Course Outline
Introduction to Creative Problem Solving
- Grasping the concepts of creativity and creative thinking
- Understanding the impact of creativity on problem-solving, innovation, and decision-making
- Recognizing barriers to creative thought and strategies to overcome them
- Navigating the creative problem-solving journey, from problem identification to solution implementation
Defining and Framing the Problem
- Differentiating between surface symptoms and the underlying problem
- Crafting a clear and actionable problem statement
- Pinpointing objectives, constraints, and desired outcomes
- Reframing issues to reveal new perspectives
Gathering and Analyzing Information
- Identifying relevant data and evidence
- Posing effective questions to gain insight into the problem
- Exploring facts, assumptions, and fundamental causes
- Structuring information to support creative analysis
Identifying Root Causes
- Looking past symptoms to uncover underlying causes
- Applying the 5 Why Method
- Constructing a Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram
- Utilizing cause-and-effect analysis to organize complex issues
- Selecting the most pertinent causes for deeper investigation
Generating Creative Solutions and Alternatives
- Employing techniques to generate a broad range of ideas
- Utilizing divergent and convergent thinking
- Challenging existing assumptions and exploring alternative viewpoints
- Applying De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats
- Developing associations and unconventional approaches
- Engaging in practical exercises based on real business or organizational challenges
Evaluating and Selecting Solutions
- Establishing criteria for assessing ideas
- Objectively comparing alternative options
- Assessing feasibility, impact, risks, and resource requirements
- Using Scatter Diagrams and other analytical tools where suitable
- Balancing creative concepts 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 implementing corrective actions
- Verifying outcomes and preventing recurrence
- Applying the methodology to a practical case study
From Idea to Action
- Converting chosen solutions into actionable plans
- Defining responsibilities, resources, milestones, and deadlines
- Identifying potential risks in the implementation process
- Monitoring progress and measuring results
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
- Prototyping, testing, and ideating solutions
- Leveraging Design Thinking to tackle 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 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 enhancement
- Developing an improvement plan
- Using 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 items
- Applying learned concepts to current tasks and projects
- Final discussion and Q&A
Requirements
No prerequisites required.
Target Audience
- Professionals looking to deepen their understanding of the mechanisms behind creative thinking 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