Creative Thinking

Creative thinking is the ability to look at things differently, and find new ways of solving
problems. Creative thinking skills are definitely not just for ‘creative types’ like artists and
musicians. Everyone can benefit from creative thinking from time to time.

Creative thinking is:

A way of looking at problems or situations from a fresh perspective that suggests unorthodox
(thinking outside the box)solutions (which may look unsettling at first). Creative thinking can
be stimulated both by an unstructured process such as brainstorming, and by a structured
process such as lateral thinking.

Creativity is the ability to make something new. This might be a picture, or a piece of music
—but it might also be a new idea.

Creative thinking, therefore, is the ability to think differently: to see a problem or issue from
a new angle or perspective. This often allows you find a new solution, or even to see that the
problem does not necessarily need a solution.

The need for creative thinking arises because our brains naturally tend to fall into certain
‘short cuts.’ Once we have a piece of information, we tend to use it again: that’s how we
learn. This has huge advantages—for example, it means that we don’t have to learn how to
use a knife and fork every time we eat—but it also has some disadvantages, in that we tend to
stop thinking about things that we do, see or say regularly.

Creative Thinking Techniques

There are a number of tools and techniques that you can use to stimulate creative thinking.

These include brainstorming, drawing techniques such as mind-mapping and rich pictures,
and role-play techniques. There is undoubtedly considerable scepticism about many of these
techniques. However, most if not all have some science behind them, and certainly some
evidence that they work. It is worth keeping an open mind when you try them.
There is more about suitable tools and techniques for creative thinking in our page
on Creative Thinking Techniques.

Creative people have the ability to devise new ways to carry out tasks, solve problems, and
meet challenges. They bring a fresh, and sometimes unorthodox, perspective to their work.
This way of thinking can help departments and organizations move in more productive
directions. For these reasons, they are extremely valuable to a company.

Top Creative Thinking Skills

Analysis

Before thinking creatively about something, you first have to be able to understand it. This
requires the ability to examine things carefully to understand what they mean. Whether you
are looking at a text, a data set, a lesson plan, or an equation, you need to be able to analyze it
first.

Open-Mindedness 

Creativity involves thinking of things in a novel way within the context in question. You have

to set aside any assumptions or biases you may have, and look at things in a completely new
way. By coming to a problem with an open mind, you allow yourself the chance to think
creatively.

Problem Solving 

Employers don’t simply want to hire creative people because they are impressive. They want
creative employees who will help them to solve work-related issues. Therefore, when
applying for jobs, highlight your ability not only to think creatively, but to use your creativity
to solve important problems.

Organization 

This might seem counterintuitive: aren’t creative people known for being somewhat
disorganized? Actually, organization is an important part of creativity. While you might need
to get a bit messy when trying out a new idea, you then need to organize your ideas so that
other people will be able to understand and follow through with your vision. Being able to
structure a plan of action with clear goals and deadlines is vital.

Communication 

People will only appreciate your creative idea or solution if you can communicate it
effectively to the people you work with (or to your clients or vendors). Therefore, you need to
have strong written and oral communication skills.

You also need to be able to understand a situation fully before thinking creatively about it.
Therefore, you also need to be a good listener. By asking the right questions and
understanding the problem, you can come up with a unique solution.

Active Listening
How can listening be considered “creative?” Well—through active listening you process
ideas better so that you can challenge and refine them later during a creative brainstorming
session.

Sales and Marketing

Selling and marketing require a great deal of persuasion. But first, you need to put together a
creative message that will enhance your sales pitch.

Graphic Design

Where creative thinking meets art., Artistic craftsmanship is important in graphic design but
without fresh, creative ideas, even your most beautiful sketches and projects will be dull and
lifeless.

 Leadership 
Leadership is all about inspiring others. But when you have great leadership skills based on
big and creative ideas and visions, you are able to connect teams and motivate them to work
together towards the end goal.

Before we move on to examples of how to use creative thinking skills in your workplace and
how to show them off in the job search, one thing to keep in mind—

Two terms that people often conflate are creative and critical thinking skills. But these are not
the same.

Examples of Creative Thinking

Opportunities for creative thought in the workplace vary from the obvious artistic position to
the highly technical one. Generally, anything that involves an “Aha” moment is
considered creative. Here are some examples of how to display creative thinking in different
jobs.

