioning full-time to entrepreneurship. It might also make you miserable.
• Option 3 : Leaving the bank only when your business can pay you $3,000 monthly feels safe, but you worry it could take another couple of years to get there. You’d have to pass up some exciting business opportunities.
• Option 4 : Sticking to the cubicle until your business income matches your salary means your lifestyle wouldn’t suffer at all. It may also mean that you’re stuck with the suit and tie for another decade. 

Step 4: Evaluate your options . 

Now we know our options and their consequences. It’s time to scrutinize them more closely and rank them.

Robbins suggests asking:

• How important (on a scale of 0–10) is each upside/downside in terms of meeting my outcomes?
• What is the probability (0–100%) that the upside/downside will occur?

You immediately eliminate Option 1 (quit today) because you don’t want to leave your team hanging and because you want to leave this bridge unburnt, on the off-chance that you need to return to work (a 25% chance, you estimate).

You also reject Option 4 , because it’s far too open-ended. You need a hard deadline to work toward, and you know that building the business you imagine will require your full-time effort sooner rather than later. No risk, no reward.

Feeling comfortable with your decision ranks high on your priority list (8 out of 10), and another six months to prepare, save and work hard on your business will give you that feeling. And you like the external motivation of the December 31 deadline. However, you’re 95% certain you’d have a sizeable hole in your personal budget. Option 2 is problematic but still viable.

Option 3 , to transition from job to business only when your business income reaches $3,000 per month is also enticing. It’s important you maintain at least a few of your creature comforts (10 out of 10), and this money, supplemented by your savings, would let you do that. But you know yourself, and fear that an open-ended deadline like this will lead to procrastination and more drudgery at the bank. Avoiding this is a must for you. 

Step 5: Mitigate the damage.

Only options two and three remain. Is there a way to soften the risks in each? Hmm, how could we cover that pesky budget shortfall? Could you get another paying side hustle, perhaps social media marketing? A bartending job? Sure.

And that open-ended deadline—could you close it? What if you said, “OK, I’ll work at the bank for absolutely no longer than 12 months, or until my business pays me $3,000 per month, whichever comes first”? This feels like a great compromise.

Suddenly, because you used this problem-solving tool, you see a fifth option.

Option 5: Work at the bank part time . You’re unsure your boss will agree, but you can only ask. That would pay you $2,000 a month, plus the $1,000 from your retro gaming e-commerce store, and the shortfall you can cover from your savings for at least a year. Plus, there’s no need to wait six to 12 months to get serious about your side hustle.

Step 6: Resolve to act on your chosen option. 

You decide to make a convincing case to your boss tomorrow for part-time work. Your contingency plan is to seek out another part-time job that would let you quit the bank. This would allow you to dedicate 20 additional hours weekly to your business right away, maintain your lifestyle and feel like a decision-making genius. 

Most importantly, it helps you achieve all of your outcomes from Step 1. Good job, hustler.

Problems Never Stop

When you finally get to a place where your problems stop, it means you are dead. Until then, why waste energy trying to sidestep the inevitable? A much better use of your time is to learn some proven, methodical strategies to beat any challenge. Those above are only four among many.

Just know that the best strategy will fail if you adopt the wrong mindset. According to Ken Watanabe, author of the wildly popular children’s-slash-business book, Problem Solving 101 , you’ll have a heck of a tough time if you:

• Feel sorry for yourself, give up, or fear failure.
• Spend your time criticizing and being negative.
• Act like a dreamer, with your head in the clouds, never taking action.
• Execute without stopping to think in a structured way.

I would add that mastering problem-solving requires a growth mindset, the spirit of which Thomas Edison captured perfectly when he said, “I have not failed 10,000 times. I have successfully found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

Every problem is figure-out-able. But you’ll save yourself a lot of time and grief if you use the “cheat codes” above. Let us know in the comments how it turns out.

Photo by @sasha.azoqa/Twenty20

Michael Pietrzak

I help heart-led entrepreneurs start + grow businesses that improve the world. Instagram:  @mpbizcoach

5473 Blair Road, Suite 100 PMB 30053 Dallas, TX 75231

Copyright © 2024 SUCCESS Magazine. All rights reserved.

Critical & Creative Thinking - OER & More Resources: IDEAL problem solving

• Self evaluation
• Creating goals
• Creating personal mission statement
• Creative Thinking
• Problem Solving
• IDEAL problem solving
• CRITICAL THINKING
• Critical Thinking Tips
• Logic Terms
• Logic Traps
• Free OER Textbooks
• More Thinking: OER
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• Evidence-Based Critical Thinking
• BELIEFS & BIAS
• Limits of Perception
• Reality & Assumptions
• Stereotypes & Race
• MAKING YOUR CASE
• Argument (OER)
• Inductive Arguments
• Information Literacy: Be Savvy about your Sources
• Persuasive Speaking (OER)
• Philosophy & Thinking
• WiPhi Philosophy Project
• Browse All Guides

VM: I had to inter-library loan this item to read the original content.  This is highly cited throughout literature, so I wanted to have a good grasp on what it covered.  Here are my notes and commentary:

•  Full text From TNtech.edu: "Ideal Problem Solver, 2 ed." (c) 1984, 1993 more... less... Thanks to Center for Assessment & Improvement of Learning - Reports & Publications"
• Full text from ERIC: The IDEAL Workplace: Strategies for Improving Learning, Problem Solving, and Creativity
• Show your support: The Ideal Problem Solver: A Guide to Improving Thinking, Learning, and Creativity Second Edition

The reason you should learn the IDEAL method is so you don't need to avoid problems.  The more know about and practice problem solving, the easier it gets.  It is learnable skill. It also prompts you to look for problems and solutions instead of just doing things the same old way.

Improvement of problem solving skills.  

Model for analyzing the processes that underlie effective problem solving.

IDEAL Model for improving problem solving (Verbatim copy of Fig 2.1; p.12)

I = Identifying the problem.

D = Define and represent the problem.

E = Explore possible strategies.

A = Act on the strategies.

L = Look back and evaluate the effects of your activities.

ELABORATION:

I = Identifying that there is a problem that, once described as a problem, may be solved or improved.

D = Define and represent the problem.  Draw it instead of trying to imagine it.

E = Explore possible strategies & alternative approaches or viewpoints. 

General strategies: Break problem down into small simple problems. Working a problem backwards. Build scale model Try simulation experiment, with smaller or simpler sets.

A = Act on the strategies. Try, then reflect or recall. Actively try learning strategy.

L = Look back and evaluate the effects of your activities. Look at results of learning strategy used: Does it work to allow full recall?

"Many students make the mistake of assuming that they have "learned" adequately if the information seems to make sense as they read it in a textbook or hear it in a lecture."    (p. 23" Must  use or practice, recall, or paraphrase - in order to evaluate effectiveness of learning.  

Math: Do example problems before looking at solution to practice concepts.  Look at solution to see where you went wrong (or not). 

Don't let the test be the first time you evaluate your understanding of material

Problem identification and definition.

Proof of concept - act/look/evaluate.

To find an answer to a problem, you can dig deeper, or dig somewhere else.  

Question assumptions about limits  The old - think outside the box- strategy.

When memorizing, know what you need to remember  Definitions?  Concepts? Graphs?  Dates?  each teacher has different priorities...ask them what to focus on

Ways to solve problem of learning new information.

Techniques for improving memory.

Short term meomory

Long term memory

Remembering people's names

Studying for an essay test.

Using cues to retrieve information.  For example, you can remember IDEAL first and that will help you reconstruct the idea of how to solve problems.

Some strategies for remembering information:

Make a story full of memorable images.  

Funny obnoxious "vivid images" or "mental pictures" are more memorabl e. (Ex: random words in a list, passwords, people's names. Banana vomit haunts me.)

Rehearse over and over - over learn.   (Ex: Memorizing a phone number 867-5309 )

Rehearse words in groups - chunking. (Ex: Memorizing a part in a play, poems, pledges, short stories.)

