Innovative Problem Solving."Imagination is more important than knowledge" Albert Einstein Ein·stein , Albert 1879-1955. German-born American theoretical physicist whose special and general theories of relativity revolutionized modern thought on the nature of space and time and formed a theoretical base for the exploitation of atomic energy. The most important function of Innovation is to foster the initiative to think beyond the boundaries of what is. The purpose is to promote the kind of thinking that is required to meet the needs of a rapidly changing corporate technology and an even more rapidly changing business marketplace. With innovative thinking, individuals use their state of mind that provides access to their power of creativity. Leaving the Industrial Age and moving into the Information Age, them is a need to develop different skills. The two most important skills to cultivate cul·ti·vate tr.v. cul·ti·vat·ed, cul·ti·vat·ing, cul·ti·vates 1. a. To improve and prepare (land), as by plowing or fertilizing, for raising crops; till. b. are creativity and problem solving problem solving Process involved in finding a solution to a problem. Many animals routinely solve problems of locomotion, food finding, and shelter through trial and error. . In the past, many people did much the same jobs in the factories as on the assembly line. In the future, specialization A career option pursued by some attorneys that entails the acquisition of detailed knowledge of, and proficiency in, a particular area of law. As the law in the United States becomes increasingly complex and covers a greater number of subjects, more and more attorneys are is becoming more and more prevalent; and, in the office, everyone is doing something different. People can no longer depend on the same old answers because the problems are brand new. The Experience of Problems How one experiences problems is a more significant factor in success than are the specific problems themselves. It can be said that life is not about becoming free of problems; rather it is about becoming a better problem solver. Instead of complaining and worrying; learn to see problems as creative opportunities to grow and improve. Take on problems as puzzles puz·zle v. puz·zled, puz·zling, puz·zles v.tr. 1. To baffle or confuse mentally by presenting or being a difficult problem or matter. 2. to be solved or as challenges to be overcome. As Henry Ford said, "Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently." When one gets into a stressful state, the filter or reticular activating system reticular activating system n. Abbr. RAS The part of the reticular formation in the brainstem that plays a central role in bodily and behavioral alertness; its ascending connections affect the function of the cerebral cortex and its closes down, denying the individual access to memory and creativity. By utilizing the innovative brain, one can get in touch with his/her problem solving capabilities. With the filter open, individuals can use the imagination to go beyond what they know and focus on all that could be. This is best done when relaxed since most people get their best ideas when they're not trying. Often people who have trouble solving problems are unable to see the problem for what it truly is. This is the "You can't seethe seethe intr.v. seethed, seeth·ing, seethes 1. To churn and foam as if boiling. 2. a. To be in a state of turmoil or ferment: forest for the tress" syndrome. People caught up in the emotions sometimes blow the problem alt out of proportion. Sometimes it helps if people are able to create an alternate perception and see the problem in a different way. Step outside of the problem, change perception and the problem seems to change. Creative Problem Solving Creative problem solving is the mental process of creating a solution to a problem. It is a special form of problem solving in which the solution is independently created rather than learned with assistance. Creative problem solving requires more than just knowledge and thinking. Techniques Imagine the problem belongs to someone else. If this were true, what kind of advice would you give them? What would you say their first step should be? How would you help to motivate them and get them going? What resources would you suggest that they utilize? How can you help them become more confident of their process and their ultimate success? Alternatively, pretend that the problem is already solved. Think backwards from the solution to the first step. Remember how you did it. Where were you when you figured it out, and what were you doing? Realize how good it feels to have it solved. Be proud of yourself. Sometimes people can solve a problem simply by realizing that it is not really a problem at all. Many problems can be seen in a positive light, as creative opportunities to exercise one's minds and talents to create some positive change. For every problem there are solutions, albeit some are better than others. One of the most limiting forms of thinking is to assume that there is only