Creative Problem Solving for Internal Auditors Synopsis Internal auditors must think creatively. Creative thinking is a method. Brainstorming sessions are a creative method: they are a ‘structured methodology’ with rules that should be followed.

There are techniques and tools to improve Brainstorming sessions. These should be used by internal auditors to improve their creative thinking.
Contributed by William E. Grieshober M.Ed., M.S., CIA, CPA, adviser in the School of Professions at Buffalo State College in Buffalo, New York for the past seven years. Prior to this he has been a Chief Executive Officer, a VP of Finance and a Corporate Controller as well as an Internal Auditor. He has served for over 25 years as an adjunct faculty member with the Institute of Internal Auditors and has presented business subjects all over the world. Bill received a Master of Science in Creative Studies, Creativity and Change Leadership from Buffalo State College – State University of NY. He helped to develop the Institute of Internal Auditor’s training course ‘Maximizing Your Potential: Creative Problem-Solving Techniques for Auditors’.
After Reading the Case Study Consider:
1. How does your approach to brainstorming compare with the case study approach?
2. Do you approach ‘complicated and simple problems’ in your organization using brainstorming techniques? If not, why not try next time to do so using the above approach?