Organize words into conceptual categories - Look for unifying relationships. (Recall, order not important. Ex: Shopping list, points in an essay.)

Look for similarities and coincidences in the words themselves. (Ex: How many words have e's, or 2 syllables, or have pun-ishing homonyms)

The feet that use the manual transmission car pedals are, from left to right: ​ C ( L eft-foot) utch , the  B( R ight-foot) ake , and the  A ccelerato ( R ight-foot)

Does order mimic alphabetical order? The manual transmission car pedals are, from left to right, the C lutch, the B rake, and the A ccelerator )   

Use Acronyms I dentify D efine ​E xplore A ct ​L ook

Acronym- easily remembered word: FACE

Acrostic- easily remembered phrase:    E very G ood B oy D eserves F udge

• Modified image source: Commons.wikimedia.org

Don't waste time studying what you already know

Image - Name Strategy:

What is unique about the person?  What is unique about their name?

Find a relationship between the two.

Other Pairing Strategies:

method of loci: arranging words to be remembered in association with familiar location or path .

Peg-word method: arranging words to be remembered in association with number order or alphabet letter order .

Strategies to comprehend new information.

more difficult than

Strategies to memorize new information.

Learning with understanding - comprehending new information.

Knowledge of CORE CONCEPTS in a field SIMPLIFIES problem solving. 

Ways to approach a problem of learning information that seems to be arbitrary:

Over-learn:  rehearse the facts until they are mastered.  2+2=4

Find relationships between images or words that are memorable: story telling, silmilarieties, vivid images, pegging, etc.

When a concept seems unclear, learn more about it.

Memory- can be of seemingly arbitrary words or numbers: ROTE (Ex. Facts and relationships) appearance

Comprehension - is understanding significance or relationships or function

Novices often forced to memorize information until they learn enough (related concepts and context) to understand it.

The mere memorization of information rarely provides useful conceptual tools that enable one to solve new problems later on. (p. 61,69)

Taking notes will not necessarily lead to effective recall prompts. How do you know when you understand material? Self-test by trying to explain material to another person.That will expose gaps in understanding.

Recall answers or solve problems out of order to be sure you know which concepts to apply and why.

Look at mistakes made as soon as possible, and learn where you went wrong.

Uses of information require more or less precision in understanding, depending on context. (A pilot must know more about an airplane than a passenger.)

Evaluation basics: evaluate factual claims look for flaws in logic question assumptions that form the basis of the argument

Correlation does not necessarily prove cause and effect.

Importance of being able to criticize ideas and generate alternatives.

Strategies for effective criticism.

Strategies for formulating creative solutions.

Finding/understanding implicit assumptions that hamper brainstorming.

Strategies for making implicit assumptions explicit.

"The uncreative mind can spot wrong answers, but it takes a creative mnd to spot wrong questions ." Emphasis added. - Anthony Jay, (p.93)

Making implicit assumptions explicit: look for inconsistencies question assumptions make predictions analyze worst case get feedback & criticism from others

Increase generation of novel ideas: break down problem into smaller parts analyze properties on a simpler level use analogies use brainstorming give it a rest, sleep on it don't be in a hurry, let ideas incubate: ​talk to others, read, keep the problem in the back of your mind try to communicate your ideas as clearly as possible, preferably in writing. attempting to write or teach an idea can function as a discovery technique

Strategies for Effective Communication

What we are trying to accomplish (goal)

Evaluating communication fro effectiveness:

Identify and Define: Have you given audience basis to understand different points of view about a topic? Different problem definitions can lead to different solutions. Did you Explore pros and cons of different strategies? Did you take Action and then Look at consequences? Did you organize your content into main points that are easy to identify and remeber?

Did you use analogies and background information to put facts into context?

Did you make sure your facts were accurate and did you avoid making assumptions?Always check for logical fallacies and inconsistencies.  Did you include information that is novel and useful, instead of just regurgitating what everyone already knows?

After you communicate, get feedback and evaluate your strategies.  Look for effects, and learn from your mistakes.  (p. 117)

Identify and Define what (problem) you want to communicate, with respect to your audience and your goals. Explore strategies for communicating your ideas.Act - based on your strategies. Look at effects.

Summaries of Useful  Attitudes and Strategies: Anybody can use the IDEAL system to improve their problem solving skills.

Related Resources:

• Teaching The IDEAL Problem-Solving Method To Diverse Learners Written by: Amy Sippl
• << Previous: Problem Solving
• Next: CRITICAL THINKING >>
• Last Updated: Mar 13, 2024 3:04 PM
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3.4: Problem Solving and Decision Making

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Learning Objectives

• Learn to understand the problem.
• Learn to combine creative thinking and critical thinking to solve problems.
• Practice problem solving in a group.

Much of your college and professional life will be spent solving problems; some will be complex, such as deciding on a career, and require time and effort to come up with a solution. Others will be small, such as deciding what to eat for lunch, and will allow you to make a quick decision based entirely on your own experience. But, in either case, when coming up with the solution and deciding what to do, follow the same basic steps.

• Define the problem. Use your analytical skills. What is the real issue? Why is it a problem? What are the root causes? What kinds of outcomes or actions do you expect to generate to solve the problem? What are some of the key characteristics that will make a good choice: Timing? Resources? Availability of tools and materials? For more complex problems, it helps to actually write out the problem and the answers to these questions. Can you clarify your understanding of the problem by using metaphors to illustrate the issue?
• Narrow the problem. Many problems are made up of a series of smaller problems, each requiring its own solution. Can you break the problem into different facets? What aspects of the current issue are “noise” that should not be considered in the problem solution? (Use critical thinking to separate facts from opinion in this step.)
• Generate possible solutions. List all your options. Use your creative thinking skills in this phase. Did you come up with the second “right” answer, and the third or the fourth? Can any of these answers be combined into a stronger solution? What past or existing solutions can be adapted or combined to solve this problem?

Group Think: Effective Brainstorming

Brainstorming is a process of generating ideas for solutions in a group. This method is very effective because ideas from one person will trigger additional ideas from another. The following guidelines make for an effective brainstorming session:

• Decide who should moderate the session. That person may participate, but his main role is to keep the discussion flowing.
• Define the problem to be discussed and the time you will allow to consider it.
• Write all ideas down on a board or flip chart for all participants to see.
• Encourage everyone to speak.
• Do not allow criticism of ideas. All ideas are good during a brainstorm. Suspend disbelief until after the session. Remember a wildly impossible idea may trigger a creative and feasible solution to a problem.
• Choose the best solution. Use your critical thinking skills to select the most likely choices. List the pros and cons for each of your selections. How do these lists compare with the requirements you identified when you defined the problem? If you still can’t decide between options, you may want to seek further input from your brainstorming team.

Decisions, Decisions

You will be called on to make many decisions in your life. Some will be personal, like what to major in, or whether or not to get married. Other times you will be making decisions on behalf of others at work or for a volunteer organization. Occasionally you will be asked for your opinion or experience for decisions others are making. To be effective in all of these circumstances, it is helpful to understand some principles about decision making.

First, define who is responsible for solving the problem or making the decision. In an organization, this may be someone above or below you on the organization chart but is usually the person who will be responsible for implementing the solution. Deciding on an academic major should be your decision, because you will have to follow the course of study. Deciding on the boundaries of a sales territory would most likely be the sales manager who supervises the territories, because he or she will be responsible for producing the results with the combined territories. Once you define who is responsible for making the decision, everyone else will fall into one of two roles: giving input, or in rare cases, approving the decision.

Understanding the role of input is very important for good decisions. Input is sought or given due to experience or expertise, but it is up to the decision maker to weigh the input and decide whether and how to use it. Input should be fact based, or if offering an opinion, it should be clearly stated as such. Finally, once input is given, the person giving the input must support the other’s decision, whether or not the input is actually used.

