Few people would dispute that creative thinking plays an important role in successful organizations. But is it a skill, and can it be improved by training? "Yes", say the experienced authors of this volume in Gower's successful 50 Activities series. This book offers structured exercises covering all aspects of the problem-solving process. There are activities on creativity, activities designed to help people understand their own and other's thinking process and activities for use as icebreakers.

Each activity includes a statement of objectives, detailed instructions to the trainer and photocopiable masters of all the participants' materials. In addition, there is a subject index to help users select the most appropriate activities for their particular training purposes.

The wide variety of ideas and approaches to be found in this volume means that it will appeal to trainers from virtually any type of organization, as well as consultants with an interest in creativity and problem solving.

Contents
Nine brainstormers are used to examine areas such as product development, initiating change and unblocking creativity. The sessions each take between 20 minutes and 1 hour and can be used in groups of any size.

19 discussion sessions are aimed at finding group solutions to problems and at generating new ideas. Topics for discussion include overcoming the fear of failure, implementing innovative solutions, bridging the gaps between two individuals or teams, and overcoming restrictive conventions. Each session lasts between 15 minutes and 1 hour and is suitable for both large and small groups.

Nine practical exercises involve the whole group in a physical problem solving activity. Typical exercises include raft building, writing and producing a promotional video, and completing simple tasks whilst blindfolded. Each activity is designed to encourage team co-operation, group discussion and consensus. Each exercise takes between 1 and 2 hours to complete.

Two icebreakers are included, each 20 to 30 minutes in length, to help encourage group participation. One is followed by a 1 hour discussion session.

Six role plays are useful in encouraging understanding and communication between individuals, and enable participants to view problems from a different perspective. Each role play lasts for between 25 minutes and 1 hour and can be used with groups of two or more.

Five exercises look at issues such as long-term problem solving and identifying forces of change. Most exercises result in a discussion and development plan. The exercises each take from 20 minutes to 1 hour to complete.

About the Authors
Geof Cox and Walt Hopkins are training and development consultants. Chuck Dufault is a management consultant.