Creative Problem Solving Examples and Applications

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Think outside the box

 

 

Creative problem-solving is all about using your imagination and ingenuity to find new and innovative ways to tackle challenges. Whether you're faced with a complex project at work or just trying to figure out how to fix a leaky faucet at home, creative problem-solving skills can come in handy. So, don't be afraid to let your creativity flow and think outside the box - you never know what kind of solution you might come up with!

Watch the video below to learn about examples you can find in the real world and how to apply those skills to reach your goals. 

The Creative Problem Solving Umbrella 

Exercise Convergent + Divergent Thinking Identify Patterns Manage Ambiguity Apply an Iterative Process

Creative problem-solving in the workplace includes the capacity to solve problems in new ways. Effective creative problem-solvers exercise four core sub-competencies: exercising divergent and convergent thinking, identifying patterns that may not be obvious, managing ambiguity, and applying an iterative process for generating, testing, and refining ideas.   Exercise Convergent + Divergent Thinking: Individuals generate fresh ideas and apply a process for evaluating them. Identify Patterns: Individuals recognize commonalities among situations that may at first appear unrelated, framing problems more accurately and accessing relevant solutions. Manage Ambiguity: Individuals trust the process, tolerating their own anxiety and gathering information before settling on solutions prematurely. Apply an Iterative Process: Individuals systematically test ideas, challenging their own preconceptions and expanding the range of potential solutions.

Review the BIG PICTURE and be ready to prove your knowledge. 

Definition

Creative problem-solving includes the capacity to solve problems in new ways.

Examples
  • Developing a new product that solves a problem in a unique way.
  • Improving team productivity by redesigning work processes.
  • Creating a marketing campaign that stands out from competitors.
Creative Problem Solving Requires: 

Creative problem-solving requires a combination of analytical thinking and imaginative thinking.

The big picture 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Want to Practice Before You Prove Your Skill? Read each example and decide if it would be a good or bad example of this skill.

 

NEXT UP: Prove you know the skill! 

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