CREATIVE THINKING

CREATIVE THINKING

PROBLEM SOLVING TECHNIQUES

DELPHI TECHNIQUE

  • The Delphi technique is used to solve new and complex problems.

  • A panel of experts who never meet each other face-to-face, comes up with creative solutions to problems without having to sit through long, drawn-out meetings.

FORCE FIELD ANALYSIS

  • Force Field Analysis is used for decision-making, especially when implementing change management.

  • The analysis involves identifying the advantages and disadvantages of a decision for change.

ROUTINE THINKING

  • Is associated with the left brain function where the focus is on logical thought and a methodical way of doing things.

  • It is where consistent, normal thinking is applied to a specific situation.

  • No new ideas or thought patterns are generated.

  • Doing things the same way will lead to the same results because past decisions are used to solve current problems.

CREATIVE THINKING

  • Is associated with the right brain function where new ideas are generated.

  • The focus is on being creative, using one’s imagination, art and music awareness to find solutions to unique challenges.

  • This process is used to come up with new ideas to solve problems in a way that is unusual and different from how things had been done before.

  • This results in exploring innovative ideas and different ways of doing things in order to obtain better results.

BENEFITS OF CREATIVE THINKING

  • Creative thinking will lead to the improved participation of staff members, which will ensure a generation of new ideas.

  • Businesses will be able to solve complex problems.

  • Managers will be inspired to lead their team more effectively.

  • Staff morale will be improved.

STRESS AND CRISIS AND CHANGE MANAGEMENT

EXTERNAL CAUSES OF STRESS/CHANGE IN THE WORKPLACE

  • Social factors, for example. Poverty/unemployment/HIV AND AIDS.

  • Legal factors, for example. the passing of new laws.

  • Market factors, for example. new firms entering the market and introducing new products.

  • Economic factors, for example. an increase in inflation rate.

WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS

  • Be aware of what they require in order to complete their daily tasks at work.

  • Ensure that effective time management strategies are practiced.

  • Try to avoid conflict situations with co-workers.

  • Take regular breaks to relax and recharge.

DEFINITION OF CRISIS

  • A crisis is an unforeseen event that can cause major changes in an organisation.

  • It refers to a sudden or potentially disastrous series of events that may occur.

  • It may be any situation that threatens people at home or at work.

STRATEGIES TO DEAL WITH AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

  • Businesses should ensure that they are compliant with affirmative action procedures and that all employees are aware that these are being implemented within the business.

  • All staff should work together and practice mindfulness about their job.

  • Skill levels should be improved so that eligible staff can apply for future positions and promotion within the business.

  • Self-employment opportunities should be explored.

WAYS TO DEAL WITH CHANGE IN THE WORKPLACE

  • Businesses should recognise the differences that manifest when change processes are started and set out to achieve the goal and/or objectives of the process for change.

  • It is important for businesses to capacitate the employees with stress and change management solutions to cope with different situations.

  • Employers should engage employees in the process of change to build trust.

  • Management should adhere to the plan and not move away from it.