CREATIVE THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING Introduction • Creative thinking is one if the most important processes that add to the success of a business. It helps businesses keep up with the latest trends and to always stay ahead if their competitors The meaning of Creative thinking • • • • Involves the process of generating innovative and imaginative ideas It’s the ability to see something in a new way Its also about being able to think of unique ideas or new approaches to solve problems Creative thinking can help Advantages of creative thinking in the workplace • • • • New, innovative, and better ideas and solutions are generate Creativity is key to staying one step ahead of competitors Complex business problems may be solved Leads to increased productivity of the entire business Ways in which businesses use creative thinking to generate entrepreneurial opportunities • • • • Design environments that stimulate creative thinking Encourage staff to come up with new ideas and solutions Encourage alternative ways of doing things Respond enthusiastically to all ideas and never let anyone feel less important The meaning of problem solving • Is the process of finding solutions to difficult or complex issues • • Effective problem-solving results in good decision-making It is a process that requires creative thinking. Alternative solutions are identified and critically evaluated Managers finding ways to solve problems • • • • Come up with creative solutions foe the business Creative when managing and motivating employees Goods and services can be marketed in creative ways Employees can come up with creative strategies for problems The problem solving cycle • Valuable tool that businesses can use to solve problems Page 1 of 8 1. Identify the problem-identify exact problem and develop a detailed problem statement that includes the effect the problem has on the business 2. Define problem-define causes and focus on real problem by finding out as much info as possible 3. Formulate a strategy- identify all possible solutions and finding one involves constructing a course of action that’ll change the situation 4. Implement strategy- carry out action plan(details of activities must be performed) 5. Allocate resources- arrange necessary solutions makes it easier to assign tasks and execute them based on their priorities 6. Monitor problem solving- monitor the action plan and ensure solution implemented by gathering feedback 7. Evaluate the problem-solving process-consider advantages of disadvantages whole process and this indicates whether the action plan has solved the problem. Decision making • • Process of choosing several alternatives Usually made by one person Problem solving • • Process of finding a solutions to a problem Usually involves a group/team Problem solving techniques : Businesses are often faced with making difficult decisions Force field analysis: • • • • • • Is a technique used to compare the driving and restraining forces to create an informed decision Improves the quality of decision and increases the chances of success Application of: Describe the current situation /problem and the desired situation Choose the force with highest score as the solution Identify priorities and develop an action plan List all the driving forces and restraining forces that will support and resist change The delphi technique • • • • Method that relied on a panel of experts to find solutions to a problem. Experts do not have to be in the same place Uses a series of questionnaires to obtain feedback from experts Application of the delphi technique Businesses must invite a panel of experts to solve a complex problem Experts do not have to be in one place and will be contacted individually Page 2 of 8 • • Summarize the responses from the experts in a feedback in a feedback report The business should choose the best solution after reaching a consensus The nominal group technique • • • • • • Requests each employee to silently brainstorm and generate many ideas on their own and to write them down A coting process is added to rank the ideas that are generated. Everyone in the group is expected to participate in silence. Application of nominal group technique Team is divided into smaller groups seated around a table Problems should be clearly defined to the groups Ratings are captured and points are totalled Duplicated ideas are eliminated Mind mapping: • • • • • Mind maps are diagrams that represent ideas that are connected to a central theme. It’s a way of linking key concepts using images, lines, and links. A central concept is linked via lines to other concepts, which in turn are linked with other associate ideas Application Create a central theme or idea Add key words to the branched off key concepts Branches may be colour coded Images may also be included Brainstorming • • • • • • Is a group activity to find a solution for a specific problem by gathering a list of ideas spontaneously Inspires creative problem solving by encouraging group members to come up with thoughts and ideas Application The problem must be defined clearly People in the group suggest ideas and solutions at random All ideas must be written on a flip chart Similar ideas are grouped together using coloured pens RELATIONSHIPS AND TEAM PERFORMANCE Introduction • • Teamwork is when 2 or more people come together to reach a common goal Teamwork can be natural for some people, but difficult for others Page 3 of 8 The meaning of business objectives: • • • A business objective explains in detail the steps they plan to take in order to achieve a specific goal Good business objectives are also aligned to the vision, mission and purpose of the business A good business objective focuses on profit, productivity and service 1. Improve customer service 2. Increase productivity 3. Social responsibility 4. Business survival The benefits of Teamwork • • • • • The members of the team learn from each other and grow The team achieve more than the individual Good Teamwork helps businesses achieve its objectives Gives employees more control over their jobs Teamwork improves effective communication Ways in which businesses can create an environment that enables teams to work effectively • • • • • Set ground rules for team Establish team values and goals Encourage listening and Brainstorming Be aware of employees unspoken feelings Ensure the team clearly understands the business objectives Different hierarchies and management levels • • • The levels in business hierarchy refer to