Creative Problem Solving when working alone
We are living in extraordinary times, and it is even more important not to shut down our minds to new ideas. When we do, we often leap into solutions for our problems. Creative problem solving (CPS) is an approach which encourages fresh and open thinking. However,...
The Dangers of Groupthink
Groupthink is a collective mindset which can develop within cohesive groups. So what are the dangers of groupthink? It results in a group view being established and decisions being taken without assumptions being checked. This can happen for many reasons; a lack of...
What are icebreakers and why are they important?
What are Icebreakers? I am sure that many of you, like me, will have had that sinking feeling as we enter a new meeting. Especially when we don't know anyone. However confident we are, it's a difficult time. This is when facilitators can really help to ensure their...
Habits and how to change them
What are habits? Habits are behaviours we perform almost automatically. They are not usually something we have to spend any time thinking about, we just do them, for example cleaning our teeth regularly. Bad habits can become destructive, and these kinds of habits...
Creativity and age- the evidence
The myths of creativity and age There are a lot of myths around concerning creativity and age. Not least the myth that older people are stuck in their ways and that this is a barrier to creativity. Creativity is a wide-ranging word and can be defined in many ways. We...
Testing Ideas with the Disney Strategy
When working with the three stage creative problem solving (CPS) process, the third stage is to test possible solutions before they are put into practice. As with the previous stages, this stage requires both a divergent and convergent phase. In the divergent phase,...
Better Brainstorming and how to achieve it
Last month I wrote about stage 1 of the creative problem solving process (CPS). Today's post is about the second stage, exploring options to resolve the problem. The first part of this stage 2 is to open up to all possible approaches to resolving the problem. There...
A picture tells a thousand words
Last month I wrote about the Creative Problem Solving process (CPS) and its importance in tackling complex problems. Picking up from there, I will now review the first stage of the CPS process, which is to gain an understanding of the problem. This stage consists of a...
Why Creative Problem Solving?
It was widely reported that in 2016 the World Economic Forum cited creativity as one of the top 3 skills organisations would need by 2020. The top skill which has been consistent in their reporting is critical problem solving. Critical problem solving is much improved...
Risk and why it is important for Creativity
Risk is a part of life: something we all live with. Some people are more comfortable with risk, others have no choice. However. I propose that for change, development, creativity and innovation, a level of healthy risk is essential. Risk and Fear Risk, however, can...
About Me
Barbara is an Executive Coach, leadership, and creativity facilitator with a passion for creative tools and writing about creativity and leadership.