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Course Outline

Introduction to Creative Problem Solving

  • Exploring creativity and the nature of creative thinking.
  • The impact of creativity on problem-solving, innovation, and decision-making.
  • Recognizing barriers to creative thought and strategies to overcome them.
  • The creative problem-solving journey: from identifying issues to implementing solutions.

Defining and Framing the Problem

  • Differentiating between symptoms and the underlying problem.
  • Crafting a clear, actionable problem statement.
  • Defining objectives, constraints, and desired outcomes.
  • Reframing problems to uncover new perspectives.

Gathering and Analyzing Information

  • Identifying relevant data and evidence.
  • Posing effective questions to clarify the issue.
  • Investigating facts, assumptions, and underlying causes.
  • Structuring information to facilitate creative analysis.

Identifying Root Causes

  • Moving beyond surface-level symptoms to identify underlying causes.
  • Applying 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 investigation.

Generating Creative Solutions and Alternatives

  • Techniques for generating a broad range of ideas.
  • Employing divergent and convergent thinking.
  • Challenging assumptions and exploring alternative viewpoints.
  • Utilizing 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 idea evaluation.
  • Objectively comparing alternatives.
  • Assessing feasibility, impact, risks, and resource requirements.
  • Utilizing Scatter Diagrams and other analytical tools where appropriate.
  • Balancing creativity with practical business needs.

Structured Problem Solving with the 8D Method

  • Introduction to the 8D problem-solving approach.
  • Defining the problem and assembling an effective resolution team.
  • Identifying and implementing corrective actions.
  • Verifying results and preventing recurrence.
  • Applying the method to a practical case study.

From Idea to Action

  • Transforming selected solutions into actionable plans.
  • Defining responsibilities, resources, milestones, and deadlines.
  • Identifying potential implementation risks.
  • Monitoring progress and measuring outcomes.

Introduction to Design Thinking

  • Understanding the core principles of Design Thinking.
  • Empathizing with users and comprehending their needs.
  • Defining the challenge from the user's perspective.
  • Ideating, prototyping, and testing solutions.
  • Applying Design Thinking to 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.
  • Working individually and/or in teams on problems provided by the trainer or client.
  • Presenting proposed solutions and receiving feedback.

Retrospective and Continuous Improvement

  • Reviewing the problem-solving process and results.
  • Identifying successes, failures, and areas for improvement.
  • Creating an improvement plan.
  • Utilizing the START / STOP / CONTINUE retrospective framework.
  • Identifying opportunities to apply creative thinking in daily work.

Workshop Summary

  • Recap of key principles and techniques.
  • Personal action points.
  • Transferring learning to current tasks and projects.
  • Final discussion and Q&A.

Requirements

None required.

Target Audience

  • Professionals aiming to deepen their understanding of creative thinking mechanisms and improve their effectiveness.
 7 Hours

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