Leadership Lesson 9

7/31/2019 Leadership Lesson 9

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Modern Whig Party of America

Whig Academy

Leadership Course

Lesson 9:

Creative Problem Solving


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Table of Contents

Introduction.................................................................................................................................... 3

In this Lesson................................................................................................................................. 3

Definition of a Problem ................................................................................................................. 3Problem Solving Process ............................................................................................................. 3

Creative Thinking........................................................................................................................... 4

Creative Problem Solving ............................................................................................................. 4

Vertical Thinking............................................................................................................................ 4

Reframing Grid............................................................................................................................... 4

Reframing Grid............................................................................................................................... 5

Reframing Grid Exercise............................................................................................................... 5

Lateral Thinking ............................................................................................................................. 5

Brainstorming ................................................................................................................................ 5

Random Input................................................................................................................................. 6

Random Input................................................................................................................................. 6

Concept Fan ................................................................................................................................... 6

Key Points ...................................................................................................................................... 7

Review Exercises .......................................................................................................................... 7

Summary ........................................................................................................................................ 8

Army Family Team Building Level II- Lesson 9 2


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Introduction

Welcome to the lesson Creative Problem Solving. How often are we faced with problems orchallenges in our lives? You might have to decide what type of sandwich to make for the schoollunches, how early you need to start planning before a move, or a problem that pops up at the office.

All problems, some more simplistic than others, will be answered depending on how yousystematically approach the problem. Problem solving is the foundation upon which anydecision-making process is built. In fact, good decision making is the logical consequence ofeffective problem solving. If a rational, methodical approach is taken to solving a problem, thecorrect answer will nearly always present itself.

In this Lesson

This lesson explains the definition of a problem, the six-step problem solving process, creativethinking, vertical thinking, the reframing grid, lateral thinking, and brainstorming.

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

Examine various creative problem solving methods.

Use innovative approaches to solving problems.

Definition of a Problem

Click on the dictionary to see the definition of a problem.

Problem: a challenge; something that requires an answer or decision; occurs when there is adiscrepancy between what you have and what you want.

Problem Solving Process

When solving a problem, utilize this six-step problem solving process:

1. Identify and define the problem.

2. Analyze the problem.

3. Develop possible solutions.

4. Select and plan the solution.

5. Implement the solution.

6. Evaluate the solution.

MWP Academy Leadership Course - Lesson 9 3


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Creative Thinking

Successful problem solving requires creative thinking. Just as the proper state of mind isnecessary to identify a problem, a positive mindset is also an important part of creativity. Apositive and open attitude provides for an innovative atmosphere, which produces the bestresults. Creative thinking explores all the possible solutions in a way that can be fun.

Some people dont realize that they are, or can be, creative. Creative thinking does notnecessarily mean the discovery of something totally new. It can also be a matter of pulling oldideas or materials together in different ways or viewing them from a different perspective to allowfor different responses.

Creative Problem Solving

We are going to explore some creative problem-solving methods. In New Think: The Use ofLateral Thinking in the Generation of New Ideas, Edward de Bono suggested two approaches toproblem solving thought patterns:

1. Vertical thinking.2. Lateral thinking.

Lets take a closer look at each of these types of thinking.

Vertical Thinking

The most commonly used pattern, especially in business and the military, is called verticalthinking. It also is known as straight-line or analytical thinking. It is a logical analysis with a step-by-step approach building to a conclusion or solution. It involves right and wrong answers and ayes/no system. Edward De Bono compared vertical thinking to digging the same hole deeper tofind buried treasure.

Vertical Thinking components:

Logical.

Straight line, analytical.

Step by Step.

RightorWrong.

YesorNo.

Lets look at one tool vertical thinkers might use in problem solving called the Reframing Grid.

Reframing Grid

Michael Morgan developed this process in his book, Creating Workforce Innovation.



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This technique is based on the premise that different people with different backgrounds andexperiences look at problems in different ways. When you use the Reframing Grid, you areputting yourself in different frames of mind and imagining the solutions that might occur fromdifferent points of view.

This process puts the problem in the center of a grid, surrounded by the different viewpoints orperspectives.

Reframing Grid

For example, suppose we have a problem with lack of attendance at Whig Meet Ups. Thatproblem would go in the center of our grid. The surrounding boxes would be representingdifferent peoples views or perspectives of the problem.

Who are the people from whom you might want to have different perspectives to try to findsolutions of increasing attendance for the Whig meetings? Possible people to seek out would bethe local leader, State Chair or National representative. Each of these individuals would go into aseparate quadrant.

