Responding to challenges with innovative solutions, products or services by questioning conventional means, using intuition, experimentation and fresh perspectives.
Level 1
Understands how to solve problems
- Uses common sense and knowledge to identify underlying issues and to solve problems.
- Uses appropriate problem-solving techniques.
Level 2
Identifies existing solutions
- Reviews existing options, concepts and approaches, and identifies one(s) that will work in the situation at hand.
- Stands back from a problem and observes patterns and interrelationships in data to see where problems or discrepancies arise.
- Recognizes and assesses several likely causes or ways of interpreting available information.
- Solves complex problems through application of existing theories or explanations.
- Recognizes when a new approach is needed to solve a problem.
Level 3
Modifies existing solutions
- Questions traditional solutions and uses unconventional methods to find solutions.
- Thinks about problems from a new perspective.
- Thinks several steps ahead in deciding on best course of action in complex situations (anticipates likely outcomes).
- Applies ideas from other disciplines or fields of research to solve problems.
Level 4
Creates new solutions/concepts
- Assesses and applies new concepts, theories, approaches and/or solutions.
- Solves complex or inter-related problems through developing new theories or explanations.