Course Outline
Introduction to Creative Problem Solving
- Exploring the concepts of creativity and creative thought
- The impact of creativity on problem-solving, innovation, and decision-making
- Recognizing barriers to creative thinking and strategies to overcome them
- The creative problem-solving journey: from identifying an issue to executing a solution
Defining and Framing the Problem
- Distinguishing between symptoms and the core issue
- Crafting a clear, actionable problem statement
- Identifying goals, constraints, and desired outcomes
- Reframing problems to reveal new angles
Gathering and Analyzing Information
- Pinpointing relevant data and evidence
- Posing effective questions to fully understand the problem
- Investigating facts, assumptions, and underlying drivers
- Structuring information to support creative analysis
Identifying Root Causes
- Looking past symptoms to uncover fundamental causes
- Applying the 5 Why Method
- Constructing a Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram
- Using cause-and-effect analysis to organize complex issues
- Selecting the most pertinent causes for deeper investigation
Generating Creative Solutions and Alternatives
- Techniques for producing a broad range of ideas
- Utilizing divergent and convergent thinking styles
- Challenging assumptions and exploring alternative viewpoints
- Applying De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats
- Developing associations and unconventional approaches
- Practical exercises based on real-world business or organizational challenges
Evaluating and Selecting Solutions
- Setting criteria for assessing ideas
- Objectively comparing different alternatives
- Evaluating feasibility, impact, risks, and resource requirements
- Using Scatter Diagrams and other analytical tools where suitable
- Balancing creative vision with practical business needs
Structured Problem Solving with the 8D Method
- Overview of the 8D problem-solving approach
- Defining the problem and assembling an effective resolution team
- Identifying and executing corrective actions
- Validating results and preventing future occurrences
- Applying the method to a practical case study
From Idea to Action
- Transforming selected solutions into actionable plans
- Defining responsibilities, resources, milestones, and timelines
- 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 grasp their needs
- Defining challenges from the user's perspective
- Conceptualizing, prototyping, and testing solutions
- Leveraging Design Thinking for ambiguous and complex problems
Integrated Creative Problem-Solving Workshop
- Applying chosen creative thinking and problem-solving techniques to a practical scenario
- Combining root-cause analysis, idea generation, evaluation, and action planning
- Working individually or in teams on issues provided by the trainer or client
- Presenting proposed solutions and gathering feedback
Retrospective and Continuous Improvement
- Reviewing the problem-solving process and its outcomes
- Identifying successes, failures, and areas for improvement
- Formulating an improvement plan
- Utilizing the START / STOP / CONTINUE retrospective framework
- Finding opportunities to apply creative thinking in daily work
Workshop Summary
- Recap of key principles and techniques
- Personal action points
- Applying learned skills to current tasks and projects
- Final discussion and Q&A session
Requirements
No prior requirements
Audience
- Individuals aiming to deepen their understanding of creative thinking mechanics 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