NEWS
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Creativity Thinking
Different kinds of Creative Thinking
Creative Thinking – Definition, Importance and Techniques
The role of Creativity
Embracing flexibility: the key to success
Finding a Path to Inner Peace and Personal Growth in the Digital Workplace
5 Core Elements of Well-Being
Emotional Health in Digital Era
The Personal development process
The art of planning
Self-expression and mental health
Problem Solving
Emotional Intelligence
Empathy
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CREATIVE THINKING
What is creative thinking?
Creative thinking is the ability to approach problems and challenges in a unique and innovative way. It involves thinking outside the box, generating new ideas and finding unconventional solutions. Creative thinking can be applied to various aspects of life, including problem-solving, decision-making and even artistic endeavors. It often involves breaking free from traditional thinking patterns and exploring different perspectives. By embracing creativity, we can open up new possibilities and find new approaches to solving problems.
Different kinds of Creative Thinking
Creative thinking can take many forms, as it is a process that encourages original and imaginative thinking. Here are just a few examples of creative thinking:
- Divergent thinking: This is the ability to generate many different ideas from a single question or problem.
- Convergent thinking: The ability to find a single, effective solution to a specific problem.
- Lateral thinking: the ability to find creative solutions by exploring unconventional concepts and perspectives.
- Critical thinking: The ability to objectively evaluate proposed ideas and solutions, using reasoning and logical criteria.
- Intuitive thinking: The ability to make decisions based on impressions or feelings, rather than on rational analysis.
- Creative thinking in the arts: This encompasses all forms of artistic expression, such as painting, music, writing, dance and so on.
It’s important to cultivate these different forms of creative thinking to develop our capacity for innovation and creative problem-solving.
The importance of creative thinking
A late entry in the dictionary, creativity has attracted growing interest over the past thirty years. Texts from various international institutions (OECD, European Commission, European Parliament, for example) present it as a cross-cutting skill enabling the development of the innovation needed to meet the urgent challenges facing the contemporary world.
Creativity, which is generally considered to be the preserve of the arts and culture, is also at play in science and technology. Perceived as innate and based on spontaneity and freedom, it nevertheless develops and is linked to reflexivity and constraints. It is most often associated with great discoveries and inventions, although it is involved to a greater or lesser extent in all areas of life. This is particularly true of all effective learning situations, above all those that enable students to play an active role in their own learning by showing initiative and imagination.
Creative Thinking – Definition, Importance and Techniques
Let’s begin with answering the critical question: What in fact is creative thinking?
Creative thinking is the ability to use your imagination and lead your mind to think outside of the box. It is a unique approach that bears fruit such as life-changing ideas and unconventional solutions that couldn’t be generated without escaping from traditional thinking patterns. Creative thinking can be applied to the situations that tend to cause trouble to a lot of people such as making important decisions, solving critical problems or breaking artistic stagnation.
But why is creative thinking so important?
Creative thinking leads to the exploration of perspectives that in other cases we would never think of and because of that it opens a palette of new possibilities and chances. Thinking outside of the box encourages us to challenge social stereotypes and our own assumptions and may even tell us something new about ourselves and our habits in terms of coping with difficult situations. Additionally, being a creative thinker makes us stand out on the job market, which is validated by the fact that in 2020 creativity has been acknowledged as the most in-demand soft skill by LinkedIn. In the long run, creative thinking stimulates our brain to work harder so that it allows us to stay mentally sharp and quick-witted even when our physical body is slowly getting older.
What are two easy-to-apply techniques of creative thinking?
Reframing – is an approach that requires reconceptualization of a problem by looking at it from various perspectives. Reframing means changing perception of the given problem and reinterpreting it in new ways. To make reframing easier we have come up with a list of questions that you can ask yourself when you feel as if you have came up a wall while solving a problem:
- How do other people involved perceive this problem?
- What are the positive sides of this situation? Can I learn something from that?
- How would my role model act if they were in my shoes?
- What will I do when I solve this problem? Can I already start doing those things?
Insight – it is a technique that enables you to reach a creative breakthrough by following five simple steps.
Phase One: The process starts ordinarily with gathering all necessary information and accessible knowledge regarding the problem in question.
Phase Two: The second step is analysing results of our thorough research, combining various components together and generally putting yourself through the hoops in order to come up with a decent, applicable solution.
