Businesses operate in complex environments that require creative thinking and problem-solving skills to develop different solutions to solve complex business problems. Creative thinking involves generating innovative, imaginative and unique ideas. The advantages of creative thinking in the workplace include giving businesses a competitive advantage and increasing productivity and motivation among staff members.
Businesses can generate entrepreneurial opportunities in various ways by training staff in innovative techniques, creative problem-solving skills, mind mapping and lateral thinking, and keeping communication channels open for new ideas. The problem-solving cycle is a valuable tool that businesses use to solve problems. The steps in the cycle are identify the problem, define the problem, formulate the strategy, implement the strategy. allocate resources, monitor problem solving, and evaluate the problem solving process.
Decision making is often done by senior management, who consider several alternatives before choosing the best one. Problem solving is an inclusive process where a group of people generate solutions and identify strategies for change. Various problem solving techniques are used to solve complex problems. The force field analysis technique compares the advantages or driving forces of the problem solving technique to the advantages or driving forces of the problem and the disadvantages or restraining forces needed to make an informed decision. This technique is used when businesses want to change their structures or processes.
It is applied by describing the current situation and the desired situation, then listing all the driving and restraining forces that support and resist change. The empty chair technique is a role-playing exercise that enables a person to gain insight to a problem by offering different perspectives. To apply it, the problem is explained to an imaginary person. Their response is described to gain understanding of a different viewpoint. The Delphi technique is used when businesses want to reach consensus on future trends.
Questionnaires are developed that aim to find solutions for the complex problem. To apply it, a business invites a panel of experts to suggest solutions to their problems and to respond with opinions and judgments. The business summarizes the feedback and chooses the best solution.
The nominal group technique is a refined form of brainstorming where nominated employees provide individual input to avoid discussion domination from others. To apply it, each nominated employee is requested to silently generate as many ideas as possible, then share them with other employees. The ideas are put to a vote and ranked. The group then chooses the best solution. Mind maps are diagrams that represent ideas that are connected to a central theme.
They help individuals to think, accumulate knowledge, remember information, and create ideas. Its application includes creating a central idea, adding branches linked to the central idea, and using keywords, color coding, and images. Brainstorming is a group activity that aims to find a creative solution to a specific problem by spontaneously generating a list of ideas. To apply it, the problem is defined, a time limit is set, and any ideas are welcomed.
Combining a series of seemingly unrelated words is known as the forced combinations technique. It is applied by placing written words in a box, then selecting random words. A forced connection is made between the unrelated words, which results in a creative opportunity.
The scamper technique involves lateral thinking to help team members explore new possibilities by applying each letter of the acronym. to a problem or scenario. SCAMPER stands for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to Another Use.
The application involves using each letter of the acronym to address a problem or scenario. With SCAMPER, if you do not achieve a response after using the technique, then force a response, no matter how ridiculous it may seem, and think of ways to make the non-logical response work.