Course Outline
Introduction to Creative Problem Solving
- Understanding creativity and creative thinking
- The role of creativity in problem solving, innovation, and decision-making
- Barriers to creative thinking and how to overcome them
- The creative problem-solving process: from identifying an issue to implementing a solution
Defining and Framing the Problem
- Distinguishing symptoms from the actual problem
- Formulating a clear and actionable problem statement
- Identifying objectives, constraints, and desired outcomes
- Reframing problems to discover new perspectives
Gathering and Analyzing Information
- Identifying relevant information and evidence
- Asking effective questions to understand the problem
- Exploring facts, assumptions, and underlying causes
- Organizing information to support creative analysis
Identifying Root Causes
- Moving beyond symptoms to identify underlying causes
- Applying the 5 Why Method
- Building a Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram
- Using cause-and-effect analysis to structure complex problems
- Selecting the most relevant causes for further investigation
Generating Creative Solutions and Alternatives
- Techniques for generating a wide range of ideas
- Divergent and convergent thinking
- Challenging assumptions and exploring alternative perspectives
- 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
- Comparing alternatives objectively
- Assessing feasibility, impact, risks, and resources
- Using Scatter Diagrams and other analytical tools where appropriate
- Balancing creativity with practical business requirements
Structured Problem Solving with the 8D Method
- Introduction to the 8D problem-solving approach
- Defining the problem and building an effective problem-solving team
- Identifying and implementing corrective actions
- Verifying results and preventing recurrence
- Applying the method to a practical case study
From Idea to Action
- Turning selected solutions into actionable plans
- Defining responsibilities, resources, milestones, and deadlines
- Identifying potential implementation risks
- Monitoring progress and measuring results
Introduction to Design Thinking
- Understanding the principles of Design Thinking
- Empathizing with users and understanding their needs
- Defining the challenge from the user's perspective
- Ideating, prototyping, and testing solutions
- Using Design Thinking to approach 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 trainer- or customer-provided problems
- Presenting proposed solutions and receiving feedback
Retrospective and Continuous Improvement
- Reviewing the problem-solving process and results
- Identifying what worked, what did not, and what can be improved
- Creating an improvement plan
- Using the START / STOP / CONTINUE retrospective framework
- Identifying opportunities to apply creative thinking in everyday work
Workshop Summary
- Key principles and techniques recap
- Personal action points
- Transfer of learning to current tasks and projects
- Final discussion and Q&A
Requirements
None
Audience
- Anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge of creative thinking mechanisms and increase 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