How to creatively solve problems and brainstorm

How To Creatively How To Creatively Solve Problems And Solve Problems And

BrainstormBrainstorm

Ruth Kusemiju

Question 1Question 1What are the similarities between

A Decision that must be made is a little more than a problem awaiting a solution.

We might even call it a simple problem.

When faced with a decision, we rarely have to choose between more than 3 alternatives

When solving a problem, we face an endless list of possibilities

Isn’t a goal a point we wish to Isn’t a goal a point we wish to reach?reach?

The problem is to move from where we are to where we want to be

All 3 are closely related functions of All 3 are closely related functions of Creative ThinkingCreative Thinking

Problem-Solving

Goal Achievement

Decision-Making

7 Step Process 1.Define the problem2.Write down everything3.Who to see4.Determine who can help5.Individual Ideation6.Group Brainstorm7.List out high rated ideas

11stst Step process – Define the Step process – Define the problemproblem

22ndnd Step process – Write down Step process – Write down EverythingEverything

Everything you know

about the problem

33rdrd Step process – Who to Step process – Who to SeeSeeList the names of the people , organizations that are recognized authorities on the problem.

44thth Step process – Who Can Step process – Who Can Help?Help?Determine who can help from the list, contact them, pick their brains to help solve the problem.

55thth Step process – Individual Step process – Individual IdeationIdeation

Thinking Without Judging

Writing it all down

1. No Negative Thinking

2. The wilder the ideas, the better

3. A large number of ideas is essential

4. Combination and improvement of ideas is what we are after.

4

55thth Step process – Individual Step process – Individual IdeationIdeation

One idea leads to a better idea.

Look for all the ideas you can possibly find… Write them down!!!

55thth Step process – Individual Step process – Individual IdeationIdeation

Rate your ideas for effectiveness and facility

Very effective Probably effective Doubtful

Easy Not so easy Difficult

66thth Step Process – Group Step Process – Group BrainstormBrainstormHere, you put the minds of others to work on the problem.

66thth Step Process – Group Step Process – Group BrainstormBrainstormHandle this just like Step 5 – Personal Brainstorming.Follow these same rules

1. No Negative Thinking

2. The wilder the ideas, the better

3. A large number of ideas is essential

4. Combination and improvement of ideas is what we are after.

4

66thth Step Process – Group Step Process – Group BrainstormBrainstorm

Write down all the ideas, the group comes up with…

No Judging. Or else You Will be the Cause of the DEATH Of BRAINSTORMING

77thth Step Process – List only ideas with Step Process – List only ideas with high ratinghigh rating

Estimate the time and cost involved in implementing these ideas.

Select the ones that are the best based onEffectivenessFacilityTime & Cost

Put them in an Action Plan

77thth Step Process – List only ideas with Step Process – List only ideas with high ratinghigh ratingWhen reviewing an idea in your action plan, you should decide;

Where it will start?

Who Might do it?

How to do it?

When might it be done?

Give yourself a deadline for putting your plan into action.

Remember…For every problem, no matter how big or

small, there is always a solution.

All you have to do is find it… How?

Organizing your approachAttacking the problem with

determinationWorking hard and longApplying your full brain powerUsing wisely all the help you can get

Brainstorming PowerBrainstorming PowerThere are 2 kinds of brainstorming

Individual IdeationA person thinking up solutions on

his own

Group BrainstormingA number of people working

together on a problem.

The Middle Ground between Individual ideation and Group brainstorming…

Operates on…

The Spark Plug and Brake System

One half – the Spark Plug is the THINKER UPPER

The other half - the Brake is the TONER DOWNER, the Judge

Rodgers & Hammerstein

Marie Curie & Pierre Curie

Brainstorming PowerBrainstorming PowerOnly thinker uppersOnly spark plugsNo toner downersNo brakesNo criticsNo Judges

Until all ideas are in…

Individual IdeationIndividual Ideation Define the problem well, simply and succinctly…

A good working definition gives you a clear target Start your own ideation

Do this with enthusiasm, concentration & perseverance

Increase the number of ideas to increase the odds in favour of hitting you with the best

solution to a problem…

Strive for variety in your ideas

Your problems may likely pick up their own best solution if you give them enough choices and

enough quantity and variety of ideas…

Group BrainstormingGroup BrainstormingThis is a technique in which a number of

people hold a meeting with a single purpose in mind to think up together as many ideas as possible in order to solve one well-defined problem.

Group BrainstormingGroup BrainstormingClear, written statement of the problemWriting materials for idea jottingMinutes of the meetingA group leader

1. No Negative Thinking; the wilder the ideas, the better

2. Suspend Judgment, the ideas will be judged afterwards.

3. Want the largest quantity of ideas4. Combination and Improvement of

ideas is what we are after.

4

Group BrainstormingGroup Brainstorming•Begin the brainstorming•Attack the problem from all sides

Conclusion…Conclusion…Individual Ideation Group Brainstorming

Are the 2 excellent methods of finding the best solution to a problem…

They are based on the simple procedure of;

Thinking things upWriting them downImproving themJudging them, only after all the ideas

are in

THANK YOU!THANK YOU!