Creative Thinking, Problem Solving, Decision Making

Who Should Attend

•  Managers & Supervisors
• Team Leaders & Team Members
• Business professionals

Course Objectives

• An overview of the definition of a problem and problem solving
• Learn how to identify and clarify issues that need to be resolved
• Understand how to set priorities and determine appropriate steps to deal with issues
• Learn how to find the root cause of a problem before investing in expensive solutions
• Explore ways to exercise sound judgment when evaluating and resolving problems
• Identify how to set goals with clarity of purpose and appropriate scope for a decision
• Develop a set of criteria for evaluation of solution options and assessment of risk
• Improve confidence in leading assignments and tasks, and in decision-making.

What will you gain?

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Demonstrate improved effectiveness in identifying and resolving problems
• Reduce problem solving cycle time
• Smoothly execute and implement projects and plans
• Improve communication with team members, enabling better team work
• Reduce time spent on errors and redoing work
• Have peace of mind knowing you have reached the best possible decision using creative problem-solving techniques.

 Course Content

Overview

• Brainstorming - 100 Uses For…
• Housekeeping & Ground Rules

Is it a problem?

• What is a Problem?
• Problem Thinking vs. Solution Thinking
• Problem/Challenge Reframe
• Coaching for possibilities

Defining The Problem

• Key questions to ask
• Clustering Challenges - Affinity Diagrams
• Are you facing the wrong challenge? The Pareto Principle
• Developing a problem statement
• Stating the Goal

PS & DM as an Organisational Process

• Organisational Learning
• Organisational Architecture

Challenge Analysis - How to Think

• The wheel of Multiple Perspectives
• Possible Causes - Fishbone

Identifying Possible Solutions

• Brainstorming Basics
• Brain-Writing
• The How-How

Selecting and Evaluating the Best Solutions

• The Six Thinking Hats
• Grid Analysis - Weighted Worksheet
• The Decision Matrix
• Paired Comparison Analysis

Action Plan and Implementation

• Sequential Action Planning
• Well Formed Outcomes
• Scenario Planning
• Walt Disney Strategy

Organisational Decision Making

• Culture Values
• Win/Win Communication
• High Stakes Decision Making

Career Path

Develop Your Ability to Think Outside the Box