In today’s fast-paced world, problem-solving and decision-making skills are essential for success.

Whether you’re a student, a professional, or an entrepreneur, you need to be able to think critically and creatively to overcome challenges and achieve your goals. That’s where Hurson’s Productive Thinking Model comes in.

In this blog post, I’ll be diving deep into this powerful framework and sharing my firsthand experience with using it to solve problems and make better decisions.

What is Hurson’s Productive Thinking Model?

Hurson’s Productive Thinking Model is a six-step framework for problem-solving and decision-making developed by Tim Hurson, a renowned innovation expert and author. The model is designed to help individuals and teams think more creatively and effectively, leading to better outcomes and more innovative solutions.

According to a study by the World Economic Forum, complex problem-solving is one of the most important skills for success in the 21st century. That’s why learning and applying frameworks like Hurson’s Productive Thinking Model is so crucial.

The Six Steps of Hurson’s Productive Thinking Model

Let’s dive into the six steps of Hurson’s Productive Thinking Model and explore how each one contributes to effective problem-solving and decision-making.

What’s Going On?

The first step is to clearly define the problem or situation you’re facing. This involves gathering information, analyzing data, and understanding the context of the problem. It’s essential to be thorough and objective in this stage to ensure you have a solid foundation for the rest of the process.

What’s Success?

Next, you need to define what success looks like. What are your goals and objectives? What outcomes do you want to achieve? Having a clear vision of success will help guide your problem-solving efforts and ensure you’re working towards the right things.

What’s the Question?

In this step, you’ll formulate the key question that will drive your problem-solving process. This question should be open-ended, thought-provoking, and focused on the core issue at hand.

For example, instead of asking, “How can we increase sales?” you might ask, “How can we create more value for our customers?”

Generate Answers

Now it’s time to brainstorm and generate potential solutions. This is where creativity and divergent thinking come into play.

Encourage wild ideas and out-of-the-box thinking, and don’t worry about feasibility or practicality just yet. The goal is to come up with as many ideas as possible.

Forge the Solution

In this step, you’ll evaluate and refine your ideas to develop a comprehensive solution. This involves analyzing the pros and cons of each idea, considering potential obstacles and risks, and combining ideas to create a stronger solution. It’s important to be strategic and realistic in this stage.

Align Resources

The final step is to align your resources and take action to implement your solution. This involves creating a plan, assigning responsibilities, and ensuring you have the necessary resources and support to succeed. It’s also important to establish metrics and milestones to track your progress and make adjustments as needed.

Benefits of Using Hurson’s Productive Thinking Model

There are numerous benefits to using Hurson’s Productive Thinking Model for problem-solving and decision-making.

Here are just a few:

– Improved creativity and innovation
– Better team collaboration and communication
– More effective decision-making
– Increased confidence and resilience in the face of challenges
– Enhanced critical thinking and analytical skills

In my experience, using Hurson’s Productive Thinking Model has helped me approach problems in a more structured and effective way. It’s allowed me to tap into my creativity while still being strategic and realistic about what’s possible.

Real-Life Examples of Hurson’s Productive Thinking Model in Action

To illustrate the power of Hurson’s Productive Thinking Model, let’s look at a few real-life examples of how it’s been used to solve problems and make better decisions.

Example 1: Improving Customer Satisfaction

Let’s say, a retail company is struggling with low customer satisfaction rates and high turnover. By using Hurson’s Productive Thinking Model, they can identify the root causes of the problem, generate creative solutions, and implement a comprehensive plan to improve the customer experience. As a result, they could increase customer satisfaction rates and reduce employee turnover.

Example 2: Developing a New Product

Let’s assume that an engineering firm is tasked with developing a new product to meet the needs of a growing market. Using Hurson’s Productive Thinking Model, they can clearly define the problem, generate a wide range of innovative ideas, and forge a comprehensive solution that meets all of the necessary requirements.

How to Apply Hurson’s Productive Thinking Model in Your Life

Now that you understand the basics of Hurson’s Productive Thinking Model and have seen some real-life examples of its effectiveness, you may be wondering how you can apply it in your own life.

Here are some tips to get you started:

– Practice each step of the model regularly to build your skills and confidence
– Use the model both individually and in team settings to maximize its benefits
– Be open-minded and willing to consider new and unconventional ideas
– Stay focused on your goals and objectives throughout the process
– Celebrate your successes and learn from your failures

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Hurson’s Productive Thinking Model

While Hurson’s Productive Thinking Model is a powerful tool, there are some common mistakes to avoid when using it. Here are a few to watch out for:

– Rushing through the steps or skipping steps altogether
– Failing to clearly define the problem or success criteria
– Generating too few ideas or failing to think creatively
– Selecting a solution based on personal biases or preferences rather than objective criteria
– Underestimating the resources and support needed to implement the solution

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can Hurson’s Productive Thinking Model be used for personal problems as well as business challenges?
A: Yes, the model can be applied to any type of problem or decision, whether personal or professional.

Q: How long does it typically take to go through all six steps of the model?
A: The time required can vary depending on the complexity of the problem and the size of the team. However, it’s important not to rush the process and to give each step the attention it deserves.

Q: Can the model be used by individuals, or is it only effective in team settings?
A: While the model is often used in team settings, it can also be highly effective for individuals working on their own problems and decisions.

Conclusion

Hurson’s Productive Thinking Model is a powerful framework for problem-solving and decision-making that can help individuals and teams think more creatively and effectively.

By following the six steps of the model and avoiding common mistakes, you can unlock your full potential and achieve better outcomes in all areas of your life. So why not give it a try and see the results for yourself?