Discusses the various approaches to creativity taken by various corporations and whether there is a difference between creativity and problem solving. Distinguishes between adaptive creativity--whereby employees find better ways to do their work--and innovative creativity--the ability to produce really big or strange ideas. (JOW)

Effective problem solving depends on adopting the appropriate frame of reference to guide the search for solutions. If the problem is mislabeled or the wrong frame of reference used, the chances for success are lower. (SK)

Tips for working more effectively to improve performance and realize goals include time management, enlightened empowerment, good commitments, selective problem solving, and escalation of critical problems. (JOW)

Individual development planning, intended to improve job performance, involves identifying what needs to be improved; what is the evidence of this; what root skills need development; how behavior changes will be measured; what ideas/principles lead to successful development; and how these elements form a coherent sequence of actions. (SK)

Description of a process for solving human performance problems focuses on the analysis phase, which examines information to determine causes and develops recommendations for solving the problems. Techniques used for gathering data are described, criteria for evaluating ideas are listed, and weighted scores for performance improvement ideas are…

A problem-centered approach to training can be effective if (1) the goal is to bring about individual and organizational change; (2) the training is an integral part of company strategy; and (3) the problem is relevant to participants, current and pressing, and has corporate commitment to implementation of the solution. (SK)