The Process of Solving the Challenges - Coursework Example

Critical Essay Name: Date: Affiliation: Critical Essay In the world, people are living today, and people have challenges here and there and, therefore, solving problems becomes part of life. Be it at home, school, or even workplace, challenges pop in and the only way is solving them out. The process of solving the challenges is a bit difficult taking into account all factors have to be taken to account for one to generate an effective solution by the end of the day (Sloane, 2007). There are mainly two theoretical approaches to problem solving, and they include the six hats methods and lateral thinking approach. According to Bono 1996, lateral thinking refers to the use of specific tools and techniques trough a systematic way in an attempt to develop new concepts and ideas. It involves following a sequential or linear thinking rather than applying the haphazard approach. More also, it involves the logical thinking and moving sideways to obtain new perspectives and to cut across the existing patterns. Lateral thinking is normally provocative and generative; many are times it can make several jumps here and there, and such steps should not be necessarily correct. They normally explore the least likely paths, and it is usually the process of probability (Bono, 1971). In lateral thinking, it is important to recognize the dominant ideas that may be used in polarizing the perception of a given problem. Moreover, it is important to search for various processes in which one can look at things, and relaxing is usually a good way of looking at things. Lateral thinking advocates a situation whereby a set of systematic techniques are used in changing concepts and particular perceptions just to ensure that the new ones are generated (Bono, 1992). Additionally, it involves seeking multiple possibilities and approaches with the aim of diversification rather than following just a single approach. Under normal circumstances, lateral thinking is the ability to think creatively and outside the box at the same time. It is using the individual imagination to solve problems through viewing at unexpected perspectives. Normally, lateral thinking involves discarding the normal and obvious solutions leaving behind traditional modes of thought and coming up with new and lucrative concepts that are vital in the process of decision-making(Sloane, 2007). Lateral thinking is very crucial business and more especially in the marketing, advertising, media and even design. All the above processes involve coming up with the right brand, and the strategies are very important in the endeavor of looking for a job (Bono, 1992). For example, very many graduates employ lateral thinking whenever they are applying for jobs. Mostly they have old and hackneyed methods whereby they may enclose tea bags in an application letter so that whoever is opening the letters may have break and look at the letter and through the process, they have the advantage of getting the job. Moreover, others may send their CV to the newspapers informs of a magazine and through that, they manage to get the employer's attention hence getting the job ultimately (Butler, 2010). For example, a graduate has been trying to get a job with an investment bank without success, and he had exhausted all the normal routes. As a last option, he opted to print 100 CVs in form of a postcard and then distributed within square miles of the London city. He went ahead and posted them each very BMW, Rolls Royce among other important cars that were parked within the area. Because of the action, the following day he received very many calls from the executive officers who he had placed the cards on their cars and were inviting him to go and have an interview. They did not advocate for the process but ultimately the graduate got the job though he was fined here and there. Considering the process, it is not right according to the protocol but the student had to do it so that he could secure the job. Many are times people will apply the lateral approach and do some actions that are not right to achieve what they want in the end. Ethically, the actions may be very wrong but according to the individual that’s was the only option the individual would have solved the entire challenge (Carter, 2007). Moreover, another student applied the lateral problem solving approach when she wanted get a job as a journalist in her local newspaper. She opted to analyze the contents of the paper carefully and compared it to the other local newspapers. She went ahead and conducted a survey of the local readers and their opinions concerning the paper. She managed to do that through making interviews of the passersby at the city centre. Using the information she got from the readers, she managed to draw a list of possible changes that would be done on the paper, went ahead, gave a sample of what she thought needed to be done on that particular paper, and sent the paper to the editor. Through that, the editor invited her, and they deliberated to implement the suggestions and the next vacant that arose was offered to her with minimal competition (Chatten, & Skitt, 2009). Still on lateral problem solving strategy, a New York graduate wanted to work in an advertising agency, he searched the name of five most creative directors and advertised their names in Google, and whenever the directors searched their names, they would get an advert describing them as creative people and their capabilities. Out of the five directors for called him, and two offered him a job (Dhanapal, 2013). According to the protocol, the action was not the right one but he had to do something to ensure that he caught the attention of the directors. The action ultimately helped him to get a job, and that was very important for him and the entire population. Through lateral thinking, many people have managed to solve their immediate problems and even get jobs as a result. Considering the above-discussed processes, it is important to note that lateral thinking and problem solving is paramount in the day-to-day lives that people are living in. It is worth noting that brainstorming is a lateral form of solving problems, and it is usually applicable in many circumstances such as the one that is described above. It is only through brainstorming that the above individuals managed to solve the immediate challenges. Therefore, brainstorming becomes part of the process of lateral thinking (Esere, 2007). “Six thinking hat” is another method that is highly applicable in problem solving procedure despite the fact there are differences between the process and the individual HATS. The HATs normally provide mechanism for evaluating ideas and making decisions that are in line with what is at hand. The hats are mainly six and each hat has a distinctive color hence affirming that each hut has a distinctive thinking process. The hats help the users to use