The Brian Tracy Success Library Creativity and Problem Solving AMACOM 2014

The crucial element separating an exceptional career from a lackluster one is the ability to devise innovative solutions to work challenges. With research showing the direct relationship between ideas and profitability, creative thinking skills are vital to professional advancement. As one of the world's premiere success experts, Brian Tracy knows that creativity can be developed with practice and a few helpful tools. This concise book reveals 21 proven, practical techniques readers can use to immediately begin generating a stream of productive ideas, including how to: Stimulate the three primary triggers to creativity * Inspire a creative mindset in staff through recognition, rewards, and environment * Use methods such as Brainstorming, Zero-Based Thinking, Nominal Group Technique, and Lateral Thinking to solve problems, improve systems, devise new products, and come up with fresh, exciting marketing angles * Ask focused questions to generate elegant solutions * Understand the difference between mechanical and adaptive thinking * Rigorously evaluate new ideas . . .without shutting down the creative impulse Containing mind-stimulating exercises and down-to-earth strategies, this career-changing book helps anyone tap into the root source of their own intuitive genius. Title Copyright Contents Introduction 1 The Root Sources of Creativity 2 Three Triggers to Creativity 3 The Mindstorming Method 4 Questioning to Stimulate Creativity 5 Brainstorming: Unlocking the Power of Your Team 6 Optimism Is the Key 7 Develop the Qualities of Genius 8 Problem Solving in Seven Steps 9 Mind-Stimulating Exercises 10 Use Your Three Minds for Thinking 11 Practice Two Approaches to Thinking 12 Practice Lateral Thinking 13 How Your Mind Works 14 Systematic Problem Solving Revisited 15 Practice Zero-Based Thinking 16 Face Reality 17 Don’t Let Roadblocks Be a Problem 18 The Seven Sources of Innovation 19 Ten Creative Solutions to Obsolete Products 20 The Value-Engineering Principle 21 Evaluate Your Ideas Conclusion Index About the Author The root sources of creativity Three triggers to creativity The mindstorming method Questioning to stimulate creativity Brainstorming: unlocking the power of your tream Optimism is the key Develop the qualities of genius Problem solving in seven steps Mind-stimulating exercises Use your three minds for thinking Practice two approaches to thinking Practice lateral thinking How your mind works Systematic problem solving revisited Practice zero-based thinking Face reality Don't let roadblocks be a problem The seven sources of innovation Ten creative solutions to obsolete products The value-engineering principle Evaluate your ideas. Yes, you ARE the creative type. Because your success depends on it!