Artistic Creativity 

You don't have to be an artist for your work to have an artistic element. Perhaps you arrange
retail displays for maximum impact, or shape the path of an enticing hiking trail. Other
artistically creative tasks might include designing logos, writing advertising copy, creating
the packaging for a product, or drafting a phone script for a fundraising drive.

Composing a new fundraising script for volunteers

Composing dialogue for a television or radio commercial

Creating an exam to test student knowledge

Creating packaging for a product

Designing a logo

Devising a lesson plan that will engage students

Proposing a new look for a clothing line

Writing compelling copy for a print or online advertisement

Creative Problem-Solving 

Creative problem-solving stands out as innovative. A creative problem solver will find new
solutions rather than simply identifying and implementing the norm. You might brainstorm
new ways to cut energy use, find new ways to cut costs during a budget crisis, or develop a
unique litigation strategy to defend a client. These all entail creative thinking on your part.

Brainstorming at a staff meeting to set a strategy for the next year

Brainstorming ways to cut energy use

Coming up with new procedures to improve quality

Devising a more efficient way to process travel reimbursements

Identifying ways to cut costs during a budget crisis

Increasing staff productivity by devising performance incentives

Restructuring a filing system to facilitate easier retrieval of information

Suggesting new ways of communication to alleviate marital conflict

Suggesting a way to improve customer service

Creativity in STEM 

Some people think of science and engineering as the exact opposite of art and creativity.
However, the converse is true. The field of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and
math) is highly creative.3 For example, designing a more efficient assembly line robot,
writing an innovative new computer program, or developing a testable hypothesis, are all
highly creative acts.

In fact, the history of science and technology is filled with projects that did not work, not
because of errors in technique or methodology, but because people remained stuck in
their assumptions and old habits. The STEM field needs radical creativity in order to flourish
and grow.

Constructing a research model to test a hypothesis

Devising a computer program to automate a billing process

Devising a social media platform for a cell phone

Identifying new ways to increase the number of blood donors

Proposing behavioral changes for a patient who is overweight

Redesigning machinery on an assembly line to enhance productivity

Characteristics of creative thinkers include:

1 – They are communicators

Creativity and confidence are expressed in many ways through both listening and
communicating.

This is why creative thinkers are good communicators.

Collaboration is also important for this kind of thinking, and good communication is essential
for work performance as a part of a team.

2 – They are open-minded

An open mind is a mind that appreciates criticism, is ready for new solutions and ideas, and
isn’t afraid of evaluating ideas.

A person who is open-minded is willing to learn from both successes and mistakes, being
able to grow and develop.
3 – They are risk-takers

Exploring new ideas and strategies is impossible without risk-taking, as a willingness to face
challenges and accept change.

Creative thinkers are resilient, and they aren’t afraid of taking a chance, knowing that one
needs to be brave when exploring innovative and original ways of thinking about and solving
problems.

They know that leaving a comfort zone is sometimes necessary to succeed, even if it means
facing the unknown.

4 – They are knowledgeable

To develop an understanding of things and situations, you need a background story.

Knowledge allows creative thinkers to see the full picture, which is why they know a lot
about the sector they work in.

They are experts in what they do, and the concept of life-long learning is what they base their
expertise on.

5 – They are flexible

Abilities to adapt to changes and think outside the usual patterns are parts of creative
thinking, which is why being flexible is a characteristic trait of creative thinkers.

They welcome changes; they aren’t afraid of changing their method of work, and they are
good at working with others.

Why is it important?

The world and society are advancing at a remarkable pace. We need to equip ourselves with
the ability to adapt to this trend, not to hold back.

We can achieve great success by facing challenges and responding to them with a new way of
thinking and self-confidence.

Ability to apply innovative thinking in both a digital and non-digital environment has become
a characteristic of successful people nowadays.

If you want to build a successful career, it’s important to develop creative thinking techniques
as one of your skills, together with problem solving and critical thinking.

Regardless if you’re a graphic designer, a social media manager or a front-end developer,

these skills are essential to help you develop your real potential and use it to overcome
obstacles and deal with problems each day.

When it comes non-digital world, teachers are first to benefit from this skill, because they’re
the ones that will affect the generations to come.

