Creative Problem Solving in a Group

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.

To qualify as creative problem solving the solution must either have value, clearly solve the stated problem, or be appreciated by someone for whom the situation improves.
The situation prior to the solution does not need to be labeled as a problem. Alternate labels include a challenge, an opportunity, an improvable situation, or a situation in which there is room for improvement.

Inventing is a special kind of creative problem solving in which the created solution qualifies as an invention because it is a useful new object, substance, process, software, or other kind of marketable entity.
Steps in Problem Solving

1. All problems have solutions. The first step to improving your creative problem solving skills is to recognize that there are solutions to ALL problems. This step is essential in opening up your mind to the possibilities available to you as you proceed into the realm of finding a solution.


2. Allow yourself space to think. All of us function better when we allow ourselves a special place in time and space where we can think. Create a place in your home, garden, workplace or some other location where you can go to think. This should be a place that promotes creative thinking and brainstorming. Go there not only when you need a problem solved, but also when you need to be energized before a stressful project.


3. How would a genius solve this problem? For some, putting on the creative thinking cap means putting themselves in someone else’s shoes. Asking how would Einstein solve this problem (or some other genius)? allows them to tap into a higher self where the answers are always ready to be accessed. It allows them to think outside the box and reach new methods for solving age old problems.

4. Free association and open-mind thinking. A great way to improve your creative problem solving skills is to begin a series of free association word patterns related to the problem at hand. This allows you to be open-minded to a variety of different channels within and outside of yourself for reaching a rational, yet creative solution.

5. Weighing in on the options. Begin making mental or written notes with a list of potential creative solutions. Select one solution at a time and look at the pros and cons of each. After carefully analyzing each choice, decide which method or option is best. Apply it. When it comes to creativity, remember not to block yourself or allow yourself to “feel stupid” at some of the ideas that might burst forth. If you are in a group situation, you might feel extra pressure and embarrassment and not want to share your thoughts and ideas freely, but each person in the group must be assured that ALL ideas are welcome, no matter how silly they may seem. Many great ideas and solutions have come from these types of brainstorming sessions. Sometimes they emerge as crazy, but sometimes crazy is just what you need to gain the attention of a certain target group. Think like the advertisers do.
Methods and Processes
TRIZ, which is also known as Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TIPS), was developed by Genrich Altshuller and his colleagues based on examining more than 200,000 patents. This method is designed to foster the creation and development of patentable inventions, but is also useful for creating non-product solutions.

Mind mapping is a creativity technique that both reframes the situation and fosters creativity.


Brainstorming is a group activity designed to increase the quantity of fresh ideas. Getting other people involved can help increase knowledge and understanding of the problem and help participants reframe the problem. However, brainstorming seldom yields major innovations.

Edward de Bono has published numerous books that promote an approach to creative problem solving and creative thinking called lateral thinking.


Seven Steps in Creative Problem Solving In a Group

1. Fact Finding and Problem Finding

a.) Assign roles to team members

b.) Brainstorm/ List high priority issues

c.) Restate issues in “In what ways might we…” format, addressing clear, smaller issues first



2. Idea Finding

a.) On a chart, record ideas related to an issue (“We could ....”)

i.) implement rules for brainstorming

ii.) change roles, i.e., one discipline takes on the role of another discipline through 2 more minutes of brainstorming

iii.) discover idea clusters / interrelated ideas

iv.) paraphrase each group of interrelated ideas



3. Rules/Ideas for Brainstorming

a.) Defer judgment (no commenting)

b.) Rapid responding – Try for 10-20 or more ideas

c.) Limit brainstorming to 5 – 10 minutes



4. Criterion-Finding

a.) On a chart, record criteria which defines team criteria to evaluate ideas generated in Step 2

b.) Use one of the following starter phrases when generating criteria:

i.) “A good idea is one that....”

ii.) “Will the idea ....?”

5. Solution-Finding:

a.) Select the “best” solutions/ideas using the developed criteria from Step 3 to select or combine ideas from Step 2

b.) choices in strategies you might try:

i.) Informal Consensus

ii.) Each team member comments on potential solutions/ideas using the starter phrases: “I like solution/idea # __ because it meets ___criteria.” OR “I don’t think solution/idea # __ is a good choice because is goes against ____criteria.”


6. Acceptance Finding

a.) Make plans to overcome barriers to promising solutions/ideas; discuss & record strategies to manage these challenges (review Steps 1 & 3)

b.) Discuss & answer who, what , when, where & how questions--considering both assistance & resistance

7. Action Planning

a.) Take your solution/idea & identify the steps needed to carry it out & evaluate

b.) Plan should include the following:

1) Activities to be completed in chronological order
2) Success criteria for each activity
3) Person responsible for each activity
4) Start date for each activity
5) Actual outcomes


Creative problem solving skills are a tremendous asset in a fast-paced world. Some people, because of lack of time and creative skill, choose the first solution that comes up, though it may not be the best. There are creative alternatives, and this is where the creative individual comes in. Using the five ideas above, the creative problem solver will emerge on top, with his or her imagination and ingenuity as guides. The creative solution selected will satisfy not only the problem at hand, but other potential problems that might occur in the future.
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