Course Outline
Foundations of Creative Problem Solving
- Comprehending creativity and the creative thinking process
- The impact of creativity on problem resolution, innovation, and decision-making
- Recognizing obstacles to creative thought and strategies to overcome them
- The creative problem-solving journey: from defining an issue to executing a solution
Clarifying and Defining the Issue
- Differentiating between symptoms and the fundamental problem
- Crafting a clear, actionable problem statement
- Recognizing objectives, constraints, and desired results
- Reframing issues to uncover new viewpoints
Collecting and Assessing Data
- Identifying pertinent information and evidence
- Posing effective questions to gain clarity on the issue
- Investigating facts, assumptions, and underlying causes
- Structuring data to facilitate creative analysis
Determining Root Causes
- Looking past surface-level symptoms to find underlying causes
- Utilizing the 5 Whys Method
- Constructing a Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram
- Employing cause-and-effect analysis to organize complex issues
- Choosing the most significant causes for deeper inquiry
Developing Creative Solutions and Alternatives
- Methods for generating a broad range of ideas
- Applying divergent and convergent thinking
- Questioning assumptions and exploring diverse perspectives
- Implementing De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats
- Creating associations and unconventional solutions
- Practical exercises based on real business or organizational challenges
Evaluating and Choosing Solutions
- Setting criteria for assessing ideas
- Objectively comparing alternatives
- Evaluating feasibility, impact, risks, and resource needs
- Using Scatter Diagrams and other analytical tools where suitable
- Balancing creative ideas with practical business requirements
Systematic Problem Solving via the 8D Method
- Overview of the 8D problem-solving approach
- Defining the problem and assembling an effective team
- Identifying and executing corrective actions
- Validating results and preventing future occurrences
- Applying the method to a practical case study
Moving from Concept to Execution
- Transforming chosen solutions into actionable plans
- Establishing responsibilities, resources, milestones, and deadlines
- Recognizing potential risks during implementation
- Tracking progress and measuring outcomes
Introduction to Design Thinking
- Grasping the core principles of Design Thinking
- Building empathy with users and understanding their needs
- Defining the challenge from the user’s perspective
- Ideating, prototyping, and testing solutions
- Using Design Thinking to address 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
- Collaborating individually or in teams on issues provided by the trainer or client
- Presenting proposed solutions and gathering feedback
Reflection and Continuous Improvement
- Reviewing the problem-solving process and its outcomes
- Identifying successes, failures, and areas for enhancement
- Developing a plan for improvement
- Applying the START / STOP / CONTINUE retrospective framework
- Finding opportunities to integrate creative thinking into daily work
Workshop Recap
- Summary of key principles and techniques
- Personal action items
- Transferring learning to current tasks and projects
- Final discussion and Q&A
Requirements
No prior requirements
Target Audience
- Individuals seeking to refine their understanding of creative thinking mechanisms and boost 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