Consider a team working on a project for a science course. The team assigns you the responsibility of analyzing and presenting a large set of complex data. Others on the team will set up the experiment to demonstrate the hypothesis, prepare the class presentation, and write the paper summarizing the results. As you face the data, you go to the team to seek input about the level of detail on the data you should consider for your analysis. The person doing the experiment setup thinks you should be very detailed, because then it will be easy to compare experiment results with the data. However, the person preparing the class presentation wants only high-level data to be considered because that will make for a clearer presentation. If there is not a clear understanding of the decision-making process, each of you may think the decision is yours to make because it influences the output of your work; there will be conflict and frustration on the team. If the decision maker is clearly defined upfront, however, and the input is thoughtfully given and considered, a good decision can be made (perhaps a creative compromise?) and the team can get behind the decision and work together to complete the project.

Finally, there is the approval role in decisions. This is very common in business decisions but often occurs in college work as well (the professor needs to approve the theme of the team project, for example). Approval decisions are usually based on availability of resources, legality, history, or policy.

Key Takeaways

• Effective problem solving involves critical and creative thinking.

The four steps to effective problem solving are the following:

• Define the problem
• Narrow the problem
• Generate solutions
• Choose the solution
• Brainstorming is a good method for generating creative solutions.
• Understanding the difference between the roles of deciding and providing input makes for better decisions.

Checkpoint Exercises

Gather a group of three or four friends and conduct three short brainstorming sessions (ten minutes each) to generate ideas for alternate uses for peanut butter, paper clips, and pen caps. Compare the results of the group with your own ideas. Be sure to follow the brainstorming guidelines. Did you generate more ideas in the group? Did the quality of the ideas improve? Were the group ideas more innovative? Which was more fun? Write your conclusions here.

__________________________________________________________________

Using the steps outlined earlier for problem solving, write a plan for the following problem: You are in your second year of studies in computer animation at Jefferson Community College. You and your wife both work, and you would like to start a family in the next year or two. You want to become a video game designer and can benefit from more advanced work in programming. Should you go on to complete a four-year degree?

Define the problem: What is the core issue? What are the related issues? Are there any requirements to a successful solution? Can you come up with a metaphor to describe the issue?

Narrow the problem: Can you break down the problem into smaller manageable pieces? What would they be?

Generate solutions: What are at least two “right” answers to each of the problem pieces?

Choose the right approach: What do you already know about each solution? What do you still need to know? How can you get the information you need? Make a list of pros and cons for each solution.

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Divergent vs Convergent Thinking: What's the Difference?

Divergent and convergent thinking are key components of problem-solving and decision-making, often used across different fields. They represent two different ways of approaching challenges: one focuses on generating many ideas, while the other narrows them down to find the best solution.

In this article, we’ll break down divergent vs convergent thinking styles, explore their practical applications, and show how they can help make better decisions and solve complex problems effectively.

Divergence vs Convergence: Definitions

How to apply divergent and convergent thinking, the pros and cons of convergent vs. divergent thinking, tips to get the most out of divergent & convergent thinking, when to use divergent vs convergent thinking, convergent vs. divergent thinking in project management, why you need both types of thinking.

Divergence and convergence are two opposing cognitive processes that play distinct roles in problem-solving and decision-making.

Divergent thinking is a creative process that helps generate a wide range of ideas or possibilities. It involves thinking broadly, exploring different angles, and coming up with multiple solutions to a problem. The main goal of divergent thinking is to promote creativity by allowing a free flow of thoughts without judgment or evaluation. In short, it’s about “thinking outside the box” and considering unconventional options.

Convergence

Convergent thinking, on the other hand, is a focused and analytical process aimed at selecting the best solution or idea from a set of options. It involves carefully evaluating, comparing, and narrowing down choices to identify the most effective and practical solution to a problem. Convergent thinking is about making decisions and finding the most suitable answer based on specific criteria, often guided by logic, data, and established principles.

This comparison chart gives a quick overview of the differences between divergent and convergent thinking.

Remember that divergent and convergent thinking aren’t separate stages, but often work together iteratively. You may need to switch between these thinking styles multiple times to fine-tune and improve your ideas. Additionally, involving a mix of people with different skills and thinking styles and expertise can also help increase the quality of both your divergent and convergent thinking processes.

Applying Divergent Thinking

Define the problem : Start by clearly outlining the problem or challenge you’re facing. Understand its scope and boundaries.

Brainstorm freely : Hold a brainstorming session where you and your team generate as many ideas as possible. During this phase:

• Do not criticize or judge ideas.
• Welcome unconventional and even seemingly impractical ideas.
• Build upon the ideas of others to spark creativity.

Mind mapping : Use mind maps or visual diagrams to explore connections between ideas and concepts. This can help you see the bigger picture and identify potential solutions.

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• Role play and scenario building : Imagine yourself in different scenarios related to the problem. Role-playing and scenario building can help you consider various perspectives and possibilities.

Analogies and metaphors : Draw analogies or use metaphors to relate the problem to unrelated concepts. This can help generate fresh insights and creative solutions.

Idea capture : Document all generated ideas systematically, either on paper or digitally. Organize them for easy reference during the convergent thinking phase. Use the following brainstorming board to quickly record and organize ideas.

Applying Convergent Thinking

Evaluate ideas : Review the list of generated ideas from the divergent thinking phase. Consider factors like feasibility, practicality, and alignment with your goals and constraints.

Set criteria : Define specific criteria or parameters for evaluating ideas. This could include cost-effectiveness, time constraints, and the potential for implementation.

Rank and prioritize : Rank the ideas based on their alignment with the established criteria. Prioritize the top ideas that best meet your objectives.

Select the best option : Choose the single best solution or idea from the prioritized list. This decision should be well-reasoned and backed by data and analysis.

Plan implementation : Develop a detailed action plan for implementing the chosen solution. Outline the steps, resources, and timeline required for execution.

Test and iterate : Implement the chosen solution and monitor its progress. If necessary, be open to making adjustments and iterations based on feedback and results.

Reflect and learn : After implementing the solution, reflect on the process. What worked well? What could be improved? Use these insights for future problem-solving.

Convergent Thinking Pros and Cons

Divergent thinking pros and cons.

To maximize the effectiveness of divergent and convergent thinking, consider the following tips:

Clear problem definition : Start with a well-defined problem or challenge. Having a clear understanding of what you’re trying to solve or achieve is essential for effective thinking.

Time management : Set time limits for each phase of thinking. Divergent thinking sessions should encourage rapid idea generation, while convergent thinking should focus on efficient decision-making.

Diverse teams : Encourage diversity within your team. A variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives can lead to more comprehensive and innovative solutions.

Document everything : Keep detailed records of all ideas and decisions made during the process. This documentation can serve as a valuable reference and help maintain continuity.

Flexibility : Be willing to adapt and adjust your thinking approach as needed. Sometimes, the process may require going back and forth between divergent and convergent thinking to refine ideas and decisions.

Visual collaboration : Use visual aids, such as whiteboards, mind maps, and diagrams, to carry out idea generation and decision-making. Visual tools can boost communication and understanding within the team. With a visual collaboration platform like Creately , you can effortlessly conduct brainstorming sessions using readily-made templates for mind maps, concept maps, idea boards and more. You can also use its infinite canvas and integrated notes capabilities to capture and organize information in one place.

Iterative approach : Know that problem-solving often involves iterating between divergent and convergent thinking. It’s a dynamic process, and fine tuning ideas is needed for success.

Knowing when to use divergent thinking vs convergent thinking is key to effective problem-solving and decision-making.

Divergent Thinking

Convergent Thinking

In real projects, you often switch between these two thinking styles. Divergent thinking starts things off with idea generation and exploration during planning. As the project moves forward, convergent thinking takes over to make precise decisions and execute efficiently. A good balance between these thinking styles helps project managers guide their projects effectively while allowing room for innovation when needed.

Project managers use convergent thinking to analyze data, evaluate options, and select the most suitable solutions for the project. It’s particularly helpful when you have clearly defined problems or need to allocate resources efficiently. Convergent thinking makes sure that your project stays on course and meets its objectives with precision.

