What is it with people who only use (and vigorously defend the singular usage of) one model, technique or approach to creative problem solving and innovation?  You are driving me insane!!!

Last week, I participated in what was billed as a "problem solving session" but we only used the Six Thinking Hats lateral thinking methodology.  We came up with some great stuff during that session so I suggested we also try a few of my other favorites to push the envelope a bit further.  The reply from the facilitator was priceless, "It says here on my agenda that we are to take some brief time to be creative...that means we use the Six Thinking Hats."  Yikes!!!

I get the same kind of argument from product development teams who are enamored with TRIZ and feel it is THE de facto method for product design innovation.

Lean and Six Sigma folks also cling to the DMAIC model as the end all and be all of problem solving.  When confronted with the weaknesses in the DMAIC model for problems that you don't already know the solution to, they offer Design for Six Sigma.  Nope...sorry...please try again.

Having a favorite idea generation, problem solving or creativity technique is great.  Making it the only technique you are willing to use is simply ridiculous.  There are literally hundreds of idea generation techniques out there to try and find new ideas.  There are almost as many problem solving models one can explore to push beyond current thinking.

A good problem solver has a massive tool box stuffed with tools, techniques, methods, models, approaches and options.  This way, you ensure you have the right tool for the job...and you push beyond your comfort-levels into the world of new possibilities/connections.