Creative Thinking for Problem Solving
Creative Problem Solving
A process that arrives at a novel, unique, clever,
surprising, or innovative solution.
Analytical vs. Creative Problem Solving
4 Steps to Creative Problem Solving
Apply creative thinking in each step to guarantee a creative solution.
Apply Implement
What’s the Choose a
Divergent and
problem? Solution
Thinking Communicate
Copyright 2022 Learn it, Inc. all rights reserved.
Creative Thinking for Problem Solving
Step 1: What's the problem?
5P's: Questions for Reframing the Problem
Answer these questions for a more objective understanding of the problem.
Perspectives - How would someone else perceive this problem?
Pertinent Information – What information am I missing when looking at this problem?
Position – What is my role in this problem? How have I contributed to the problem?
Positive Exceptions – Are there positive exceptions to the problem?
Playing Favorites – What's your favorite or most used solution? Are you framing the
problem so that it seems like that's the best path forward?
Frame your problem as a question.
You know you have the right question when...
The framing of the question doesn't imply a specific solution.
The question can be fully answered by anyone associated with the
problem.
The question is open-ended.
The question starts with "How...?"
Breakout: Reframe Your Problem
Reframe your problem as a question:
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
www.learnit.com
Creative Thinking for Problem Solving
Step 2: Apply Divergent Thinking
Brainstorming Rolestorming
_________________________ _________________________
_________________________ _________________________
_________________________ _________________________
_________________________ _________________________
_________________________ _________________________
_________________________ _________________________
Metaphorical Thinking Make the familiar unfamiliar
_________________________ _________________________
________________________ _________________________
_________________________ _________________________
_________________________ _________________________
_________________________ _________________________
_________________________ _________________________
Think and Write: Divergent Thinking
Implement a divergent thinking strategy into your problem-solving process.
Who will participate?
____________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
How would you make the environment conducive to divergent thinking?
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
What is the timeline?
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Who will facilitate?
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
www.learnit.com
Creative Thinking for Problem Solving
Step 3: Choose a Solution
Create an idea matrix. Here's an example that compares the effort and potential
value of the proposed ideas.
Breakout: Idea Matrix
Create an idea matrix with your two prioritized criteria. Then, with a partner
discuss which quadrants you'll find the best ideas in. Rank the quadrants in
order of importance by placing the numbers 1-4 in the white triangles.
high
_________
low high
_________ _________
low
__________
www.learnit.com
Creative Thinking for Problem Solving
Additional Considerations When Choosing a Solution
Step 4: Implement and Communicate
www.learnit.com
Creative Thinking for Problem Solving
Reflections Key
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________ Takeaways
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________ 1. Creative thinking
_____________________________________________________________ takes place in each
_____________________________________________________________ step of the
_____________________________________________________________ process.
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________ 2. You have many
_____________________________________________________________ tools to choose
_____________________________________________________________ from to spark
_____________________________________________________________ creative ideas.
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
3. Ask yourself
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
if you've
_____________________________________________________________ chosen the right
_____________________________________________________________ problem to solve.
_____________________________________________________________
A learning community of 7,000+ professionals
Dedicated to the skills, principles and
Connections needed to thrive in
today’s hybrid workplace
www.offsitebylearnit.com
Copyright Notice
This material is provided as a teaching resource and may only be used by Learn it, Inc.
internal or client trainers or as otherwise permitted via the required Content Copyright
License. This material and its contents may not be reproduced, distributed, displayed, or
shown except as outlined in the required Content Copyright License.