Divergent thinking, on the other hand, is the thinking style you turn to when you’re dealing with complex, open-ended challenges or seeking fresh, imaginative ideas. Project managers use divergent thinking for brainstorming and idea generation without constraints. This approach is useful in exploring various possibilities, finding unique solutions, and injecting creativity into the project.

It’s important to have both divergent and convergent thinking because they play different but complementary roles in problem-solving, decision-making, and creativity. Divergent thinking, for example, helps generate a wide array of ideas and solutions as it helps break away from conventional thinking allowing you to think outside of the box.

On the other hand, convergent thinking comes into play when you need to evaluate, select, and refine ideas or solutions. It helps you make informed decisions based on defined criteria, making sure that the most promising options are chosen for further development.

Having both thinking styles in your toolkit helps comprehensive problem-solving. Divergent thinking deepens your understanding of complex problems by taking into account multiple perspectives and angles, and convergent thinking helps you narrow down options to actionable choices.

In essence, divergent and convergent thinking represent two complementary approaches to problem-solving, with divergent thinking fostering creativity and idea generation, and convergent thinking facilitating decision-making and solution selection. Both thinking styles have their unique strengths and are valuable in various contexts.

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Amanda Athuraliya is the communication specialist/content writer at Creately, online diagramming and collaboration tool. She is an avid reader, a budding writer and a passionate researcher who loves to write about all kinds of topics.

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Problem-Solving Strategies and Obstacles

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Sean is a fact-checker and researcher with experience in sociology, field research, and data analytics.

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From deciding what to eat for dinner to considering whether it's the right time to buy a house, problem-solving is a large part of our daily lives. Learn some of the problem-solving strategies that exist and how to use them in real life, along with ways to overcome obstacles that are making it harder to resolve the issues you face.

What Is Problem-Solving?

In cognitive psychology , the term 'problem-solving' refers to the mental process that people go through to discover, analyze, and solve problems.

A problem exists when there is a goal that we want to achieve but the process by which we will achieve it is not obvious to us. Put another way, there is something that we want to occur in our life, yet we are not immediately certain how to make it happen.

Maybe you want a better relationship with your spouse or another family member but you're not sure how to improve it. Or you want to start a business but are unsure what steps to take. Problem-solving helps you figure out how to achieve these desires.

The problem-solving process involves:

• Discovery of the problem
• Deciding to tackle the issue
• Seeking to understand the problem more fully
• Researching available options or solutions
• Taking action to resolve the issue

Before problem-solving can occur, it is important to first understand the exact nature of the problem itself. If your understanding of the issue is faulty, your attempts to resolve it will also be incorrect or flawed.

Problem-Solving Mental Processes

Several mental processes are at work during problem-solving. Among them are:

• Perceptually recognizing the problem
• Representing the problem in memory
• Considering relevant information that applies to the problem
• Identifying different aspects of the problem
• Labeling and describing the problem

Problem-Solving Strategies

There are many ways to go about solving a problem. Some of these strategies might be used on their own, or you may decide to employ multiple approaches when working to figure out and fix a problem.

An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure that, by following certain "rules" produces a solution. Algorithms are commonly used in mathematics to solve division or multiplication problems. But they can be used in other fields as well.

In psychology, algorithms can be used to help identify individuals with a greater risk of mental health issues. For instance, research suggests that certain algorithms might help us recognize children with an elevated risk of suicide or self-harm.

One benefit of algorithms is that they guarantee an accurate answer. However, they aren't always the best approach to problem-solving, in part because detecting patterns can be incredibly time-consuming.

There are also concerns when machine learning is involved—also known as artificial intelligence (AI)—such as whether they can accurately predict human behaviors.

Heuristics are shortcut strategies that people can use to solve a problem at hand. These "rule of thumb" approaches allow you to simplify complex problems, reducing the total number of possible solutions to a more manageable set.

If you find yourself sitting in a traffic jam, for example, you may quickly consider other routes, taking one to get moving once again. When shopping for a new car, you might think back to a prior experience when negotiating got you a lower price, then employ the same tactics.

While heuristics may be helpful when facing smaller issues, major decisions shouldn't necessarily be made using a shortcut approach. Heuristics also don't guarantee an effective solution, such as when trying to drive around a traffic jam only to find yourself on an equally crowded route.

Trial and Error

A trial-and-error approach to problem-solving involves trying a number of potential solutions to a particular issue, then ruling out those that do not work. If you're not sure whether to buy a shirt in blue or green, for instance, you may try on each before deciding which one to purchase.

This can be a good strategy to use if you have a limited number of solutions available. But if there are many different choices available, narrowing down the possible options using another problem-solving technique can be helpful before attempting trial and error.

In some cases, the solution to a problem can appear as a sudden insight. You are facing an issue in a relationship or your career when, out of nowhere, the solution appears in your mind and you know exactly what to do.

Insight can occur when the problem in front of you is similar to an issue that you've dealt with in the past. Although, you may not recognize what is occurring since the underlying mental processes that lead to insight often happen outside of conscious awareness .

Research indicates that insight is most likely to occur during times when you are alone—such as when going on a walk by yourself, when you're in the shower, or when lying in bed after waking up.

How to Apply Problem-Solving Strategies in Real Life

If you're facing a problem, you can implement one or more of these strategies to find a potential solution. Here's how to use them in real life:

• Create a flow chart . If you have time, you can take advantage of the algorithm approach to problem-solving by sitting down and making a flow chart of each potential solution, its consequences, and what happens next.
• Recall your past experiences . When a problem needs to be solved fairly quickly, heuristics may be a better approach. Think back to when you faced a similar issue, then use your knowledge and experience to choose the best option possible.
• Start trying potential solutions . If your options are limited, start trying them one by one to see which solution is best for achieving your desired goal. If a particular solution doesn't work, move on to the next.
• Take some time alone . Since insight is often achieved when you're alone, carve out time to be by yourself for a while. The answer to your problem may come to you, seemingly out of the blue, if you spend some time away from others.

Obstacles to Problem-Solving

Problem-solving is not a flawless process as there are a number of obstacles that can interfere with our ability to solve a problem quickly and efficiently. These obstacles include:

• Assumptions: When dealing with a problem, people can make assumptions about the constraints and obstacles that prevent certain solutions. Thus, they may not even try some potential options.
• Functional fixedness : This term refers to the tendency to view problems only in their customary manner. Functional fixedness prevents people from fully seeing all of the different options that might be available to find a solution.
• Irrelevant or misleading information: When trying to solve a problem, it's important to distinguish between information that is relevant to the issue and irrelevant data that can lead to faulty solutions. The more complex the problem, the easier it is to focus on misleading or irrelevant information.
• Mental set: A mental set is a tendency to only use solutions that have worked in the past rather than looking for alternative ideas. A mental set can work as a heuristic, making it a useful problem-solving tool. However, mental sets can also lead to inflexibility, making it more difficult to find effective solutions.

How to Improve Your Problem-Solving Skills

In the end, if your goal is to become a better problem-solver, it's helpful to remember that this is a process. Thus, if you want to improve your problem-solving skills, following these steps can help lead you to your solution:

• Recognize that a problem exists . If you are facing a problem, there are generally signs. For instance, if you have a mental illness , you may experience excessive fear or sadness, mood changes, and changes in sleeping or eating habits. Recognizing these signs can help you realize that an issue exists.
• Decide to solve the problem . Make a conscious decision to solve the issue at hand. Commit to yourself that you will go through the steps necessary to find a solution.
• Seek to fully understand the issue . Analyze the problem you face, looking at it from all sides. If your problem is relationship-related, for instance, ask yourself how the other person may be interpreting the issue. You might also consider how your actions might be contributing to the situation.
• Research potential options . Using the problem-solving strategies mentioned, research potential solutions. Make a list of options, then consider each one individually. What are some pros and cons of taking the available routes? What would you need to do to make them happen?
• Take action . Select the best solution possible and take action. Action is one of the steps required for change . So, go through the motions needed to resolve the issue.
• Try another option, if needed . If the solution you chose didn't work, don't give up. Either go through the problem-solving process again or simply try another option.

