Creative Problem Solving

OBJECTIVES:

Learn a systematic approach to problem solving
Properly diagnosing any situation and confidently resolving it
Learn tools to solve problems and think realistically outside the box;
Learn both rational and creative methods to solve problems in the workplace;
Brainstorm and be your own think tank;
Create relevant options for addressing problems/opportunities and achieving desired outcomes;
Expanding your creativity by removing “blinders” and learning to “see around corners”
Overcoming the psychological stress of problem solving and being able to tackle tougher problems
Learning your “risk style” and determining an appropriate level of risk for the situation

METHODOLOGY:
This is an interactive course;
Participants are expected to share their experiences by active participation throughout all parts of this training program
Participants will be divided into appropriate teams for workshops & real cases
A manual will be supplied which will support development of the course by helping participants to structure the main acquired competencies

TARGET PARTICIPANTS:
HR
Marketing, Sales, Customer service.
Top Management
Head of departments

COURSE OUTLINE:
Creative Thinking
Creative People
The creative mind
Characteristics of Creative People
Creativity – what is it?
Uses and benefits of Creative thinking tools

CREATIVE THINKING PROCESS AND IDEA GENERATION
Creative thinking process
Idea generation
Enhancing creativity

CREATIVE THINKING TOOLS
Convergent thinking tools (Highlighting, Evaluation Matrix, Card Sort, …)
Divergent thinking tools (Brainstorming, Brain writing, Attribute listing, S.C.A.M.P.E.R, 5W’s & H, Mind Mapping, …)
Alternative formulation
De Bono’s 6 thinking hats

BARRIERS TO CREATIVE THINKING
Obstacles to Creative Thinking
Overcoming the barriers to effective Creative thinking
Key competencies of effective thinking

CREATIVITY IN BUSINESS
Creativity and innovation
Creative problem solving

THE PROBLEM SOLVING CYCLE
Seven Steps of Problem Solving
Problem Solving Tools: Flowcharting,
Cause – Effect Fishbone diagram
Spotting Risks and Difficulties
Thinking and choosing a solution
Strategies to generate better solutions

PUTTING A SOLUTION INTO ACTION
Designing the Planning Box
Applying an Action Plan : the Gantt Chart
Taking Action
Evaluating the results of the Action.

PERSONAL PROBLEM SOLVING
Capability vs. Motivation
Identifying Possible Causes for Personal Problems
Putting a solution into action
Evaluating results

BARRIERS TO PROBLEM SOLVING
Obstacles to Problem Solving
Overcoming the barriers to effective Creative thinking
Key competencies of effective thinking

DETERMINING CAUSE
Understand the difference between symptom and cause
Understand the difference between single, multiple and circular causes of problems
Use different tools for determining causes of problems
Receive group feedback on the analysis of the causes

DIMENSIONS OF CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING
Creative Thinking Process & Idea Generation
Creative Thinking Tools: divergent and convergent thinking
Five blocks to creative thinking
Strategies to generate better solutions

CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING
The Six Thinking Hats of Edward De Bono
Parallel Thinking
Pathfinder’s Approach
Helicopter’s Approach
State of-the-art-approach technique