Phase Three: Subsequently, what comes after that is a phase called incubation which means making your conscious-self rest and drawing your attention to other engaging activities such as a movie or a boarding game while your mind is doing a titanic work behind the curtains.
Phase Four: At this stage there are two possibilities that may occur. The first one is that you experience a so-called Eureka Moment which means that the idea comes to you suddenly out of nowhere! The second possibility is that although you didn’t have the pleasure of experiencing this wonderful breakthrough, you have a fresh, rested mind which allows you to come back to the problem and approach it from a slightly different perspective which should end up in reaching a convenient solution in no time.
Phase Five: The last but definitely not the least step is exploring the idea/solution further, working on it and finally, putting it to real life!
The role of Creativity
What is creativity?
Creativity is the ability to generate original ideas, concepts and solutions that are both novel and valuable. It involves thinking divergently, breaking away from traditional patterns as well as approaching problems or situations in unique ways. Creativity is not limited to artistic expression; it can manifest in various fields such as science, technology, business, education.
Key aspects of creativity
Creativity flourishes when individuals engage with different aspects and elements (which are interconnected and often interdependent), allowing for the generation of innovative and valuable outcomes across various domains of human endeavor.
As key aspects of creativity, we can list the following ones:
- Originality: This means making something completely new or different from what’s already around. It’s about doing things in a way that’s different or fresh, not following the usual way everyone else does;
- Problem-solving: Creativity helps with solving problems by first seeing them, then thinking of different ways to fix them, and finally picking the best and most creative way to solve the problem;
- Flexibility: Being open-minded and flexible is really important for creativity. It’s about being okay with new ideas that might not be common and being ready to think in different ways to find more creative solutions;
- Expression: Creativity means showing thoughts, feelings, or ideas in ways that are not normal. This could be in art, writing, music, or even in how problems are solved, doing things in new ways;
- Risk-taking: Being creative often means taking risks and trying things that might not be safe or usual. It’s about trying new ideas and being okay if they don’t work out because it’s a way to find new and cool things;
- Critical Thinking: Creativity involves thinking hard about ideas by checking if they make sense, if they can work, and if they’re useful. It’s about thinking deeply about creative ideas to understand how good they are.
How to increase your creativity?
Being creative is like a skill you can get better at over time. If you keep trying new things and stay open to fresh ideas, your creativity can grow a lot.
How can you boost your creativity? Well, you can do things that make your imagination stronger. Here are some ways:
- Make different experiences: Go to new places, meet different kinds of people, and learn about various cultures and arts. Seeing lots of different things helps you think in new and cool ways;
- Relax and think: Sometimes, it’s good to relax your mind. You can do this by practicing things like meditation or just taking time to think quietly. This can help you come up with new ideas;
- Work with others: Share your ideas with others and listen to what they think. When you work together, you can get lots of cool new ideas that you might not have thought of alone;
- Have fun and take breaks: Don’t forget to have fun and take breaks from your work. Doing fun things can help your brain relax and come up with awesome new ideas.
Embracing flexibility: the key to success
What is flexibility?
Flexibility refers to the ability and willingness of a person to adapt to changes, new circumstances, or different work requirements. The concept of flexibility involves being open-minded and adaptable in terms of:
Which are the advantages of being flexible?
Flexibility refers to the ability and willingness of a person to adapt to changes, new circumstances, or different work requirements. The concept of flexibility involves being open-minded and adaptable in terms of:
- Tasks and Roles: This means being okay with doing different jobs or responsibilities, not just the main one you have. It might mean doing new things or taking on extra jobs when they’re needed;
- Work Schedule: Flexibility here means being able to change when you start and finish work. It could also mean working from home sometimes or having different hours;
- Work Environment: This is about being okay with working in different places. It could be at home, in an office, or maybe in different places sometimes;
- Adapting to Change: This is about being okay when things at work change. It’s good to be able to deal with changes and see them as opportunities to do something new or better;
- Openness to New Ideas: Flexibility at work means being open to new ways of doing things or using new tools or ideas. It’s about being okay with changes or improvements that might come up.
Which are the advantages of being flexible?
Being flexible doesn’t mean always changing plans or compromising on your preferences. It’s about finding a balance that allows you to adapt when needed, making life more manageable, less stressful, and more fulfilling.
