CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION-MAKING (C-PSDM)

INTRODUCTION FOR CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION-MAKING (C-PSDM)

The ability to identify problems to its root cause and to make good decisions to solve them effectively is the fundamental excellence of every successful leader. Most decisions to solve routine problems are reached without requiring any complex decision-making process.  However, when the problem gets more complicated or had migrated outside our thinking paradigm, it defies rational and critical thinking.  These are the times where Creative Problem Solving-Decision Making (C-PSDM) skills becomes an invaluable asset.

In his book ‘Applied Imagination’, Alex Osborn noted two distinct kinds of thinking that are essential to being creative: Divergent Thinking – – generating lots of ideas and options, and Convergent Thinking – – evaluating ideas and options, and making decisions.  This training program will explore both Divergent Thinking and Convergent Thinking processes & tools used in solving problems and making good decisions at the workplace.  Effective use of creative problem-solving processes and tools will help participants to tap into the know-how of other individuals, develop teamwork and consensus without getting emotional, gain commitment from others, and resolve issues in a fun manner. Everyone is on the same wavelength, using a common approach, ground rules and language, and works towards the same goal, solving problems together regardless of background or expertise. Participants will also learn how to make sound business decisions by analyzing and balancing between the benefits and risks.  This training program examines a step-by-step process for identifying and solving problem creatively. Included are tools appropriate for moving through each step of the process.  It is fast-paced and lively, with group discussions, case studies, and the opportunity to learn from leaders who face similar challenges.  This training program is a must all team leaders who need to lead others to solve problems and make decision at the workplace.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

• Define problem effectively, and clearly distinguish between the causes and effects of problems.
• Use Divergent Thinking & Convergent Thinking processes and tools to generate ideas, alternatives and evaluate ideas to select best options.
• Practice Brainstorming, Mind-mapping, Why-Why Analysis, IS/IS-Not logic techniques
• Formulate solutions by using creative processes and tools
• Apply Decision Analysis (DA) technique to make good decision, both individually & as a team
• Experience the Human Side of Problem Solving and teamwork.

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1 – Introduction

• Ice Breaker : ‘See it? How to solve it?’
• What is Creativity?
• What is Creative Thinking?  What is Problem Solving?
• Why Creative Problem Solving & Decision Making (C-PSDM) Skills?
• Exercises: Creativity Games

Module 2 – Divergent & Convergent Thinking

• Dynamic balance of creativity
• Divergent Thinking: to generate ideas, alternatives, options
• Exercise: Brainstorming technique
• Convergent Thinking: to evaluate ideas, solutions and select the best
• Exercise: Decision Analysis (DA) technique

Module 3 – Best-Known Problem Solving Methods

• Why use ‘Best-Known-Method (BKM)’ for Problem Solving?
• PDCA, 7-Steps Problem Solving, K-T PSDM  Approaches
• Definition of a Problem: How to write Problem Statements?
• Exercise: Symptoms or Causes?
• Current Situation and Prioritizing which problems to solve.

Module 4 – Problem Analysis (PA) Technique

• Understanding the types of causes:
  – Possible Causes >> Most Possible Causes >> Root Cause
• Exercise: Ask 5xWhy & IS/IS-NOT Analysis
• PA: Why did this happen?
• PA Process:  Step-By-Step approach
• PA Tools: ‘IS/IS NOT’ Analysis
• Using Divergent & Convergent Thinking in PA
• Exercise: PA Case Study

Module 5 – Making Good Decisions

• Balancing Between ‘Benefit and Risks’
• Three-Steps-Actions Plan:
  • Containment plan: How to contain the issues/problem?
  • Preventive plan: How to prevent it from recurring?
  • Contingent plan: What about Plan B?
• Potential Problems and Countermeasures
• Exercise: ‘Decide which actions to take’

Module 6 – Course Conclusions & Summary

• Remember the Human Side of Problem Solving.
• Lessons learned
• Next-Step Action Plan
• Further Tips and Guidelines