"Absolute Essentials of Creative Thinking and Problem Solving" by Tony Proctor

Summary

This concise textbook, "Absolute Essentials of Creative Thinking and Problem Solving," offers a structured approach to understanding and applying creative thinking and problem-solving techniques within a business context. It moves step-by-step through the process, from theoretical foundations like how the brain processes information and the cognitive theory of creativity, to identifying and overcoming blocks to creative thinking. The book then delves into various problem-solving methodologies, including a common-sense approach and structured techniques for objective, fact, and problem finding. A significant portion is dedicated to generating ideas through both non-analogical methods like brainstorming and morphological analysis, and analogical methods like synectics, before concluding with guidance on evaluating ideas and implementing them effectively, acknowledging the role of technology and digital creativity throughout.