CREATIVITY in TRAINING

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CREATIVITY CREATIVITY inin

TRAININGTRAININGAn overview of Creative Problem An overview of Creative Problem

Solving Tools and TechniquesSolving Tools and Techniques

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TRAITS IDENTIFIED IN CREATIVE PEOPLE

• The ability to find appropriate problems

• The ability to defer judgement• Desire for originality• Failure to conform to social

pressure • Tolerance of ambiguity• Deep commitment (needed to

acquire sufficient & specific knowledge).

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Why Creative Problem Solving (CPS)?

• Develop practical interpersonal and communication skills

• Improve the capacity to think creatively

• Experience intellectual challenge and growth

• Learn to overcome barriers & habits• Strengthen the ability to manage

diverse groups• Utilization of tools to help define

complex problems, generate solutions and transform solutions into action

Adapted from: http://www.buffalostate.edu/centers/creativity/General/Benefits.html

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Osborn/Parnes Osborn/Parnes CPS ModelCPS Model

Davis, G. (1998). Creativity is Forever. Kendall Hunt

• Objective (Mess) Finding - identifying the goal, challenge and future direction.

• Fact Finding - collecting data about the problem, observing the problem as objectively as possible.

• Problem Finding - examining the various parts of the problem to isolate the major part, stating the problem in an open-ended way.

• Idea Finding - generating as many ideas as possible regarding the problem, brainstorming.

• Solution Finding - choosing the solution that would be most appropriate, developing and selecting criteria to evaluate the alternative solutions.

• Acceptance Finding - creating a plan of action.

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Explore the Challenge(Mess & Fact Finding)

Generate Ideas(Problem & Idea Finding)

Prepare for Action (Solution & Acceptance Finding)

It would be great if…I wish…

How to…How might…In what ways might…What might be all the…

What I see myself doing is…

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““If I find 10,000 ways something won’t If I find 10,000 ways something won’t work, I haven’t failed. I am not discouraged, work, I haven’t failed. I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is because every wrong attempt discarded is just one more step forward.” just one more step forward.”

Thomas EdisonThomas Edison

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By adding one line, turn this:

IX

Into 6

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Why are the following statements true?

3 + 3 = 8

8 – 0 = 0

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MISTAKE QUOTIENT

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Creativity can solve almost Creativity can solve almost any problem. The creative any problem. The creative act, the defeat of habit by act, the defeat of habit by

originality, overcomes originality, overcomes everything.everything.

George Lois

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Creative TechniquesCreative Techniques Generating lots of ideas Combining existing ideas in different

ways for new purposes Seeing the same thing but thinking of

something different Selecting unique and useful

ideas and solutions to everyday challenges

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Divergent ToolsDivergent Tools• Brainstorming• Mind mapping• Pluses, Potentials, & Concerns• Forced Connections

– Words– Pictures– Analogies

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Divergent RulesDivergent Rules• Defer Judgment• Piggyback on other

ideas• Strive for Quantity• Record, don’t

discuss• Seek unique ideas

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Convergent ToolsConvergent Tools

• Hits & Clusters• Card Sort• Rank Order• Evaluation

Matrix

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5 2 3 1 F

1 5 1 3 F

5 2 1 4 M

1 3 5 2 F

Evaluation MatrixEvaluation Matrix

Interviewee A

Interviewee B

Interviewee C

Interviewee D

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Criteria (1-5)

1 = Lowest desirability

3 = Moderate

5 = High desirability

Ask: Will it…does it…meet the criteria.

Total

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10

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Convergent RulesConvergent Rules• Use Affirmative Judgment• Be Deliberate – avoid snap judgments• Work to improve options• Be open to novelty

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Practice BrainstormingPractice Brainstorming

• How might we use “creativity in How might we use “creativity in training”?training”?– Defer judgmentDefer judgment– Utilize tools to develop presentationUtilize tools to develop presentation– Offer “Affirmative Judgment” tool as an evaluative Offer “Affirmative Judgment” tool as an evaluative

componentcomponent– OTHERS????OTHERS????– – – – –

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It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.

- Charles Darwin

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Websites• www.buffalostate.edu/centers/creativity• www.mycoted.com• www.cpsb.com• www.rogerfirestien.com• www.mindtools.com• www.creativelearning.com• www.ccl.org• www.positive-way.com/business/evaluati.htm• www.myskillsprofile.com