Creativity Processes, Creative Thinking & Lateral Thinking

Creativity Tools - An Introduction...


The tools in this section can help you to become more creative. They are designed to help you devise creative and imaginative solutions to problems, and help you to spot opportunities that you might otherwise miss.



Many of the techniques in this chapter have been used by great thinkers to drive their creativity. Albert Einstein, for example, used his own informal variant of Provocation to trigger ideas that lead to the Theory of Relativity.



Approaches to Creativity

There are two main strands to technical creativity: programmed thinking and lateral thinking. Programmed thinking relies on logical or structured ways of creating a new product or service. Examples of this approach are Morphological Analysis and the Reframing Matrix.



The other main strand uses 'Lateral Thinking'. Examples of this are Brainstorming, Random Input and Provocation. Lateral Thinking has been developed and popularized by Edward de Bono,


Programmed Thinking & Lateral Thinking

Lateral thinking recognizes that our brains are pattern recognition systems, and that they do not function like computers. It takes years of training before we learn to do simple arithmetic - something that computers do very easily. On the other hand, we can instantly recognize patterns such as faces, language, and handwriting. The only computers that begin to be able to do these things do it by modeling the way that human brain cells work . Even then, computers will need to become more powerful before they approach our ability to handle patterns.



The benefit of good pattern recognition is that we can recognize objects and situations very quickly. Imagine how much time would be wasted if you had to do a full analysis every time you came across a cylindrical canister of effervescent fluid. Most people would just open their can of fizzy drink. Without pattern recognition we would starve or be eaten. We could not cross the road safely.



Unfortunately, we get stuck in our patterns. We tend to think within them. Solutions we develop are based on previous solutions to similar problems. Normally it does not occur to us to use solutions belonging to other patterns.



We use lateral thinking techniques to break out of this patterned way of thinking.



Lateral thinking techniques help us to come up with startling, brilliant and original solutions to problems and opportunities.




It is important to point out that each type of approach has its strength. Logical, disciplined thinking is enormously effective in making products and services better. It can, however, only go so far before all practical improvements have been carried out. Lateral thinking can generate completely new concepts and ideas, and brilliant improvements to existing systems. In the wrong place, however, it can be sterile or unnecessarily disruptive.



Taking the best of each...

A number of techniques fuse the strengths of the two different strands of creativity. Techniques such as the Concept Fan use a combination of programmed and lateral thinking. DO IT and Min Basadur's Simplex embed the two approaches within problem solving processes. While these may be considered 'overkill' when dealing with minor problems, they provide excellent frameworks for solving difficult and serious ones.



The Creative Frame of Mind

Often the only difference between creative and uncreative people is self-perception. Creative people see themselves as creative and give themselves the freedom to create. Uncreative people do not think about creativity and do not give themselves the opportunity to create anything new.



Being creative may just be a matter of setting aside the time needed to take a step back and allow yourself to ask yourself if there is a better way of doing something. Edward de Bono calls this a 'Creative Pause'. He suggests that this should be a short break of maybe only 30 seconds, but that this should be a habitual part of thinking. This needs self-discipline, as it is easy to forget.



Another important attitude-shift is to view problems as opportunities for improvement. While this is something of a cliché, it is true. Whenever you solve a problem, you have a better product or service to offer afterwards.



Using Creativity

Creativity is sterile if action does not follow from it. Ideas must be evaluated, improved, polished and marketed before they have any value. Other sections of Mind Tools lay out the evaluation, analysis and planning tools needed to do this. They also explain the time and stress management techniques you will need when your creative ideas take off.



Have fun creating!



In our first article, we look at Reversal, a useful tool for improving a product or service.


How to use tool:

Reversal is a good tool for improving a product or a service. To use it, ask the opposite of the question you want to ask, and apply the results.



Example:

Imagine that you want to improve the response of a service center. Using Reversal you would ask 'How would I reduce customer satisfaction?'. After considering this question you might give the following answers:

Not answering the phone when customers call
Not returning phone calls
Have people with no product knowledge answering the phone
Use rude staff
Give the wrong advice
Etc.


After using Reversal, you would ensure that appropriate staff members were handling incoming phone calls efficiently and pleasantly. You would set up training programs to ensure that they were giving accurate and effective advice.


Key Points:
Reversal is a good, easy process for improving products and services. You use it by asking the exact opposite of the question you want answered, and then apply the results appropriately.

self motivation

The way i encourage my self hope this can be helpful to you......
I am now listening to what my body has to say.
The qualities I admire in others, I have in myself.

All of my feelings are valid.

I approach change with honesty and trust in myself.

As I let go of my old way, a new way is shown to me.

I see many things I like about myself.

My body is my friend.

I have the power to heal. I am in charge of my own journey.

I am willing to trust the process of change. I am worthy of positive changes today.

Today I am trusting the urge to move ahead…to grow…to risk new directions.

I am willing to release all my fears. I am willing to release all my resistance and struggle so that I can find the good and truth inside me.

I celebrate myself today. I am growing;

I am willing to do all I am able to do to be the best of who I am.

all about

all about

Welcome to my world. my thoughts.

my wishes. my hopes. my dreams.

in other words, me.