In brainstorming, a frequently utilized method of generating ideas in a group, it is common to hear that the process requires a correct standard of creative thinking techniques to be implemented. It is aimed at generating as many ideas as possible without criticism.
How to Implement
- Ask a variety of people to foster different opinions.
- State a definite goal of the brainstorming session.
- Request members to be free in their thoughts, without judgment.
- Note down every idea however unconventional.
- At the end of the session, evaluate the ideas and determine the most promising ideas.
Advantages
Brainstorming will provide a cooperative atmosphere and enable the participants who will be able to build on the ideas of others and thus come up with more innovative solutions.
Mind Mapping
Summary
Mind mapping is a visual aid that assists in orderliness of thoughts and ideas. It gives people an opportunity to perceive relations between ideas and dive into them.
How to Implement
- Begin with one idea or one topic in the center of a page.
- Extend with related ideas, which are linked with the main idea with the help of lines.
- Keep on adding branches to sub-ideas and details.
- Make the mind map more interesting with colors, pictorials and symbols.
Advantages
Mind mapping helps in memory retention, promotion of organization and stimulation of creative thinking as relationships between ideas are visually established.
SCAMPER Technique
Overview
SCAMPER technique is an imaginative thinking technique, which makes people think critically about the current products or ideas by posing questions following the acronym SCAMPER: Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate and Reverse.
How to Implement
- Select a product or problem on the market.
- Use every SCAMPER prompt to come up with new ideas:
- Substitute: What can be substituted?
- Combine: What is the combination of various elements?
- Adapt: What is able to be changed to make it better?
- Modify: How can it be altered?
- Another application: Is it applicable to another purpose?
- Eliminate: What can be taken away to make it easier?
- Reverse: What were we doing the opposite?
Advantages
SCAMPER fosters critical thinking and innovation because it challenges one to think in different ways regarding a problem or a product.
The Six Thinking Hats
Overview
The Six Thinking Hats technique is a group discussion and individual thinking technique that was developed by Edward de Bono. All the hats signify the various outlook or the different ways of solving problems.
How to Implement
- White Hat: Attend information and facts. What do we know?
- Red Hat: Take into account feelings and emotions. What is our gut reaction?
- Black Hat: Identify possible issues and threats. What could go wrong?
- Yellow Hat: Cling to advantages and benefits. What are the advantages?
- Green Hat: Promote innovations and ideas. What are the alternative solutions?
- Blue Hat: Care about the way of thinking. What is the next step?
Advantages:
This method encourages the thinking process to be balanced since every decision is heard and thus more holistic solutions are reached.
Free Writing
Description
Free writing is a skill used to make people write as much as possible in a given time without caring about grammar, spelling or quality of content.
How to Implement
- Set a timer for 10-15 minutes.
- Select a question or theme that has got something you like.
- Write continuously, without interruption of thoughts.
- Upon completion of the time, it is possible to review the writing to identify possible ideas or knowledge.
Advantages
Free writing enhances creativity since it eliminates inhibitions and lets thoughts run free which usually leads to unexpected discoveries.
Role Playing
Overview
Role playing is an activity where one acts out to see the alternative points of view and look into possible solutions to an issue.
How to Implement
Find a problem or a situation where one should think creatively.
- Role Assign tasks to the participants (e.g., customer, manager, etc.).
- Do-act the situation and give the participants a chance to share their opinions.
- Debriefing of the role play to share insights and possible remedies.
Pros
Role playing allows people to develop empathy and understand, and look at issues in a new perspective.
Creative Visualization
Overview
Creative visualization is a process that is used to envisage something one wishes to see or to see a way out of a problem.
How to Implement
Find some quiet place and shut your eyes.
- Imagine the issue or objective with the maximum amount of visual vividness, involving all of your senses.
- Consider the measures that are required to accomplish this.
- Emphasize on the emotions that come with achievement.
Advantages
This is a method to make clear what should be accomplished and may be a motivational strategy and a creative approach.
Developing a Creative Culture
Although it is essential to engage these techniques, it is important to develop the creative mindset as well. The following are a few tips to allow one to become more creative in daily life:
- Become Curious: Question and explore. Curiosity is an effective initiator of creativity.
- Practice Mindfulness: Resort to mindfulness to increase awareness and attention. The presence permits the further development of ideas.
- Take Breaks: You should take a break to refresh your mind. Breaks may cause an insightful and inspirational moment.
- Work with People: Be around people who think differently. Teamwork may lead to a new idea, and a wider outlook.
- Be ok with failure: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. The fear of failure will work against creativity rather than considering failures as growth steps.
- Create Routines: Have a routine; have time set aside to do creativity. Creative habits can be established by consistency
Frequently Asked Question
Q1: What is creative thinking?
The capacity to push beyond the standard limits of thinking in order to create new ideas and solutions is known as creative thinking. It is based on the utilization of imagination, intuition and critical thinking in order to examine various perspectives and possibilities.
Q2: Can creativity be learned?
Creativity is trainable, and creativity can be developed by exercising creativity and practicing creative thinking techniques. Through exercises, which involve being creative, people are able to boost their creativity and thinking.
Q3: What do you consider to be some of the common barriers to creativity?
Fear of failure, excessive criticism, fixed ways of thinking and lack of time or resources are some of the common obstacles to creativity. To get over these barriers, one needs a favorable environment and an open mind in order to be ready to experiment with new ideas.
Q4: What can I do to help my team be more creative?
In order to promote creativity within the team, promote open communication and the spirit of teamwork. Introduce brainstorming, skill development, and innovation in recognition, irrespective of the outcome, opportunities.