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.
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