Flexibility in your daily life can bring numerous advantages and make things easier in various ways:
- Better Adaptation: Being flexible helps you adjust to changes or unexpected situations more easily. It allows you to handle new or challenging circumstances without feeling too stressed or overwhelmed;
- Improved well-being: Flexibility contributes to a more relaxed, adaptable and less rigid lifestyle, which can lead to better mental and emotional well-being. At the same time, flexibility can lower stress levels by making you more adaptable to different schedules or plans. It gives you the ability to adjust plans if things don’t go as expected;
- Enhanced Problem-Solving: Flexibility enables you to approach problems with an open mind, considering various solutions or alternatives. This can lead to more creative problem-solving and better decision-making;
- Improved Relationships: Being flexible in your interactions with others can strengthen relationships. It allows you to compromise, understand different perspectives, and accommodate the needs of friends, family, or colleagues;
- Increased Opportunities: Embracing flexibility opens doors to new opportunities. It helps you explore different paths, try new experiences, and take advantage of unforeseen chances that might come your way;
- Better Work-Life Balance: Flexibility in managing your daily schedule allows for a better balance between work, personal commitments, and leisure activities. It can give you more time for yourself and your loved ones;
- Adaptive Learning: Being flexible in learning new skills or knowledge helps you adapt to changing environments or job requirements. It keeps your mind open to growth and continuous improvement.
If you are interested in the topic and would like to delve into the topic of creativeness, critical thinking, empathy, problem-solving and other critical soft competencies, feel free to check out our other articles and our social media accounts, where we also write about self-development. Sources:
Finding a Path to Inner Peace and Personal Growth in the Digital Workplace
Today’s world can easily be entitled as the digital age, as we are constantly surrounded by electronics and new technologies, even at work. We live and work in a constant rush and noise, bombarded by never-ending news, notifications, emails, and online meetings. To stay up-to-date, we have to be connected all the time, keeping in touch every single day, hour, and minute. FOMO – Fear of Missing Out has become a serious affliction of modern society, affecting people regardless of age or other demographic indicators. Finding time for yourself has become the most rare luxury which barely anyone can afford. Being overwhelmed with the hustle and bustle has become a new horrific reality filled with stress, pressure, distraction, and decreased productivity. Fortunately, there is a perfect cure within reach of our hand: mindfulness.
Mindfulness is a state of being entirely engaged in the present moment. It is about being aware of presence and not letting your thoughts flow toward yesterday’s failures or tomorrow’s upcoming deadlines. Embracing mindfulness in the digital workplace might be a real game-changer which will help to foster concentration on the task at hand, boost creative thinking, enhance productivity, as well as reduce the level of stress and relieve anxiety.
We present you with 3 practical tips which will help you to keep your attention in the correct place and be engaged in the tasks you have to complete.
Implement morning rituals instead of checking the phone:
You cannot always expect to get up on the right side of the bed but you can establish daily mindfulness morning rituals which will prepare you for the day. There are many available options: you can practise yoga, engage in meditation, practice affirmations, use deep breathing techniques, or simply drink a cup of coffee. What is important is that these activities should be less stimulating so that they have the potential to put your mind at rest and let you charge your batteries. You should also avoid checking your phone right after waking up since it may distract you, increase your procrastination, trigger stress and slow you down in general. To avoid using your phone as the first thing in the morning, we recommend putting your phone in airplane mode or shutting it down completely before falling asleep to reduce the temptation – do not be afraid of missing something out – usually, most notifications can wait a little longer, and it is not necessary to provide a response to them right away.
Remember about work-life balance:
Whether you work on a B2B contract or you are really engaged in the life of the company you work in, it is really simple to fall into the trap of blurring the boundary between professional and personal life. Having moments for yourself will prevent you from work burnout, enhance your productivity and increase your overall mental health and happiness. It is recommended to set a clear hour schedule in which you set a specific amount of time for work-related tasks and time for non-work-related activities. Use this spare time to escape from technology, tighten the bonds with yourself and your relatives, practice mindfulness, pursue your hobbies, and focus on other leisure activities which bring you joy and create a sense of fulfilment.
