Edward de Bono

Creative thinking is the process which we use to come up with new ideas and it can be both accidental and deliberate occurrence. It can be used to solve problems, design ways forward, resolve conflicts, simplify procedures, make products and processes work much better, cut costs, improve motivation, adapt strategies and design new products and services.

Creative thinking techniques include: brainstorming, whereby two or more people’s ideas are brought together to create a new idea; lateral thinking, where participants are encouraged to take the opposite perspective; parallel thinking, where participants are encouraged to think about a topic from different perspectives (symbolized by Edward de Bono’s famous ‘six hats’*); random words, where participants are given a random word as an initial stimulus and encouraged to link it to the problem at hand; escapism, where participants propose the most ludicrous and ridiculous solutions to problems; role play.

Creative management is a response to the idea that large corporations prefer to run things as they stand and solve problems as they arise. Edward de Bono suggests that traditional creative thinking techniques such as brainstorming are not focused enough, arguing that if a person is inhibited they cannot be creative. He argues that creativity is becoming a commodity that can be learnt and used when needed, and that techniques like lateral and parallel thinking are much more constructive than putting people in a room and asking them to put forward opinions and defend them. This is because with these techniques every person in the room is using their thinking, knowledge and experience to the maximum rather than focusing on fighting their corner.

For Edward de Bono, the culture of creativity needs to be set by senior management, otherwise it can be seen as a risk rather than something to be expected.

Six Thinking Hats is a book by Edward de Bono. The term Six Thinking Hats is used to describe the tool for group discussion and individual thinking. "Six Thinking Hats" and the associated idea parallel thinking provide a means for groups to plan thinking processes in a detailed and cohesive way, and in doing so to think together more effectively.

The White Hat calls for information known or needed. "The facts, just the facts."

The Yellow Hat symbolizes brightness and optimism. Under this hat you explore the positives and probe for value and benefit.

The Black Hat is judgment - the devil's advocate or why something may not work. Spot the difficulties and dangers; where things might go wrong. Probably the most powerful and useful of the Hats, but a problem if overused.

The Red Hat signifies feelings, hunches and intuition. When using this hat you can express emotions and feelings and share fears, likes, dislikes, loves, and hates.

The Green Hat focuses on creativity, the possibilities, alternatives, and new ideas. It's an opportunity to express new concepts and new perceptions.

The Blue Hat is used to manage the thinking process. It's the control mechanism that ensures the Six Thinking Hats guidelines are observed.

FOLLOW-ON QUESTIONS…

1. Define creative thinking process techniques of creative management

2. What does the term ‘ Six Thinking Hats’ by Edward de Bono stand for?

3. What are the distinguishing features between creative people, creative processes, creative places and creative products?

4. What are the main 3 stages of creative problem-solving?

5. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of the given energy sources – nuclear, gas, solar, coal, wind, wave and oil?

Case Study «Training weekend»

ISSUE

Your company recently organized an outdoor weekend to develop teamwork amongst a group of managers. The staff had to do mountain-walking, rock-climbing, canoeing and finally build a bridge over a river. During this last activity one of the team, Doug Walters, suddenly announced that he was not prepared to carry on ‘playing these silly games’ and left the training centre and drove home. The rest of the group reported that he had seemed tense over the weekend and had clearly not enjoyed the activities. He is an introverted and thoughtful man, very good at his job and well-respected in the company. The weekend had been arranged by the Training Manager who is very much in favor of this type of team-building course. This meeting has been called to discuss Doug and this type of training.

AGENDA

1. Report from Training Manager on weekend and feedback

2. Doug Walters

3. Types and objectives of training

4. Future training policy

Дата добавления: 2015-11-14