Get in Touch

Course Outline

Introduction to Creative Problem Solving

  • Gaining insight into creativity and creative thought processes
  • The impact of creativity on problem-solving, innovation, and decision-making
  • Recognizing barriers to creative thinking and strategies to overcome them
  • The workflow of creative problem-solving: from identifying an issue to implementing a solution

Defining and Framing the Problem

  • Distinguishing between symptoms and the underlying problem
  • Crafting a clear, actionable problem statement
  • Clarifying objectives, constraints, and desired outcomes
  • Reframing problems to uncover new perspectives

Gathering and Analyzing Information

  • Identifying relevant data and evidence
  • Posing effective questions to deepen problem understanding
  • Examining facts, assumptions, and fundamental causes
  • Structuring information to facilitate creative analysis

Identifying Root Causes

  • Looking beyond symptoms to uncover underlying causes
  • Applying the 5 Why Method
  • Constructing a Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram
  • Utilizing cause-and-effect analysis to structure complex problems
  • Selecting the most pertinent causes for further inquiry

Generating Creative Solutions and Alternatives

  • Techniques for broad idea generation
  • Employing divergent and convergent thinking
  • Questioning assumptions and exploring alternative viewpoints
  • Applying De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats
  • Developing associations and unconventional solutions
  • Hands-on exercises based on real business or organizational challenges

Evaluating and Selecting Solutions

  • Setting criteria for evaluating ideas
  • Objectively comparing alternatives
  • Assessing feasibility, impact, risks, and resource requirements
  • Using Scatter Diagrams and other analytical tools as needed
  • Balancing creativity 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 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

  • 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
  • Ideation, prototyping, and testing solutions
  • Applying Design Thinking to 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 client-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

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

Requirements

No prior experience is required.

Target Audience

  • Individuals looking to enhance their understanding of creative thinking mechanisms and boost their effectiveness
 7 Hours

Number of participants


Price per participant

Testimonials (4)

Upcoming Courses

Related Categories