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The Brian Tracy Success Library
Creativity and Problem Solving
The crucial element separating an exceptional career from a lackluster one is the ability to devise innovative solutions to work challenges. With research showing the direct relationship between ideas and profitability, creative thinking skills are vital to professional advancement.
As one of the world's premiere success experts, Brian Tracy knows that creativity can be developed with practice and a few helpful tools. This concise book reveals 21 proven, practical techniques readers can use to immediately begin generating a stream of productive ideas, including how to:
• Stimulate the three primary triggers to creativity
• Inspire a creative mindset in staff through recognition, rewards, and environment
• Use methods such as Brainstorming, Zero-Based Thinking, Nominal Group Technique, and Lateral Thinking to solve problems, improve systems, devise new products, and come up with fresh, exciting marketing angles
• Ask focused questions to generate elegant solutions
• Understand the difference between mechanical and adaptive thinking
• Rigorously evaluate new ideas . . .without shutting down the creative impulse
Containing mind-stimulating exercises and down-to-earth strategies, this career-changing book helps anyone tap into the root source of their own intuitive genius.
112 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
101 people are currently reading
793 people want to read
About the author
Brian Tracy
1,440 books5,091 followersBrian Tracy is Chairman and CEO of Brian Tracy International, a company specializing in the training and development of individuals and organizations.
He has consulted for more than 1,000 companies and addressed more than 5,000,000 people in 5,000 talks and seminars throughout the US, Canada and 55 other countries worldwide. As a Keynote speaker and seminar leader, he addresses more than 250,000 people each year.
Brian has studied, researched, written and spoken for 30 years in the fields of economics, history, business, philosophy and psychology. He is the top selling author of over 45 books that have been translated into dozens of languages.
He has written and produced more than 300 audio and video learning programs, including the worldwide, best-selling Psychology of Achievement, which has been translated into more than 20 languages.
He speaks to corporate and public audiences on the subjects of Personal and Professional Development, including the executives and staff of many of America's largest corporations. His exciting talks and seminars on Leadership, Selling, Self-Esteem, Goals, Strategy, Creativity and Success Psychology bring about immediate changes and long-term results.
Prior to founding his company, Brian Tracy International, Brian was the Chief Operating Officer of a $265 million dollar development company. He has had successful careers in sales and marketing, investments, real estate development and syndication, importation, distribution and management consulting. He has conducted high level consulting assignments with several billion-dollar plus corporations in strategic planning and organizational development.
He has traveled and worked in over 80 countries on six continents, and speaks four languages. Brian is happily married and has four children. He is active in community and national affairs, and is the President of three companies headquartered in San Diego, California.
His most popular training programs are centered around teaching authors how to write a book and helping public speakers create successful careers.
He has consulted for more than 1,000 companies and addressed more than 5,000,000 people in 5,000 talks and seminars throughout the US, Canada and 55 other countries worldwide. As a Keynote speaker and seminar leader, he addresses more than 250,000 people each year.
Brian has studied, researched, written and spoken for 30 years in the fields of economics, history, business, philosophy and psychology. He is the top selling author of over 45 books that have been translated into dozens of languages.
He has written and produced more than 300 audio and video learning programs, including the worldwide, best-selling Psychology of Achievement, which has been translated into more than 20 languages.
He speaks to corporate and public audiences on the subjects of Personal and Professional Development, including the executives and staff of many of America's largest corporations. His exciting talks and seminars on Leadership, Selling, Self-Esteem, Goals, Strategy, Creativity and Success Psychology bring about immediate changes and long-term results.
Prior to founding his company, Brian Tracy International, Brian was the Chief Operating Officer of a $265 million dollar development company. He has had successful careers in sales and marketing, investments, real estate development and syndication, importation, distribution and management consulting. He has conducted high level consulting assignments with several billion-dollar plus corporations in strategic planning and organizational development.
He has traveled and worked in over 80 countries on six continents, and speaks four languages. Brian is happily married and has four children. He is active in community and national affairs, and is the President of three companies headquartered in San Diego, California.
His most popular training programs are centered around teaching authors how to write a book and helping public speakers create successful careers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 28, 2016
When I finished reading the book I rated it three stars because I am all for continuous self-improvement but now that I sit down to write the review and think about it I realize that it does not deserve three stars at all.
