How can you lead creative problem solving?

Creative problem solving (CPS) is a skill that can help you tackle complex challenges, generate innovative ideas, and implement effective solutions. But how can you lead a team or a project that requires CPS? Here are some tips and strategies to help you foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and action.

1 Define the problem

The first step in leading CPS is to clearly define the problem or the goal that you and your team are trying to solve or achieve. This will help you focus your efforts, communicate your expectations, and avoid confusion or ambiguity. You can use tools such as brainstorming, mind mapping, or problem statements to gather information, identify assumptions, and frame the problem in a specific and actionable way.

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Gijsbertus J.J. van Wulfen

Award winning innovation keynote speaker helping you to create innovative mindsets at your event and your organisation. Contact me for a proven innovation method to double your effectiveness in 2025.
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As facilitator of 100+ innovation projects all over the world, I love to share a CHECKLIST: 15 TIPS for THE PERFECT BRAINSTORM: 1. Define a relevant challenge 2. Create with the sponsor an assignment 3. Create momentum 4. Invite people for whom it is relevant. 5. Invite people for content as well as decision-making 6. Include outsiders 7. Invite the senior problem-owner 8. A special venue 9. An psychological safe environment 10. Never at the office 11. Spend twice as much time on the convergence - as on the divergence process. 12. Apply various idea-generating techniques 13. Keep up the pace 14. Appoint an expert facilitator 15. Make the output concrete Extra Tip: Check the FORTH innovation method for a structured approach.

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2 Explore the possibilities

The next step is to generate as many ideas as possible to address the problem or the goal. This is where you can unleash your creativity and encourage your team to think outside the box, challenge the status quo, and combine different perspectives. You can use techniques such as divergent thinking, SCAMPER, or random stimuli to stimulate your imagination, generate alternatives, and avoid premature judgment.

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3 Evaluate the options

The third step is to narrow down the ideas and select the most promising ones to test and implement. This is where you need to apply critical thinking and analytical skills to assess the feasibility, desirability, and viability of each option. You can use criteria such as SMART goals, SWOT analysis, or pros and cons to compare and contrast the ideas, identify potential risks and benefits, and make informed decisions.

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4 Implement the solutions

The final step is to put the selected ideas into action and monitor the results. This is where you need to plan and execute the steps, resources, and timelines needed to implement the solutions, as well as measure and evaluate the outcomes and impacts. You can use tools such as action plans, Gantt charts, or feedback loops to organize and coordinate the tasks, track the progress, and adjust the solutions as needed.

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5 Facilitate the process

As a leader, your role is not only to participate in the CPS process, but also to facilitate it for your team. This means that you need to create a supportive and trusting environment, where everyone feels comfortable to share their thoughts, opinions, and feedback. You also need to motivate and inspire your team, by recognizing their efforts, celebrating their successes, and providing constructive guidance. Finally, you need to model and promote the CPS mindset, by being curious, flexible, and open-minded.

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6 Learn and improve

Leading CPS is not a one-time event, but a continuous learning journey. You should always seek to improve your skills, knowledge, and practices, as well as those of your team. You can do this by reflecting on your experiences, identifying your strengths and weaknesses, and seeking feedback from others. You can also learn from other sources, such as books, courses, or mentors, that can help you develop your CPS abilities.

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Mary Safwat, PMP®

Project Management Guru | Servant Leader | Fintech Advocate | PMO Founder | Driving business strategy into reality is my mastery!
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To be able to learn and improve you have to keep clear documentation of the problem and how it was resolved. What we usually miss when we are done within the problem is recording how we solved it. We get to celebrate our success forgetting that we might face a similar situation in the future.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you lead creative problem solving?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Define the problem

2 Explore the possibilities

3 Evaluate the options

4 Implement the solutions

5 Facilitate the process

6 Learn and improve

7 Here’s what else to consider

Creative Problem Solving

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How can you lead creative problem solving?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Define the problem

2 Explore the possibilities

3 Evaluate the options

4 Implement the solutions

5 Facilitate the process

6 Learn and improve

7 Here’s what else to consider

Creative Problem Solving

Rate this article

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