Thinking Outside the Box: Courses for Developing Creative Decision-Making Skills
Creative decision-making is the secret ingredient behind some of the most successful entrepreneurs, leaders, and thinkers. It’s about more than just making choices—it’s about finding new ways to solve problems, view situations from multiple angles, and innovate in situations that seem stagnant. While many people think of creativity as something reserved for artists and writers, the truth is that everyone can benefit from developing creative thinking skills, especially when it comes to making decisions. So, let’s dive into how you can improve your creative decision-making skills and, more importantly, which courses can help you along the way.
1. What is Creative Decision-Making?
Let’s kick things off by defining what creative decision-making really means. Simply put, it’s the ability to solve problems, make decisions, or come up with ideas in new, innovative ways. It’s about stepping outside of the usual thought processes and finding unconventional solutions. The best part? You don’t have to be a "creative type" to develop these skills.
Take, for example, the classic story of Apple Inc. Steve Jobs and his team weren’t just inventing new products; they were rethinking how people interact with technology. The iPhone wasn’t just a new phone—it was a device that changed the way people viewed communication, music, photography, and even their daily lives. Jobs didn’t just make decisions based on what's been done before; he imagined what the future could look like and made decisions that led the company toward groundbreaking success.
2. Why Is Creative Decision-Making Important?
You might be wondering, "Why should I care about being creative in my decision-making?" Well, let's break it down. In today’s fast-paced world, traditional decision-making processes may not cut it. Problems are becoming more complex, and solutions aren’t always clear-cut. That's why having creative decision-making skills can:
● Improve Problem-Solving: When you think creatively, you're better equipped to tackle complex problems. Instead of looking at a problem and thinking, "I don’t know how to fix this," you’ll think, "How can I approach this differently?"
● Increase Innovation: Creativity and innovation go hand in hand. By enhancing your creative decision-making skills, you open yourself up to more innovative solutions that set you apart from others.
● Boost Confidence: When you're used to making decisions creatively, you’ll feel more confident in your ability to navigate uncertain or ambiguous situations.
● Enhance Leadership: Leaders who think creatively are more adaptable and better at guiding their teams through change.
3. How to Develop Creative Decision-Making Skills
Like any skill, creative decision-making can be developed and improved. If you're feeling like your decision-making style is a bit too "by the book," it's time to step outside of your comfort zone and try new approaches. Here are a few ways you can develop these skills:
● Challenge Assumptions: The first step in thinking creatively is questioning everything you think you know. Is there a better way to solve this problem? Is there an assumption you’re making that could be holding you back?
● Collaborate with Others: Two (or more) heads are often better than one. Working with others can expose you to new ideas and perspectives that you wouldn’t have considered on your own.
● Embrace Failure: Creativity often involves trial and error. Don't be afraid to make mistakes—they are learning opportunities that can lead to brilliant insights.
● Take Breaks and Step Away: Sometimes, the best ideas come when you're not actively working on the problem. Take a break, go for a walk, or do something completely unrelated to let your mind rest and reset.
4. Courses for Developing Creative Decision-Making Skills
Now that we’ve covered why and how to improve your creative decision-making skills, let’s dive into some fantastic courses that can help you take your abilities to the next level.
1. "Creative Problem Solving" by Coursera
This course, offered by the University of Minnesota on Coursera, is a great place to start if you want to develop creative decision-making skills. It walks you through a structured process for solving problems creatively, teaching you how to generate ideas, test them, and implement solutions. Through a mix of videos, exercises, and case studies, you’ll learn how to break free from traditional thinking and develop a more creative approach to problem-solving.
What you'll learn:
● Techniques for brainstorming and idea generation
● Methods for reframing problems to see them from new angles
● How to test and evaluate ideas before acting on them
Why it’s great: This course is easy to follow, packed with practical exercises, and great for beginners. It’s an ideal way to kickstart your creative decision-making journey.
2. "Design Thinking for Innovation" by edX
Design thinking is one of the most popular frameworks for creative problem-solving, and this course, offered by the University of Virginia on edX, takes you through every step of the design thinking process. You’ll explore how to empathize with users, define problems, ideate, prototype, and test solutions—all crucial skills for creative decision-making in any field.
What you'll learn:
● How to use design thinking to solve problems
● Empathy techniques for understanding others' perspectives
● Prototyping and testing ideas before committing to them
Why it’s great: This course is a fantastic fit for anyone interested in building products or services, but it’s also useful in everyday problem-solving scenarios. You’ll learn to put yourself in others' shoes, a key component of creative thinking.
3. "Creative Leadership" by LinkedIn Learning
This course focuses on fostering creativity within leadership roles. If you’re in a position where you need to motivate others to think creatively, this course is a goldmine. It covers how to inspire creative thinking in your team, how to solve complex problems with innovative solutions, and how to build an environment where creativity thrives.
What you'll learn:
● How to lead with a creative mindset
● Techniques for fostering a creative team culture
● Ways to manage uncertainty and ambiguity in decision-making
Why it’s great: It’s especially valuable for leaders or managers looking to boost their team's creativity and problem-solving skills. It provides both the theory and practical steps to integrate creative leadership into everyday work.
5. Real-Life Cases of Creative Decision-Making
Case #1: The LEGO Turnaround
LEGO is a perfect example of how creative decision-making can lead to incredible success. Back in the early 2000s, LEGO was struggling financially. The company had a very traditional mindset, focusing solely on building blocks and their associated products. But in a bold move, LEGO decided to think outside the box.
They partnered with popular movie franchises like Star Wars and Harry Potter to create themed LEGO sets, sparking a new wave of interest in their products. This creative move not only revived the brand but also expanded their product line to appeal to a wider audience.
The lesson: By breaking free from their traditional approach and embracing creativity, LEGO was able to solve their financial crisis and thrive in a competitive market.
Case #2: Netflix's Shift to Streaming
Netflix’s journey from a DVD rental service to the streaming giant we know today is another shining example of creative decision-making. In the early 2000s, Netflix was doing just fine as a DVD rental company. But when founder Reed Hastings recognized that the internet could be a game-changer, he made the bold decision to shift the business model entirely to online streaming. This move involved massive risk but resulted in Netflix revolutionizing the entertainment industry.
The lesson: Creative thinking often requires risky moves, but the rewards can be enormous when you’re willing to challenge the status quo.
6. Conclusion: Creative Decision-Making Is a Skill for Everyone
Creative decision-making isn't just for "idea people"—it’s a skill that anyone can develop with the right mindset and practice. Whether you’re a manager looking to inspire your team or an individual trying to solve a personal problem, creative decision-making can help you tackle challenges in new, exciting ways. By taking courses designed to boost your creativity, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a more innovative thinker, ready to face the future with confidence. So go ahead—think outside the box and let your creativity shine!