The ability to solve problems effectively and efficiently is an essential trait for success in any profession today. In our rapidly changing world, if we only know how to solve problems based on how they were solved in the past (“this is how we have always done it” or “I’ve been doing it this way for a long time”), we can be neither effective not efficient in solving the problems of today.
Problem solving today requires creativity–not the “artistic flair” type of creativity that we have learned to associate with the word, but true creativity. Creativity in thought. This study focuses on the importance of personal creativity in our day-to-day work lives and how inclusion plays a critical role in our ability to think and work creatively. While there is no clean or concise definition of creativity, for the purposes of this study, we used Robert E. Franken’s widely accepted definition of creativity: “The ability to create original ideas, connections, alternatives or possibilities that are effective in solving problems, communicating with others, and inspiring new and useful ideas in others.”
Our key findings are in the pages ahead, and we hope that our work on creative thinking inspires some creative thinking of your own!