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 Duration 7 hours

Course Outline

Foundations of Creative Problem Solving

  • Exploring the nature of creativity and creative thinking.
  • The impact of creativity on problem-solving, innovation, and decision-making.
  • Identifying barriers to creative thought and strategies to overcome them.
  • The creative problem-solving journey: from problem identification to solution implementation.

Defining and Framing the Challenge

  • Distinguishing between surface symptoms and the underlying problem.
  • Developing clear, actionable problem statements.
  • Clarifying objectives, constraints, and desired outcomes.
  • Reframing problems to reveal new perspectives.

Information Gathering and Analysis

  • Identifying relevant data and evidence.
  • Posing effective questions to gain a deeper understanding of the issue.
  • Examining facts, assumptions, and root drivers.
  • Structuring information to support analytical creativity.

Root Cause Identification

  • Moving past symptoms to uncover fundamental causes.
  • Applying the 5 Whys Method
  • Constructing a Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram
  • Leveraging cause-and-effect analysis to organize complex issues.
  • Prioritizing the most significant causes for further exploration.

Generating Creative Solutions and Alternatives

  • Methods for broadening the scope of ideation.
  • Balancing divergent and convergent thinking.
  • Challenging assumptions and exploring alternative viewpoints.
  • Utilizing De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats
  • Cultivating associations and unconventional ideas.
  • Practical exercises based on real-world business or organizational challenges.

Evaluating and Selecting Solutions

  • Establishing criteria for idea assessment.
  • Objectively comparing different alternatives.
  • Evaluating feasibility, impact, risks, and resource requirements.
  • Employing Scatter Diagrams and other analytical tools where suitable.
  • Aligning creative ideas with practical business needs.

Structured Problem Solving via the 8D Method

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

Transitioning from Idea to Action

  • Converting selected solutions into executable plans.
  • Defining responsibilities, resources, milestones, and timelines.
  • Anticipating potential implementation risks.
  • Tracking progress and measuring outcomes.

Introduction to Design Thinking

  • Core principles of Design Thinking.
  • Empathizing with users and understanding their needs.
  • Defining the challenge from the user’s perspective.
  • Ideation, prototyping, and testing solutions.
  • Applying Design Thinking to ambiguous and complex problems.

Integrated Creative Problem-Solving Workshop

  • Applying creative thinking and problem-solving techniques to practical challenges.
  • Integrating root-cause analysis, ideation, evaluation, and action planning.
  • Individual and team work on trainer- or client-provided scenarios.
  • Presenting solutions and receiving constructive feedback.

Retrospective and Continuous Improvement

  • Reflecting on the problem-solving process and results.
  • Identifying successes, failures, and areas for enhancement.
  • Developing a plan for improvement.
  • Using the START / STOP / CONTINUE retrospective framework.
  • Identifying opportunities to integrate creative thinking into daily work.

Workshop Conclusion

  • Summary of key principles and techniques.
  • Personal action items.
  • Applying learning to current tasks and projects.
  • Final discussion and Q&A session.

Requirements

No prior prerequisites are required.

Audience

  • Professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of creative thinking mechanisms and improve their overall effectiveness.

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