parallel thinking whereby an individual can wear this particular hat while removing the other one. The white hat describes the thinking that is neutral in terms of emotions (Goebel, 2006). Decisions, which are made when one is normal, help one to ensure that decision and solving problem process is fulfilled and normal. The red hat is also another part that shows feelings, intuition, guts, emotions and finally the instincts that an individual has whenever is making a decision. The black hat represents a well thought out and analytical thinking that aims at ensuring that whatever is planned is in the line criticality and thoughtfulness (Goel, 2012). The next hat is usually the yellow hat that normally describes optimism and the positive thinking approaches. Green hat normally stands for creativity and the coordination of new ideas, possibilities. Finally, the blue hat represents the coordination, controlling and the discipline that dictates when to use which hat. The hats are normally used in problem solving skills and dictating what to do in a given circumstance. Strategic planning is also another function of the hats since they help the managers and other related stakeholders to plan strategically on matters pertaining the welfare of the organization. For example, it is only through strategic planning that people will get to know which kind of employees they need and which kind of employees they need to get rid of. Running of meetings is also entirely dependent on the six hats whereby some of the stakeholders will advocate specific procedures while the other people will advocate other procedures (Martin, 2002) However, the hats will ensure that the group arrives at the best decision based o the current predicament. The hats normally give direction to be followed, but not a description of what is needed to be done. It helps people to think in a particular direction. It is paramount noting that it does not give categories of people such as black thinker and so on, but it describes ideas in terms of their viability. The hats normally provide a common language and understanding since intelligence and understanding of each particular person is well articulated (Martin, 2002). Through the six hats approach, the problems are easily solved hence leading to a better understanding that ultimately solves any impending challenge. The hats are also known to exploit our brains at an escalated level and, therefore, the decisions that are made from such circumstances are normally sound. The thinking is parallel in nature, and this reduces the chances of confrontation since each person’s decision is appreciated (Orhan, 2012). More also, it crucial noting that the huts approach normally saves time since they advocate focusing on each and every issue at a time. When one focuses on issues one at a time, it becomes easy to save time and in the end people end up feeling that they have participated effectively. Creating and implementing the action plans becomes easy through the process since each part is taken into account. The six hats are highly applicable in corporate and other major organizations where people normally make decisions based on each participant’s contribution. The board has to sit down and come up with strategies that will ensure that everything is running according to the spelt out procedures. The board is composed of many members that may be ten or more, and the decision that comes, as a result, of the action is entirely based on the six hats (Paterson, 2006). They all think towards the same direction, and they apply each hat to ensure that everything is running as per expected. Therefore, the decision that is achieved in the end matches the expectations of many people. The six huts decision-making process was used in various companies where they managed to make bold steps towards their success. Hewlett Packard company action of incorporating Compaq is among the best decisions the company has ever made to ensure it remains in the market (Sloane, 2007). The approach helped the company to retain its position in the market, and the same time increases the sales. Such decision followed the six huts strategy and, therefore, solving the impending challenges of the two companies. Moreover, amalgamation, purchases and other company procedures are part of the problem solving strategy, and they have proved to be very efficient (Sloane & MacHale, 1999). Conclusion In conclusion, it is paramount to note that decision-making is part of our life. Every day, people make decisions that are in line with their predicament hence leading to a better situation in the end. When people make decisions, they do that by basing their arguments on lateral and six huts approaches, and it have proved to be effective in the end. Lateral thinking has helped people to make decisions pertaining personal life while the six huts are normally used in solving challenges in the corporate world. References Bono, E. (1967). The use of lateral thinking. London: Cape. Bono, E. (1971). Lateral thinking for management; a handbook of creativity.. New York: American Management Association. Bono, E. (1992). Six thinking hats for schools. Cheltenham, Vic.: Hawker Brownlow Education. Bono, E. (1992). Six thinking hats for schools. Cheltenham, Vic.: Hawker Brownlow Education. Butler, S. A. (2010). Solving business problems using a lateral thinking approach. Management Decision, 48(1), 58-64. Carter, D. (2007, June 1). Thinking ahead: Edward de Bono, the father of lateral thinking, talks to Debbie Carter about his work.(Interview). Training Journal, 3, 12. Chatten, D., & Skitt, C. (2009). Mensa, lateral thinking & logical deduction: test your powers of thinking. London: Carlton. Dhanapal, S. (2013). A Study to Investigate How Six Thinking Hats Enhance the Learning of Environmental Studies. IOSR Journal of Research & Method in Education (IOSRJRME), 1(6), 20-29. Esere, M. O. (2007). Effectiveness of Six Thinking Hats Training In Improving The Psychological Well Being Of Prison Inmates In Ilorin Central Prison. Ife Psychologia, 15(2), 347-350. Goebel, G. S. (2006). Put on Your Thinking Hats. Journal of School Health, 3, 14. Goel, S. (2012). Book Review: Six thinking hats. Journal of Health Management, 14(1), 76-77. Martin, W. (2002). Lateral thinking. Bioessays, 24(5), 482-482. Orhan, S. (2012). Six Thinking Hats Technique Supported Visuals Effects of Students' Speaking Skills Develop. Journal of Turkish Studies, Volume 7 Issue 3(7), 1893-1909. Paterson, A. (2006, September 22). Dr Edward De Bono's Six Thinking Hats and Numeracy: Anne Paterson Applies the Popular Teaching Approach of "Thinking Hats" to Mathematics Education. Australian Primary Mathematics Classroom, 3, 14. Sloane, P., & MacHale, D. (1999). Tricky lateral thinking puzzles. New York: Sterling Pub. Co.. Sloane, P. (2007). The innovative leader how to inspire your team and drive creativity. 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