Get in Touch

Course Outline

Introduction to Creative Problem Solving

  • Exploring the concepts of creativity and creative thought
  • The impact of creativity on problem resolution, innovation, and decision-making
  • Recognizing obstacles to creative thinking and strategies to overcome them
  • The creative problem-solving workflow: from issue identification to solution implementation

Defining and Framing the Problem

  • Differentiating between symptoms and the core issue
  • Crafting a clear, actionable problem statement
  • Establishing objectives, constraints, and desired outcomes
  • Reframing problems to uncover new perspectives

Gathering and Analyzing Information

  • Identifying pertinent information and evidence
  • Posing effective questions to deepen problem understanding
  • Investigating facts, assumptions, and underlying causes
  • Structuring information to support creative analysis

Identifying Root Causes

  • Looking beyond symptoms to uncover fundamental causes
  • Applying the 5 Why Method
  • Constructing a Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram
  • Leveraging cause-and-effect analysis to organize complex problems
  • Choosing the most significant causes for further investigation

Generating Creative Solutions and Alternatives

  • Methods for generating a broad range of ideas
  • Divergent and convergent thinking techniques
  • Challenging assumptions and exploring alternative viewpoints
  • Applying De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats
  • Developing associations and unconventional solutions
  • Practical exercises based on real business or organizational challenges

Evaluating and Selecting Solutions

  • Establishing criteria for evaluating ideas
  • Objectively comparing alternatives
  • Assessing feasibility, impact, risks, and resource requirements
  • Utilizing Scatter Diagrams and other analytical tools where appropriate
  • Balancing creative ideas with practical business needs

Structured Problem Solving with the 8D Method

  • Introduction to the 8D problem-solving approach
  • Defining the problem and assembling an effective problem-solving team
  • Identifying and executing corrective actions
  • Validating results and preventing recurrence
  • Applying the method to a practical case study

From Idea to Action

  • Transforming selected solutions into executable plans
  • Assigning responsibilities, resources, milestones, and deadlines
  • Identifying potential risks during implementation
  • Monitoring progress and measuring outcomes

Introduction to Design Thinking

  • Understanding the core principles of Design Thinking
  • Empathizing with users to understand their needs
  • Defining the challenge from a user-centric perspective
  • Ideation, prototyping, and testing solutions
  • Applying Design Thinking to address ambiguous and complex problems

Integrated Creative Problem-Solving Workshop

  • Applying selected creative thinking and problem-solving techniques to a practical challenge
  • Combining root-cause analysis, idea generation, evaluation, and action planning
  • Working individually and/or in teams on problems provided by the trainer or client
  • Presenting proposed solutions and receiving feedback

Retrospective and Continuous Improvement

  • Reviewing the problem-solving process and outcomes
  • Identifying successes, failures, and areas for improvement
  • Developing an improvement plan
  • Utilizing the START / STOP / CONTINUE retrospective framework
  • Identifying opportunities to apply creative thinking in daily work

Workshop Summary

  • Review of key principles and techniques
  • Personal action points
  • Applying learned skills to current tasks and projects
  • Final discussion and Q&A

Requirements

None

Target Audience

  • Individuals seeking to expand their understanding of creative thinking mechanics and boost their professional effectiveness
 7 Hours

Number of participants


Price per participant

Testimonials (4)

Upcoming Courses

Related Categories