Course Outline
Introduction to Creative Problem Solving
- Comprehending creativity and the nature of creative thinking
- The impact of creativity on problem resolution, innovation, and decision-making
- Recognizing barriers to creative thought and strategies for overcoming them
- The creative problem-solving workflow: from issue identification to solution implementation
Defining and Framing the Problem
- Differentiating between surface-level symptoms and the underlying problem
- Crafting a clear, actionable problem statement
- Identifying specific objectives, constraints, and desired results
- Reframing issues to uncover new perspectives
Gathering and Analyzing Information
- Identifying pertinent information and supporting evidence
- Posing effective questions to gain deeper insight into the problem
- Examining facts, assumptions, and fundamental causes
- Structuring information to facilitate creative analysis
Identifying Root Causes
- Looking beyond symptoms to uncover underlying causes
- Utilizing the 5 Why Method
- Constructing a Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram
- Applying cause-and-effect analysis to structure complex problems
- Selecting the most significant causes for further investigation
Generating Creative Solutions and Alternatives
- Techniques 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
- Developing associations and unconventional solutions
- Practical exercises based on real-world business or organizational challenges
Evaluating and Selecting Solutions
- Establishing criteria for assessing ideas
- Objectively comparing alternative options
- Evaluating feasibility, impact, risks, and resource requirements
- Utilizing Scatter Diagrams and other analytical tools where suitable
- Balancing creative input 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 problem-solving team
- Identifying and executing corrective actions
- Validating results and preventing recurrence
- Applying the method to a practical case study
From Idea to Action
- Converting selected solutions into actionable plans
- Defining responsibilities, resources, milestones, and deadlines
- Identifying potential risks during implementation
- Monitoring progress and measuring outcomes
Introduction to Design Thinking
- Understanding the core principles of Design Thinking
- Empathizing with users to understand their needs
- Defining the challenge from the user’s perspective
- Ideating, prototyping, and testing potential solutions
- Leveraging 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
- Integrating root-cause analysis, idea generation, evaluation, and action planning
- Working individually or in teams on problems provided by the trainer or customer
- Presenting proposed solutions and receiving constructive feedback
Retrospective and Continuous Improvement
- Reviewing the problem-solving process and its results
- Identifying successes, failures, and areas for improvement
- Developing a plan for improvement
- Utilizing the START / STOP / CONTINUE retrospective framework
- Identifying opportunities to apply creative thinking in daily work
Workshop Summary
- Recap of key principles and techniques
- Setting personal action points
- Transferring learning to current tasks and projects
- Final discussion and Q&A session
Requirements
No prior requirements.
Target Audience
- Individuals seeking to deepen 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