1. Creativity The generation of novel and useful ideas

2. Key Issues 1.The Thinking Process 2.Patterning Systems 3.Mind Set 4.Playfulness 5.Techniques 6.Innovation

3. The Thinking Process First Stage Thinking (Lateral Thinking) Second Stage Thinking (Vertical Thinking)

4. 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?

5. Second Stage Thinking

6. 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?

7. Generic Solution N teams in the tournament, number of games: N-1

8. 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

9. Patterning Systems

10. 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

11. Mind Set Without taking pen off paper, connect all points with just 4 straight lines

12. Mind Set

13. With 3 lines? With 1 line?

14. 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

15. Playfulness Imagination Intermediate Impossible Creative Charter

16. 1.We shall collectively work to produce a creative atmosphere 2.Thou shalt not pass premature judgement upon any suggestion 3.Thou shalt look positively upon all suggestions, finding the good, rather than the bad 4.We all reserve the right to make complete fools of ourselves in a completely safe environment, without fear of any later comeback 5.We are all completely equal, irrespective of position or function 6.No one shall opt out 7.We shall have fun

17. Creativity Techniques Synectics Rolestorming 6 Thinking Hats Reversal Storyboards

18. 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

19. CREATIVITY The generation of novel and useful ideas INNOVATION Making money out of creativity

20. Innovative Roles Ideators Inventors Technology Gatekeepers Champions Sponsors *Entrepreneurs

21. 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

22. 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