How can you incorporate creative thinking into your decision-making process?

I would argue that BEGINNING with brainstorming and thoughtful evaluation of the context and nature of the ask is a wise approach, as it will enable you and the team to land on a more informed problem definition in the first place. Quite often, in the absence of initial, adequate analysis, the problem may be built on assumptions that aren’t accurate. In many cases during my career, clients misidentified what the problem was, briefing the work against faulty assumptions. By asking unbiased questions and gaining valuable insights up front, it will enable a much better goodness of fit between the problem you identify and the creative response you craft.

Incorporating creative thinking in decision-making begins with defining the problem. Understand the current situation versus the desired outcome. Identify root causes and potential consequences. Establish criteria for success and recognize constraints. Determine metrics for measuring impact. This clarity channels creativity towards relevant solutions, fostering innovative and effective decision-making. It's not just about finding a solution, but finding the right one that aligns with the specific goals and limitations of the situation, thereby enhancing the quality and effectiveness of decisions made.

Exploring multiple perspectives fuels creative thinking in decision-making. By asking "what if" or "why not," you open doors to alternative scenarios. Soliciting diverse feedback challenges assumptions and uncovers hidden opportunities. Metaphors and analogies draw parallels with different domains, sparking innovative ideas. This approach broadens understanding, mitigates biases, and enriches the decision-making process with a multitude of viewpoints, leading to more holistic and effective solutions. It's about embracing diversity in thought and approach, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation of the problem at hand.

Generating and selecting ideas is central to incorporating creative thinking into decision-making. Embrace brainstorming, mind mapping, and sketching to produce a plethora of ideas, focusing on quantity over quality initially. Utilise random stimuli like words or images to ignite unexpected associations. Once a diverse set of ideas is generated, apply criteria like feasibility, desirability, originality, and impact to evaluate and prioritise them. This phase is about balancing unbridled creativity with practical considerations, ensuring the selection of ideas that are not only innovative but also viable and impactful in addressing the problem at hand.

Consider incorporating techniques like mind mapping, reverse thinking, and the SCAMPER method (Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse). These non-conventional approaches can stimulate creative thinking during each phase of the decision-making process. Metaphors and analogies have proven effective in sparking critical thinking and can be valuable tools in your strategy.