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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.
 7 Hours

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