Course Outline
Introduction to Creative Problem Solving
- Grasping the nature of creativity and creative thought
- The impact of creativity on problem solving, innovation, and decision-making
- Common obstacles to creative thinking and strategies to overcome them
- The creative problem-solving journey: from issue identification to solution implementation
Defining and Framing the Problem
- Distinguishing between symptoms and the core problem
- Crafting a clear and actionable problem statement
- Clarifying objectives, constraints, and desired results
- Reframing issues to uncover new perspectives
Gathering and Analyzing Information
- Identifying pertinent information and evidence
- Posing effective questions to gain a deeper understanding of the issue
- Examining facts, assumptions, and underlying factors
- Structuring data to facilitate creative analysis
Identifying Root Causes
- Looking beyond surface symptoms to uncover underlying causes
- Implementing the 5 Why Method
- Constructing a Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram
- Employing cause-and-effect analysis to structure complex challenges
- Choosing the most relevant causes for deeper investigation
Generating Creative Solutions and Alternatives
- Methods for producing a broad range of ideas
- Utilizing divergent and convergent thinking
- Questioning assumptions and exploring different viewpoints
- Applying De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats
- Building associations and developing unconventional solutions
- Practical exercises based on real business or organizational challenges
Evaluating and Selecting Solutions
- Setting criteria for assessing ideas
- Objectively comparing alternatives
- Evaluating feasibility, impact, risks, and resource requirements
- Utilizing Scatter Diagrams and other analytical tools where suitable
- Striking a balance between creativity and practical business needs
Structured Problem Solving with the 8D Method
- Overview of the 8D problem-solving approach
- Defining the issue and forming an effective resolution team
- Determining and executing corrective actions
- Validating outcomes and preventing future occurrences
- Applying the method to a practical case study
From Idea to Action
- Converting selected solutions into executable plans
- Specifying responsibilities, resources, milestones, and deadlines
- Recognizing potential implementation risks
- Tracking progress and measuring outcomes
Introduction to Design Thinking
- Understanding the core principles of Design Thinking
- Empathizing with users to comprehend their needs
- Defining the challenge from the user’s perspective
- Ideation, prototyping, and solution testing
- Using Design Thinking to navigate ambiguous and complex problems
Integrated Creative Problem-Solving Workshop
- Applying selected creative thinking and problem-solving techniques to a real-world challenge
- Integrating root-cause analysis, idea generation, evaluation, and action planning
- Working individually and/or in teams on issues provided by the trainer or client
- Presenting proposed solutions and gathering feedback
Retrospective and Continuous Improvement
- Reflecting on the problem-solving process and its outcomes
- Identifying successes, failures, and areas for improvement
- Developing an improvement plan
- Utilizing the START / STOP / CONTINUE retrospective framework
- Recognizing opportunities to integrate creative thinking into 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
None
Audience
- Individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of creative thinking mechanisms and enhance 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