Course Outline
Introduction to Creative Problem Solving
- Exploring creativity and the mechanics of creative thinking
- The significance of creativity in problem-solving, innovation, and decision-making
- Recognizing barriers to creative thought and strategies to overcome them
- Navigating the creative problem-solving journey: from defining the issue to executing the solution
Defining and Framing the Problem
- Differentiating between symptoms and the underlying problem
- Creating a clear, actionable problem statement
- Establishing objectives, constraints, and desired outcomes
- Reframing issues to uncover new perspectives
Gathering and Analyzing Information
- Identifying pertinent information and supporting evidence
- Posing effective questions to gain a deeper understanding of the problem
- Investigating facts, assumptions, and underlying causes
- Structuring information to support creative analysis
Identifying Root Causes
- Looking past symptoms to uncover fundamental causes
- Utilizing the 5 Why Method
- Constructing a Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram
- Employing cause-and-effect analysis to structure complex problems
- Selecting the most significant causes for further inquiry
Generating Creative Solutions and Alternatives
- Techniques for brainstorming a broad spectrum of ideas
- Balancing divergent and convergent thinking
- Questioning assumptions and exploring alternative viewpoints
- Applying De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats
- Cultivating associations and unconventional solutions
- Practical exercises rooted in real-world business or organizational challenges
Evaluating and Selecting Solutions
- Setting criteria for assessing ideas
- Objectively comparing alternative options
- Assessing feasibility, impact, risks, and resource requirements
- Applying Scatter Diagrams and other analytical tools where suitable
- Aligning creative ideas 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 measures
- Validating results and preventing recurrence
- Applying the method through a practical case study
From Idea to Action
- Transforming selected solutions into actionable plans
- Assigning responsibilities, resources, milestones, and deadlines
- Identifying potential implementation risks
- Tracking progress and measuring outcomes
Introduction to Design Thinking
- Grasping the core principles of Design Thinking
- Empathizing with users to understand their needs
- Defining the challenge from the user's perspective
- Ideating, prototyping, and testing potential solutions
- Using Design Thinking to tackle ambiguous and complex issues
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
- Collaborating individually and/or in teams on problems provided by the trainer or customer
- Presenting proposed solutions and receiving constructive feedback
Retrospective and Continuous Improvement
- Reviewing the problem-solving process and its results
- Identifying successes, failures, and areas for improvement
- Developing a concrete 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
- Applying learning to current tasks and projects
- Final discussion and Q&A
Requirements
No prior experience required.
Audience
- Individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of creative thinking mechanisms and boost their effectiveness
Custom Corporate Training
Training solutions designed exclusively for businesses.
- Customized Content: We adapt the syllabus and practical exercises to the real goals and needs of your project.
- Flexible Schedule: Dates and times adapted to your team's agenda.
- Format: Online (live), In-company (at your offices), or Hybrid.
Price per private group, online live training, starting from 1600 € + VAT*
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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