It is something of a creativity almanac, if such a thing exists. You will find summaries of various problem solving techniques: brain storming, lateral thinking, zero-based thinking, questioning to stimulate creativity etc.
It is the brevity and oversimplification of the concepts and the obvious commercial aim of the book that made me give it one star.
I found intriguing the idea of using our three minds for thinking: the conscious mind, the subconscious mind, and the superconscious mind. The concept of the three minds is somewhat esoteric and I was surprised to find this information in a traditional business oriented book (I found the book in a business school library).
Anyhow, there are better books about creativity and problem solving as far as I am concerned.
It is something of a creativity almanac, if such a thing exists. You will find summaries of various problem solving techniques: brain storming, lateral thinking, zero-based thinking, questioning to stimulate creativity etc.
It is the brevity and oversimplification of the concepts and the obvious commercial aim of the book that made me give it one star.
I found intriguing the idea of using our three minds for thinking: the conscious mind, the subconscious mind, and the superconscious mind. The concept of the three minds is somewhat esoteric and I was surprised to find this information in a traditional business oriented book (I found the book in a business school library).
Anyhow, there are better books about creativity and problem solving as far as I am concerned.
April 30, 2022
بازمانده از دوران خامی و بادهای در کله ی یک پسر خویشفرمای 18-19 ساله
April 2, 2015
I enjoy Brian Tracy's ideology on improving one's self. I learned some new ideas and interesting facts that pertain to creativity and problem solving that will help when I tackle projects in the future. I like that he supports his concepts with "steps" to execute when you are examining tasks, problems, and situations of a project that you hope to make a positive impact on.
October 16, 2020
Some very very few good point ,but overall stupid ,even for a self_improvement book !
January 9, 2023
Lazy retelling of other, better written books with some of the worst audio quality I have heard in a professionally produced book.
September 8, 2021
It's one of the best motivational books and I like it so much. I learned alots of things from this book.
June 27, 2020
کتابهای تریسی را میتوان به نوعی عصارهی تجربه بشری در زمینه اصول اولیهی مدیریت با زبان و بیانی عامه پسند ، همه فهم و آسان گیر دانست که واژه ها و تکنیکهایش رفته رفته تبدیل به فرهنگ میشود ، نمونهاش همین واژهی ژن خوب !
البته این کتاب بیش از آن که کتاب گره گشایی در زمینه خلاقیت باشد کتاب مدیریت در حوزه امور تجاری است و نویسنده هم آنچنان به روش های خود مطمئن و برای خودش نوشابه باز میکند که گویی با تکنیکهایش به تمام راه حل ها و جواب ها در زمینه های گوناگون رسیده است!
البته این کتاب بیش از آن که کتاب گره گشایی در زمینه خلاقیت باشد کتاب مدیریت در حوزه امور تجاری است و نویسنده هم آنچنان به روش های خود مطمئن و برای خودش نوشابه باز میکند که گویی با تکنیکهایش به تمام راه حل ها و جواب ها در زمینه های گوناگون رسیده است!
April 22, 2018
p.1 – The good news is that creativity is a skill, like riding a bicycle or operating a computer, that can be learned and developed with practice. In addition, there seems to be a direct relationship between the quantity of new ideas that you generate in your work and the level of success that you achieve.
p.16 – The creative mind is stimulated and triggered into action by focused questions. The more questions you ask, and the better they are, the more accurate and creative will be your thinking. Focused questions are the mark of a truly intelligent person. When you learn to ask focused questions of yourself, you can then ask focused questions of other people.
p.23 – Brainstorming is one of the most powerful techniques of all for developing synergy and unlocking creativity in a group, team, or organization. One of the chief responsibilities of effective managers is to conduct regular brainstorming sessions with their staff focused on business improvements.
p.24 – The ideal size of a brainstorming group is four to seven people. Fewer than four people tends to diminish the number and quality of ideas generated. More than seven people become unwieldy, with some people not getting a chance to contribute their best thinking. When I conduct brainstorming sessions with larger groups, I break them down into groups of four to seven people and have them work separately, sharing their ideas with the overall group at the end of the session.
