The Innovation Blog

Making mental links between things that are not normally or have not previously been recognized as the source of a new idea

A core skill of brainstorming and creative-problem solving is learning how to make connections; those "a-ha" moments when two or more seemingly unrelated, even irrelevant signals in the brain suddenly come together to create a powerful new insight, idea, or conclusion.  Connections almost always require a lot of developmental work to make them real, but the core of the idea/solution is embedded in the connection.

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Topics: critical ideation skills, creative problem solving skills, connection making

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Topics: Amanda Hines, critical ideation skills, creative thinking, breakthrough innovation, creative problem solving skills, creative thinking skills, developmental thinking

At Creative Realities, we have identified some critical ideation skills that anyone can develop to become better at creative problem solving.  The first one I will discuss involves the way we listen. 

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Topics: Chris Dolan, Jay Terwilliger, passive listening, critical ideation skills, creative problem solving skills, pay attention

In the last Ideation Skills post, we discussed Passive Listening, the problematic way people typically tend to listen in creative problem solving meetings.  Here I will outline two simple techniques to enhance your ability to listen, generate ideas, and communicate your ideas to the group.  These two skills will make you a creative problem solving meeting All-Star in no time.

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Topics: Chris Dolan, active listening, headlining, critical ideation skills, creative problem solving skills