Creativity

The generation of novel and useful ideas

Key Issues
1.
2.

The Thinking Process

Patterning Systems

3.
4.

Mind Set
Playfulness

5.
6.

Techniques
Innovation

The Thinking Process

First Stage Thinking (Lateral Thinking) Second Stage Thinking (Vertical Thinking)

387 teams in a football tournament.

In a straight knock-out (extra time then penalties), how many games are played through to and including the final?

Second Stage Thinking

First Stage Thinking

How many losers are there for each game played? How many losers are there in the entire tournament? So .. How many games played?

Generic Solution

N teams in the tournament, number of games:

N-1

The Point: #1
Most problem solving in business is dominated by second stage thinking particularly for scientists and engineers
But first stage thinking can radically speed up the problem solving process, and even produce generic solutions How much better would problem solving be in the business setting, if first stage thinking was applied Once this blockage to creativity is understood, the chairman of the problem solving session can facilitate a change in process Knowledge of the blockage is the key

Patterning Systems

The Point: #2
The brain will naturally search for a pattern in the features of any problem, and will actively try to match that pattern against one already on file
The brain will settle for near enough then convince you that the patterns are identical to a previous problem But no two problems have exactly the same features, so the solutions (successful or not) from past experience may be misleading Understanding this blockage to creativity, the chairman of the session can use techniques to dismantle past patterns

Mind Set

Without taking pen off paper, connect all points with just 4 straight lines

Mind Set

 With 3 lines? With 1 line?

The Point: #3
Mind set defines conditions or constraints on problem solving, which do not necessarily exist

Knowing this blockage to creativity, it is possible for the Chairman of the problem solving session to actively challenge the assumptions

Playfulness

Imagination Intermediate Impossible Creative Charter

Creative Charter
1. 2. We shall collectively work to produce a creative atmosphere Thou shalt not pass premature judgement upon any suggestion Thou shalt look positively upon all suggestions, finding the good, rather than the bad We all reserve the right to make complete fools of ourselves in a completely safe environment, without fear of any later comeback We are all completely equal, irrespective of position or function No one shall opt out We shall have fun

3.

4.

5.

6. 7.

Creativity Techniques
Synectics Rolestorming 6 Thinking Hats Reversal Storyboards

Creativity Club
Volunteers from all areas (18 members) Meet once a month (groups of 6-8) Try new techniques Work on real business problems Works best with problem owner Meetings last no more than 1 hour

CREATIVITY
The generation of novel and useful ideas

INNOVATION
Making money out of creativity

Innovative Roles
Ideators

Inventors
Technology Gatekeepers

Champions
Sponsors Entrepreneurs

Innovation Club
All staff are automatic members Meet at least once every 3 months Lunchtime meetings all welcome Focus on strategic issues Discuss issues, use creative techniques to aid idea generation Assign project teams Teams report back to whole meeting

Summary
Creativity - Generation of Novel and Useful Ideas Blocks to Creativity - thinking, patterning, mind set, play Creative Charter Creativity Club systematic approach Focus on Innovation making money out of creativity Innovation Club systematic approach