It just happened... my head exploded

What quickly became apparent is good ol' effective problem solving (and it's process) is basically defined by the successful resolution of the problem — creative problem solving only seems to creep into the discussion when problem resolution isn't so successful. As an aside let me add  that when you think about problem solving it is very possible that a problem was not solved because of poor execution of the planned solution, and not because the solution was flawed — gotta love layers of complexity. For this current discussion though (and for the sake of my sanity), let's assume execution of the solution is not an issue.

When it comes to problem solving why don't we just start with creative problem solving and just increase the probability of success? I mean it is assumed creative problem solving increases success right?* There are a number of problem solving processes that are well defined and can take you through the process of situation analysis, problem identification, solution identification and execution & monitoring (simplified order of events)... and they work. It's when it doesn't work that the word creative appears in people's vocabulary. 

It was the word creative that threw a wrench in my "impulsive planning schedule". 

I suppose I've delayed the inevitable long enough and have to take a stab at what creative actually means with regard to creative problem solving — so here goes, "Thinking, interpreting and acting differently".

And this dear reader is where my head exploded —  as individuals (and with business in particular), we want consistent, predictable, constant and straight forward ... oh... and we are also habitual, change adverse, and more often than not, do as we are told (and lets not forget all that schooling that has shaped our way of thinking).

Different is really not what we are looking for.

So what does it take to "think, interpret and act differently"?  I've started a list —

• Identify and change your belief systems
• Develop a diverse knowledge base
• Crush group think
• Encourage lateral thinking
• Become risk tolerant
• A lot more that I need to think about...

Let's say for the sake of argument that up until now you agree with my train of thought and feel sorry for my head exploding (as spectacular as it was) — there's still that looming question which speaks to the antithesis of how we behave, even with the best problem solving process supporting us — 

"How do you actually get someone to think, interpret and act differently?"

Well it seems like that crisp PowerPoint deck is going to take a little longer and I now it seems I have a large number of potential blog topics.

Stay tuned (and thank you for reading).

iamgpe

* I suppose the reason people don't start with the word "creative" is because it makes your head explode.