Keep your workplace clean to keep your mind clear:
If you work from home, create a designated place for working. A small room which will be your office or a specifically dedicated desk will help you with setting a clear line between your personal and professional life. Your workplace should be tidy and well-organised so that you do not waste your time finding important things among useless garbage. Since you work in a digital environment, it is not only crucial to keep your desk clean but it is even more important to have tidiness among your digital files. Create folders for each project and task, keep an orderly nomenclature, do not fill in your business equipment with personal stuff, and do not use your business email for any newsletters which are not related to your work. As for the outer space, you should consider decorating your working space with at least one plant and incorporate natural light to create a more natural environment.
Incorporating these simple mindful practices into your life will enable you not only to work with less stress and anxiety but also to enjoy your personal life more fully. So, take a moment to pause, take a deep breath, rewire your brain, and find your own path towards harmony and satisfaction!
Check our bibliography to familiarise yourself with similar content:
5 Core Elements of Well-Being
In common parlance, well-being is considered as the presence of positive feelings and moods (such as contentment, happiness) and simultaneous absence of negative emotions (such as sadness, anxiety). However, in a more holistic approach, the term “well-being” refers to the overall good state of a person, including their mental and physical health, social interactions, sense of security and spiritual harmony.
Mental Health
A healthy mind constitutes for a happy life since it influences our abilities to exist in society, make decisions, have interactions with others and complete daily tasks. It is not only the absence of mental disorders but it is also ability to relieve stress, foster resilience and nurture positive thinking. Here are a couple of strategies for taking care of one’s mental well-being:
- Stimulate your brain and its cognitive functioning by solving riddles, filling crosswords and reading books.
- Set boundaries between your personal and professional time to prevent job burnout and encourage life satisfaction.
- Don’t be afraid to seek professional mental support or therapy.
Physical Health
Physical well-being lays the grounds for a longer and happier life referring to greater stamina, fitness level and absence of physical injuries. In general, it increases capabilities to perform daily duties with less exhaustion and enables one to take greater pleasure from these activities.
- Systematically participate in physical activities such as dancing, jogging, swimming or even simply walking, basically anything which brings you joy.
- Fix your time schedule and incorporate practices such as taking a hot bath or doing relaxation exercises right before bed to improve sleep quality.
- Maintain a balanced, nutritious diet in accordance to the healthy eating pyramide, calorie intake and macronutrient values.
- Visit doctors at regular intervals, check your blood and vitamin levels, and manage your weight.
Social Interactions
Connections with other humans have a vital influence on our wellbeing as they increase our sense of belonging, care, love and the feeling of being needed.
- Contribute to your local community by participating in volunteering and local events to support and improve your neighbourhood.
- Devote time to your close relationships, make an effort to engage in quality entertainment together and be supportive for each other through both good and bad times.
- Join hobby-related groups to befriend people with similar interests and values.
- Improve on your communication skills, especially in terms of active listening, counselling and expressing yourself.
Sense of Security
Sense of security (and safety) is one of the most instinctual human needs. Often, people find comfort in predictability and structure as it gives them a perceived sense of control over their circumstances. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that this sense of control is often illusory. Unfortunately, this control is only an illusion – and in some aspects we have to rely on external institutions to provide us with safety – such as the government, police, educational and medical institutions. Nevertheless, there are aspects which are within our control, namely we can:
- Save money to have a financial cushion for emergencies and larger expenses.
- Invest in yourself to broaden a range of skills and qualifications to enhance your competitiveness on the job market.
- Remember about insurance coverage in terms of health and property to protect yourself against unexpected adverse events.
- Try to find a stable job to ensure a regular income, avoid working with a junk contract or without any contract.
Spiritual Harmony
Spiritual wellbeing is on the top of our hierarchy of needs and its achievement is almost only possible when other of the mentioned factors are in the right place. It is about having a greater sense of meaning and purpose, reaching one’s full potential and feeling of accomplishment as well as also having a strong hierarchy of values and living in alignment with them. You can nurture our sense of fulfilment and inner peace when you:
- Practice mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing exercises and gratitude to reconnect with yourself and reflect on your own emotions.
- Engage in activities that bring you joy and increase your sense of fulfilment.
- Step out of your comfort zone but are not afraid of saying “no” to things that you do not like.
In conclusion, well-being is a desired state which can be only achieved through the holistic cultivation of mental, physical, social, security, and spiritual elements. By prioritizing these aspects of well-being, individuals can enhance their quality of life and turn into an exciting journey.
