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Skills Icon: Listening
Skills Icon: Speaking
Skills Icon: Problem Solving
Skills Icon: Creativity
Skills Icon: Adapting
Skills Icon: Planning
Skills Icon: Leadership
Skills Icon: Teamwork
Creative Problem Solving

Creativity

Receiving, retaining and processing information
Transmitting information or ideas
Finding solutions to challenges
Using imagination and generating new ideas
Overcoming challenges and setbacks to achieve goals
Setting goals and designing routes to achieve them
Supporting, encouraging and motivating others to achieve a shared goal
Working cooperatively with others to achieve a shared goal
Step
1
:

Imagining

I imagine different things

Core ideas

A

What is meant by imagining 

Imagination is the ability to create ideas, images, or possibilities in your mind. It allows you to picture things that do not yet exist, think beyond what is familiar, and explore new ways of doing things. Imagination can be used to solve problems, invent new things, or simply think creatively. 

It is not just about being artistic. It also plays a role in everyday planning, adapting, and problem solving.

For example, when faced with a challenge, imagination helps you picture different solutions before trying them out. It allows you to see situations from different perspectives and come up with fresh ideas.

B

Why imagination is important

Using imagination is important because it helps to:

  • Solve problems creatively: When faced with a challenge, imagination allows you to think of different possibilities and explore new approaches.
  • Innovate and improve: Many new inventions come from people imagining what could be possible.
  • Adapt to change: Imagination helps you think about the unexpected.
  • Make decisions: Before taking action, imagining the possible results helps make better choices.
  • Express creativity: Whether writing, designing, or planning, imagination makes it possible to bring new ideas to life.

For example, if a group is planning an event, imagination helps them consider different themes, activities, and ways to make the experience fun for everyone.

C

How to use imagination 

Imagination is a skill that can be built and used in many ways. Here are some ways to make the most of it:

  • Ask "what if" questions: Thinking about different possibilities helps you explore new ideas. For example, "What if we went there?"
  • Visualise different outcomes: Before making a decision, try to picture how different options might turn out.
  • Use storytelling: Creating stories in your mind can help bring ideas to life, whether for personal projects or problem-solving.
  • Day dream: Sometimes, imagination works best when you take a break from a task and let your mind wander.

Imagination is a powerful tool that helps people think creatively, solve problems, and explore new possibilities. By using it regularly, individuals can approach challenges with fresh ideas and discover new solutions.

Assessment

Reflective questions for individuals can include:

  • What is imagination? 
  • Why do we all need to use our imagination?
  • How can you use your imagination? 
  • When have you used your imagination and what did you imagine?

Observation cues for trainers can include:

  • Is the individual able to show they are using their imagination - for example, to create new ideas, develop stories, or imagine what might happen next?

Evidence can include individuals’ self-reflections, pieces of work that demonstrate imagination, and observations from others.

Ready to discover more?

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Skills Builder Hub

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Join Skills Builder Hub to get free, ready-to-go resources to build essential skills today.

Skills Builder Benchmark

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Skills Builder Benchmark allows individuals to discover their own essential skills.

It’s free to get started, and is used by individuals, employers, educators and NGOs across the world.

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