Creative Problem Solving Institute 2025

Exploring the human-machine interactions for all steps of CPS.

Participants will be taken through the basics of LLM (large language model) and image generative AI formats to show how AI can fuel increased creativity, but not provide the best ideas without human interaction.

Through a fun exercise, participants will find the most relevant market to address, ideate items, create packaging, and present their final products at the end of the session.

The project (workshop) is designed to neither advocate for nor against AI, but to show how this exciting new tool can be leveraged in creativity. The result is that participants see how to use AI well instead of being concerned about it or accusing AI of doing things it can’t.

This presentation will explore the transformative power of effective questioning in creative problem-solving. Attendees will learn advanced techniques for crafting probing questions that uncover deeper insights and drive innovative solutions. Through practical exercises and real-world examples, participants will enhance their inquiry skills and stretch their capabilities to new heights.

What if issues exist that are inherently “unsolvable,” regardless of our best attempts to solve them? Polarity Thinking™ asserts that paradoxical issues not only exist but also present exciting opportunities for creativity, sustainable solutions, and being more effective in complex situations. Polarity Thinking is a proven way to use the energy of a universal phenomenon in human experience. You’ll learn to distinguish between either-or problem solving and both-and thinking.

You are well-trained in solving problems. Figure out the problem, figure out the solution, develop, and implement. But what about when it is more complex? It's not asking "do we need connection" or "do we need individual autonomy?" We need both.

In this two-part interactive workshop, participants will work in small groups to identify and work with one or two polarities in their lives. You will learn how to map those polarities in order to develop an effective approach for managing tensions.

We provide the framework; you provide the content.

Part 2 attendees MUST attend Part 1.

Are you looking for new tools for engagement?
Time to add LEGO bricks to your tool kit!

Come and sample this is a facilitated thinking & communications technique. It draws on extensive research from the field of business, organization development, psychology and learning. This session will be action packed with 90 minutes of hands-on real time learning through play!

This three-part interactive session focuses on how we might Stretch participants’ thinking (1) at the beginning of, (2) during the core of, and (3) after a session. In this session you will participate in activities, riff on them, and share your own activities that help Stretch participants’ thinking at these three important points of a facilitated experience. Come to participate, to share your own ideas, and to connect with others as you reflect on your own practice.

Illuminators shine a light on others. They make people and their ideas come alive.

With their distinct blend of skills, they excel as facilitators and relationship builders. Illuminators make others feel seen, heard and appreciated. Their curiosity invites richer stories and deeper insights. They see and celebrate others’ strengths.

In this session you’ll work with a partner to cultivate illuminator skills and instincts. You’ll see what distinguishes an illuminator from a diminisher and learn a variety of illuminator “moves”:

• Genuine Curiosity: Asking surprisingly simple questions that reveal richer stories
• Active Listening: Using your eyes and body (and silence) to make others feel heard
• Celebration of Strengths: Expressing your partner’s unique qualities to create a deeper connection

What if issues exist that are inherently “unsolvable,” regardless of our best attempts to solve them? Polarity Thinking™ asserts that paradoxical issues not only exist but also present exciting opportunities for creativity, sustainable solutions, and being more effective in complex situations. Polarity Thinking is a proven way to use the energy of a universal phenomenon in human experience. You’ll learn to distinguish between either-or problem solving and both-and thinking.

You are well-trained in solving problems. Figure out the problem, figure out the solution, develop, and implement. But what about when it is more complex? It's not asking "do we need connection" or "do we need individual autonomy?" We need both.

In this two-part interactive workshop, participants will work in small groups to identify and work with one or two polarities in their lives. You will learn how to map those polarities in order to develop an effective approach for managing tensions.

We provide the framework; you provide the content.

Part 2 attendees MUST attend Part 1.

Unlock the power of business sketching to create stunning, clear, and engaging flipcharts for workshops, meetings, and sessions. In this hands-on session, you’ll learn the basics of sketching, discover design strategies for effective flipcharts, and create your own eye-catching flipchart. Walk away with practical tools to make your visual presentations more engaging and impactful.

Brain Storming is often a process of using our sense of sight and sound, but we often ignore the influence of taste, smell and touch. This session is going to challenge participants to notice all five senses and how the influences can broaden our creativity. We will use a variety of activities that engage the sight, sound, taste, smell and feel experiences to broaden our thoughts and ideas.