Check our bibliography to familiarise yourself with similar content:
Emotional Health in Digital Era
What makes up our emotional well-being are our unique thoughts, feelings, and emotions. In a broader sense, it also refers to how we perceive challenging circumstances and unfavourable situations. Being open and self-compassionate toward the entire range of feelings we are going through, whether they are positive or negative, is a sign of emotional health. Emotional well-being can be further defined as the ability to accept one’s own feelings without being judgemental about them.
In today’s unfriendly world it is particularly difficult to maintain emotional health. The Internet and social media sets unrealistic standards in all aspects of our lives, including beauty, wealth and success. Unsurprisingly, it leads to a tendency to compare oneself with others and set elusive goals which are impossible to achieve. Furthermore, there are other huge triggers such as social expectations, peer/work pressure, global affairs and existential uncertainties which contribute to the level of stress we experience every single day. It all results in disturbed self-image, decreased self-esteem, long-lasting depressed mood and even mental disorders.
Fortunately, there are some strategies which have a potential to protect our emotional health and minimise risk of permanent harm due to external factors.
First of all, it is really important to become aware of one’s inner self and learn to recognize and identify emerging emotions, initial responses to adverse circumstances and daily stressors. The next step is to acknowledge these emotions, accept them and befriend them regardless of their nature. Developing compassion towards one’s self is equally important as being empathetic towards others. Practising self-criticism or self-hatred, should be changed for self care and treatment full of love and respect.
After successful reconnection with inner self, it is advisable to find a way to express those feelings to the outer world. For instance, delving into artistic endeavours or keeping a diary might be a great way to turn inner life into reality. Nevertheless, the most important part is to be oneself in social circumstances, meaning standing up for oneself, expressing one’s own opinions, setting clear boundaries and saying simple “no” when something stays in opposition to one’s beliefs.
The last aspect is reducing contact with the negative external triggers. Stressors may have multiple faces –it can be destructive social media usage, toxic relationships or psychoactive substances. There is, however, a simple antidote for this – finding a healthier component. For example, mindless scrolling can be changed for reading books, watching movies and other culturally enriching activities. Instead of sinking into the toxicity of abusive relationships, one can take time to learn how to recognize toxic behaviours in themselves and in others, and to put more effort into making bonds with kindly-spirited people. Finally, psychoactive substances should be replaced with healthy practices which also impact our dopamine system such as doing sports or eating mindfully.
We have to remember that emotional health is not a guarantee of perpetual happiness. On the contrary, it’s about embracing the full range of human emotions, including disappointment, grief, and tension. By becoming friends with these feelings and accepting them as part of our existence, we learn how to approach arising difficulties. Although we can’t control every aspect of our lives, we can take up an understanding attitude which will enable us to face life’s ups and downs with peace.
The Personal development process
Personal development is a continuous process of self-discovery and growth, aiming to enable individuals to reach their full potential in all areas of life. Human beings have sought improvement throughout history, whether by expanding knowledge, honing skills, or enhancing emotional and spiritual well-being. Modern psychology has structured and made personal development more accessible.
Personal development encompasses various dimensions of human life, focusing on growth and improvement:
Emotional Development involves understanding and managing one’s own emotions, as well as relating to others’ emotions. It includes developing emotional intelligence, resilience, and the ability to cope with stress.
Intellectual Development refers to expanding knowledge and understanding the world through continuous learning and critical thinking.
Spiritual Development involves the search for meaning, purpose, and connection beyond oneself, often through practices like meditation and reflection.
Physical Development entails maintaining health, fitness, nutrition, and rest.
Social Development involves fostering healthy relationships, effective communication, empathy, and collaboration.
- Self-knowledge is essential for identifying areas for improvement and setting meaningful goals.
- Setting clear and achievable goals provides direction and motivation.
- Developing various skills, including technical, emotional, social, and intellectual, is crucial for personal and professional growth.
- Resilience enables individuals to adapt and recover from challenges and adversity.
- Self-acceptance and self-compassion involve acknowledging imperfections and cultivating kindness towards oneself.
- Persistence and determination are necessary for overcoming obstacles and setbacks.
Approaches to Personal Development:
- Formal and Informal Education provide knowledge, skills, and perspectives.
- Coaching and Mentoring offer personalized guidance and support.
- Spiritual Development practices like meditation promote self-awareness and emotional balance.
