Please enable JavaScript.

Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.

Reflecting on your CV and career aspirations, what are the two main…

- - - - Define a problem
      - Generate alternative solutions
      - Evaluate and select an alternative
      - Implement the solution and follow up on it
    - - Simply learning about and practicing these 4 steps does not guarantee that an individual will effectively solve all types of problems. These problem solving steps are most effective mainly when the problems faced are straightforward, when alternatives are readily definable and when a clear standard exists against which to judge the correctness of a solution. But many managerial problems are not of this type. It may not be clear how much information is needed what the complete set of alternatives is, or how one knows if the information being attained is accurate. Some problems are simply not amenable to systematic or rational analysis. Sufficient and accurate information is not always available. Outcomes may not be predictable.
  - - - Most of us misinterpret creativity as being one dimensional, that is, creativity is limited to generating new ideas. WE are often not aware of the multiple strategies for being creative so our repertoire is constricted.
      - All of us have developed conceptual blocks. These blocks inhibit us from solving certain problems effectively. These blocks are largely unconscious and personal so skill development is needed to overcome them.
    - - Achieving creativity through imagination:
        Refers to the creation of new ideas, breakthroughs, and radical approaches to problem solving. People who pursue creativity this way tend to be experimenters, entrepreneurs and they define creativity and exploration, new product innovation or developing new possibilities. When facing difficult problems in need of problem solving, their approach is focused on coming up with untested possibilities and unique solutions.
      - Achieving creativity through improvement:
        This works by developing incrementally better alternatives, improving on what already exists or clarifying the ambiguity that is associated with the problem. Rather than being revolutionaries and risk takers, they are systematic, careful and thorough. Creativity comes by finding ways to improve processes or functions.
      - Achieving creativity through investment:
        The pursuit of rapid goal achievement and competitiveness. People who approach creativity in this way meet challenges head on, adopt a competitive posture and focus on achieving results faster than others. People achieve creativity by working harder than the competition, exploiting others weaknesses, and being first to offer a product, service or idea, even if it is not their own.
      - Achieving creativity through incubation:
        Creative activity through teamwork, involvement, and coordination among individuals. Creativity occurs by unlocking the potential that exists in interactions among networks of people. Individuals who approach creativity through incubation encourage people to work together, foster trust and cohesion and impower others. Creativity arises from a collective mindset and sharing ideas.
- - - - The sensitive line:
        This concept refers to the point at which individuals become defensive or protective when encountering information about themselves that is inconsistent with their self-concept or when encountering pressure to alter their behaviour. Crossing the sensitive line creates rigidity and self-preservation. How can increased self-knowledge and personal change ever occur? There are at least 2 answers:
        
        Information that is verifiable, predictable and controllable is less likely to cross the sensitive line than information without those characteristics.
        
        Other people play a big role in helping us gain self-understanding. It is almost impossible to increase self-awareness unless we interact with and disclose
    - - Cognitive style- refers to the manner in which you gather and process information. Researchers have found that individual differences in cognitive style influence perception, learning, problem solving, decision making, communication and creativity.
      - Orientation towards change – methods people use to cope with change in their environment. Knowing your orientation toward coping with change is an important aspect of self-awareness. Two dimensions: Locus of control and intolerance of ambiguity.
      - Personal values – they are “the core of the dynamics of behaviour and play so large a part in unifying personality.”
      - Core self-evaluation: a construct that captures the essential aspects of core personality.
      - Emotional intelligence- the ability to correctly diagnose and manage one’s own emotions and relationships with others – has been identified as among the most important factors in accounting for success in leaders and managers.