Problem Solving Techniques For More Creative Solutions

Businesses today – in every category – are under constant pressure to generate fresh, new, innovative ideas. Why now? Rapidly evolving technology, instant access to information (via the Internet) and an increasingly competitive global marketplace give consumer all the power. Brand loyalty, if it exists at all, is fleeting. Today, customers in every purchase situation want more, they want it fast and they want it for less.

They want innovation.

So just where will all these ideas come from? Savvy businesses have come to realize the power of proven problem solving techniques – creative thinking exercises, brainstorming activities and problem solving strategies that make creative problem solving easier for individuals and teams to accomplish.

What Is Creative Problem Solving?

Creative problem solving is simply the process of “creating” a solution to a problem – specifically by independently creating a solution rather than learning one.

Since it often employs one or more creative problem solving techniques, creative problem solving, by definition, involves a degree of creativity. But don’t confuse creativity in this case, with artistic ability, such as is required in fine art, music, poetry, etc. The creativity required in creative problem solving simply demands uniqueness or newness as a characteristic of the solutions being generated.

To be considered an innovation, however, involves even more – enhanced value. The idea generated with the creative problem solving techniques must not only solve the problem, but do so in a way that is better, faster, cheaper, more efficient, more aesthetically pleasing, etc. than what preceded it.

Problem Solving Techniques

There are dozens, if not hundreds of proven problem solving techniques used very effectively in tackling virtually any type of challenge.

There are creative thinking exercises and brainstorming activities that help individuals and groups quickly shift their perceptions and question their pre-existing beliefs and assumptions.

Some problem solving techniques are designed to help you explore different (and often unexpected) viewpoints or points of view.

There are problem solving techniques that are highly effective for generating a vast quantity of ideas, and others more suited to fully developing one idea.

And others are more “tricks” than techniques, in that they lead us in new ways of thinking about a problem without our even knowing it.

Learning And Using Problem Solving Techniques

There are a wealth of free and professional resources for learning and mastering effective problem solving techniques.

There is a list of some of the most popular and widely used problem solving techniques here on this site.

A quick web search on the terms “brainstorming activities” and “creative thinking exercises” will produce numerous online resources.

And of course, many leading, innovation-focused businesses are turning to advanced, professional brainstorm training. Such training can literally transform an entire organization, allowing its teams to think more creatively, explore new, game changing opportunities, and establish a powerful competitive edge in the marketplace.

Problem solving techniques are not just gimmicks. They are proven effective activities, exercises and strategies that consistently result in a greater breadth and depth of fresh, new ideas – the kinds of ideas consumers demand. The kinds of ideas that create market leaders.