By encouraging unusual approaches to problem-solving, certain exercises can overcome rigidity in thinking and break through the inferred boundaries of a problem. Several methods, for use individually or in groups, that have been developed to stimulate creative problem solving are reviewed: brainstorming, question prompting, attribute listing, relationship forcing, morphological analysis, logical analysis, input-output system, and area thinking.

Meetings are potentially the best means of communication between managers and the people who report to them. Often, however, meeting time is misused and unproductive. The author suggests that in planning your next meeting you consider group size, check the meeting place before the meeting convenes, and prepare and distribute an agenda. Tips are given on guiding the discussions, handling behavior problems, establishing rules of order, and voting.

One of the more effective techniques for developing presentations of ideas, particularly for management, is to try to anticipate all possible questions and objections to the idea and then build into the presentation the answers or solutions to those questions or problems. Often an idea “sells” better if others are allowed or encouraged to become contributors and reasonable revisions or modifications are warmly accepted. Visuals are usually beneficial to any presentation, and an extemporaneous — but not unrehearsed — presentation is dynamic and flexible. Further advice on preparation and delivery is included.