home >
A New Directions Consulting Pack about...
Solving Business Problems -- Creatively
Table of Contents
Preface 1
INTRODUCTION 2
THE PARTS OF THE PROCESS
Defining the Objective 9
Uncovering Facts 13
Clarifying the Problem 16
Finding Ideas 19
Testing Solutions 32
Designing a Plan for Acceptance and Action 37
WRAPPING IT ALL UP 41
Appendix
Introduction
Why Do You Need Creative Solutions?
Everyone has problems and challenges. Some of these are big problems, some of them are little ones. Not all problems need to be solved creatively – the solutions to many are truly obvious. A major purpose of this manual is showing you some ways to approach challenges and problems, large or small, where the solution is not obvious. (We’re going to stop mentioning “challenges” now, but remember that the techniques for solving “problems” also work when you look for ways to face “challenges.” Or to explore “opportunities.”)
One of the amazing “facts of life” is that when you have a problem to solve, you almost always have the answer to that problem as well. It’s hiding in your mind, somewhere between the due date for that video you’ve rented and the list of tasks that need to be completed by next Thursday. Many of the tools and tips we offer in this manual can be done by yourself; you don’t have to have a team working with you. Conversely, many of the techniques will “work” much better or more easily if you do have others involved. We’ll offer a suggested framework for implementing each part of the process.
Try the exercises as they are presented to you. Make notes in the margin of the book. Find out for yourself what does and doesn’t work for you. Keep track of how much time you spend on the various phases of the creative process: this will help a lot when you’re solving your next problem!
And remember, each purchaser of a
New Directions Consulting Pack
may call on us for one hour’s consultation
by phone [888-347-6672] free of charge.