- Professional Development enhances career-related skills through courses, networking, and opportunities.
Benefits of Personal Development:
- Improved self-confidence and self-esteem.
- Better interpersonal relationships.
- Professional growth and opportunities.
- Emotional and mental well-being.
The art of planning
In today’s fast-paced world, mental health has emerged as a critical concern affecting millions worldwide. Amidst the complexities of modern life, individuals often find themselves overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. However, amidst this chaos, lies a powerful tool that can significantly impact mental well-being: planning.
Planning serves as a roadmap for navigating life’s challenges, enabling individuals to identify objectives clearly and outline the necessary steps needed to achieve them. Whether it’s managing daily tasks, setting long-term goals, or tackling major life transitions, the ability to plan effectively can make a profound difference in one’s mental health.
At its core, planning instills a sense of structure and organization, providing individuals with a sense of control over their lives. This control is crucial for managing stress and anxiety, as it empowers individuals to break down daunting tasks into manageable steps, thereby reducing feelings of overwhelm.
Moreover, planning fosters a proactive mindset, encouraging individuals to anticipate obstacles and develop strategies for overcoming them. By addressing potential challenges in advance, individuals can minimize the impact of setbacks on their mental well-being and maintain a sense of resilience in the face of adversity.
In the realm of personal development, planning plays a pivotal role in fostering self-awareness and growth. By setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals, individuals can track their progress and celebrate their achievements along the way. This sense of accomplishment not only boosts self-esteem but also reinforces positive behaviors and habits that contribute to overall mental wellness.
Furthermore, planning extends its benefits into the professional realm, where it is instrumental in enhancing productivity, efficiency, and job satisfaction. In a competitive work environment, the ability to plan effectively can mean the difference between success and burnout. By prioritizing tasks, managing time wisely, and setting realistic deadlines, individuals can reduce work-related stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Recognising the profound impact of planning on personal and professional well-being, workshops focusing on this essential skill have gained traction in recent years. These workshops provide participants with practical tools and strategies for effective planning, equipping them with the necessary skills to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience.
In conclusion, the ability to plan effectively is not only a practical skill but also a powerful tool for promoting mental health and well-being. By cultivating a habit of planning in both personal and professional life, individuals can experience greater clarity, control, and fulfillment, ultimately leading to a happier and more balanced existence.
Self-expression and mental health
Making a list – Write a list answering the following questions:
- What are your likes and dislikes?
- What are your world views, your political views and concerns?
- What does a healthy relationship look like to you?
- What does respect mean to you and where do you draw the line with what’s not OK with you when in relationships with others?
- What are your non-negotiables in a friendship or partnership and where might you be able to compromise?
Search – using what they do know about themselves, you can use related keywords to search for activities, groups, social media pages and blogs on activities that the young person could participate in.
Understanding self-identity can be a positive journey that can allow the individual to make new connections, set healthy boundaries and have fulfilling relationships and work.
Problem solving
What is problem solving?
Problem-solving is the process of finding solutions to difficult or complex issues. It involves identifying the problem, understanding its underlying causes, brainstorming potential solutions, evaluating those solutions, and implementing the best course of action. Problem-solving skills are essential in various aspects of life, including personal relationships, work, education, and everyday tasks. Effective problem solvers often exhibit traits such as critical thinking, creativity, analytical skills, perseverance, and the ability to collaborate with others to find innovative solutions.
What is the process of problem solving?
1. Define the problem
Analyze the situation thoroughly to shift your attention towards understanding the core problem rather than just its surface manifestations. Useful problem-solving methods involve utilizing flowcharts to outline the anticipated sequence of actions within a process and cause-and-effect diagrams to clarify and assess the fundamental reasons behind the issue.
2. Generate alternative solutions
Delay the choice of a single solution until several alternative problem-solving options have been suggested. Exploring multiple alternatives can greatly enhance the effectiveness of your preferred solution. Once you’ve settled on the “desired outcome” model, this benchmark serves as the foundation for devising a plan to explore alternatives. Brainstorming and collaborative problem-solving techniques are valuable tools during this phase of addressing the issue.
It’s essential to generate numerous alternative solutions before conducting final assessments. A common pitfall in problem-solving is evaluating alternatives as they arise, leading to the selection of the first acceptable solution, even if it’s not the most suitable. By prioritizing desired outcomes, we may overlook the opportunity to discover new insights that could truly enhance the problem-solving process.