one right answer to a specific problem. This rigid and restrictive thinking process comes from the inflexible and limiting experience most students have in our educational system. In school, kids are generally taught that there is one right answer, and anything else is wrong. In order to become truly effective problem solvers, that mold mold, name for certain multicellular organisms of the various classes of the kingdom Fungi, characteristically having bodies composed of a cottony mycelium. The colors of molds are caused by the spores, which are borne on the mycelium. needs to be broken. People who can relax their minds and use their imagination and creativity will find unlimited resources at their disposal. Using a Different Intelligence Almost all of the great problems solved had their solutions initially emanate em·a·nate intr. & tr.v. em·a·nat·ed, em·a·nat·ing, em·a·nates To come or send forth, as from a source: light that emanated from a lamp; a stove that emanated a steady heat. from someone's daydream. It is the daydream state, the Alpha brainwave state, where most great ideas are born. One little clue or creative idea is all that it takes to begin solving the most perplexing per·plex tr.v. per·plexed, per·plex·ing, per·plex·es 1. To confuse or trouble with uncertainty or doubt. See Synonyms at puzzle. 2. To make confusedly intricate; complicate. problems. This type of innovative thinking is a great tool to help get in touch with the imagination. It is a wonderful technique to improve the capacity for problem solving and.to enhance creativity. It is a little like creating new software for the mind. The mind can be programmed to help solve problems, to enhance insight, intuition intuition, in philosophy, way of knowing directly; immediate apprehension. The Greeks understood intuition to be the grasp of universal principles by the intelligence (nous), as distinguished from the fleeting impressions of the senses. and inspiration. All an individual has to do to access this part of the brain is to relax. Don't force creativity -- coax Same as coaxial cable. coax - coaxial cable it. Mindless activities like exercise, driving and even watching television are great idea generators. Many people get their best ideas in the shower or just as they fall asleep. The key is to get into the right state of mind - the state of relaxation re·lax·a·tion n. 1. The act of relaxing or the state of being relaxed. 2. Refreshment of body or mind. 3. A loosening or slackening. 4. The lengthening of inactive muscle or muscle fibers. . For many people relaxation is not easy however, here are two techniques that work well for most individuals. * Tense/Release: Tighten all the muscles in the body for several seconds and then release the tension. Do this three times and after the third let the body and mind relax. Allow the mind to flow freely, to seek its own answers. * Mini Vacation: Imagine that you are in Hawaii for a minute or two. Feel the sun on your face, your toes in the sand and the wind in your hair. Let the tension leave your mind and body. Ideas will flow to you like gentle waves. Positive Results Solving even the most difficult problems does not require tension and stress. In fact, intensity often prevents people from experiencing problem resolution. When one gets in touch with his/her intuition, creating new ideas "New Ideas" is the debut single by Scottish New Wave/Indie Rock act The Dykeenies. It was first released as a Double A-side with "Will It Happen Tonight?" on July 17, 2006. The band also recorded a video for the track. is easy.. People who believe in this perspective and practice it generally find it easier to identify the answers they need. Thomas Edison understood and utilized this concept. After much frustration (over 1,000 failures) in trying to invent the light bulb bulb, thickened, fleshy plant bud, usually formed under the surface of the soil, which carries the plant over from one blooming season to another. It may have many fleshy layers (as in the onion and hyacinth) or thin dry scales (as in some lilies)—both of which , Edison decided to try a different approach, instead of brainstorming or continuing with his experiments -- he took a nap: He did this because he got great ideas while dreaming. In this particular dream, he got the idea to coat the bulb filaments with carbon, and developed the incandescent lamp incandescent lamp Any of various devices that produce light by heating a suitable material to a high temperature. In an electric incandescent lamp, or lightbulb, a filament is enclosed in a glass shell that is either evacuated or filled with an inert gas. . He allowed his imagination to do the work for him, while he was sleeping I He knew how to access his imagination and he knew that stressing to find a solution was not the answer. So the next time you are faced with solving a problem, remember rel axation opens the door and imagination primes the pump. Barton Goldsmith, Ph.D., is a speaker and business consultant. |
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