Creative Problem Solving Training

In the past few decades, psychologists and business people alike have discovered that successful problem solvers tend to use the same type of process to identify and implement the solutions to their problems. This process works for any kind of problem, large or small, in any organisation in New Zealand.

This Creative Problem Solving workshop will give participants an overview of the entire creative problem solving process, as well as key problem solving tools that they can use every day.  Creativity can be learned and fostered as a professional skill, and can provide individual inspiration as well as being a useful team building tool.

Course Outline For Creative Problem Solving Training

After Completing This Course, Participants Will Have Learned To:

Topic 1

Getting Started

• Workshop Objectives

Topic 2

The Problem Solving Method

• Introduction to Six-Step Process
• Problem Definition
• Information Gathering
• Generating Possible Solutions
• Analysing the Solutions
• Selecting the Best Solution(s)
• Planning the Next Course of Action

Topic 3

Information Gathering

• Understanding Types of Information
• Identifying Key Questions
• Developing Criteria

Topic 4

Problem Definition

• Identifying the Problem
• Determining the Scope
• Writing the Problem Statement

Topic 5

Brainstorming Basics

• Creating a Creative Space
• Setting the Ground Rules
• Generating Ideas

Topic 6

Generating Solutions - Part One

• Logistical Solutions
• Using Affinity Diagrams
• Word Chaining

Topic 7

Generating Solutions - Part Two

• Using the Box Method
• Using the Looking through a different Lens
• Using the Blink Method

Topic 8

Evaluating Solutions

• Developing Criteria
• Using Cost/Benefit Analysis
• Group Voting

Topic 9

Selecting A Solution

• Doing a Final Analysis
• Facts vs. Intuition
• Refining and Re-Refining the Shortlist

Topic 10

Planning Your Next Steps

• Identifying Tasks
• Identifying Resources
• Evaluating and Adapting

Topic 11

Recording Lessons Learned

• Planning the Follow-up Meetings
• Celebrating Successes
• Identifying Improvements

Topic 12

Wrapping Up

• Words from the Wise
• Parking Lot
• Action Plans and Evaluations