ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of Technology

1
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
CREATIVITY PROBLEM SOLVING

• by
• G C VIJAYAKUMAR
• Training Manager
• Academic Staff College

November 22, 2006
2
CONTENTS
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
01. Purpose of creative problem solving 02.
Learning Objectives 03. What is creative problem
solving? 04. Barriers to creativity 05. Mental
blocks 06. Rules of creative thinking 07. What
is the creative problem solving process? 08. Ten
questions to encourage idea generation 09. Tools
and techniques
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
3
01. PURPOSE OF CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
To develop the awareness and skills required
to solve problems creatively
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
4
02. LEARNING OBJECTIVES
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
By the end of this session, you will be able
to - define creative problem solving - be
familiar with common mental blocks to the
creative thinking process - explore ways to be
more creative - identify the steps to the
creative problem solving process
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
5
WHAT IS CREATIVE PROBLEMSOLVING?
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
6
03. WHAT IS CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING?
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST

• SOME INSIGHTS
• - The creative person uses information to form
  new ideas.
• The real key to creative problem solving is
  what you do
• with the knowledge.
• Creative problem solving requires an attitude
  that allows
• you to search for new ideas and use your
  knowledge and
• experience.
• Change perspective and use knowledge to make
  the
• ordinary extraordinary and the usual
  commonplace.

C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
7
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
03. WHAT IS CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING?
CREATIVITY IS ----------------------------------
------------------------------------ ------------
--------------------------------------------------
-------- CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING
IS ---------------------------------------------
------------------------- -----------------------
-----------------------------------------------
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
8
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
03. WHAT IS CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING?
CREATIVITY IS Creativity is inventing,
experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking
rules, making mistakes, and having fun."
- Mary Lou Cook Creativity is the action of
combining previously uncombined
elements. Creativity involves the translation of
our unique gifts, talents and vision into an
external reality that is new and useful.
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
9
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
03. WHAT IS CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING?
CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING IS Creative problem
solving is the ability to generate novel and
useful ideas and solutions to everyday problems
and challenges. Solving problems through a
step-by-step process which includes fact finding,
problem finding, idea finding, solution finding
and implementation. Brainstorming and other
strategies used for generating creative ideas are
an integral part.
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
10
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
03. WHAT IS CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING?
EXERCISE
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
11
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
03. WHAT IS CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING?
EXERCISE SOLUTION
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
12
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
04. BARRIERS TO CREATIVITY
Why dont we think creatively more often?

C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
13
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
04. BARRIERS TO CREATIVITY

• Barriers that get in our way
• - Time
• - Why change?
• - Usually dont need to be creative
• - Habit
• - Routine
• - Havent been taught to be creative
• What are some other barriers that get in our way?
  

C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
14
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
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DST
05. MENTAL BLOCKS

Mental blocks are reasons (attitudes) why we
dont think something different.
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
15
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
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DST
05. MENTAL BLOCK 1

1. The right answer.

Only one?

C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
16
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
05. MENTAL BLOCK 2

• The right answer.
• Thats not logical.

C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
17
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
05. MENTAL BLOCK 3

1. The right answer.
2. Thats not logical.
3. Follow the rules.

Why rules should be challenged 1. We make rules
based on reasons that make a lot of sense. 2. We
follow these rules. 3. Time passes, and things
change. 4. The original reasons for the
generation of these rules may no longer exist,
but because the rules are still in place, we
continue to follow them.

C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
18
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
05. MENTAL BLOCK 4

• The right answer.
• Thats not logical.
• Follow the rules.
• Be practical.

C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
19
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
05. MENTAL BLOCK 5

• The right answer.
• Thats not logical.
• Follow the rules.
• Be practical.
• Play is frivolous.

When do you get your best ideas?
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
20
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
05. MENTAL BLOCK 6

• The right answer.
• Thats not logical.
• Follow the rules.
• Be practical.
• Play is frivolous.
• Thats not my area.

C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
21
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
05. MENTAL BLOCK 7

• The right answer.
• Thats not logical.
• Follow the rules.
• Be practical.
• Play is frivolous.
• Thats not my area.
• Avoid ambiguity.

AMBIGUITY
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
22
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
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DST
05. MENTAL BLOCK 8

• The right answer.
• Thats not logical.
• Follow the rules.
• Be practical.
• Play is frivolous.
• Thats not my area.
• Avoid ambiguity.
• Dont be foolish.

C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
23
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
05. MENTAL BLOCK 9

• The right answer.
• Thats not logical.
• Follow the rules.
• Be practical.
• Play is frivolous.
• Thats not my area.
• Avoid ambiguity.
• Dont be foolish.
• To err is wrong.

C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
24
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
05. MENTAL BLOCK 10

• The right answer.
• Thats not logical.
• Follow the rules.
• Be practical.
• Play is frivolous.
• Thats not my area.
• Avoid ambiguity.
• Dont be foolish.
• To err is wrong.
• Im not creative.

C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
25
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
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DST
HOW CAN WE BE MORE CREATIVE?
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
26
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
06. RULES OF CREATIVE THINKING

• 1. Start small trying to discover new ways to be
  creative.
• Make conscious efforts to abandon the old,
  obsolete
• ways of doing things and explore new
  ways.
• 3. It is not possible to change the way we
  think about
• everything. Devise ways in which to try
  creative thinking techniques.
• 4. Understand that creative thinking requires
  time and effort, but it is worth it!

C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
27
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
06. RULES OF CREATIVE THINKING

• 5. Remember that creative thinking is both an
  art and a
• science!
• 6. Concentrate on what you can reasonably do.
  Trying to do too many things at once compromises
  the effort and may take away from the results.
• 7. Practice creative thinking for today as well
  as tomorrow.
• 8. Include other people in the creative thinking
  process with you.

C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
28
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
07. WHAT IS THE CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS
STEP 1 State what appears to be the
problem. STEP 2 Gather facts, feelings, and
opinions. STEP 3 Re-state the problem. STEP 4
Identify alternative solutions. STEP 5
Evaluate alternatives. STEP 6 Implement the
decision. STEP 7 Evaluate the results.
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
29
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
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DST
07. WHAT IS THE CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS

• STEP 1 STATE WHAT APPEARS TO BE PROBLEM.
• The real problem may not surface until facts
  have been
• gathered and analyzed.
• Therefore, start with what you assume to be the
  problem, that can later be confirmed or
  corrected.

C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
30
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
07. WHAT IS THE CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS

• STEP 2 GATHER FACTS, FEELINGS, AND OPINIONS.
• - What happened?
• - Where, when and how did it occur?
• - What is its size, scope, and severity?
• - Who and what is affected?
• - Likely to happen again?
• - Need to be corrected?
• - May need to assign priorities to critical
  elements.

C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
31
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
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DST
07. WHAT IS THE CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS

• STEP 3 RESTATE THE PROBLEM.
• The real facts help make this possible, and
  provide
• supporting data.
• The actual problem may, or may not be the same
  as
• stated in Step 1.

C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
32
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
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DST
07. WHAT IS THE CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS

• STEP 4 IDENTIFY ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS.
• - Generate ideas.
• Do not eliminate any possible solutions until
  several have
• been discussed.

C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
33
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
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DST
07. WHAT IS THE CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS
STEP 5 EVALUATE ALTERNATIVES. - Which
will provide the optimum solution? - What
are the risks? - Are costs in keeping with
the benefits? - Will the solution create new
problems?
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
34
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
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DST
07. WHAT IS THE CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS
STEP 6 IMPLEMENT THE DECISION. - Who
must be involved? - To what extent?
- How, when and where? - Who will
the decision impact? - What might go
wrong? - How will the results be
reported and verified?
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
35
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
07. WHAT IS THE CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS
STEP 7 EVALUATE THE RESULTS. - Test the
solution against the desired results. -
Make revisions if necessary.
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
36
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
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DST
08. TEN QUESTIONS TO ENCOURAGE IDEA GENERATION
- What if? - How can we
improve? - How will the community
benefit? - Are we forgetting anything?
- Whats the next step?
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
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ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
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DST
08. TEN QUESTIONS TO ENCOURAGE IDEA GENERATION
- What can we do better? - What do you think
about? - What should we add? - What should
we eliminate? - What other ideas do you have...?
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
38
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
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DST
09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES

• 1. The CPS Model
• 2. Brain Storming
• 3. Multi-Voting
• 4. Mind Mapping
• 5. Six Thinking Hats

C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
39
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
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DST
09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
1. THE CPS MODEL

• The Osborne-Parnes CPS Process
• Objective Finding
• Fact Finding
• Problem Finding
• Idea Finding
• Solution Finding
• Acceptance Finding

C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
40
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES

• The Osborne-Parnes CPS Process
• Objective Finding Identify the goal, wish, or
  challenge
• that you face as a business.
• b. Fact Finding Gather data about the
  problem/issue at
• hand.
• c. Problem Finding Clarify and understand the
  problem in
• its entirety.

C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
41
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES

• The Osborne-Parnes CPS Process
• Idea Finding Generate new ides as regards the
  solution.
• Solution Finding Select and fortify the
  different solutions.
• f. Acceptance Finding Plan the course of action.