The length of an ideal brainstorming session is fifteen to forty-five minutes. Thirty minutes is optimal.
There is a direct relationship between the quantity of ideas generated and the quality of ideas.
The brainstorming session must be completely positive. This means that there is no judgment and no evaluation of ideas as they are generated. Every idea is a good idea. Your goal is to encourage the greatest number of ideas, and you do so by praising and encouraging.
p.24 – The job of the leader is to ensure an orderly process, encouraging each person to share ideas and making sure that each person has a chance to talk.
Each brainstorming session also requires a recorder. This is the person whose job, along with contributing, is to write down the ideas as they are generated.
p.16 – The creative mind is stimulated and triggered into action by focused questions. The more questions you ask, and the better they are, the more accurate and creative will be your thinking. Focused questions are the mark of a truly intelligent person. When you learn to ask focused questions of yourself, you can then ask focused questions of other people.
p.23 – Brainstorming is one of the most powerful techniques of all for developing synergy and unlocking creativity in a group, team, or organization. One of the chief responsibilities of effective managers is to conduct regular brainstorming sessions with their staff focused on business improvements.
p.24 – The ideal size of a brainstorming group is four to seven people. Fewer than four people tends to diminish the number and quality of ideas generated. More than seven people become unwieldy, with some people not getting a chance to contribute their best thinking. When I conduct brainstorming sessions with larger groups, I break them down into groups of four to seven people and have them work separately, sharing their ideas with the overall group at the end of the session.
The length of an ideal brainstorming session is fifteen to forty-five minutes. Thirty minutes is optimal.
There is a direct relationship between the quantity of ideas generated and the quality of ideas.
The brainstorming session must be completely positive. This means that there is no judgment and no evaluation of ideas as they are generated. Every idea is a good idea. Your goal is to encourage the greatest number of ideas, and you do so by praising and encouraging.
p.24 – The job of the leader is to ensure an orderly process, encouraging each person to share ideas and making sure that each person has a chance to talk.
Each brainstorming session also requires a recorder. This is the person whose job, along with contributing, is to write down the ideas as they are generated.
August 9, 2021
Creativity & Problem Solving
~ Sometimes a book can be life changing for someone and doesn’t make sense at all for someone else. And that’s okay diffrent things inspire diffrent people we all have different ways to get inspired . Also Not everyone’s creativity formula will work on you ~
I think this book was more for people who has a business or planing to create one true it talks about personal life too but in general it was more about business .
However here are the good concepts that i raptured throughout my reading:
-Questions to stimulate creativity
the creative mind is simulated triggered into action my focused questions you ask and the better they are the more accurate and creative will be your thinking ,asking ourselves what are we trying to do is the most important question to ask in business and personal life.
-remember there is always a better way There is always a more efficient method to achieve any goal there is always a superior Way to use Your special talents And resources
-feed your mind
To become a complete optimist you need to “feed your mind” on a regular basis with positive Ideas information knowledge and conversations with positive people.
-In most cases where people have spend hours wrestled With problem for a long time , it is because they haven’t taken the time to clearly define the problem in the first place fuzzy thinking is a major obstacle to success
In life and in the world of work.
-make a decision
In most cases any decision is usually better than no decision at all if you can not make a decision at the moment because you need further information set a deadline for when you will make A final Decision don’t let the problem situation hang in the air with no resolution.
~ Sometimes a book can be life changing for someone and doesn’t make sense at all for someone else. And that’s okay diffrent things inspire diffrent people we all have different ways to get inspired . Also Not everyone’s creativity formula will work on you ~
I think this book was more for people who has a business or planing to create one true it talks about personal life too but in general it was more about business .
However here are the good concepts that i raptured throughout my reading:
-Questions to stimulate creativity
the creative mind is simulated triggered into action my focused questions you ask and the better they are the more accurate and creative will be your thinking ,asking ourselves what are we trying to do is the most important question to ask in business and personal life.
-remember there is always a better way There is always a more efficient method to achieve any goal there is always a superior Way to use Your special talents And resources
-feed your mind
To become a complete optimist you need to “feed your mind” on a regular basis with positive Ideas information knowledge and conversations with positive people.
