At the end of this course, the participants should be able to:

• Learn to think outside the box and generate creative ideas.
• Apply creative thinking techniques and find optimal solutions to complex problems.
• Develop a flexible, positive mindset, allowing you to adapt to changing situations and challenges.
• Understanding the barriers to creative thinking at the team level, which will enable you to improve communication and collaboration within your teams.
• Learn strategies to foster creativity within your organization, leading to continuous improvement and a competitive edge.
• Adopt effective strategies for enhancing creativity on a personal level, including increasing self-awareness and challenging the mind.
• Become aware of how creative thinking can being applied in various fields, demonstrating the wide-ranging benefits of creativity.

Introduction to Creative Thinking

• Thinking types
• Definition of creative thinking
• Difference between creativity and innovation
• Historical background of the development of creative thinking:
  • Early theories:
    • Linking creativity to divine inspiration or genius
  • Scientific study:
    • Hereditary genius research
    • Creativity and psychology
  • Modern developments:
    • Graham Wallas's four-stage model
    • Edward de Bono's lateral thinking
    • Technology and creativity enhancement

Stages of Creativity:

• Preparation
• Incubation
• Illumination
• Verification

Barriers to Creative Thinking

• At the Individual Level:
  • Fear of failure
  • Fixed mindset
  • Lack of confidence
• At the Team Level:
  • Lack of diversity
  • Poor communication
  • Groupthink
• At the Organizational Level:
  • Rigid structures
  • Resistance to change
  • Limited resources

Techniques for Enhancing Creativity

• Brainstorming
• Reverse Thinking
• Mind Mapping
• Seeing through the eyes of others
• SCAMPER Technique
• Six Thinking Hats

Creative Thinking and Excelling at Work

• Utilizing creative thinking in finding optimal solutions to problems
• Utilizing creative thinking for continuous improvement
• Utilizing creative thinking in developing and maintaining competitive edge
• Examples of creative thinking being applied in different fields: governmental service agencies, industrial companies, banks, education, medical, small business, personal development, …

Creative Thinking Skills Enhancement Strategies

• On a Personal Level
  • Increase self-awareness
  • Capture and document your thoughts
  • Systematically increase your general knowledge
  • Challenge your mind
  • Acquire good physical habits (eat well, sleep well, relax,…)
• On an organizational Level
  • Eight recommendations to increase creativity among your employees