You can find a way to solve your problems as long as you keep working toward this goal—even if the best solution is simply to let go because no other good solution exists.

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Stewart SL, Celebre A, Hirdes JP, Poss JW. Risk of suicide and self-harm in kids: The development of an algorithm to identify high-risk individuals within the children's mental health system . Child Psychiat Human Develop . 2020;51:913-924. doi:10.1007/s10578-020-00968-9

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By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

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Divergent vs. convergent thinking: how to find the right balance

Georgina Guthrie

January 19, 2022

If you’ve been paying attention, you’ll know that in recent years researchers have delved into the science behind personality types and how they work together. One of the most popular models is Myers-Briggs , which assigns people one of 16 personality types based on their preferences for introversion or extroversion, sensing or intuition, thinking or feeling, and judging or perceiving.

According to this model, two types have quite different approaches to solving problems: divergent vs. convergent thinkers. But do you know what these distinct thinking styles mean? Do they only make sense for people who have taken Myers-Briggs, or do they apply to everyone? And how do they relate to you and your style of working?

Divergent thinking vs. convergent thinking: what’s the difference?

Convergent thinking is the process of finding concrete and familiar solutions to problems. Divergent thinking is the creative process of generating original ideas and new possibilities.

It’s fairly easy to differentiate between the two. When given a straightforward problem, a convergent thinker would search for one effective solution. A divergent thinker, on the other hand, might come up with multiple solutions or simply say, ‘I don’t know.’ And although this may seem like an oversimplification of how we think, extensive testing has uncovered these same patterns repeatedly.

Take a look at the picture below. Based on what you see, would you say the man is happy or sad?

If you believe the man is probably happy because he’s smiling, that’s an example of convergent thinking. You looked at whatever information was available and came up with one logical, straightforward solution.

If you looked at this picture and thought, ‘It depends,’ that’s an example of divergent thinking. The man could be happy, or he could be smiling because people expect you to smile when taking a picture. The man is wearing professional clothing, so he might be projecting a positive attitude because he’s taking a business photo. There’s not enough information to know whether the man is happy. A divergent thinker is more likely to acknowledge the possibility that there are multiple answers or none at all.

Divergent vs. convergent thinking: which is best?

Both modes of thinking are equally valuable, and there are advantages and disadvantages to both. People who think divergently add color to an organization and encourage creative solutions by looking at things differently. In contrast, convergent thinkers tend to look at the details methodically and consider appropriate action. When it comes to solving problems, the trick is to find a balance.

Convergent thinking increases performance speed . It helps to narrow problems down into smaller, more manageable chunks. Efficiency is especially important when you’re under pressure and deadlines are involved; it can prevent decision overload.

Divergent thinking increases flexibility in how you approach problems . Looking at a problem from many angles gets your mind working in full gear. It helps you consider all possible options (even if they seem completely unlikely). Divergence also encourages flexibility and out-of-the-box thinking. And because the thought process is less limited, it produces stronger creative concepts than convergent thinking would on its own.

Why you need both types of thinking

When you consider more scenarios and perspectives, you’re more likely to develop innovative concepts with greater differentiation. And in the business world, strong concepts can withstand common pitfalls that normally weaken an idea before development begins.

Divergence is important when we need to adapt and find new paths, but it slows down the process of finding a solution. One style isn’t better than the other, but each is better suited to certain situations. So ideally, when faced with a problem, you’d harness both at different times — divergent thinking for creativity and convergent thinking for efficiency.

To summarize:

• Divergence and convergence are essentially flexible and focused types of thinking.
• Flexible thinking (divergence) is better suited for creative problem-solving, while focused thinking (convergence) is better suited for executing plans.
• Divergent and convergent thinking should ideally both be used, but at different times.

The downsides of divergent thinking

Divergent thinking has a major drawback: it can lead to a lack of organization. While our brains are hardwired to make connections between ideas and explore multiple possibilities within the same thought process, this creative thinking requires a little more organization to be effective.

Many people who try solving a problem through divergent thinking find themselves overwhelmed by all the options on the table. They end up splitting their focus in too many directions, which leads them to fail when it comes to finding an answer.

Fortunately, convergent thinking can help us take what we learn from divergent thinking and turn loose ideas into structured, feasible plans. Convergent thinking is also called “critical” or “rational” thinking because we use facts and logic to decide what’s correct and incorrect.

When do you use each?

Different types of projects call for different forms of creative problem-solving skills. So, in most cases, you won’t use either thought process exclusively. Rather, it’s usually necessary to combine both convergent and divergent thinking at different points in the creative process.

Convergent thinking involves narrowing down options until you find a single answer. For instance, when brainstorming new projects, it’s good to start with many ideas and consider different possibilities. Convergent thinking would help you apply criteria and sort through ideas to find the most workable solutions.

To find balance in your creative problem-solving efforts, start with divergent thinking before you move into convergent thinking. Working in this order gives you a better sense of what’s possible and keeps the creative juices flowing before you impose focus and structure.

Bringing divergent and convergent thinking together

While they each have their pros and cons, sometimes, one style will work better than the other, depending on you’re particular project. However, if you can leverage both types of thinking at once, your opportunities for creative problem-solving will only grow exponentially.

Here’s how:

• First, start with divergent thinking. Look at all of your potential choices and brainstorm as many ideas as possible . Try to look at the problem or concept from multiple angles. For instance, if you’re brainstorming product or feature ideas, try to adopt the perspectives of different target users.
• Then, switch to convergent thinking. Think about the pros and cons of each option, analyzing them in-depth. Try to develop a consistent method of comparing your options. This will help you decide which ideas have better potential than others.

Once you’ve done this for all possible choices, you’ll have a clear winner! You could also start with your best idea and examine it thoroughly to see where it leads you. If it’s not the perfect solution, continue along until you get there or are left with no other options.

How to be a more divergent thinker

Divergent thinking is a valuable skill, and it’s worthwhile to foster this mentality amongst your team. Here’s how to channel your inner creative genius.

1. Change the way you look at things

There’s a little trick you can use to get into divergent thinking, and it starts with the environment around you. By removing things that could influence your interpretation of an object, you’ll be able to see it in a new light.

Try this for yourself. Think of something simple like a chair. By taking away all the details and focusing only on the object out of context, you will engage your mind in divergent thinking mode. With nothing else to trigger thoughts or memories other than pure perception, your brain will immediately search for possibilities about how this chair looks, works, and what else it could do.

For example, when you look at that chair in your mind’s eye, think about how it could be used. It can be used in an office as a seat in front of the desk or between tables during a dinner party. But that’s not all! You can use it in unconventional ways, like hanging it on the wall and using it to display favorite books, photos, paintings, and even potted plants. You can also use two chairs to create an instant bench or coffee table. The possibilities are endless!

When you employ divergent thinking, you can explore more outcomes and look at a familiar concept with fresh eyes. That’s why artists, designers, and architects — pretty much everyone who has to solve a problem creatively — favor divergent thinking.

2. Give brainstorming a try

Give brainstorming a try to flex your creative muscles and generate a larger list of potential solutions.

Convergent thinking represents a deliberate attempt to find the single best solution within clearly defined boundaries. Scientists, bookkeepers, and mathematicians often favor this type of thinking. In many fields, it’s necessary to follow structured systems and logical conclusions that can be recreated and theoretically proven.

But what if the problem is more nuanced, or there are many solutions?

Resist the habit of defining the boundaries as “right” or “wrong.” Instead, approach a problem with a “what if” mentality and play out multiple scenarios in your mind. Then, you can turn continuous brainstorming into a process for driving innovation.

Divergent thinking rewards quantity over quality, generating dozens of ideas that may differ from each other. The best solution may not be obvious right away, but with enough divergent thinking, you’ll have more options to choose from. And that’s when convergent thinking comes in: the filtering process.

When you balance divergent vs. convergent thinking, you remove the limits on your creativity while using discernment to make meaningful progress. People who are imaginative and innovative typically use these two types of thinking symbiotically. They follow one mode of thinking as far as possible and naturally switch to the other to regulate their progress.

