Original or creative thinking refers to the ability to question the traditional ways of doing things and form new ideas or approaches to solve a problem or meet a need. It involves higher level brain functioning, incorporating the use of intuition, making unusual connections or associations, imagination, objectivity and the willingness to take risks.
Those with a cognitive impairment such as an intellectual disability may experience difficulty in developing their own ideas at work and may need support in this area.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
There are various strategies that can be put into place at work to encourage original thinking, such as:
- fostering a friendly, open work environment, where verbal and written input from workers regarding operations, work processes and methods is valued and encouraged
- establishing a buddy program with a co-worker to provide mentoring and prompting for workers with a cognitive impairment.
Support
Specialist employment agencies which provide coaching, mentoring and support on the job offer a valuable service to those who experience difficulties developing their own ideas:
References
Kizlik, B. 2011, Thinking Skills Vocabulary and Definitions, Adprima Education Information for New and Future Teachers, online, viewed 21 November 2011, http://www.adprima.com/thinkskl.htm.