creative_problem_solving_cheat_sheet

Creative Problem Solving Quick Reference

First Principles Thinking

Core Concept: Breaking problems down to their fundamental truths rather than reasoning by analogy - Key Steps: 1. Identify and articulate the current approach 2. Break down the problem into fundamental principles 3. Question all assumptions 4. Rebuild from the ground up - When to Use: For seemingly impossible problems, when conventional approaches have failed, or when seeking breakthrough innovation - Example: Elon Musk breaking down rockets to raw materials cost (2% of market price) to make SpaceX possible

Inversion

Core Concept: Approaching problems from the opposite direction; defining success by avoiding failure - Key Techniques: 1. Goal Inversion: “How would I guarantee failure?” 2. Pre-Mortem: Imagine failure and work backward 3. Negative Visualization: Deliberately visualize worst-case scenarios 4. “Not To-Do” List: Focus on what to avoid - When to Use: When avoiding failure is more important than maximizing success, when planning complex projects - Example: Warren Buffett’s first rule of investing: “Never lose money”

Lateral Thinking

Core Concept: Generating non-obvious solutions by breaking established patterns of thought - Key Techniques: 1. Provocation Operations: Deliberately reverse assumptions 2. Random Stimulation: Introduce unrelated concepts to spark connections 3. Concept Extraction: Apply principles from unrelated domains 4. Challenge Assumptions: Question what “must” be true - When to Use: When stuck in a mental rut, when conventional approaches yield mediocre results - Example: Nintendo focusing on new ways to play (Wii) rather than better graphics

Mental Models

Core Concept: Using frameworks from different disciplines to understand problems from multiple angles - Essential Models: 1. Systems Thinking: Understanding interconnections and feedback loops 2. Second-Order Thinking: Looking beyond immediate consequences 3. Opportunity Cost: Considering the value of alternatives not chosen 4. Pareto Principle: 80% of effects come from 20% of causes 5. Margin of Safety: Building buffer room for uncertainty - When to Use: For complex problems with many variables, when initial solutions aren’t working - Example: Using ecosystem models from biology to understand market dynamics

Creativity Triggers

Core Concept: Techniques to overcome creative blocks and generate multiple innovative ideas - Key Techniques: 1. Structured Brainstorming: Individual ideation before group sharing 2. SCAMPER: Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to other uses, Eliminate, Reverse 3. Mind Mapping: Visual technique for revealing non-obvious associations 4. Analogical Thinking: Finding parallels in different domains 5. Worst Possible Idea: Deliberately seeking terrible solutions to remove pressure - When to Use: When generating options, when stuck for ideas, when seeking innovation - Example: IDEO using “How might we…” questions to frame problems positively

Decision-Making Frameworks

Core Concept: Structured approaches to evaluate options and make choices with confidence - Key Frameworks: 1. Decision Matrix: Compare multiple options across weighted criteria 2. Cost-Benefit Analysis: Systematically evaluate strengths and weaknesses 3. SWOT Analysis: Assess Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats 4. Eisenhower Matrix: Prioritize based on importance and urgency 5. Regret Minimization: Choose to minimize future regret - When to Use: When facing multiple options, when decisions have significant consequences - Example: Jeff Bezos using regret minimization to decide to start Amazon

Implementation Planning

Core Concept: Turning solutions into action through structured planning and adaptation - Key Techniques: 1. Action Mapping: Transform abstract solutions into concrete, assignable steps 2. Backward Planning: Start with the end goal and work backward 3. RACI Matrix: Clarify who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed 4. Risk Mitigation: Identify obstacles and develop contingency plans 5. Minimum Viable Implementation: Start with the simplest version that delivers value - When to Use: After selecting a solution, when preparing for execution - Example: Agile methodology breaking work into small “sprints” with regular adaptation

Collaborative Problem Solving

Core Concept: Leveraging diverse perspectives to achieve outcomes impossible for individuals - Key Techniques: 1. Structured Brainwriting: Silent idea generation before sharing 2. Nominal Group Technique: Balancing individual thinking with group discussion 3. World Café: Cross-pollination of ideas across different discussion groups 4. Six Thinking Hats: Assigning specific thinking modes to structure group thinking 5. Collaborative Prototyping: Hands-on creation of potential solutions - When to Use: For complex problems requiring diverse expertise, when buy-in is essential - Example: Design thinking workshops bringing together diverse stakeholders

Integrated Problem-Solving Process

  1. Problem Framing: Define problem, question assumptions, apply mental models
  2. Idea Generation: Use lateral thinking and creativity triggers
  3. Solution Selection: Employ decision-making frameworks
  4. Implementation Planning: Develop detailed plans with adaptation mechanisms

Remember: The most effective problem solvers combine techniques as needed, moving fluidly between them based on the specific challenge at hand.