3. Give yourself more time

Speed can be very helpful in divergent thinking, but if ideas are thrown out at the speed of light, they may lack depth and variety. So, where possible, give yourself time.

If you’re working within a deadline, there are some techniques to help you use your time more efficiently.

• Timeboxing : give yourself a window to focus on the task, and try not to exceed the limit. If you exceed the limit, keep it to 10 minutes or less.
• Take breaks : get up and stretch every so often. That way, your thoughts can flow more easily. If you’re stuck, walk away for a bit and come back with fresh eyes. Remember, a break may eat into your time, but not taking one could burn you out and hamper creativity. Plus, your brain tends to be more creative while relaxed, so a quick nap might be better for the cause than sitting at a desk.
• Give yourself space : work in an environment with nothing to distract you — no TV, music, or people talking nearby (unless necessary). It might be helpful to use white noise apps .

4. Take risks and be curious

Risks don’t always pay off, but they always teach us something. So, don’t hold back on trying new things, even if it seems like they won’t work out. You never know until you try!

On the other hand, don’t leave everything to chance. Decide beforehand what’s worth exploring based on whether it’s relevant to the problem. Also, consider the likelihood that the solution will work. If there are 10 options and only eight have a good chance of working, prioritize how you tackle them.

Top tip : Be curious! Look for opportunities around you every day, and get into the habit of brainstorming. You never know what opportunity might be right around the corner. If you’re an ‘idea person,’ don’t get stuck in a rut by dismissing others and only considering your ideas. If you can step back and assess other suggestions with genuine curiosity, you’ll come away with better insights.

5. Use collaboration tools

Collaboration tools such as project management software , chat apps, and diagramming tools won’t magically make you a divergent thinker. However, they will make it much easier to communicate and collaborate with other people online. Not all brainstorming sessions happen in person.

Reaching out to others for help and feedback will also be more convenient. Share work and save time by letting the software do the heavy lifting regarding organization and time management.

Become more of a divergent thinker with these handy tips

When you don’t know what to do, make something up.

There are no right or wrong answers, so don’t be afraid to go for it. You might end up with an idea that’s way better than the one you originally planned to pursue. And if nothing else, you’re now getting some experience taking action instead of just planning all day.

Spend time asking questions

The world is full of facts, but great ideas come from asking good questions — not memorizing facts and regurgitating them back at people. So, instead of spending too much time absorbing information on a topic, stop and take a moment to think deeply. Ask questions that open up the conversation, and don’t be afraid to explore the unknown.

Connect everything you know

The more connections you can draw between different facts or ideas, the better your chance of coming up with something creative. Just because one idea is true and logical, it doesn’t mean there aren’t other perspectives that are just as accurate and valid.

And if two ideas are related, what other conclusions can you draw about them? Can you think of any less obvious associations? Try taking what appears to be an unrelated concept and thinking about how it could relate to your original idea. (A spider diagram or mind map can help here).

If deep thinking isn’t working, try fooling around for a bit! Find a mindless game or puzzle online and enjoy flexing your brain on an unrelated task. Or, gather your colleagues for some team-building games . This is a great way to mentally disconnect from your work and focus on having fun. Do this for 10 minutes, and then go back to the drawing board.

Let yourself daydream

Everyone has ideas that come up while sitting around doing nothing. Yet, not everyone recognizes them as valuable creative-thinking material. The trick here is to train yourself to recognize these fleeting thoughts before they slip away. When you think of something special, immediately write it down. You might be surprised at how often you’ll strike gold this way!

Take breaks

Sometimes, the best thing you can do to solve a problem is to get away from it altogether. If frustration levels are high, permit yourself to think about something else. Then, when you’re ready, you can come back with a new perspective or solution. But even if you don’t, the mental break will help relieve stress so you can return fresh and re-energized.

Talk about it

Finally, if nothing seems to be working after all your other attempts at creativity, then it’s time to call in reinforcements. Recruit another team member — preferably someone whose creative style differs from yours — and discuss the problems together.

This is an excellent way to find additional solutions you may have missed entirely! It doesn’t have to be a big meeting. A DM via your team chat app may be all you need to spark inspiration and get your creative juices flowing.

12 tips for brainstorming more creative solutions

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What is Problem Solving? (Steps, Techniques, Examples)

By Status.net Editorial Team on May 7, 2023 — 5 minutes to read

What Is Problem Solving?

Definition and importance.

Problem solving is the process of finding solutions to obstacles or challenges you encounter in your life or work. It is a crucial skill that allows you to tackle complex situations, adapt to changes, and overcome difficulties with ease. Mastering this ability will contribute to both your personal and professional growth, leading to more successful outcomes and better decision-making.

Problem-Solving Steps

The problem-solving process typically includes the following steps:

• Identify the issue : Recognize the problem that needs to be solved.
• Analyze the situation : Examine the issue in depth, gather all relevant information, and consider any limitations or constraints that may be present.
• Generate potential solutions : Brainstorm a list of possible solutions to the issue, without immediately judging or evaluating them.
• Evaluate options : Weigh the pros and cons of each potential solution, considering factors such as feasibility, effectiveness, and potential risks.
• Select the best solution : Choose the option that best addresses the problem and aligns with your objectives.
• Implement the solution : Put the selected solution into action and monitor the results to ensure it resolves the issue.
• Review and learn : Reflect on the problem-solving process, identify any improvements or adjustments that can be made, and apply these learnings to future situations.

Defining the Problem

To start tackling a problem, first, identify and understand it. Analyzing the issue thoroughly helps to clarify its scope and nature. Ask questions to gather information and consider the problem from various angles. Some strategies to define the problem include:

• Brainstorming with others
• Asking the 5 Ws and 1 H (Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How)
• Analyzing cause and effect
• Creating a problem statement

Generating Solutions

Once the problem is clearly understood, brainstorm possible solutions. Think creatively and keep an open mind, as well as considering lessons from past experiences. Consider:

• Creating a list of potential ideas to solve the problem
• Grouping and categorizing similar solutions
• Prioritizing potential solutions based on feasibility, cost, and resources required
• Involving others to share diverse opinions and inputs

Evaluating and Selecting Solutions

Evaluate each potential solution, weighing its pros and cons. To facilitate decision-making, use techniques such as:

• SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)
• Decision-making matrices
• Pros and cons lists
• Risk assessments

After evaluating, choose the most suitable solution based on effectiveness, cost, and time constraints.

Implementing and Monitoring the Solution

Implement the chosen solution and monitor its progress. Key actions include:

• Communicating the solution to relevant parties
• Setting timelines and milestones
• Assigning tasks and responsibilities
• Monitoring the solution and making adjustments as necessary
• Evaluating the effectiveness of the solution after implementation

Utilize feedback from stakeholders and consider potential improvements. Remember that problem-solving is an ongoing process that can always be refined and enhanced.

Problem-Solving Techniques

During each step, you may find it helpful to utilize various problem-solving techniques, such as:

• Brainstorming : A free-flowing, open-minded session where ideas are generated and listed without judgment, to encourage creativity and innovative thinking.
• Root cause analysis : A method that explores the underlying causes of a problem to find the most effective solution rather than addressing superficial symptoms.
• SWOT analysis : A tool used to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to a problem or decision, providing a comprehensive view of the situation.
• Mind mapping : A visual technique that uses diagrams to organize and connect ideas, helping to identify patterns, relationships, and possible solutions.

Brainstorming

When facing a problem, start by conducting a brainstorming session. Gather your team and encourage an open discussion where everyone contributes ideas, no matter how outlandish they may seem. This helps you:

• Generate a diverse range of solutions
• Encourage all team members to participate
• Foster creative thinking

When brainstorming, remember to:

• Reserve judgment until the session is over
• Encourage wild ideas
• Combine and improve upon ideas

Root Cause Analysis

For effective problem-solving, identifying the root cause of the issue at hand is crucial. Try these methods:

• 5 Whys : Ask “why” five times to get to the underlying cause.
• Fishbone Diagram : Create a diagram representing the problem and break it down into categories of potential causes.
• Pareto Analysis : Determine the few most significant causes underlying the majority of problems.

