Course Outline
Introduction to Creative Problem Solving
- Gaining insight into creativity and the mechanics of creative thought
- Examining how creativity influences problem-solving, innovation, and decision-making
- Recognizing barriers to creative thinking and strategies to overcome them
- Navigating the creative problem-solving journey: from pinpointing the issue to executing the solution
Defining and Framing the Problem
- Differentiating between surface symptoms and the fundamental issue
- Crafting a clear, actionable problem statement
- Clarifying objectives, constraints, and expected results
- Reframing problems to reveal new viewpoints
Gathering and Analyzing Information
- Pinpointing relevant data and supporting evidence
- Posing effective questions to deepen understanding of the issue
- Investigating facts, assumptions, and underlying drivers
- Structuring information to facilitate creative analysis
Identifying Root Causes
- Looking past symptoms to uncover foundational causes
- Utilizing the 5 Why Method
- Constructing a Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram
- Leveraging cause-and-effect analysis to organize complex issues
- Selecting the most pertinent causes for deeper inquiry
Generating Creative Solutions and Alternatives
- Applying techniques to produce a broad spectrum of ideas
- Mastering divergent and convergent thinking styles
- Questioning assumptions and considering alternative angles
- Implementing De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats
- Cultivating associations and unconventional approaches
- Engaging in practical exercises based on real-world business or organizational challenges
Evaluating and Selecting Solutions
- Setting standards for assessing proposed ideas
- Objectively comparing different alternatives
- Evaluating feasibility, impact, risks, and resource requirements
- Incorporating Scatter Diagrams and other analytical tools where suitable
- Aligning creative outputs with practical business needs
Structured Problem Solving with the 8D Method
- Overview of the 8D problem-solving approach
- Defining the issue and assembling an effective problem-solving team
- Determining and executing corrective measures
- Validating outcomes and preventing future occurrences
- Applying the methodology to a practical case study
From Idea to Action
- Translating chosen solutions into executable plans
- Assigning responsibilities, resources, milestones, and deadlines
- Identifying potential risks during implementation
- Tracking progress and measuring outcomes
Introduction to Design Thinking
- Understanding the foundational principles of Design Thinking
- Empathizing with users to grasp their needs
- Defining the challenge from the user’s perspective
- Generating ideas, prototyping, and testing solutions
- Utilizing 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
- Synthesizing root-cause analysis, idea generation, evaluation, and action planning
- Working individually and/or in teams on problems provided by the trainer or customer
- Presenting proposed solutions and receiving feedback
Retrospective and Continuous Improvement
- Reflecting on the problem-solving process and its results
- Assessing what succeeded, what fell short, and areas for enhancement
- Developing a plan for improvement
- Utilizing the START / STOP / CONTINUE retrospective framework
- Identifying opportunities to integrate creative thinking into daily work
Workshop Summary
- Recap of key principles and techniques
- Defining personal action points
- Transferring learning to current tasks and projects
- Final discussion and Q&A
Requirements
None
Audience
- Individuals seeking to deepen 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
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