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 Duration 7 hours

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

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