Problem solving and creative thinking
Featured in the The Team Leader's Development Manual training manual
By Mike Fenwick
Category: People Management and Motivation
Credit price: 3 download credits (Single user)
Solutions to problems are often difficult to find. Sometimes this may be because we are not addressing the real problem, or are just trying to address the effects of the problem rather than the root causes. Sometimes it is because we are not considering all of our options. The solution to a problem may be one which we cannot see because we are not thinking creatively. People tend to create imaginary boundaries or ‘boxes’ that they cannot see beyond. This training activity aims to encourage participants to think of solutions which are beyond those boundaries – to think ‘outside the box’.
You begin this training activity by introducing the participants to the six stages of the problem-solving formula. By discussing each stage in turn with the group, they become aware of how often we fail to see solutions because we don’t consider all the options, working instead inside imaginary boundaries or ‘boxes’. You then give them a short but graphic demonstration of how we already use the formula in the simplest situations without realising we have done so. Then you divide the participants into groups of three and challenge them to complete a task which, on the face of it, seems impossible. They have to try out a wide range of creative options in order to be successful.
Who is it for: This training resource is intended for use by trainers to introduce participants to a formula for solving problems and making decisions and to encourage them to think creatively.
| Resource Type: | Activity |
| Min Group Size: | 4 |
| Max Group Size: | 20 |
| Typical Duration: | 01:10:00 |
| No of Pages: | 14 |
Resources: View standard resources for Fenman training activities
Additional resources: 1 wine glass, 1 matchstick and 1 dessert spoon and fork for each group of participants.
Purpose: This training resource is intended for use by trainers as part of a management development programme or problem-solving workshop, or as a stand-alone training activity in self-development. It can also be used in programmes on communication, creative thinking, decision making, developing others, leadership, problem solving, and teamwork.
Download the training activity, Problem solving and creative thinking as featured in the Fenman training manual; The Team Leader's Development Manual