Course Outline
Fundamentals of Creative Problem Solving
- Gaining insight into creativity and creative thought processes
- The impact of creativity on problem solving, innovation, and decision-making
- Overcoming common barriers to creative thinking
- The creative problem-solving cycle: from problem identification to solution implementation
Problem Definition and Framing
- Differentiating between symptoms and the underlying problem
- Crafting a clear, actionable problem statement
- Recognizing objectives, constraints, and expected outcomes
- Reframing issues to uncover new viewpoints
Data Collection and Analysis
- Pinpointing relevant data and evidence
- Posing effective questions to grasp the problem
- Investigating facts, assumptions, and root causes
- Structuring information to facilitate creative analysis
Root Cause Identification
- Looking past symptoms to address underlying causes
- Utilizing the 5 Whys Method
- Constructing a Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram
- Applying cause-and-effect analysis to organize complex issues
- Selecting the most pertinent causes for deeper investigation
Developing Creative Solutions and Alternatives
- Methods for generating a broad array of ideas
- Balancing divergent and convergent thinking
- Questioning assumptions and exploring alternative viewpoints
- Implementing De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats
- Cultivating associations and unconventional solutions
- Practical exercises based on real-world business or organizational challenges
Evaluation and Selection of Solutions
- Setting criteria for assessing ideas
- Objectively comparing alternatives
- Evaluating feasibility, impact, risks, and resource requirements
- Employing Scatter Diagrams and other analytical tools as needed
- Aligning creativity with practical business needs
Structured Problem Solving via the 8D Method
- Overview of the 8D problem-solving framework
- Defining the problem and assembling an effective problem-solving team
- Identifying and executing corrective actions
- Validating results and preventing recurrence
- Applying the methodology to a practical case study
From Concept to Execution
- Converting chosen solutions into actionable plans
- Specifying responsibilities, resources, milestones, and deadlines
- Identifying potential risks during implementation
- Tracking progress and measuring outcomes
Introduction to Design Thinking
- Understanding the core principles of Design Thinking
- Empathizing with users to comprehend their needs
- Defining the challenge from the user’s perspective
- Ideation, prototyping, and testing solutions
- Leveraging Design Thinking to tackle ambiguous and complex problems
Integrated Creative Problem-Solving Workshop
- Applying selected creative thinking and problem-solving techniques to a practical challenge
- Integrating root-cause analysis, idea generation, evaluation, and action planning
- Working independently or in teams on problems provided by the trainer or client
- Presenting proposed solutions and obtaining feedback
Retrospective and Continuous Improvement
- Reviewing the problem-solving process and outcomes
- Identifying successes, failures, and areas for improvement
- Formulating an improvement plan
- Using the START / STOP / CONTINUE retrospective framework
- Recognizing opportunities to apply creative thinking in daily work
Workshop Conclusion
- Summary of key principles and techniques
- Personal action items
- Transferring learning to current tasks and projects
- Final discussion and Q&A
Requirements
None
Target Audience
- Individuals seeking to expand their understanding of creative thinking mechanisms and enhance their effectiveness
Testimonials (4)
Meeting efficiency is something that's fairly "basic", but not thought about a lot and with really large implications on people/company time. Understanding these best practices and keeping them top-of-mind will be of immediate help.
Dan Moffatt - Chris Courtemanche
Course - Personal Efficiency and Managing Meetings
Provided and explained very clearly a lot of foundational concepts, which fit well with the team's level of learning. The exercises were very engaging and I believe my team were comfortable and participated very well. Coordinating with the trainer as well was very seamless.
Christlan Tolentino - Canadian Blood Services
Course - Critical Thinking
the exercises and the way the trainer was explaining
Sorana Haiduc - Ness
Course - Stress Management and Prevention
1. Methodology 2. Its structure and usability 3. Real, practical examples and excercises