-In most cases where people have spend hours wrestled With problem for a long time , it is because they haven’t taken the time to clearly define the problem in the first place fuzzy thinking is a major obstacle to success
In life and in the world of work.
-make a decision
In most cases any decision is usually better than no decision at all if you can not make a decision at the moment because you need further information set a deadline for when you will make A final Decision don’t let the problem situation hang in the air with no resolution.
February 19, 2023
This book is a 21-step process on creativity and problem-solving. The adage shared by the author, "poor-creative thinkers work for creative thinkers," is very apt.
The critical element of creative thinking is constant questioning of ourselves to stimulate creativity. Also, our optimism is the key to creativity.
As per the author, creativity is a learnable skill. We must develop the qualities of genius and engage in mind-stimulated exercises. We all have three minds and must use them effectively for creative thinking. We must also know how our mind works and must practice lateral thinking.
Finally, face reality with courage, which is the key to creative thinking. Never delude yourself.
The critical element of creative thinking is constant questioning of ourselves to stimulate creativity. Also, our optimism is the key to creativity.
As per the author, creativity is a learnable skill. We must develop the qualities of genius and engage in mind-stimulated exercises. We all have three minds and must use them effectively for creative thinking. We must also know how our mind works and must practice lateral thinking.
Finally, face reality with courage, which is the key to creative thinking. Never delude yourself.
October 10, 2021
This is a good book to read for someone who is struggling to solve a challenge. The author uses simple and straight forward language which is a bonus for some people. The author offers good suggestions that we, more than likely know but, forgot to use them in this speedy world we live in.
For example the author offers a nine steps of problem solving systematic method: assume a logical solution, use positive language, define it clearly, diagnose the situation, expand the possibilities, make a decision, assign who will be responsible, set deadlines and take action.
I encourage those who forgot the fundamental way to solve problems to read this book.
For example the author offers a nine steps of problem solving systematic method: assume a logical solution, use positive language, define it clearly, diagnose the situation, expand the possibilities, make a decision, assign who will be responsible, set deadlines and take action.
I encourage those who forgot the fundamental way to solve problems to read this book.
July 31, 2021
Un resume esquemático, revelador y lleno de sentido común, al más puro estilo del autor, en que lejos de teorías, da directo a las soluciones de los problemas y en cómo dar soluciones para disparar la creatividad en el campo corporativo y en el campo personal.
Lo mejor de todo es que cada técnica es aplicable y de modo simple, pero poderoso, en base a preguntas bien planteadas respecto a los elementos de una buena gestión empresarial a pequeña o gran escala. Una joya en su nicho y en su tema.
Lo mejor de todo es que cada técnica es aplicable y de modo simple, pero poderoso, en base a preguntas bien planteadas respecto a los elementos de una buena gestión empresarial a pequeña o gran escala. Una joya en su nicho y en su tema.
July 11, 2018
Brian Tracy calls creativity as a skill, like riding a bicycle or operating a computer which can be developed with practice.
Creative thinking skills are important for success in life. Everything that an individual wishes to become or achieve in life is the result of the way he uses his mind. If one improves the quality of his thinking, he can improve the quality of his life.
The book is full of various methods and techniques which helps generate better and work-enhancing ideas.
Creative thinking skills are important for success in life. Everything that an individual wishes to become or achieve in life is the result of the way he uses his mind. If one improves the quality of his thinking, he can improve the quality of his life.
The book is full of various methods and techniques which helps generate better and work-enhancing ideas.
September 22, 2024
Tracy offers many tried-and-true strategies for increasing creativity and being more productive which he has developed over time as a super successful businessman for many decades. Tracy’s Mindstorming exercise, also called the 20 Idea Method, is one of his most effective problem-solving techniques. Tracy recycles a lot of material from many of his other books, but the reinforcement of key concepts is helpful.
