Problem Solving and Decision Making
Finding Solutions by Being a Creative and Critical Thinker
Nov 14, 2009
Along the way to successful achievement, many instances cloud issues and create mistakes that lead to setbacks. Managing these troubling situations can require higher order thinking about problem solving and decision making. Many times, solutions are not apparent and the options seem exhausted. Learning to reason, being conscientious, and utilizing an effective problem solving process can reveal creative outlets and solutions that did not before seem attainable.
Steps in Problem Solving
- Find and Frame the Problem:
The first step is being able to identify what the problem is. This relates to the who, what, where, and when of the problematic circumstance. Actually pinpointing the specific issue that is troubling or conflicting can be difficult, so it is important to establish the specifics of a concern and deal with it accordingly.
- Develop Good Problem Solving Strategies:
It is important to examine all alternatives possible. This can be done through developing sub-goals or an action plan with achievable steps toward the greater goal. This helps provide measurable objectives that reveal the progress being made. Developing these strategies can come from an array of options such as trial-and-error or brainstorming.
- Select the Best Solution and Evaluate:
Evaluate solutions by reviewing the consequence of the strategy. Examining questions such as: Will the outcome resolve the problem for the long-run? How realistic is this solution? What are the risks? This adaptability assists in a continual process of problem solving.
- Implement the Solution:
Lastly, following through with the decided solution and examine the outcome. Actually focusing on the problem and working toward resolution or management can take dedication and commitment. It is important to use this type of problem-focused coping instead of avoiding or masking the problem to alleviate the associated stress. After implementing the solution, examine the outcome and learn from the situation.
Problem Solving Related to Creativity and Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is crucial in making good judgment through the decision making process. Making sure evidence is evaluated, and analyzing uncertain or unfamiliar information provides reassurance for a decision. Critical thinking helps to avoid a narrow focus of fixating on only one solution and succumbing to hidden assumptions.
Two areas inherent in the ability to think critically are mindfulness and open-mindedness. Mindfulness relates to being alert and mentally focused. Developing self-awareness through metacognition, or thinking about thinking, provides awareness of thinking patterns and provides more control over emotions and behavior. Open-mindedness stimulates creative and innovative thinking. Being open-minded can create numerous alternatives and novel perspectives.
Creativity is the mental process of generating new ideas or concepts. Creative thinkers are typically flexible and playful thinkers that maintain a more positive and enthusiastic attitude. Similarly, creative people are usually divergent thinkers. They are able to think outside the box and examine numerous possibilities, expanding and generating on the perceived solutions that could be incorporated.
Creative Problem Solving
When faced with a problem or issue requiring alteration many people are unable to connect with an inner creativity to find a solution. This prevents thinking outside the box and denies the creative idea before it reaches elaboration. Julia Cameron, author of the Artist's Way [Penguin, 2002], encourages readers to write three morning pages in order to develop the ability to free-flow thoughts and avoid filtering. The objective is to help people discover and uncover true inner creativity.
An additional solution can be approaching the problem with more than one person whom have various strengths; such as a visionary, developer, organizer, etc. to generate a fluid creative process. One person may be more suited as a developer while others are more apt at implementing and following through with the idea.
Innovation begins with creative problem solving, and the approach and attitude taken through the process of improvement is viewed as a challenge rather than a burden. According to King (2009), the steps involved in effective creative problem solving are:
- preparation;
- incubation;
- insight;
- evaluation; and
- elaboration
Creating and Shaping the Future
The fortitude of the creative critical thinker provides novel solutions to apparently irrepairable problems. Many of histories most profound accomplishments derived from creative ideas that never would have been thought possible or attempted if mind limiting processes were present. Through creative problem solving, innovative creations can manifest, and almost any idea can become a tangible reality; if creative insight is embraced and captured.
Resources:
- King, L. A. (2009). The Science of Psychology: an appreciative view. New York: McGraw-Hill.
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