C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
42
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
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DST
09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
2. BRAIN STORMING

• Purpose
• To generate a large number of ideas in a
• short period of time.

C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
43
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
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DST
09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
2. BRAIN STORMING

• Rules for Brainstorming
• The more ideas the better!
• No discussion
• No idea is a bad idea
• Build on one anothers ideas
• Display all ideas

C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
44
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
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DST
09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
2. BRAIN STORMING

• Ideas Freely record your ideas as they come
  to your mind.
• --------------------------------------------------
  ---
• --------------------------------------------------
  ---
• --------------------------------------------------
  ---

C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
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ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
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DST
09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
2. BRAIN STORMING
1. Practice question How do we
motivate members? 2. Clarify
understanding. Once all the ideas have
been generated review ideas offered.
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
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ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
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09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
2. BRAIN STORMING
3. Combine items that are similar and/or
eliminate duplicates. 4. Completion.
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
47
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
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09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
3. MULTI-VOTING

• Purpose
• To help a group of people make a decision with
  which they are comfortable.
• Definition
• A way to vote to select the most important or
  popular items (alternatives) from a list.

C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
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ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
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09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
3. MULTI-VOTING
Steps 1. Generate a list of items and number
each item. 2. If two or more items seem
similar, they may be combined. 3. If
necessary, renumber the items.
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
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ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
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09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
3. MULTI-VOTING
4. Write down the numbers of the items you feel
are the major cause of the problem. 5. Share
your votes by a show of hands. 6. Eliminate
those items with the fewest votes. 7. Repeat
steps 3 (renumber) through 6 on the list of
remaining items. Continue this process until
only a few items remain. If a clear favorite
does not emerge, the group may discuss the items
listed and make a choice.
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
50
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
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09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
4. MIND-MAPPING

• Definition A visual picture of a group of
  ideas, concepts or issues.
• Purpose
• Unblock our thinking.
• See an entire idea or several ideas on one
  sheet of paper.
• See how ideas relate to one another.
• Look at things in a new and different way.
• Look at an idea in depth.

C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
51
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
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09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
4. MIND-MAPPING
Mind Mapping Exercise

• Over-sized blank sheet of paper.
• Select word, phrase or problem statement to
  serve as a
• focus for discussion.
• Print it in the middle of the paper. Enclose it
  in a box.
• Let a word pop out of your mind. Print it
  anywhere on
• the paper.
• Underline it and connect the line with the
  problem
• statement (or key phrase or word) you are
  working on.
• Record the next idea and connect it to original
  focus
• point or the prior thought.
• Continue printing and connecting words.

Initial Tumble of ideas.
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
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ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
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09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
4. MIND-MAPPING
EXAMPLE
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
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ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
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09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
4. MIND-MAPPING
-- Helpful Hints
Keep your printing large and easy to read. Feel
free to use symbols and or pictures. Have some
fun using different colors.
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
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ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
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09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
- COMPLETED MAP
4. MIND-MAPPING
- Draw over clusters of similar thoughts that
are associated with the main focus point.
Have fun using a different color highlighter
with each cluster of words. - How do the
variety of ideas relate to one another? - Do
you notice any common causes of the problem? -
What are the most important causes? - You are
now ready to brainstorm solutions!
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
55
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
5. SIX THINKING HATS
When teams engage in six hats thinking they are
practicing parallel thinking everyone is using
the same tool at the same time on the same
challenge. This speeds up the process saving
everyone time. Each persons unique thinking on
the challenge is included which ensures a
stronger solution is implemented, supported is
well thought out.
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
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ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
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DST
09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
5. SIX THINKING HATS

1. The Blue Hat
2. The White hat
3. The Green Hat
4. The Yellow Hat
5. The Black Hat
6. The Red Hat

C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
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ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
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DST
09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
5. SIX THINKING HATS

• The Blue Hat
• Process control. Managing the thinking.
• - Focus tool.
• - Thinking agenda development.
• - Time management plan.
• - Keep egos and argument in check.
• - Action planning for next steps, roles,
  responsibilities, time.

