1. Creative Thinking Methods

2.  Means generating ideas by being flexible and creative  Lateral thinkers break away from standard solutions and solve problems in unique and different ways  Allows the problem solver to look at the problem from a unique perspective  Also known as “thinking outside the box”  http://www.jamesabela.co.uk/intermediate/Lateral.html http://www.jamesabela.co.uk/intermediate/Lateral.html

3.  Roger von Oech is an internationally- recognized creativity consultant who has worked with major companies from around the world, including Anheuser-Busch, General Foods, Hallmark Cards, Hewlett-Packard, NASA and Procter & Gamble  His book, "A Whack on the Side of the Head", is a classic in the field of creativity and innovation and is now on its 25th Edition

4.  Either you let your life slip away by not doing the things you want to do, or you get up and do them.  If you make an error, use it as a stepping stone to a new idea you might not have otherwise discovered.  It's easy to come up with new ideas; the hard part is letting go of what worked for you two years ago, but will soon be out-of-date.  Necessity may be the mother of invention, but play is certainly the father.  Remember the two benefits of failure. First, if you do fail, you learn what doesn't work; and second, the failure gives you the opportunity to try a new approach.

5. 1. Problem Finding 4. Action 3. Solution Finding 2. Idea Finding

6.  Problem Finding  Idea Finding  Solution Finding  Action the Idea

7.  Explorer-Problem Finding  Artist-Idea Finding  Judge-Solution Finding  Warrior-Action the Idea

8.  The Explorer: ◦ Seeking new territories and looking at possible opportunities  The Artist: ◦ Creating new innovative ideas in response to an opportunity

9.  The Judge: ◦ Evaluate the ideas generated to see if any are worthy of pursuit and implementation  The Warrior: ◦ Fight for the idea, overcome obstacles and barriers and serve as a “champion” for the idea

10.  Searches for Information  Strategies: ◦ Takes the road less travelled ◦ Look at the big picture ◦ Pay attention to detail ◦ Look in outside fields, disciplines and industries.

11.  Strategies cont’d: ◦ Write down ideas  Behaviours ◦ Scavenger hunt ◦ Microscope or telescope ◦ Market research ◦ Try a new skill ◦ Wilderness camping

12.  Turns resources into new ideas  Strategies: ◦ Imagine ◦ Combine ideas ◦ Break down barriers ◦ Parody – Silly ◦ Outrageous ◦ Incubate

13.  Behaviours: ◦ Cooking gourmet dinners ◦ Dancing at midnight under full moon ◦ Write a poem or make up a joke ◦ Design a costume ◦ Wonder WHY? Or WHAT IF?

14.  Evaluate the merits of an idea  Strategies: ◦ Objective, unbiased ◦ Positive or negative ◦ Chances for success ◦ Consequences of failure ◦ Timing ◦ Verdict

15.  Behaviours: ◦ Comparison Shopping ◦ Grade and essay ◦ Make an investment ◦ Vote ◦ Referee

16.  Carries the idea into action  Strategies: ◦ Written plan ◦ Get going ◦ Follow through ◦ Be ready to be knocked down ◦ Savour your victories ◦ Learn from defeats

17.  Behaviours: ◦ Make a sales call ◦ Competitive sports ◦ Start a company ◦ Negotiate a contract ◦ Support a cause

18. 1. Problem Finding 4. Action 3. Solution Finding 2. Idea Finding

19. 1.Problem Finding Explorer 4. Action Warrior 3. Solution Finding Judge 2. Idea Finding Artist