Question 1

A(n) ______ is a challenge or difficult matter of uncertain outcome.
A) issue
B) false lead
C) problem
D) failed effort

Accepted Answer

A problem is defined as a challenge or difficult matter of uncertain outcome, fitting the description perfectly.

Question 2

There are not many ______ problems in leadership.
A) algorithmic
B) heuristic
C) composite
D) convoluted

Accepted Answer

Leadership problems are typically not algorithmic because they do not have a clear, step-by-step solution or formula. They often require judgment, experience, and intuition, which are more aligned with heuristic approaches.

Question 3

Many innovations take concepts from one context and replicate them in a new one. This is an example of which design principle?
A) iteration
B) desire line
C) entry point
D) mimicry

Accepted Answer

Mimicry involves taking ideas or concepts from one context and applying them to another, often to solve a problem or enhance a design by replicating successful elements. This principle is evident in many innovations where the core idea is borrowed from an existing concept and adapted to a new use or environment.

Question 4

Research shows that it requires less mental effort to make a decision that favors a sure gain than to make one that involves a risky gain. This is important for leaders to understand, since ______ involves risk yet is often worth the effort.
A) flexibility
B) creativity
C) elaboration
D) incubation

Accepted Answer

Creativity often involves taking risks and venturing into the unknown, which can be mentally challenging but is crucial for innovation and problem-solving in leadership.

Question 5

Even proactive problem-solving is limited because it is dependent upon ______.
A) the current state of the system
B) historical data
C) our imaginations
D) data management

Accepted Answer

Even proactive problem-solving is limited because it is dependent upon the current state of the system.

Question 6

______ ideas challenge the usual perspectives and are frequently met with suspicion, skepticism, and sometimes rejection.
A) Elaborate
B) Innovative
C) Flexible
D) Creative

Accepted Answer

The answer of ______ ideas challenge the usual perspectives and...

Question 7

A ______ problem is an open-ended problem with no specific formula for solution, requiring instead a general set of guidelines to address.
A) heuristic
B) fantastical
C) convoluted
D) composite

Accepted Answer

Heuristic problems are those that require a general approach or method to solve, rather than a specific formula, making them open-ended by nature.

Question 8

______ problem-solving involves anticipating and addressing problems before they occur.
A) Advanced
B) Thoughtful
C) Complex
D) Proactive

Accepted Answer

Proactive problem-solving focuses on identifying and resolving potential issues before they happen, rather than reacting to them after they occur.

Question 9

An ______ problem has a well-defined set of rules or instructions for solving.
A) alternative
B) enthralling
C) expeditious
D) algorithmic

Accepted Answer

An algorithmic problem is characterized by having a clear set of rules or instructions for solving, which aligns with the definition of "algorithmic."

Question 10

______ allows complex ideas to be built from simple ones, which can help bring order to complexity.
A) Iteration
B) Mimicry
C) Elaboration
D) Creativity

Accepted Answer

The answer of ______ allows complex ideas to be built...

Question 11

______ is the process of incrementally developing and refining a design.
A) Desire line
B) Iteration
C) Mimicry
D) Elaboration

Accepted Answer

Iteration is the process of incrementally developing and refining a design.

Question 12

A design approach used in organizational design defines the ideal end state and then addresses the current state as a(n) ______.
A) problem to be solved
B) stepping stone to be walked across
C) historical artifact to be analyzed
D) unfortunate reality

Accepted Answer

This design approach treats the current state as a problem to be solved, aiming to bridge the gap between the current and the ideal end state through problem-solving strategies.

Question 13

Experienced leaders often appear to solve problems faster because their experience ______.
A) makes them think they know the answer
B) has answered many questions about the problem already
C) makes them more confident
D) emphasizes speed and iterative problem-solving

Accepted Answer

Experienced leaders have encountered similar problems before, allowing them to draw on past solutions and insights, effectively answering many questions about the current problem more quickly.