Next, you think of all possible solutions according to each persons point of view and write thosesolutions in that persons quadrant. This will result in many different solutions.

Lateral Thinking

Weve said the Reframing Grid is an example of vertical thinking. Now lets look at anotherapproach to creative thinking: lateral thinking.

Lateral thinking, also known as sideways thinking, tends to explore all the different ways ofconsidering a problem, generally by viewing it in total and not as a series of parts. No judgmentis made about an idea until it can be evaluated from all perspectives. Edward De Bono likenedlateral thinking to digging lots of holes in different places to find buried treasure.

Lets look at some of the ways lateral thinkers solve problems:

Sidewaysthinking.

Looking from all angles.

Whatsdifferent?

BrainstormingBrainstorming can be defined as freewheeling and different ideas being generated to solve aproblem. Brainstorming is a good process to use because large numbers of ideas from differentpeople with different experiences can uncover new concepts.



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With brainstorming, the more ideas you produce, the more likely you are to get useful ideas.Listening to other peoples thoughts may help you develop your own ideas. By combining ideafragments and isolated thoughts, a new idea might be formed.

Examples of when to use the brainstorming process include when you are trying to decide onwhat to do for a childrens Christmas party, what theme to use for a luncheon, or fund-raisingactivities.

Random Input

Now, lets explore a lateral thinking tool called Random Input. Its a great approach when youneed fresh ideas or new perspectives. Often times we get stuck in a rut when trying to solve aproblem. The random input technique helps us look at things with a fresh and different outlook.

To use this method of problem solving, you first write down a problem you would like to solve.Next, select a random noun, from any source. You could use a dictionary or something youhappen to see to help you decide on the noun. It helps if that noun is something that can be seenor touched (like book or oven) rather than a concept (like fairness). Youll use this noun as the

starting point for brainstorming solutions to your problem.

Random Input

For example, suppose you are trying to come up with homecoming activities for the Soldiers asthey return from a nine month deployment. Lets randomly chose the word apple as the noun.So using the apple as a basis, brainstorm for solutions to what can be done for the Soldiers.Think of food apple could be a theme to serve things made of apple: apple pie, apple crisp, etc.

Can you think of other solutions using apple? For example, hold a day of fun and gamesbobbing for apples; give each family an Apple computer; use the different colors of apples asbackgrounds for different signs or tie yellow ribbons on the stems of apples and use as centerpieces on tables.

Concept Fan

Another creative technique to use is the Concept Fan, first developed by Edward De Bono in hisbook, Serious Creativity. To use this technique, you first draw a large circle in the middle of yourpage. Inside the circle, youll write the problem you are trying to solve. Then you write possiblesolutions on lines extending from the circle.

For the purpose of this exercise, lets use the problem there isnt enough time in the day to get

everything done. Look at the possible solutions to make more time in my day. They are a start,but they only provide a little more time to get things done.

As you come up with solutions, you may find that they are really not solving the problem. If thishappens, step back and reassess the problem. You may find you have to take a broader viewof the problem. Do this by drawing another circle to the left of your original circle. Use an arrow toshow that it comes from your original circle.



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Key Points

Remember, coming up with solutions is just one step of the problem solving process. Once youcome up with your solutions, you must select the best solution for your problem, given thecircumstances and resources available. Once youve selected the best option, you have to justdo it! Then evaluate what happened; is the problem solved, did the solution work?

Review Exercises

1. What is the definition of a problem? Bold all that apply.

a. Achallenge

b. Something that requires an answer or decision

c. Occurs when there is a discrepancy between what you have and what you want

d. When someone has a different opinion than you

2. Which of the following is the first step in the problem solving process?

a. 1 = Identify and define the problem

b. 2 = Analyze the problem

c. 3 = Develop possible solutions

d. 4 = Select and plan the solution

e. 5 = Implement the solution

f. 6 = Evaluate the solution

3. Which is an example of vertical thinking in creative problem solving?

a. RandomInput

b. ReframingGrid

4. Which of the following would be placed in the center box of a framing grid?

a. Police officers perspective

b. Teenagers point of view

c. Next door neighbors opinion

d. Rising crime rates

e. Mayorsviewpoint



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Summary

Congratulations! This completed the lesson Creative Problem Solving. In this lesson, youlearned about the definition of a problem, the six-step problem solving process, creative thinking,vertical thinking, the reframing grid, lateral thinking, and brainstorming.

You should now be able to:

Examine various creative problem solving methods.

Use innovative approaches to solving problems.


This document is property of the MWP PAC and is not part of any campaign or

candidacy.

Leadership Lesson 9

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