C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
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ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
5. SIX THINKING HATS
B. The White Hat Data, information, facts
known and needed - White hat O.P.V. tool
other peoples views. - Spectrum of
relevance tool. - Range of accuracy tool.
- Plan to get necessary white hat data.
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
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ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
5. SIX THINKING HATS
C. The Green Hat Creativity. Ideas.
Alternatives. Solutions. Possibilities. -
Top of the head tool idea generating tool.
- Random entry tool idea generating tool.
- Concept fan idea generating tool. -
Time and space for creative thinking.
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
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ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
5. SIX THINKING HATS
D. The Yellow Hat Benefits with rationale. The
optimistic view. Plus points. - Frames of
value tool. - Levels of feasibility tool.
- Competitive advantage screen. -
Sense of potential.
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
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ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
5. SIX THINKING HATS
E. The Black Hat Risk assessment. Potential
problems. Danger. Difficulties. - Find
errors in logic. - Speculate about the
future. - Note ways something does not
fit. - Set out to remove difficulties with
green hat solutions.
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
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ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
5. SIX THINKING HATS
F. The Red Hat Hunches. Gut instinct. Intuition.
Feelings. - Range of feelings tool.
- Decision making tool. - Idea sorting
tools. - Idea power tools. - Level
of commitment tool.
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
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ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
5. SIX THINKING HATS
Benefits of Six Thinking Hats The average speed
to answer a customer phone call went from 225
seconds to 40 seconds. A new point of sales
process was introduced which reduced phone
activation time from 8 hours to less than 15
minutes. Customer retention - customer churn
was reduced by over 50.
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
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ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
5. SIX THINKING HATS
Benefits of Six Thinking Hats Saves time by
providing a framework to Participate in
productive thinking together meetings that are
focused on delivering necessary results. Clear
up confusion on rapidly changing challenges and
complex issues. Minimize personality conflicts.
Become better focused and to the point in
discussions.
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
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ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
5. SIX THINKING HATS
Benefits of Six Thinking Hats Saves time by
providing a framework to (contd) Separate out
facts from emotions the positive from the
negative critical thinking from creative
thinking. Help individuals focus on what is
important rather what is irrelevant. Put quiet
employees on an equal playing field with those
who are more talkative or monopolize meetings.
Sidestep egos which get in the way of
performance.
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
66
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
5. SIX THINKING HATS
Benefits of Six Thinking Hats Improves
performance by providing a framework to Make
better decisions based on thorough and clear
thinking. Be better prepared to implement
change. Create communication plans that are
clear and concise. See all sides of a situation
to avoid being blindsided. Sort through wide
ranges of data, quickly, to work with just the
necessary information. Avoid getting bogged down
in unnecessary detail.
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
67
ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
5. SIX THINKING HATS
Benefits of Six Thinking Hats Improves
performance by providing a framework to (contd)
Solve problems that are high priority rather
than problems that are easy to solve and of
little consequence. Design action plans that
are supported by the group and can
be implemented. Complete documentation of
decisions and actions for future reference.
Think through business challenges more
thoroughly.
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
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ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
5. SIX THINKING HATS
Benefits of Six Thinking Hats Increase creative
and innovative performance by providing
a framework to Break the idea killer habit
that shuts down the creative process. Generate
powerful new ideas that are outside of the
mainstream. Follow a practical process for idea
evaluation. Consider a broader range of
possible solutions and selecting the one that
best meets the business need.
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
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ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
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DST
09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
OTHER TECHNIQUES OF CREATIVITY
Alphabetical brain-storming. Just relax. Google
images for inspiration. Think back
ltltltltltltlt. Visual thinking Paint the
solution. Tell a story about the solution. Think
like a kid. Storyboard the situation.
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
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ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
OTHER TECHNIQUES OF CREATIVITY (contd)
Image solving the problem in a different place
and time. Role play the problem and the
solution. Solicit solutions from others. Scream
to loosen up!! Use scents to trigger
ideas!! Listen to music to get inspired. Collect
your dreams. Change your perspective.
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
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ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
OTHER TECHNIQUES OF CREATIVITY (contd)
Draw the problem. Encourage the most outlandish
ideas. Take a break from the problem. How would
someone else solve the problem? Go outside and
use nature to stimulate ideas. Break all the
rules. Break the problem into pieces. Tie one arm
behind your back! Solve someone elses
problems.
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
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ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
OTHER TECHNIQUES OF CREATIVITY (contd)
Imagine the problem in different colours. Find a
random word in the dictionary. Make sure you have
a diverse team. Go through the alphabet for
inspiration. A for . Ask a child for
ideas. Combine all the variables in different
ways. Turn off the lights to sharpen your
senses. Take a nap!!
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
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ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
Technology
DST
09. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
OTHER TECHNIQUES OF CREATIVITY (contd)
Let your mind wander. Reverse engineer your
problems. Keep a log book by your bed. Try to
make the problem worse. Role play the problem and
solution. Work some mind puzzles.
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006
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ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE Vellore Institute of
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DST
WISH YOU GREAT SUCCESS AS AN
ENTREPRENEUR!
THANK YOU
C R E A T I V I T Y - P R O B L E M S O
L V I N G - G C Vijayakumar, Training Manager,
ASC, VIT
November 21, 2006