Course Outline
Introduction to Creative Problem Solving
- Exploring creativity and the nature of creative thinking
- The significance of creativity in problem solving, innovation, and decision-making
- Recognizing barriers 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 surface symptoms and the core problem
- Crafting clear and actionable problem statements
- Establishing objectives, constraints, and desired outcomes
- Reframing problems to uncover new perspectives
Gathering and Analyzing Information
- Pinpointing relevant data and evidence
- Posing effective questions to gain a deeper understanding of the issue
- Investigating facts, assumptions, and underlying causes
- Structuring information to facilitate 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 issues
- Choosing the most pertinent causes for further exploration
Generating Creative Solutions and Alternatives
- Methods for producing a broad range of ideas
- Utilizing divergent and convergent thinking approaches
- Questioning assumptions and considering alternative viewpoints
- Implementing De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats
- Cultivating associations and unconventional solutions
- Practical exercises based on real-world business or organizational challenges
Evaluating and Selecting Solutions
- Setting criteria for assessing ideas
- Objectively comparing alternatives
- Evaluating feasibility, impact, risks, and required resources
- Utilizing Scatter Diagrams and other analytical tools where suitable
- Aligning creativity with practical business needs
Structured Problem Solving with the 8D Method
- Overview of the 8D problem-solving approach
- Defining the issue and assembling an effective problem-solving team
- Determining and executing corrective actions
- Validating results and preventing future occurrences
- 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
- Tracking progress and measuring outcomes
Introduction to Design Thinking
- Grasping the fundamentals of Design Thinking
- Empathizing with users to understand their needs
- Defining the challenge from the user's point of view
- Ideating, prototyping, and testing 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 and/or in teams on problems provided by the trainer or the 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
- Spotting opportunities to integrate creative thinking into daily work
Workshop Summary
- Recap of key principles and techniques
- Defining personal action points
- Transferring learning to current tasks and projects
- Final discussion and Q&A session
Requirements
No prior experience required
Target Audience
- Individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of creative thinking mechanisms and boost their professional 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