Course Outline
Foundations of Creative Problem Solving
- Comprehending the nature of creativity and creative thought
- The significance of creativity in innovation, decision-making, and problem resolution
- Recognizing obstacles to creative thinking and strategies to overcome them
- The creative problem-solving journey: from issue identification to solution implementation
Problem Definition and Framing
- Differentiating between surface-level symptoms and the core issue
- Crafting clear, actionable problem statements
- Establishing objectives, constraints, and desired outcomes
- Reframing problems to uncover new perspectives
Information Collection and Analysis
- Identifying pertinent data and evidence
- Posing effective questions to deepen problem understanding
- Investigating facts, assumptions, and underlying drivers
- Structuring information to support creative analysis
Root Cause Identification
- Looking beyond symptoms to uncover fundamental causes
- Applying the 5 Why Method
- Constructing a Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram
- Utilizing cause-and-effect analysis to structure complex issues
- Selecting the most significant causes for further investigation
Idea Generation and Alternatives
- Methods for producing a broad range of ideas
- Employing divergent and convergent thinking
- Questioning assumptions and exploring alternative viewpoints
- Applying De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats
- Cultivating associations and unconventional solutions
- Practical exercises based on real-world business or organizational challenges
Assessment and Selection of Solutions
- Setting criteria for evaluating ideas
- Objectively comparing alternatives
- Evaluating feasibility, impact, risks, and resource requirements
- Utilizing Scatter Diagrams and other analytical tools where suitable
- Aligning creativity with practical business needs
Structured Problem Solving via the 8D Method
- Overview of the 8D problem-solving approach
- Defining the problem and assembling an effective problem-solving team
- Identifying and executing corrective actions
- Validating results and preventing future recurrence
- Applying the method to a practical case study
Translating Ideas into Action
- Converting chosen solutions into actionable plans
- Defining responsibilities, resources, milestones, and deadlines
- Identifying potential implementation risks
- Tracking progress and measuring outcomes
Introduction to Design Thinking
- Understanding the core principles of Design Thinking
- Empathizing with users and grasping their needs
- Defining the challenge from the user's perspective
- Ideation, prototyping, and solution testing
- 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
- Combining root-cause analysis, idea generation, evaluation, and action planning
- Working individually and/or in teams on problems provided by the trainer or client
- Presenting proposed solutions and receiving 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
- Identifying opportunities to apply creative thinking in daily work
Workshop Summary
- Recap of key principles and techniques
- Personal action points
- Applying learned concepts to current tasks and projects
- Final discussion and Q&A
Requirements
None
Audience
- Individuals seeking to enhance their understanding of creative thinking mechanisms and boost professional 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
I especially appreciated the instructor’s ability to give thorough, well-explained answers to questions specific to my personal situation.
HASAN TAHA URLU - Huber Turkiye
Course - Assertiveness
the exercises and the way the trainer was explaining