3. Evaluate and select an alternative
Assess the strengths and weaknesses of each potential solution. Consider factors such as feasibility, cost, time, and potential risks associated with each option. In addition you need to choose the best solution. Indeed, you need to select the solution that is most likely to effectively address the problem while considering the constraints and objectives involved. This may involve further analysis and deliberation to ensure the chosen solution is optimal.
4. Implement and follow up on the solution
Leaders may need to guide others in executing the solution, advocate for its adoption, or facilitate its implementation with assistance from others. Engaging others in the implementation process is an efficient strategy to garner support and minimize resistance to future adjustments.
Irrespective of the method used to introduce the solution, mechanisms for feedback should be integrated into the implementation process. This enables ongoing assessment and comparison of real-world outcomes with anticipated results. Problem-solving and the methodologies employed to achieve clarity are most impactful when the solution is sustained and adapted to accommodate future shifts.
Emotional Intelligence
Emotional Intelligence: the power to understand and manage our emotions
In our quest for success and fulfillment, we have long focused on developing our intellectual intelligence. Yet another form of intelligence, often overlooked but just as important, is emotional intelligence. Unlike traditional intelligence measured by IQ tests, emotional intelligence embraces our ability to recognize, understand and manage our own emotions, as well as those of others. In this article, we take an in-depth look at this fascinating concept and its impact on our lives.
Understanding emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence is made up of several interconnected components. The first is self-awareness, the ability to recognize and understand our own emotions. This includes being aware of our strengths, weaknesses, values and goals. The second element is self-control, the ability to regulate and control our emotions rather than being overwhelmed by them. The third is social awareness, the capacity to recognize and understand the emotions of others. Finally, the fourth is relationship management, the ability to use our emotional skills effectively to interact and communicate with others in a positive and constructive way.
The Importance of emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence is essential to many aspects of our lives. In the professional sphere, leaders with strong emotional intelligence are often more effective at motivating their teams, managing conflict and making difficult decisions. They are also better equipped to build strong relationships with their colleagues. In the personal sphere, those with developed emotional intelligence tend to have more satisfying relationships, handle stress better and make more thoughtful decisions.
Developing emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence, fortunately, is not an inherent skill and can be developed with time and effort. The first step is to increase your self-awareness by practicing meditation, keeping a journal or simply taking the time to reflect on your emotions. Then, working on self-control involves stress management techniques such as deep breathing or positive visualization. To improve social awareness, it helps to practice empathy by actively listening to others and seeking to understand their perspectives. Finally, developing your relationship management skills involves learning how to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts and cultivate positive relationships.
In conclusion, emotional intelligence is a lifelong skill that profoundly influences our success and well-being in all aspects of our lives. By understanding and managing our emotions, as well as recognizing and responding to the emotions of others, we can become more balanced individuals, more effective leaders and more compassionate partners. By investing in the development of our emotional intelligence, we can pave the way for a more enriching and fulfilling life.
Empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and feel the emotions, thoughts and experiences of others, while maintaining a clear distinction between one’s own feelings and those of others. It is the ability to put oneself in the place of others, to perceive how they feel and to respond appropriately to their emotional needs. Empathy often involves a keen sense of listening, caring and sensitivity towards others, as well as a willingness to be supportive and understanding. It is an essential quality for establishing positive interpersonal relationships, fostering communication and cooperation, and promoting compassion and collective well-being.
Like all qualities, empathy can be worked on and practised. How can you do this? This article gives you a few short exercises to practise.
1. Practise active listening: This is a communication technique in which one person listens attentively to what the other is saying. The aim of active listening is to fully understand the other person’s thoughts, feelings and experiences, and to show them that they are heard and respected. To do this, you need to:
2. Take the time to reverse roles. In your relationships, try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes. Take a few minutes and think about how the other person feels, how he/she has shown it, what his/her emotions are. It may sound silly, but really taking the time to analyse other people’s reactions and putting yourself in their shoes can help us to understand them much better!
3. Develop your sense of observation: not all emotions can be expressed, and body language is also an excellent indicator of our emotional state. A withdrawn person, for example, will tend to cower physically. So take a step back and observe others!
