What is Effective Problem Solving?
Effective problem solving is any method by which problems are solved for a satisfactory amount of time to a satisfactory degree without wasting time and resources. These methods are characterized by the use of systematized tools. One of a number of such methods, called Creative Problem Solving*, was developed over decades of work primarily by people associated with the Center for Studies in Creativity at Buffalo State College. Understanding of the method can help you attack problems much more effectively than traditional methods. Creative Problem Solving involves three components and six stages. The process may be started with any of the three components. The components and stages are as follows. 1) Understanding the problem: “A problem understood is half solved.” A. Einstein. There are three stages within this component. a) Mess Finding: Identifying problems in a mess. This process cuts through the fog to find the real problems and opportunities in that messy situation. b) Data Findin