Question 14

______ is defined as the personal capacities and process of generating a unique product that has value.
A) Innovation
B) Fluency
C) Creativity
D) Flexibility

Accepted Answer

Creativity is the process of generating unique and valuable ideas or products, distinguishing it from the other options listed.

Question 15

______ is the act of copying or imitating properties of something familiar.
A) Mimicry
B) Iteration
C) Desire line
D) Elaboration

Accepted Answer

Mimicry is the act of copying or imitating the appearance, actions, or sound of something else, often to deceive or to be protected.

Question 16

When you are able to redefine ______, finding new problems can lead to great success and innovation.
A) personal vision as organizational vision
B) failure as success
C) problems as opportunities
D) thoughts as reality

Accepted Answer

Redefining "problems as opportunities" is a mindset that encourages looking at challenges in a new light, often leading to innovation and success by finding novel solutions.

Question 17

Well-traveled paths through grassy spaces on a college campus represent an example of which type of design principle?
A) entry point
B) desire line
C) mimicry
D) iteration

Accepted Answer

Desire lines are paths that are created by people walking across grassy areas, and they represent an example of how people naturally move through a space.

Question 18

______ can be defined as new things or methods that deliver value.
A) Innovation
B) Biomimicry
C) Creativity
D) Fluency

Accepted Answer

Innovation refers to the introduction of new things or methods that deliver value, making it the correct choice.

Question 19

Your student government is known for hosting a major event at the start of every new academic year and no one misses it. This has been built over many years and through trial and error. This event is an example of which design principle in practice?
A) elaboration
B) mimicry
C) iteration
D) incubation

Accepted Answer

The principle of iteration is at play here, as the student government has refined and improved the event over many years through a process of trial and error, making adjustments and improvements with each iteration.

Question 20

Building a new team is an example of a ______ problem, because while there are general steps to follow each time it presents a unique challenge.
A) convoluted
B) heuristic
C) algorithmic
D) composite

Accepted Answer

Building a new team is considered a heuristic problem because it involves a method or approach that is not guaranteed to be optimal or perfect, but is nevertheless sufficient for reaching an immediate goal. While there might be general guidelines or steps to follow when building a team, each situation is unique and requires a flexible, adaptive approach rather than a fixed, step-by-step algorithm.

Quiz 8: Creativity, Problem-Solving, and Idea-Generating

A(n) ______ is a challenge or difficult matter of uncertain outcome.

There are not many ______ problems in leadership.

Many innovations take concepts from one context and replicate them in a new one. This is an example of which design principle?

Research shows that it requires less mental effort to make a decision that favors a sure gain than to make one that involves a risky gain. This is important for leaders to understand, since ______ involves risk yet is often worth the effort.

Even proactive problem-solving is limited because it is dependent upon ______.

______ ideas challenge the usual perspectives and are frequently met with suspicion, skepticism, and sometimes rejection.

A ______ problem is an open-ended problem with no specific formula for solution, requiring instead a general set of guidelines to address.

______ problem-solving involves anticipating and addressing problems before they occur.

An ______ problem has a well-defined set of rules or instructions for solving.

______ allows complex ideas to be built from simple ones, which can help bring order to complexity.

______ is the process of incrementally developing and refining a design.

A design approach used in organizational design defines the ideal end state and then addresses the current state as a(n) ______.

Experienced leaders often appear to solve problems faster because their experience ______.

______ is defined as the personal capacities and process of generating a unique product that has value.

______ is the act of copying or imitating properties of something familiar.

When you are able to redefine ______, finding new problems can lead to great success and innovation.

Well-traveled paths through grassy spaces on a college campus represent an example of which type of design principle?

______ can be defined as new things or methods that deliver value.

Your student government is known for hosting a major event at the start of every new academic year and no one misses it. This has been built over many years and through trial and error. This event is an example of which design principle in practice?

Building a new team is an example of a ______ problem, because while there are general steps to follow each time it presents a unique challenge.