4. Develop your curiosity about others: Putting yourself in the other person’s shoes is easier to do when you know the other person. To do this, you need to take an interest in other people; understanding requires knowledge! And to get to know someone, you first have to listen to them, disregarding your own personal experience, which could lead you to make value judgements about the actions of others. Asking questions and showing interest are the keys to empathy. Be careful though, being empathetic doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re going to solve all other people’s problems!
If you’re a professional facilitator and you’d like to find some ideas for activities based on empathy, take a look at our ready-to-use activity scenarios (the session on empathy can be found on page 112).
KICK-OFF MEETING IN POZNAN, POLAND
It is a pleasure to welcome you to the Creative Mindset official project 😉
Are you ready to start this adventure?
Today we are going to talk about the Kick-Off Meeting of the project, which was held in Poznan (Poland) during the period 10-11 May 2022.
The meeting has been an incredible opportunity to get to know the partners better, analyzing the tasks carried out so far by each one as well as organizing the various activities foreseen throughout all the project.
The main focus of the meeting has been the IO1 (Intellectual Output 1), which is related to the creation of a Handbook, to be used by youth trainers, youth workers, young leaders and educators in order to carry on training and workshops on creativity in the digital era. It will combine digital learning and enhancing creativity.
Partners reviewed all their chapters, providing feedback to each other on it. It has been a great chance to check the development of the IO1, also planning how to proceed in the next steps, to create the final version of it.
It has been a real pleasure to have the opportunity to spend these days together with all the project partners, also having the pleasure of discovering and exploring the beautiful city of Poznan (Poland).
Ready to discover the next steps of the project? Stay tuned 😉
Transnational Project Meeting in Paris (France)
20 to 22 of November 2022
The TPM (Transnational Project Meeting) held in Paris, France, from the 20th to the 22nd, served as a valuable occasion for all the project collaborators to thoroughly examine the first project outcome, the Handbook for youth trainers (to help them deliver digital and distance learning using creative techniques). This resource was crafted not only in English but also in the native languages of each partner involved.
During this meeting, the partners concurrently outlined various focus groups that would be arranged at a local level. These groups were seen as an opportunity to practically assess all the developed workshops that centered around agreed-upon topics. Since the Handbook was already accessible in English, the decision was made to translate all workshop scenarios in the coming weeks. This initiative aimed to ensure their availability for use during any local community activities.
Moreover, the partners capitalized on the meeting to chart the subsequent steps for implementing the project. They emphasized the importance of promoting the various outcomes through both online and offline dissemination activities.
Lastly, it was highlighted that the meeting provided an exceptional opportunity for the partners to bond and collaborate in the wonderful city of Paris, within the splendid country of France.
TPM in Lisbon (Portugal)
12-14 June 2023
It was an excellent opportunity to analyze different aspects of the project, as well as general feedback on the results developed at local and European level over the last few months.
As part of PR2 (Workshop scenarios), the partners agreed on how to proceed with the revision of the latest documents/workshops developed, in order to receive detailed feedback on the activities developed (internal – by the partners and external – by other subjects evaluators).
At the same time, it was possible to analyze the structure of the platform that will host all the different results of the project. The platform will be completed over the next few months and will be available before the LTTA in Paris (France); in this way the participants will be able to carry out a complete evaluation.
The partners also had the opportunity to spend time in the city of Lisbon, discovering all its beauty.
The next meeting will be the LTTA in Paris (France), in December 2023.
LTTA in Paris (France)
6th to 8th of December 2023
Participants gathered at Sample, a cultural hub situated on the outskirts of Paris that houses various local associations. The focus was on acquainting participants with the project’s e-learning platform. They were given a preview of the website and its diverse content, including a demonstration from the Polish partner “GlobalNet” to instruct them on its usage.
The next day was centered on fostering creativity. Participants convened at the Atelier des Lumières, a digital art center in Paris’ 11th arrondissement. This venue offers immersive exhibitions, where visitors explore digitized artworks accompanied by a corresponding sound environment, creating an immersive experience akin to being inside the paintings themselves. To delve into the project’s central theme of creativity and acquire novel creative techniques, participants engaged with the works of the renowned painter Chagall.
The conclusion of the LTTA prioritized inclusive teaching and learning approaches, both online and offline. A workshop on combating discrimination in teaching methods was tested by participants to underscore the importance of inclusivity.