Journalism.co.uk podcast Newsrewired special: the CIA's secrets to creative problem solving
May 27, 2021
Join Jacob Easton and Nyssa Strootveit, CIA creative thinking instructors, as they unveil top-secret techniques to supercharge problem-solving skills. They discuss the vital role of creative thinking in high-pressure environments and share the spotlight on the innovative 'WOMBAT' technique for brainstorming. Listeners learn the importance of stepping outside comfort zones and embracing diverse expertise in tackling complex issues. With insights on using metaphors and analogies, they provide invaluable tools for unlocking fresh ideas and perspectives.
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Divergent Thinking Fuels Creativity
- Creativity emerges when our brains engage in divergent thinking instead of the familiar convergent thinking.
- Stress is the biggest barrier to divergent thinking, limiting creative problem-solving.
Use WOMBAT Question Technique
- Replace "how" questions with "what might be all the" to expand solution possibilities.
- This invitational language invites multiple answers and encourages creative brainstorming.
Embrace the Wolf: Explore & Collaborate
- Step outside comfort zones like the 'wolf' to explore unfamiliar expertise and perspectives.
- Collaborate broadly to enrich problem understanding and solution options.