Introduction
The course outcome that I wish to explore
further is the skill and process of creative problem-solving (CPS). More specifically, my goal is to explore and compare CPS processes in the “business world” and the “visual art creation world”.
Like all skills, problem-solving can be improved through practice and mastery. According to the world leading career website, Indeed.com, 10 ways to improve one’s creativity in problem solving include;
- Use a strategic framework
- Practice empathy
- Get a hobby
- Relax your assumptions
- Practice persistence
- Question standard practices
- Consider your past experiences
- Become an expert in your field
- Practice creative problem-solving
- Ask for help
(https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/improve-creative-problem-solving-skills)
Of this list, the options of practicing empathy, getting a hobby, and real world examples of CPS will be further discussed throughout this website. Particularly how emotional intelligence (empathy) can play a role in improving CPS skills. Also looking at how hobbies not only provide character depth, but also an opportunity to practice CPS in a more leisurely and relaxed setting.
To better understand the act of solving problems, it is important to reflect on what is a problem.
A problem can be defined as a gap, or obstacle, that prevents someone from attaining a goal or desired outcome. According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, the definition of the word “problem” is “a question raised for inquiry, consideration, or solution.” (https://www.merriam-ebster.com/dictionary/problem).
Therefore, our thinking process that explores solutions is known as problem solving.
Creative Problem Solving
Research by Treffinger, D.J., Selby, E.C., & Isaksen, S. identifies 4 major components and 8 phases involved in the Creative Problem-Solving (CPS) process. This is illustrated below in a diagram borrowed from their research paper.
What is interesting about this diagram is that it is structured as a circle, emphasizing that CPS is not always a linear process. Sometimes a developed solution is not accepted or does not produce the desired outcome, therefore it could be necessary to return to the initial phase of generating ideas to come up with a fix or an entirely new solution. Or, maybe, skip ahead to the developing solutions phase, if the problem-solver has already generated several ideas previously, as back up plans.
Depending on the problem-solvers level of readiness they can jump in and out of the circle to the phase that is more appropriate. Meaning, these components and their phases, are not static but flexible and interchangeable.
In my opinion, this model captures the CPS process quite efficiently and I will be using it to further explore the differences between CPS in my visual art making world and my corporate world.
About Me
Throughout my 20 + years of professional work experience, I have always tried to balance my love and appreciation for the visual arts with my incessant drive to climb the corporate ladder.
I believe that balancing the two actually make me a more creative problem-solver and stronger decision-maker. Which is why it was important for me to look at these two components of my life with a creative problem-solving lens and compare my findings.
“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For while knowledge defines all we currently know and understand, imagination points to all we might yet discover and create.”
~Albert Einstein
Creative Connection 