Who Should Attend?

Managers, supervisors, and staff responsible for the development of new ideas and systems, and those involved in problem solving, and making and implementing key decisions. This is an essential course for those who believe that change, and new, improved ways of working, are the way forward for the success of organizations in the 21st century.

About the Programme

This two-day workshop is challenging from the outset. It is a blend of Tutor-led and experiential learning. It identifies the key concepts of creative thinking and problem solving. It gives the delegates a range of versatile and effective techniques, backed up by excellent course notes, which form a valuable reference source for the future. This course is ideal for those seeking new answers to old problems, and those in search of first time solutions to major new problems.

Course Objectives

• To enable delegates to analyse a problem so that appropriate problem solving techniques may be applied
• To recognise the importance of dealing with the cause of a problem, rather than just dealing with the effect of a problem
• To learn how to generate alternative solutions, using creative thinking and brainstorming
• To learn the different stages of the decision making process and understand the importance of each stage in ensuring effective decisions are made
• To enable delegates to apply the problem solving and decision making model to the workplace

What You Will Gain

• An understanding of different types of problems and how to differentiate between them
• A clear and systematic approach to problem solving and decision making
• A range of proven models to identify the causes, and diagnose the key aspects of a problem
• An opportunity to examine different ways of approaching a problem and choosing the most appropriate solution
• An opportunity to practise a logical problem solving technique during the training

Programme Contents

DAY ONE
• The Power Of Positive Thinking
• Winner & Loser Behaviour
• 'Owning' The Problem
• Problem Solving & Decision Making Process
• Categorising The Problem
• Convergent & Divergent Problems
• Problem Solving Techniques
• Benefits Of Using Systematic Problem Solving Techniques
• Defining The Problem
• Looking At The Root Causes of the Problem
• The Fishbone Diagram
• Review Of Problem Solving Techniques

DAY TWO
• Creative Thinking & Decision Making
• Brainstorming
• Analytical & Creative Thinking
• Lateral Thinking
• 'Idea Spurring' Questions
• Criteria For Decision Making
• Problem Solving & Decision Making Exercise
• A Six Step Problem Solving Method
• Putting It Into Practice

Pre-course Assignment:
Delegates will be requested to bring a situation / challenge / problem from their workplace that requires the application of creative thinking.

2 Days - Non-Residential

Delegate spaces available on the following course dates: