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Creative Problem Solving

Problem Solving

Receiving, retaining and processing information

Transmitting information or ideas

Finding solutions to challenges

Using imagination and generating new ideas

Overcoming challenges and setbacks to achieve goals

Setting goals and designing routes to achieve them

Supporting, encouraging and motivating others to achieve a shared goal

Working cooperatively with others to achieve a shared goal

Identifying influence

Comparing views

Analysing views

Investigating bias

Strategic questioning

Evaluating perspectives

Communicating sensitively

Speaking engagingly

Adaptive communicating

Negotiating

Constructive communicating

Presenting

Inspiring others

Following instructions

Evaluating approaches

Continual learning

Imagining

Sharing imagination

Expressing imagination

Generating ideas

Suggesting improvements

Combining concepts

Identifying opportunities

Defining success

Flexible thinking

Reflecting critically

Facilitating creativity

Championing creativity

Improving performance

Practising resilience

Supporting resilience

Identifying successes

Working carefully

Recognising strengths

Understanding reactions

Sharing reactions

Recognising reactions

Facilitating discussions

Managing disagreements

Coaching

Motivating others

Emotional intelligence

Taking responsibility

Reflecting collectively

Learning collectively

Developing others

Improving culture

Step

Recognising patterns

I identify patterns to gain insight

Core ideas

What it means to recognise patterns

Recognising patterns means noticing repeated behaviours, trends, or relationships in different situations. This skill helps in solving problems, making better decisions, and predicting future outcomes. Patterns can appear in different ways, such as:

Repeated actions: If something happens regularly, it might indicate a pattern. For example, if certain tasks always take longer than expected for a common cause.
Similar outcomes: If the same approach leads to the same result multiple times, there is likely a pattern. For instance, if a group activity is always delayed when five or more people are involved, that pattern suggests large groups need a new approach.
Trends over time: Some patterns take time to appear. If something gradually increases or decreases, such as the number of people using a particular service, this could suggest a larger trend.

Cause and effect relationships: Patterns often reveal what happens when certain actions are taken. If every time instructions are unclear people ask the same questions, this pattern shows that better instructions could prevent confusion.

Why and when recognising patterns can lead to insights

Recognising patterns is useful because it can explain past events, predict future outcomes, and support decision-making. It helps:

Make sense of large amounts of data: Instead of looking at random numbers or facts, patterns help organise information in a meaningful way.
Identify causes and effects: Understanding how one factor influences another can help solve problems.
Predict future events: If something has happened in a pattern before, it may happen again.
Spot unusual changes: Finding something that does not follow the pattern can highlight errors or important shifts.
Improve decision-making: Recognising trends allows for better planning and problem solving.

Pattern recognition is especially helpful when analysing data, solving complex problems, or making informed decisions.

How to use pattern recognition to gain insights

To use pattern recognition effectively when solving complex problems, follow these steps:

Collect and organise information: Gather data in a structured way so that it is easy to compare. This could involve listing key details, creating charts, or grouping similar information together.
Look for repeated trends: Identify patterns that appear over time or across different situations. For example, if a problem keeps happening under similar conditions, this may point to a cause.
Ask why the pattern exists: Consider possible reasons behind the trends. Are they caused by certain actions, external factors, or changes in behaviour?
Compare with other information: Check if similar patterns appear in other situations or if there are exceptions. Identifying differences can help refine understanding.
Spot unusual changes: Look for anything that does not follow the usual pattern. An unexpected result may highlight an issue or provide a new perspective.
Use insights to guide decisions: Once patterns are recognised, they can help predict future events, prevent problems, or improve processes.

By carefully analysing patterns you can develop better strategies for solving complex problems and making informed decisions.

Assessment

Reflective questions for individuals can include:

What does it mean to recognise patterns?
Why and when is it helpful to try to recognise patterns?
How can you apply pattern recognition to create insights to solve complex problems?
When have you used pattern recognition to create insights to solve complex problems?

Observation cues for trainers can include:

Is this individual able to spot patterns, create insights, and apply these to solving complex problems?

Evidence can include individuals’ self-reflections, written work, and observations from others.

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Skills Builder Benchmark allows individuals to discover their own essential skills.

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Listening Step 1: Focusing

Listening Step 2: Recalling

Listening Step 3: Checking

Listening Step 4: Retelling

Listening Step 5: Recognising purpose

Listening Step 6: Note-taking