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 Duration 7 hours

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

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