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Course Outline

Introduction to Creative Problem Solving

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

Defining and Framing the Problem

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

Gathering and Analyzing Information

  • Identifying relevant data and evidence
  • Posing effective questions to gain deeper problem understanding
  • Investigating facts, assumptions, and underlying drivers
  • Structuring information to facilitate creative analysis

Identifying Root Causes

  • Moving beyond surface-level symptoms to uncover root causes
  • Applying the 5 Why Method
  • Constructing a Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram
  • Employing cause-and-effect analysis to structure complex issues
  • Selecting the most significant causes for deeper investigation

Generating Creative Solutions and Alternatives

  • Techniques for expanding the range of ideas
  • Utilizing divergent and convergent thinking
  • Questioning assumptions and exploring alternative viewpoints
  • Applying 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

  • Establishing criteria for assessing ideas
  • Objectively comparing alternatives
  • Evaluating feasibility, impact, risks, and resource requirements
  • Utilizing Scatter Diagrams and other analytical tools where appropriate
  • Aligning creative outputs 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 team
  • Identifying and implementing corrective actions
  • Verifying results and preventing recurrence
  • Applying the method to a practical case study

From Idea to Action

  • Converting selected solutions into actionable plans
  • Defining responsibilities, resources, milestones, and deadlines
  • Identifying potential implementation risks
  • Monitoring progress and measuring outcomes

Introduction to Design Thinking

  • Understanding the core principles of Design Thinking
  • Empathizing with users and understanding their needs
  • Defining the challenge from the user's perspective
  • Ideating, prototyping, and testing solutions
  • Leveraging 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
  • Integrating 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 results
  • 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

  • Recap of key principles and techniques
  • Personal action points
  • Applying learning to current tasks and projects
  • Final discussion and Q&A

Requirements

None

Audience

  • Individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of creative thinking mechanisms and enhance their effectiveness
 7 Hours

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