the levels of chain of command and the employee designations The business hierarchy continues till the highest level co sitting of the chief executive officer (CEO) or the board of directors The business hierarchy usually narrows from bottom to top Meaning of interpersonal relationships • • • Interpersonal relationships in the workplace refers to a strong association among individuals working together Interpersonal relationships in the workplace allows team members to share a special relationship Everyone plays a role in achieving the business objectives Page 4 of 8 The importance of each individual in achieving business objectives • • • The quality of interpersonal relationships impacts on the productivity of teams Celebrating milestones and praising team members, helps employees feel excited to be part of the team This in turn can lead to higher productivity Types of Interpersonal relationship • Great results can be achieved through Teamwork and effective Interpersonal relationships 1.Peer relationships • • Peer relationships are the relationships between employees that are on the same level at the workplace Employees are equal and the relationships are based on mutual respect 2.Group employees • • Group relationships are the relationships between members of a team or group Healthy Group relationships will ensure good results whereas poor relationships between Group members may result in conflict 3.Authority relationships • • Authority relationships are relationships between a manager and a subordinate This relationship is based on mutual respect 4.External relationships • • External relationships Ina workplace refer to the relationships with people outside of the company or business These types of relationships are usually based on services delivery or outsourcing Factors that influence team relationships Factors that influence team relationships Prejudice • • Prejudice is a negative attitude towards an individual This attitude is usually based in the differences between individuals who may Ways in which business can address factors • Teambuilding activities among staff members • Awareness of crosscultural differences Page 5 of 8 Discrimination • Diversity • Belief • • • Equity • • belong to s a particular social group Discrimination is a negative action toward an individual because of their belonging to a certain race, gender, religion or sexual orientation Diversity is the practice of including or involving people from a range if different social and ethnic backgrounds, and of different genders and sexual orientations Belief is a conviction that we generally accept to be true without evidence or proof Beliefs are related culture and religion Beliefs influence out thoughts and attitudes, we must be aware of them Equity in the workplace means the respectful and dignified treatment of every person in the business Equity encourages diversity in decision making/allows job satisfaction and employee engagement • Human relation policy should include that discrimination will not be allowed • Adhere to policy of equal opportunities when appointing new staff Teambuilding activities amongst staff members • • Awareness of moral values and integrity in the business • Human resource policy should promote equity through appointments, promotion and allocation of resources Ways to promote healthy interpersonal relationships in the workplace • • Having empathy for others is an important skill employees need to build healthy interpersonal relationships in the workplace Empathy helps teams members to consider the thoughts, feelings and needs of others. Relying on other people builds trust and Teamwork establishes strong relationships Page 6 of 8 • Despite occasional disagreements, an effective team enjoys working together and shares a strong bond Ways in which business can address factors that influence team relationships • • • • The business should listen to employees when they share ideas Being clear and specific when communicating to prevent confusion Delegating problem solving tasks to the team Establishing a method for arriving at a consensus to prevent conflict Criteria for successful and collaborative team performance in a business • Woking in a team to achieve business objectives requires clear objectives, openness, mutual respect, support and mutual trust • • Team members need to be committed to the business To improve teamwork, regular review of the team processes needs to be done Criteria for successful team performance • Team members must know what they want to achieve Clear objectives and agreed goals • • • • Team members must agree on goals and set clear objectives Team members who agree to the goals will be more committed Clear goals for direction Team members should know what they want to achieve Interpersonal attitudes and behaviours • • Team leaders give credit to members fir positive contributions Team members have a positive attitude of support and motivation towards each other • Team members are committed and enthusiastic towards achieving a common goal Shared values and mutual respect • • • Shows respect for the knowledge or skills of other members Shows loyalty, respect and trust towards team members despite differences Perform team tasks with integrity meeting team deadlines with necessary commitment to team goals Communication • • • Efficient communication between team members may result in quick decisions Quality feedback from team members will improve the morale of the team Open discussions between team members will lead to effective problem solving Page 7 of 8 Cooperation/collaboration • • • All team members should actively participate in the decision-making process Show a willingness to cooperate as a unit to achieve team objectives Cooperate with management to achieve team/business objectives Mutual respect, support and trust • • • Team members should consult with all group members Team members should learn from one another Team members must support and trust one another to be an effective team ******************************************************************************************** SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Introduction • Being socially responsible means that individuals take responsibility for the effects of their behaviour and lifestyle on the environment and on others The meaning of social responsibility • • That each person has a duty to act in the best interests of their environment and society as a whole That every individual and organisation can contribute towards Page 8 of 8
