Creativity Manual: Mess Finding
 
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Creativity Manual
Mess Finding
Data Finding
Problem Finding
Idea Finding
Solution Finding
Acceptance Finding


The Osborne/Parnes Creative Problem Solving Process Manual

MESS-FINDING

 

Definition: At the outset, we may not have any idea of what we would like to apply our creative thinking skills to. Or we may be faced with a "situation," a "hassle," something that bugs us. We don't quite know what to make of it, or are uncertain just what the situation is. It is an undefined situation, but one that carries a sense of need. Mess-Finding is the term given to this sort of situation. It is the beginning of awareness that something needs fixing, and it is an orientation towards the situation.

OUTCOME: A rough, sketched out statement of the situation we are faced with. The statement is expressed, and preferably written, in wish fulfillment language. It contains our thoughts, fantasies, wishes, desires, dreams, etc. about what we would like to see happen.

Tip! Hold at bay the temptation to define the problem prematurely.

DIVERGENT MESS-FINDING: Write a number of statements that begin with "I wish..." or "What I'd really like to see is..." or "Wouldn't it be cool if...."

  1. _____________________________________________________________
  2. _____________________________________________________________
  3. _____________________________________________________________
  4. _____________________________________________________________
  5. _____________________________________________________________
  6. _____________________________________________________________
  7. _____________________________________________________________
  8. _____________________________________________________________
  9. _____________________________________________________________
  10. ____________________________________________________________

CONVERGENT MESS-FINDING

1. On your DIVERGENT list, star the items which:

  • bother you most
  • are most important to you and important others
  • you most want to attain
  • capture your imagination, curiosity
  • and/or other criteria________________________

2. From among those you starred, select one you would really like to work with immediately. Then, take a measure of the following:

MY DEGREE OF OWNERSHIP:

1__2__3__4__5__6__7__7__8__8__9__10

MY DEGREE OF WILLINGNESS TO WORK ON THE SITUATION:

1__2__3__4__5__6__7__7__8__8__9__10

MY DEGREE OF INTEREST IN THIS SITUATION:

1__2__3__4__5__6__7__7__8__8__9__10

Is this situation something over which I have some influence? YES ___ NO ___

If the answer is "No," you need to ally with those who have influence, find ways to obtain the influence, or make a wise decision to back off and choose some other situation.

Next Step: Data-Finding


Copywrite 2005 Dr Hackermann