They have the role of transferring this skill to their students.

This skill also has a significant role within creativity in business.

It allows managers, analysts, and other industry professionals to apply creative process to the
corporate sphere, start looking at things from a different perspective and come up with
solutions that will separate them on the market.

The main benefits of developing creative thinking include:

·       Increase your self-confidence

·       Solve problems more efficiently

·       Earn respect

·       Be an innovator

·       Make a difference

·       Be more successful at work

Developing creative thinking

As an innovative way of approaching and analysing ideas, creative problem solving became
an essential skill for the 21st century.

Although some people might seem more creative than others, this skill is something that is
developed and improved using various techniques and practices.

Being an essential skill today and one of those assets you could leverage in your work
pursuit, try developing creative problem solving using the following exercises:

Brainstorming

This technique includes thinking about something and putting down all the ideas that come to
your mind–regardless how silly or unrelated they might seem at first.

In this ocean of ideas, you’re bound to find one that will stand out, one that will be tangible
and innovative.

Used as an individual or group practice, brainstorming is a great way to develop creative

thinking and problem solving.

It encourages thinking in a different way and exploring many options that might be applied in
that situation.

The more options come to your mind, the more potential you’ll have to find great ideas.

Mind mapping

Mind mapping is the process of connecting the dots.

While brainstorming involves putting all the ideas down as they come to your mind, mind
mapping is about arranging your thoughts, thinking in a logical way, using associations,
recognising patterns and creating an order.

All that cluster of ideas from brainstorming should come together in mind mapping.
This exercise engages both left and right hemisphere of the brain; it encourages you to think
about the relationship among aspects and ideas.

It also has a positive influence on organisational skill.

Reframing

Since reframing focuses on analysing the same situation or a problem from a different
perspective, it’s a great exercise for developing creative thinking.

Reframing means changing the frame of things, so you’ll need to take a look at a problem or
a situation in a different way, to be able to come up with a new, innovative approach.

Explore other meanings of things, analyse the context and spread the perspective to spot new
opportunities and expect potential obstacles.

Again, this exercise and way of thinking are applicable in many professions nowadays.

Envisaging the future

The goal of this exercise is to train your mind to anticipate future based on the images of
today.

Start with the current situation.

Regardless if you’re using images or data to understand it, try to think about future and where
you want future to take you.

Through this process, you’ll need to create bridges from present to future, and this is where
creativity comes in useful, as ideas to overcome gaps become solutions that will take you to
desired future and help you achieve your goals.

Role play

The technique of using role play is a good way to change the way you’re thinking and
explore the situation from a different perspective.

Creative thinking encourages you to be open-minded, so when using this method, you’ll try
to think about the situation from the point of someone else.

You need to reframe your way of thinking to see a different perspective of things, to change
the perspective and find new solutions that go over your limits and overcome your personal
style of problem-solving.

Assuming a new role encourages you to come up with solutions that might not be typical for
you, but they are what you need for creative problem solving.

Learners of today have a unique role in our society.

The traditional forms of learning styles and students’ profile are becoming obsolete.

Learners of today need to adopt this reality of constant change and progress, to be able to stay
competitive and successful.
We need to understand this concept of lifelong learning as a part of our reality, and most
professions such as design, web development, freelancing, management, all need more
creative thinkers.

Creative thinking and problem solving are essential skills for professional

development, especially in the digital environment.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking refers to the ability to analyse information objectively and make a reasoned
judgment. It involves the evaluation of sources, such as data, facts, observable phenomena,
and research findings.

Good critical thinkers can draw reasonable conclusions from a set of information, and
discriminate between useful and less useful details to solve problems or make decisions.

Example – A manager analyses customer feedback forms and uses this information to
develop a customer service training session for employees.

Critical thinking might be described as the ability to engage in reflective and independent
thinking.

In essence, critical thinking requires you to use your ability to reason. It is about being an
active learner rather than a passive recipient of information.

Critical thinkers rigorously question ideas and assumptions rather than accepting them at face
value. They will always seek to determine whether the ideas, arguments and findings
represent the entire picture and are open to finding that they do not.

Critical thinkers will identify, analyse and solve problems systematically rather than by
intuition or instinct.

Someone with critical thinking skills can:

Understand the links between ideas.

Determine the importance and relevance of arguments and ideas.