February 28, 2019
Sai lầm lớn nhất mà mọi người thường mắc phải là họ muốn làm điều gì đó vui vẻ và dễ dàng hơn là làm điều gì đó đúng đắn và cần thiết, vất vả
- Nếu biết trước những gì sẽ diễn ra thì có điều gì ta đang làm ngày hôm nay mà nếu phải làm lại ta sẽ không làm giống như lúc đầu. Chúng ta phải chuẩn bị cho những kho��n đầu tư tình cảm của chúng ta trở nên vô dụng và sẵn sàng gỡ nó ra hay xoá bỏ nó
- Nếu biết trước những gì sẽ diễn ra thì có điều gì ta đang làm ngày hôm nay mà nếu phải làm lại ta sẽ không làm giống như lúc đầu. Chúng ta phải chuẩn bị cho những kho��n đầu tư tình cảm của chúng ta trở nên vô dụng và sẵn sàng gỡ nó ra hay xoá bỏ nó
September 20, 2023
If you're unable to make a decision, set a deadline for making that decision. Act on it after the deadline, and you'll gain more insights.
2. Generating at least 20 ideas before attempting to solve a problem can solve it by almost 50%.
Read full insights on my blog:
https://tothepoint6.blogspot.com/2023...
2. Generating at least 20 ideas before attempting to solve a problem can solve it by almost 50%.
Read full insights on my blog:
https://tothepoint6.blogspot.com/2023...
December 19, 2023
Good Boock
In general, I really like the philosophy of life expressed by the author Brian Tray.
In this book he gives you specific questions that help you ground your thoughts so that you can be effective in solving problems. It gives you a good foundation to start developing, the potential for resolution and advancement.
In general, I really like the philosophy of life expressed by the author Brian Tray.
In this book he gives you specific questions that help you ground your thoughts so that you can be effective in solving problems. It gives you a good foundation to start developing, the potential for resolution and advancement.
January 16, 2019
Sencilles
En general los libros de Brian Tracy esta bien resumidos, son pequeñas guías en los temas que mencionan sus libros, quizá le falte ser más profundo, añadir más ejemplos detallados. Pero en general están bien para conocer temas de administración.
En general los libros de Brian Tracy esta bien resumidos, son pequeñas guías en los temas que mencionan sus libros, quizá le falte ser más profundo, añadir más ejemplos detallados. Pero en general están bien para conocer temas de administración.
March 8, 2020
I have read several of Brian Tracy's works and I fell this specific book is slightly less than the others from my point of view. The first 50% of the book is so great but the last half was slow and boring. The second half was so much for business related and not for the employee in an organization.
December 11, 2021
I feel like this is a great quick read for anyone trying to get over a bump in the road. I found this book to be great read for me at this time, it applies to not just business but your personal life.
January 15, 2023
It’s so bad that I wasn’t able to finish it. The author has very little understanding of the topic he is writing about. There are incorrect statements, esoteric content, and statements without evidence. It retells other better books - shame. I found it a lousy quality and frustrating read.
July 31, 2023
Must read for creating new ideas
It's Easy explanation
It's Easy to understand
Great author
I liked how business ideas are created.Questions for starting new business.
Great ideas discussed about businesses
It's Easy explanation
It's Easy to understand
Great author
I liked how business ideas are created.Questions for starting new business.
Great ideas discussed about businesses
October 31, 2017
Una lista excelente de métodos y maneras de pensar be aumentar su creatividad, paso a paso.
March 4, 2018
Interesting Ideas
Interesting ideas from a myriad of sources. Must read if you are into sales & marketing, innovation, market research or entrepreneurship
Interesting ideas from a myriad of sources. Must read if you are into sales & marketing, innovation, market research or entrepreneurship
December 20, 2018
Listened to audio program. Some really great ideas to boost creativity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2019
Listened the audio book. It was excellent
March 19, 2019
Systematic (although sometimes dry) strategies that anyone should learn. Not as good as his sales books but still useful.
April 18, 2019
Short and concise . Its like personal notes taken from various other books . Not many in deep analysis or with many data points .
February 2, 2020
Only good thing that it’s short, so not time consuming. But I wouldn’t read it if I had other options.
July 16, 2020
Excelente lectura
Es rápida y concisa, de fácil lectura con ideas y preguntas clave para avanzar en el tema, te da nuevas ideas para leer otro material valioso.
Es rápida y concisa, de fácil lectura con ideas y preguntas clave para avanzar en el tema, te da nuevas ideas para leer otro material valioso.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews