Creative Thinking & Problem Solving

Creative Thinking & Problem Solving

Course Objectives:      

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Identify Thinking Styles
  • Define and use Lateral Thinking to generate ideas
  • Explain and use Mind Mapping
  • List strategies for Creative thinking
  • Identify Six Thinking Hats
  • Practice Brainstorming
  • Ask effective questions – Probing Technique
  • Use the SIMPLEX Technique in creative problem solving
  • Apply the steps of creativity and innovation
  • Measure creativity & innovation

Course Content:

Thinking Styles

  • Lateral Thinking definition
  • Thinking laterally
  • Using lateral thinking to generate ideas
  • Lateral vs. Creative
  • Outside of the box vs. there’s no box
  • Left Brain/Right Brain orientation

Mind Mapping

  • The importance and characteristics of Mind Maps
  • How to use Mind Maps
  • The power of generating ideas
  • The major stages of Mind Maps

Strategies for Creative and Innovative Thinking

  • Walas Theory – 1926
  • West Theory – 1990

Creativity and Innovation Tools

  • Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats
  • Brainstorming
  • Asking effective questions – Probing Technique
  • Plan and Strategy and Design Thinking
  • Analytical skills by clarifying relevant issues and questions: why, who, options, benefits and risks

Problem Solving Fundamentals

  • Defining and Identifying Problems
  • The steps of effective problem-solving system
  • Generating alternatives
  • Evaluating and selecting alternatives
  • Implementing solutions

Analysing Problems

  • Understanding Complexity
  • Cause-and-Effect Diagram
  • Discover the root cause of a problem
  • Uncover bottlenecks in your processes
  • Identify where and why a process isn’t working

The SIMPLEX Technique in Creative Problem Solving

  • Problem Solving Assessment?
  • Problem Solving tools
  • 5 Why’s Technique
  • SWOT Analysis

Problems Tools

  • The use of the analytical techniques in solving problems
  • Questions Techniques
  • Positive mindset in explaining problems
  • How to confront problems to prevent future stress
  • The anatomy of problems and why they persist

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for Team Leaders, professionals, salespeople, entrepreneurs, customer service representatives

Training Methodology

The workshop is highly interactive and includes

  • Group discussions
  • Individual exercises and team activities
  • Personal Assessments
  • Games
  • Role playing
  • Case study
  • Exercise & Experience sharing
  • Video clips covering above topics

Competencies Covered

  • Analysis
  • Problem solving
  • Creativity & Innovation
  • Drive to Result