Get in Touch

Course Outline

Introduction to Creative Problem Solving

  • Gaining a clear understanding of creativity and the creative thinking process
  • The impact of creativity on problem-solving, innovation, and decision-making
  • Recognizing barriers to creative thinking and strategies to overcome them
  • The creative problem-solving journey: from identifying an issue to implementing a solution

Defining and Framing the Problem

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

Gathering and Analyzing Information

  • Identifying relevant information and supporting evidence
  • Asking effective questions to gain deeper insight into the problem
  • Exploring facts, assumptions, and underlying causes
  • Organizing information to facilitate creative analysis

Identifying Root Causes

  • Moving beyond surface-level symptoms to identify underlying causes
  • Applying the 5 Why Method
  • Constructing a Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram
  • Using cause-and-effect analysis to structure complex problems
  • Selecting the most significant causes for further investigation

Generating Creative Solutions and Alternatives

  • Techniques for generating a broad range of ideas
  • Balancing 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 clear criteria for evaluating ideas
  • Objectively comparing different alternatives
  • Assessing feasibility, impact, risks, and resource requirements
  • Utilizing Scatter Diagrams and other analytical tools where appropriate
  • Balancing creative innovation with practical business requirements

Structured Problem Solving with the 8D Method

  • Introduction to 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

  • Transforming selected solutions into actionable plans
  • Defining responsibilities, resources, milestones, and deadlines
  • Identifying potential risks during implementation
  • 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
  • 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 constructive feedback

Retrospective and Continuous Improvement

  • Reviewing the problem-solving process and its results
  • Identifying what worked, what did not, and areas for improvement
  • Creating a comprehensive 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

There are no specific prerequisites required.

Target Audience

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

Testimonials (4)

Related Categories