1. Interview an employee about a particular problem as well as the solution for which he or she was responsible. Write a description of the problem, the methods the employee used to solve the problem, the effectiveness of the solution, and the employee’s (and employer’s) satisfaction with the work.

2. Use library research to learn more about a great problem solver or innovator (for example, Thomas Edison, Steve Jobs or Bill Gates, Mother Theresa, Albert Einstein, Eleanor Roosevelt, or Jonas Salk). Find out as much as you can about the methods the person used in seeking solutions. Give an oral presentation of your findings to your class.

4. Use the Internet, regional or state newspapers, or professional journals to search for requests for proposals.

a. Copy the RFPs and bring them to class for discussion.

b. From a careful reading of one RFP, identify the problem or need.

c. Identify the audience the proposal writer needs to address.

d. Brainstorm a list of ideas to include in the proposal’s introduction.