Creative Problem Solving
📋 What it is
Creative problem solving generates many possible ideas first, then judges them — separating “brainstorm” from “choose”.
🗣️ Coach says
The big mistake is judging ideas the moment you think them, which scares off the good ones. Pros split it in two: first brainstorm LOTS (no judging), then pick the best. Quantity first, quality second.
🧠 Memory hook
Brainstorm first (no judging), choose second. Don’t mix the two steps.
😲 Whoa!
Studies show groups that list many wild ideas before choosing end up with better solutions than groups that stop at the first “good enough” idea.
✅ Quick check: Why is it a mistake to judge each idea the instant you think of it?
Say your answer out loud first — then reveal.
Early judging kills bold ideas before they grow; you never reach the great option hiding behind the “silly” ones.
Separating idea-generation from judging protects creative options.
🧪 Try it! (2 minutes)
Set a 2-minute timer and list 10 uses for a paperclip — NO judging. Then circle your favourite.