This video illustrates two different styles of problem solving: more adaptive and more innovative, as seen in a baking competition.

Both styles have advantages and disadvantages - but which will come out on top?

This video illustrates Kirton's Adaption-Innovation (KAI) Theory of preferred problem solving style in practice, and highlights some of traits of the styles. Note: preferred problem solving (cognitive) style is how we like to do things when left to our own devices - which is different from our actual behaviour. Your actual behaviour may need to be different from your preference due the situation, motivation and requirements.

Preferred style is set very early in life (and may be innate) and is not likely to change. It is similar to your eye colour. You can change your eye colour temporarily by wearing coloured lenses - but you can't change the underlying colour you are born with. How you like to do things, solve problems, work and thing is your preference - what you actually do is your behaviour (and my not be in your preferred style).

Being more Adaptive means you prefer more structure, like to be organised and methodical, enjoy making sure the details are right - if you are more adaptive then you improve & evolve ideas and concepts.

Being more Innovative means you prefer less structure, fewer rules, like blue-sky thinking, enjoy disruptive ideas. If you are more Innovative them you like new and your ideas may be revolution (rather than evolution).

Most people have a mixture or a balance. This means that they won't be extremely meticulous and careful, nor will they be totally revolutionary, but may be able to pull on both styles for their advantage. They may also be able to reach out to people at either extreme. However, if you need complete perfection (more adaptive) or total revolution (more innovative), then someone further out from them on the spectrum may be better suited to the task. In general, a mixed (diverse) team, will often produce the most effective solution, which may include both evolutionary and break-through ideas/solutions (more Innovative), blended together (teamwork), and implemented carefully (more Adaptive people).

For more about KAI, go to www.kai.foundation

Lesson Activity

Which preferred style are you?