A Compass and a Spark in Finding Your Own Solution

A Compass and a Spark in Finding Your Own Solution

A spark of creativity opens up new possibilities, while the compass of critical thinking helps you choose a path. Try techniques and games that bring the two together.

Imagine an idea as a spark that lights up new possibilities, and thoughtful questions as a compass that helps you navigate them. Neither is always enough on its own: without a spark, your options are limited; without a compass, it can be hard to know where to go next. This blog offers practical exercises, games and tips to help you put these skills to use in learning, work and personal challenges.

Interested in this topic? Read more: Combining Creativity and Critical Thinking for Better Problem-Solving Want to find out where you stand personally? Take a short test at the end of the page and gain a better understanding.

How does this apply to you? Choose the answers that describe you best:

Imagine that you have been assigned the task of creating a new product that does not exist yet. What is your first step?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

You are in a team that is addressing a problem, but the discussion has stalled. How would you unblock the situation?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

How do you choose between multiple solution options?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

You found yourself in a situation where you have to defend an unpopular opinion. How do you proceed?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

How do you approach solving a problem that seems unsolvable?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

Imagine you have to come up with a new way to use an ordinary pencil. What will you do first?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

When solving the task, you realize that your original assumptions were incorrect. How do you react?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

How would you describe your ideal work environment?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

Imagine that you are solving a problem, but everyone is giving you contradictory advice. How do you proceed?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

You have the opportunity to participate in an experiment testing a new problem-solving method. How do you react?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

Creativity and critical thinking – How to combine these approaches in problem-solving

Get an evaluation of your answers

Enter your email to create an account and link this test to it. After you submit all 10 answers, we’ll show your evaluation on the page and email you a link.