The document discusses different approaches to solving problems creatively and making decisions. It contrasts a "late model" mechanistic approach with a "latest model" that is more fluid, responsive, and involves everyone in decision making. It also discusses limitations of rational problem solving and ways to foster creativity, such as thinking differently about the problem, expanding possible solutions, finding new resources, and using intuition. Leaders are encouraged to facilitate creative problem solving and decision making processes.

1. Solving Problems Creatively Flexible Responses to Complex Problems

2. Solving Problems Creatively Creativity is an art and a science Sometimes it takes a different perspective Motion changes emotion Sometimes it takes thinking about how you are going to think about it Every decision is an opportunity to move forward

3. Solving Problems Creatively The leaders’s job is inherently a problem-solving job To be a High Performance leader, you must become a facilitator of the process of moving ideas and opportunities from here to there

4. Leaders must facilitate... Decision making Problem solving Rationality Innovation Creativity ... be thoughtful about how you “ name ” a situation, and attend to your own assumptions

5. “ Late Model” Decision Making ... mechanistic fixed system assumptions lots of programmed decisions made by individuals (and only certain individuals, at that) delegated to others for implementation control and expertise valued quick and final are the order of the day

6. “ Latest Model” Decision Making... fluid , responsive process within a changing (living) system assumptions regularly open to review and revision reduction of rules , regulations decisions made by everyone , often collectively

7. “ Latest Model” Decision Making .cont... those who are responsible for implementation are part of the decision making process: “ those who do, decide ” uncertainty and creativity are considered part of the process well-considered and “ a work in progress ”

8. Rational Problem Solving Invokes rationality & logic to: define the problem generate alternative solutions evaluate and select an alternative implement and follow up on the solution Must be treated as a process ; problem solving can fall apart at any stage

9. Limitations of the Rational Problem-Solving Model Time , competing problem demands (firefighting) Ambiguity of the situation, problem Insufficient , inaccurate information “ Brain Strain” – information overload Specialties and backgrounds of decision makers: PERCEPTUAL BLOCKS

10. Limitations of the Rational Problem-Solving Model History, habit, commitment Individual differences in cognitive styles Self-interest Money Politics, conflict

11. Creativity “… going deeper has a very practical value. Artists produce their best and most creative work when they aren’t afraid to take risks, to endure criticism or embarrassment or even failure. To me, such risk-taking is the primary challenge not just for an artist, but for any truly creative executive.” Michael Eisner, Chaiman & CEO of Disney from “Managing a Creative Organization,”1996

12. Creativity Involves the use of intuition , ingenuity , insight Rather than narrowing down to “one best decision,” opening to create new possibilities , many alternatives Outgrowth of training and experience

13. Some ideas! Change your physical space Think from a new perspective Draw a picture Copy someone who is creative Redefine your own creativity Think about it in a new way Laugh Ask a child Post on the wall

14. New Ideas cont. What’s at risk? Define a moving forward strategy Disassociate Time travel Who do you admire? Ask better questions Use the dictionary Take a risk Expect vs. Hope Reward yourself Get some fresh air

15. Creativity and Problem solving The challenge Present state Desired state (Future) If there is no difference between where you think you are and where you want to be; you have no challenge!

16. Thinking strategies Our thinking creates problems that the same type of thinking will not solve (Einstein)

17. To Foster Creativity and solve challenges…(Dilts) Think about the challenge in a different way then when it was created Uncover and increase the solution space Expand our perception of it Find elements in the larger solution space that can solve it

18. Creativity cont. Find limiting assumptions Identify roadblocks Identify/apply new resources Use divergent thinking Align to new goals and plans

19. To Foster Creativity... sponsor , mentor , champion new ideas and their generators relax , empty mind, take time learn to listen to, trust intuition “ play ” with ideas, games