Creative problem solving (CPS) for managers

June 9, 2025

Problem-solving styles

Discover how facilitating Creative Problem Solving (CPS) can transform managers into dynamic leaders who unlock the potential of teams and drive innovation within their organizations.

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In rapidly changing environments, the ability to navigate complexity and innovate under pressure is paramount. Facilitating Creative Problem Solving (CPS) is a critical skill that can enable managers to lead with vision and agility. Creative Problem Solving (CPS) is a well-documented methodology that improves performance in a variety of contexts, including education, industry and government. The benefits of using CPS are numerous and provide a structured yet flexible approach to addressing complex problems.

This blog article examines some of the multifaceted benefits of CPS in management and explores how it can unlock the full potential of teams, turn challenges into opportunities and foster a culture of continuous innovation.

The essence of creative problem solving (CPS)

At its core, CPS is a structured approach to identifying and overcoming challenges in creative and innovative ways. It is not just a crisis management tool; it is a strategic tool that can differentiate leaders and organizations in a competitive marketplace. By using CPS, managers can create an environment where each team member’s ideas are valued, leading to diverse solutions and breakthrough innovation

Leveraging team potential with CPS

Imagine harnessing your team’s collective creativity and turning diverse perspectives into a powerhouse for innovative solutions. CPS training gives managers the key to unlocking this potential. By encouraging open and inclusive dialogue, managers can foster the wealth of creativity within their teams, leading to enhanced problem-solving capabilities and a dynamic, agile team ready to take on any challenge. Learning and using CPS enhances creative and critical thinking skills: CPS promotes the integration of creative and critical thinking skills, enabling individuals and groups to manage change, recognize and develop talent, and solve open problems effectively (Treffinger, 1995); (Treffinger, 2007).

Turning problems into opportunities

With CPS, obstacles become a springboard to innovation. Managers learn to reframe challenges and view them through a lens of opportunity. This shift in mindset is critical and turns daunting problems into exciting opportunities for growth and innovation. There are examples where companies have turned crises into catalysts for transformation, demonstrating the power of a creative approach to solving problems.

Improve agility and flexibility with CPS

In today’s fast-paced marketplace, agility is essential. CPS-trained managers are adept at guiding their teams through rapid change and fostering a culture of adaptability and resilience. By encouraging creative thinking, managers ensure that their organizations not only survive, but thrive, by pre-emptively responding to potential disruptions and seizing opportunities for growth.

Foster a culture of continuous innovation

CPS is not a one-time intervention, but a philosophy that must permeate every aspect of organizational culture. Managers play a crucial role in conveying this culture, encouraging continuous innovation and pushing boundaries. This creates a vibrant, forward-thinking environment where continuous improvement is the norm and excellence is continually pursued.

Generalizability and transferability

CPS training, especially when infused with strategies for transfer, has been shown to be applicable beyond training sessions to real-world problem-solving tasks. This suggests that CPS skills, once learned, can be applied to a broad spectrum of problems, increasing the effectiveness of individuals in different contexts (Cramond, Martin, & Shaw, 1990)

If this fascinates you and you want to learn more about how to become a pro at facilitating creative problem solving (CPS) then click here