1. Recognize the problem
2. Gather data relative to the problem
3. List possible solutions to the problem
4. Test possible solutions to the problem
5. Select the best solution to the problem
6. Implement the problem-solution

1. Recognize the problem

• An individual: who is involved?
• An obstacle: what is the problem?
• A goal: what are you trying to achieve?

2. Gather data relative to the problem

• Facts: truths to which your solution is based
• Criteria: limits within which you solution must fall
• Assumptions: statements that may or may not be true, but affect solution
• Definitions: used to explain unknown words or terminology

3. List possible solutions to the problem

Barriers to Creativity:

• Habit: reluctance to change from the old or accept new ways of doing things
• Fear: fear of adopting new ways and discarding old ways
• Inertia: resistance to change
• Prejudice: negatively, the unfounded hatred of another idea; positively, too much pride in your own idea

2. Brainstorming

• Quantity, Not Quality: the more ideas, the greater the chance of finding viable solutions
• Hitchhike Ideas: one idea rides in on another idea
• Withhold Judgment: no evaluation, criticism (positive or negative), or judgment of any kind should be made before brainstorming is over

4. Test possible solutions to the problem

• At this point, put all the possible solutions to a test using criteria of the problem

5. Select the best solution to the problem

• If in the previous step the solutions were tested and narrowed down to just one remaining solution, that would be the best solution; if there is more than one left, choose the best solution by adding further criteria

6. Implement the problem-solution