Recognise, build and appraise arguments.

Identify inconsistencies and errors in reasoning.

Approach problems in a consistent and systematic way.

Reflect on the justification of their own assumptions, beliefs and values.

Critical thinking is thinking about things in certain ways so as to arrive at the best possible
solution in the circumstances that the thinker is aware of. In more everyday language, it is a
way of thinking about whatever is presently occupying your mind so that you come to the
best possible conclusion.

The Skills We Need for Critical Thinking

The skills that we need in order to be able to think critically are varied and include
observation, analysis, interpretation, reflection, evaluation, inference, explanation, problem
solving, and decision making.

Specifically, we need to be able to:

Think about a topic or issue in an objective and critical way.

Identify the different arguments there are in relation to a particular issue.

Evaluate a point of view to determine how strong or valid it is.

Recognise any weaknesses or negative points that there are in the evidence or argument.

Notice what implications there might be behind a statement or argument.

Provide structured reasoning and support for an argument that we wish to make.

Means

Analysis: the ability to collect and process information and knowledge.

Interpretation: concluding what the meaning of processed information is.

Inference: assessing whether the knowledge you have is sufficient and reliable.

Evaluation: the ability to make decisions based on the available information.

Explanation: communicating your findings and reasoning clearly.

Self-Regulation: the drive to constantly monitor and correct your ways of thinking.

Open-Mindedness: taking into account other possibilities and points of view.

Problem-Solving: the ability to tackle unexpected problems and resolve conflicts.

What are you Aiming to Achieve?

One of the most important aspects of critical thinking is to decide what you are aiming to
achieve and then make a decision based on a range of possibilities.

Once you have clarified that aim for yourself you should use it as the starting point in all
future situations requiring thought and, possibly, further decision making. Where needed,
make your workmates, family or those around you aware of your intention to pursue this
goal. You must then discipline yourself to keep on track until changing circumstances mean
you have to revisit the start of the decision-making process.

However, there are things that get in the way of simple decision making. We all carry with us
a range of likes and dislikes, learnt behaviours and personal preferences developed
throughout our lives; they are the hallmarks of being human. A major contribution to
ensuring we think critically is to be aware of these personal characteristics, preferences and
biases and make allowance for them when considering possible next steps, whether they are
at the pre-action consideration stage or as part of a rethink caused by unexpected or
unforeseen impediments to continued progress.
The more clearly, we are aware of ourselves, our strengths and weaknesses, the more likely
our critical thinking will be productive.

Steps of Critical Thinking

 1. Identify the problem or question.

Be as precise as possible: the narrower the issue, the easier it is to find solutions or answers.

2. Gather data, opinions, and arguments.

Try to find several sources that present different ideas and points of view. 

3. Analyze and evaluate the data.

Are the sources reliable? Are their conclusions data-backed or just argumentative? Is there
enough information or data to support given hypotheses?

4. Identify assumptions.

Are you sure the sources you found are unbiased? Are you sure you weren’t biased in your
search for answers?

5. Establish significance.

What piece of information is most important? Is the sample size sufficient? Are all opinions
and arguments even relevant to the problem you’re trying to solve? 

6. Make a decision/reach a conclusion.

Identify various conclusions that are possible and decide which (if any) of them are
sufficiently supported. Weigh strengths and limitations of all possible options.

7. Present or communicate.

Once you’ve reached a conclusion, present it to all stakeholders.

Why Are Critical Thinking Skills Important?

When you think critically, you’ll constantly challenge what seems given. Say, in your job,
even if something appears to be functioning properly, critical thinking will help you try and
identify new, better solutions.

Critical thinking skills are the cornerstone of self-development and improvement. That’s why
they’re so critical to have in today’s job market.

Creative vs. Critical Thinking

Creative thinking means you can come up with new ways to think about the surrounding
world in order to make something innovative.

Critical thinking can be described as “thinking about thinking:” it means you can understand
the way your perception works in order to identify flaws in your reasoning and avoid biases.
Q. 1 Explain what is creative thinking and top creative thinking skills?

Q. 2 Discuss with suitable examples ways to develop creative thinking skills?

Q. 3 Define critical thinking and barriers of critical thinking?

Q. 4 Discuss with suitable examples ways to improvecritical thinking skills?