Creativity is recognized as a critical success driver for organizations and individuals. While some believe it is an innate talent one may or may not possess, the prevailing view in modern society is that it is a skill anyone in any organization can develop and harness, given the right nurturing environment.
This course examines the conditions necessary to build such an environment. Using best practice examples from business, art, and science and the practical application of brainstorming, mind mapping, and others, we give participants the instruments they need to transform their lives, environments, and workplaces.
Course Methodology
This course uses a variety of interactive methods, such as self-awareness tests, exercises using newly learned creative techniques, games, lateral thinking exercises, puzzles, case studies, and video clips with in-depth discussions.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
Assess their potential for creativity and innovation
Discover how to apply creative thinking in work-related situations and foster organizational creativity enablers
Apply several idea-generation tools while understanding obstacles to creativity
Practice a variety of creative thinking strategies in the workplace by thinking outside the box, using SCAMPER, mind mapping, picture association, and other methods
Examine the barriers to creative problem-solving and decision-making
Target Audience
Supervisors, managers, team and project leaders, and all individuals who need to adopt a more creative approach in life or at work, solve problems, develop new initiatives, initiate and introduce changes, or deal with personal or organizational issues unconventionally. The course will also benefit anyone interested in recognizing and developing their or a group's creative potential.
Target Competencies
Thinking creatively
Being flexible
Creating an innovative workplace
Persistence thinking
Applying innovation
Analyzing problems and situations
Course Outline
Defining Invention, Innovation, and Creativity
Creativity and civilization
Invention, innovation, and creativity
Pillars of creativity
Creativity versus madness and intelligence
Four types of intelligence
Understanding the two hemispheres of the brain
Lateral thinking and its applications
Creativity as a Business Tool
Creative thinkers' traits
Three enablers of creativity
Factors influencing individual creativity in an organization
Organizational barriers to innovation
Building a creative organizational culture
The cases of Google and 3M
The five classical creative methods
Critical thinking versus creative thinking
Exploring the Idea Generation Process
Brainstorming types
Ten attitudes that kill creative ideas
Mental barriers to creativity
Thinking hats for creative problem solving
The four thinking styles by Edward De Bono
Creative Thinking Strategies
Some “theories” of creativity
Creativity tools
SCAMPER
Synectics
Picture associations and biotechniques
Mind mapping
TRIZ
The power of opposite thinking
Barriers to Creative Problem-Solving and Decision-Making