Introduction
The ability to look at the same issues from various perspectives has always served as a catalyst for the genesis of innovations and breakthroughs. However, the need to find a creative solution for either an emergency or a routine process also encourages one’s cognitive development and the opportunity to move beyond the conventional thinking patterns. In terms of this paper, the case scenario discussing the small group dealing with a lack of water in their temporary residence will be analyzed. The analysis will encompass the notions of critical and creative thinking, groupthink, fallacies, and decision-making.
Scenario Response
In order to identify the significance of creative and critical thinking in the situation presented, it is necessary to dwell on the definition of the process of creative thinking. Thus, according to the researchers, the latter stands for the process of generating a solution that derives from extensive use of imagination, intuition, and insight managed by a group discussion (Adams et al., 2021). Hence, when speaking of a particular situation where a group has to come up with a tangible solution to the issue, the presence of creative thinking and the ability to critically perceive the proposals contribute to the definition of the most appropriate way to address the lack of water in residence.
To commence a successful creative thinking process, the group has to identify the leader for them to be managed in terms of discussion. For example, if I took the lead responsibility within the group, I would have to make sure that the ideas during the debate were considered with no preconceived feelings about a person. Thus, the development of creative thinking should be primarily driven by brainstorming. The leader’s responsibility here would be to make sure that no idea is criticized and that everything mentioned in the process is recorded in order to ponder the points later (Adams et al., 2021). Another important aspect of the thinking process development would be to evoke members’ sensory perceptions of the stated problem.
It goes without saying that the process of creative and critical thinking within the small group may stumble upon a variety of challenges. For example, some members of the group may act superior towards others, and people would feel the need to conform rather than stand up for their ideas. Moreover, researchers claim that time and space limits, while contributing to productivity, may have a negative impact on the group collectiveness due to stress (Walton, 2016). As a result, the group that is seemingly brainstorming ideas may eventually start thinking in the same direction and become close-minded. In such cases, the notion of groupthink is introduced, which stands for the inefficient decision-making caused by processing malfunction (Adams et al., 2021). In order to avoid this demotivating process, it is necessary to establish a norm of critical evaluation and a devil’s advocate or a person responsible for coming up with counterarguments for popular ideas.
When speaking of the common fallacies that may arise in the following situation, the following aspects may be outlined:
- Overgeneralization of the decision. The situation itself seems to have one proper solution, which is to allow the person who speaks French to take over the communication and ask for help. Thus, all the ideas generated in the process may be based solely on this opportunity as fairly right.
- Ad Hominem. Some of the arguments presented by members may be undermined and considered irrelevant because of prejudice formed earlier.
- Either-or-thinking. The group may face a dead end when working with only two opposing frameworks (Adams et al., 2021).
Hence, having taken into consideration all the peculiarities of creative and critical thinking in a small group, it may be concluded that all the tools used to enhance creativity should be presented to the group in terms of careful and healthy mentorship from a leader. Thus, the central tool to evoke creativeness would be brainstorming or brainwriting in case oral discussion is too disruptive. The second tool that may be valuable in the context would be the creation of a mind map revolving around the idea of finding water supplies for the rest of the stay.
Once the decision is outlined, it is of paramount importance to define whether the solution is relevant to the overall context. Hence, in order to conduct such an evaluation, the team members should address the following critically designed questions:
- Is the idea practical in the context of reality?
- What would the challenges be when implementing this idea in the future?
- Are there any modifications possible that would potentially enhance the process outcome?
It is important to address these aspects in as many scenarios as possible to make sure that the decision would be multifunctional and agile in terms of implementation.
Conclusion
The notion of creative thinking has now become one of the most desired human social and professional characteristics. Hence, when addressing the process of creative and critical thinking in a small group, it is necessary to dwell on the issue of interpersonal communication among all other demands. Having evaluated the given case scenario, it has been estimated that brainstorming and critical evaluation of the solution viability would be extremely efficient when conducted under the guidance of the group leader.
References
Adams, K. L., Galanes, G. J., & Hoelscher, C. S. (2021). Communicating in groups applications and skills (11th ed). McGraw-Hill Education.
Walton, A. (2016). Resolving the paradox of group creativity. Harvard Business Review.