SWOT Analysis

SWOT analysis helps you examine the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats related to your problem. To perform a SWOT analysis:

• List your problem’s strengths, such as relevant resources or strong partnerships.
• Identify its weaknesses, such as knowledge gaps or limited resources.
• Explore opportunities, like trends or new technologies, that could help solve the problem.
• Recognize potential threats, like competition or regulatory barriers.

SWOT analysis aids in understanding the internal and external factors affecting the problem, which can help guide your solution.

Mind Mapping

A mind map is a visual representation of your problem and potential solutions. It enables you to organize information in a structured and intuitive manner. To create a mind map:

• Write the problem in the center of a blank page.
• Draw branches from the central problem to related sub-problems or contributing factors.
• Add more branches to represent potential solutions or further ideas.

Mind mapping allows you to visually see connections between ideas and promotes creativity in problem-solving.

Examples of Problem Solving in Various Contexts

In the business world, you might encounter problems related to finances, operations, or communication. Applying problem-solving skills in these situations could look like:

• Identifying areas of improvement in your company’s financial performance and implementing cost-saving measures
• Resolving internal conflicts among team members by listening and understanding different perspectives, then proposing and negotiating solutions
• Streamlining a process for better productivity by removing redundancies, automating tasks, or re-allocating resources

In educational contexts, problem-solving can be seen in various aspects, such as:

• Addressing a gap in students’ understanding by employing diverse teaching methods to cater to different learning styles
• Developing a strategy for successful time management to balance academic responsibilities and extracurricular activities
• Seeking resources and support to provide equal opportunities for learners with special needs or disabilities

Everyday life is full of challenges that require problem-solving skills. Some examples include:

• Overcoming a personal obstacle, such as improving your fitness level, by establishing achievable goals, measuring progress, and adjusting your approach accordingly
• Navigating a new environment or city by researching your surroundings, asking for directions, or using technology like GPS to guide you
• Dealing with a sudden change, like a change in your work schedule, by assessing the situation, identifying potential impacts, and adapting your plans to accommodate the change.
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Teaching the IDEAL Problem-Solving Method to Diverse Learners

Written by:

  Amy Sippl

Filed under: EF 101 Series , Executive Functioning , Problem Solving

Published:  January 21, 2021

Last Reviewed: April 10, 2023

READING TIME:  ~ minutes

We may assume that teens and young adults come equipped with a strong sense of approaching difficult or uncertain situations. For many of the individuals we work with, problem-solving needs to be practiced and developed in the same way as academic and social skills. The IDEAL Problem Solving Method is one option to teach problem-solving to diverse learners.

What is problem-solving?

Problem-solving is the capacity to identify and describe a problem and generate solutions to fix it .

Problem-solving involves other executive functioning behaviors as well, including attentional control, planning , and task initiation . Individuals might use time management , emotional control, or organization skills to solve problems as well. Over time, learners can observe their behavior, use working memory , and self-monitor behaviors to influence how we solve future issues.

Why are problem-solving strategies important?

Not all diverse learners develop adequate problem-solving. Learners with a history of behavioral and learning challenges may not always use good problem-solving skills to manage stressful situations. Some students use challenging behaviors like talking back, arguing, property destruction, and aggression when presented with challenging tasks. Others might shut down, check out, or struggle to follow directions when encountering new or unknown situations.

Without a step-by-step model for problem-solving , including identifying a problem and choosing a replacement behavior to solve it, many of our children and students use challenging behaviors instead. The IDEAL Problem-Solving Method is one option to teach diverse learners to better approach difficult situations.

IDEAL Problem-Solving Method

In 1984, Bransford and Stein published one of the most popular and well-regarded problem-solving methods. It’s used both in industry and in education to help various learners establish a problem, generate solutions, and move forward quickly and efficiently. By teaching your learner each step of the IDEAL model, you can provide them with a set of steps to approach a problem with confidence.

The IDEAL Problem-Solving Method includes:

I – Identify the problem.

There’s no real way to create a solution to a problem unless you first know the scope of the problem. Encourage your learner to identify the issue in their own words. Outline the facts and the unknowns. Foster an environment where your learner is praised and supported for identifying and taking on new problems.

Examples of identifying problems:

• “I have a math quiz next week and don’t know how to do the problems.”
• “I can’t access my distance learning course website.”
• “The trash needs to be taken out, and I can’t find any trash bags.”

D – Define an outcome

The second step in the IDEAL problem-solving process is to define an outcome or goal for problem-solving. Multiple people can agree that a problem exists but have very different ideas on goals or outcomes. By deciding on an outlined objective first, it can speed up the process of identifying solutions.

Defining outcomes and goals may be a difficult step for some diverse learners. The results don’t need to be complicated, but just clear for everyone involved.

Examples of defining outcomes:

• “I want to do well on my math quiz.”
• “I get access to the course website.”
• “The trash gets taken out before the trash pickup day tomorrow.”

E – Explore possible strategies.

Once you have an outcome, encourage your learner to brainstorm possible strategies. All possible solutions should be on the table during this stage, so encourage learners to make lists, use sticky notes, or voice memos to record any ideas. If your learner struggles with creative idea generation, help them develop a plan of resources for who they might consult in the exploration stage.

Examples of possible strategies to solve a problem:

• “I review the textbook; I ask for math help from a friend; I look up the problems online; I email my teacher.”
• “I email my teacher for the course access; I ask for help from a classmate; I try to reset my password.”
• “I use something else for a trash bag; I place an online order for bags; I take the trash out without a bag; I ask a neighbor for a bag; I go shopping for trash bags.”

A – Anticipate Outcomes & Act

Once we generate a list of strategies, the next step in the IDEAL problem-solving model recommends that you review the potential steps and decide which one is the best option to use first. Helping learners to evaluate the pros and cons of action steps can take practice. Ask questions like, “What might happen if you take this step?” or “Does that step make you feel good about moving forward or uncertain?”

After evaluating the outcomes, the next step is to take action. Encourage your learner to move forward even if they may not know the full result of taking action. Support doing something, even if it might not be the same strategy, you might take to solve a problem or the ‘best’ solution.

L – Look and Learn

The final step in the IDEAL problem-solving model is to look and learn from an attempt to solve a problem. Many parents and teachers forget this critical step in helping diverse learners to stop and reflect when problem-solving goes well and doesn’t go well. Helping our students and children learn from experience can make problem-solving more efficient and effective in the future. Ask questions like “How did that go?” and “What do you think you’ll do differently next time?”

Examples of Look and Learn statements:

• “I didn’t learn the problems from looking at the textbook, but it did help to call a friend. I’ll start there next time.”
• “When I didn’t have access to the course website, resetting my password worked.”
• “I ran out of trash bags because I forgot to put them on the shopping list . I’ll buy an extra box of trash bags to have them on hand, so I don’t run out next time.”

Practice Problem-Solving

For ideas on common problems, download our deck of problem-solving practice cards. Set aside time to practice, role-play, give feedback, and rehearse again if needed.

How to teach the IDEAL problem-solving method

Top businesses and corporations spend thousands of dollars on training teams to implement problem-solving strategies like the IDEAL method. Employees practice and role-play common problems in the workplace . Coaches give supportive feedback until everyone feels confident in each of the steps.

Teachers and parents can use the same process to help students and children use the IDEAL problem-solving method. Set aside time to review common problems or social scenarios your learner might encounter. Practice using the IDEAL method when emotions and tensions aren’t running as high. Allow your learner to ask questions, work through problems, and receive feedback and praise for creating logical action plans.

Further Reading

• Bransford, J., and Stein, B., “The Ideal Problem Solver” (1993). Centers for Teaching and Technology – Book Library . 46. https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/ct2-library/4
• Executive Functioning 101: Planning Skills
• Executive Functioning: Task Initiation
• Executive Functioning Skills by Age: What to Expect
• Kern, L., George, M. P., & Weist, M. D. (2016). Supporting students with emotional and behavioral problems. Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes.

About The Author

Amy Sippl is a Minnesota-based Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and freelance content developer specializing in helping individuals with autism and their families reach their best possible outcomes. Amy earned her Master's Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from St. Cloud State University and also holds undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Family Social Science from University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. Amy has worked with children with autism and related developmental disabilities for over a decade in both in-home and clinical settings. Her content focuses on parents, educators, and professionals in the world of autism—emphasizing simple strategies and tips to maximize success. To see more of her work visit amysippl.com .

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Life Skills Advocate is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Some of the links in this post may be Amazon.com affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, Life Skills Advocate will earn a commission. However, we only promote products we actually use or those which have been vetted by the greater community of families and professionals who support individuals with diverse learning needs.

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Is Technology Limiting Creativity? (The Pros And Cons)

In a society driven by modern technology, many have wondered if computers, the internet, and social media platforms negatively impact creative thinking.

As usual, there are two sides to the story. 

According to some, technology hinders creativity because it can distract people and cause them to scroll through online platforms for hours instead of doing more productive, creative things in their daily lives.

On the other hand, some suggest that the growth of technology positively impacts creativity because it gives people access to resources and information. 

There are differing opinions on the impact of technology on creativity. However, it’s crucial to comprehend this impact so that we can use technology to enhance our imagination and come up with creative designs in every field.

How does technology affect creativity?

Despite its ability to foster human creativity, technology can also stifle it. In particular, young people who grow up with electronic devices in their daily lives are at risk of reducing their curiosity and openness to new experiences.

Technological innovation can facilitate communication and provide many learning opportunities; however, it can also negatively affect motivation, thinking abilities, ideas, and problem-solving skills, potentially limiting the scope for creativity. It’s important to note that since 1990, studies have suggested a decline in creativity scores.

Nevertheless, it is also essential to recognize the benefits of technology. Innovation can enhance collaboration, provide valuable tools for creativity, and create new opportunities for expression and exposure, positively contributing to the evolution of creativity.

What’s included in this blog post:

Negative effects of technology on creativity, positive effects of technology on creativity, strategies to enhance creativity.

Let’s first check the top three negative effects of technology on creativity.

1.  Lack of original thinking and copying

Creativity or you may find it somewhere as creative impulses are defined as an ability to create new, original theories, work, and techniques.

Additionally, creativity is an innovative, unique, and authentic thought that gives a new perspective or further develops something else.

Nowadays, many people use the Internet and digital tools to explore ideas, find information, and research new designs. The predominance of technology has made many dependent on it, so one might assume that its usage is limiting creative growth.

For example, the Internet is full of cases of plagiarism and similar content . As cyberspace is an open-source environment and is freely accessible to all, it’s also a place where you can quickly locate designs and claim them as your ideas.

We can take any social media platform as an example. While many users are using social media to showcase their creative talent and creative expression, some users copy what they see without the creative thought process. Many YouTube videos, Instagram photos, and TikToks, are copies of one creative person’s work with the sole purpose of gaining viral success.

In addition, there are many cases of art designs being stolen. While easy access to information is excellent and boosts productivity , it can also negatively affect creative pursuits and result in copying someone’s work instead of creating your own.  Using online sources for inspiration is acceptable, but copying without effort has become a common issue.

2. Dependency on modern technology

A creative thinker possesses strong problem-solving skills that require intellectual effort. However, with the help of an electronic device that can fix everything for us, we no longer need to motivate ourselves for intellectual challenges.

Today, technology plays such a massive role in our daily lives that almost everything has an app that may have negative consequences . Some apps require minimal effort to draw, paint, and even write. Many accessible platforms can even generate music with the touch of a button, and many of them even promote lazy communication. 

So, instead of creating or learning something on our own, we install an application to do it, and we deprive ourselves of developing critical thinking skills. In addition, due to the rapid growth of artificial intelligence apps and ChatGPT, people may rely less on their creative problem-solving skills, because now they have a powerful tool that can do almost anything for them. 

We live, work, and think fast today, so little time is left for exploring, researching, and learning.

So, relying on technology that answers everything in minutes is the simplest way to adapt to fast-paced living.

According to the study “ The brain in your pocket: Evidence that Smartphones are used to supplant thinking ,” those who think more intuitively and less analytically when given reasoning problems were more likely to rely on their mobile phones.

Due to the use of technology, people face reduced abilities to think, process, and understand problems independently.

3. Technology is distracting

Technology is often a time-distracting factor for creativity, which is a strong argument against it.

The ability of people to think creatively seems like it is being blocked by many technological distractions that hide behind the corners of life. The most common external distractions are the notifications that come from our phones. Furthermore, endless scrolling on social media, for instance, is taking all of our time and attention, leaving no space for developing our creative ability.

Many technologies are becoming addictive and challenging to let go of , so many users find it impossible to imagine life in the absence of technology. So, rather than spending their time on creative expression, many would rather spend it on engaging apps that give instant gratification.

Let’s now dive into the top three positive effects of technology on creativity.

1. Technology is a source of information and inspiration.

Undoubtedly, the growth of technology has given us access to a sea of valuable information. It’s crucial to have access to information when designing a creative output, and thanks to technology, we can explore pages, books, and everything in between in the search for relevant information. 

Researchers are happy to discuss how they arrived at their creative solutions and their methods. Additionally, the Internet offers many sources where people can learn how to think creatively and improve their intelligence .

The good thing is that they are available in many formats, so users can learn how to get creative or develop creativity through videos, e-books, blogs , etc. This information can also serve as an inspiration to motivate others to start promoting and exploring their creative potential. So, limited resources are no longer an issue when it comes to information in modern life.

2. Technology eases our communication

Technology eases our communication with the world. It is a tool that allows us to connect and communicate in ways we never thought possible. It has also become an important part of how we work, learn, play, shop, and even live.

Thanks to technology, the exchange of ideas has become more accessible . People can communicate with like-minded people and find collaboration opportunities with just a few clicks.

For example, Facebook groups and forums are a way for users with creative minds to exchange ideas, and experiences and discuss various issues.

This way of communication and sharing can positively affect creativity because people learn by sharing different experiences and can use them to promote creativity and create innovation.

Furthermore, social networks are a place where many people share problems and details of their lives, which can contribute to the birth of a new idea that can solve someone’s problem.

3. Technology helps generate new ideas

Creativity is not only about creating something from scratch. It is also about improving and advancing old ideas. One place for finding creative possibilities is the Internet and the old gadgets we have at home.

Technological innovations can also give users new ideas and perceptions about how far technology can go. This can motivate people to explore and develop more creative ideas that can lead to solutions to various problems.

Another thing worth mentioning is that technology boosts innovation. Now, users can quickly test and develop products, which can help produce new and improved ideas.

 1. Exercise creative self-confidence

Creative self-confidence is a way of taking risks and believing that you can create something new and unique. Creative self-confidence can be increased by starting new projects, activities, and exercises that will bring you new experiences and thus will motivate you to think about new creative ideas.

2. Practice associative thinking

Associative thinking can contribute to increased creativity. The purpose of associative thinking is to think more broadly and find connections between multiple concepts. Furthermore, associative thinking can be a kind of storm of ideas that can be a kind of stimulus that can improve creative thinking.

3. Use Mindmaps and flow charts

Much like associative thinking, mind maps contribute to creativity by connecting concepts. Additionally, mind maps help in enhancing creativity because they are a visualization of how concepts are related.

Start by writing a central term, then associate it with associative terms. This way, you will see how the objects are interconnected. This way, you can see the existing problems to find solutions and come up with unique ideas.

Is technology killing creativity? 

The answer to this question is debatable.

Technology can be both good and wrong when it comes to creativity. While it can be a source of inspiration and innovative solutions, it can also be a waste of time on unnecessary applications.

The way we use it depends on each of us, but the constant desire to develop our creativity will produce authentic ideas that enrich our lives.

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