COURSE OVERVIEW
Effective problem-solving is a natural skill that can be developed and refined. Instead of applying temporary fixes, this course focuses on addressing problems at their root cause to deliver lasting solutions. Using proven processes, participants learn to reverse-engineer situations, identify underlying issues, resolve them, and prevent recurrence. Mastering these skills saves organizations valuable time, resources, and money while enhancing overall productivity. Everyone has the potential to be a problem solver—this course helps unlock that potential.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the role of brainstorming and creative thinking in solving organizational challenges.
• Develop consistent habits for creative problem-solving and integrate them into decision-making processes.
• Identify the root causes of problems and address them effectively.
• Apply the latest strategies and techniques to generate innovative, win-win solutions.
• Link innovation to measurable performance outcomes and establish tools to track success.
• Recognize personal creative talents and leverage them for greater contribution in the workplace.
• Enhance the capacity to use creativity to resolve conflicts and negotiate mutually beneficial solutions.
• Appreciate creativity as a key organizational asset that drives growth and innovation.

TARGET AUDIENCE
This program is designed for employees at all levels who wish to foster a culture of creativity, strengthen decision-making, and solve problems at their source. It is especially valuable for those responsible for identifying organizational challenges and implementing lasting solutions.

TRAINING METHODOLOGY
The course employs a practical, results-driven approach based on adult learning principles. Participants engage in:

• Short, inspiring lectures and demonstrations.
• Role-plays and hands-on exercises.
• Group discussions and “return-to-work” action planning.
• Ample Q&A sessions to clarify concepts and reinforce learning.

Pre- and post-course assessments measure participant progress, skill development, and the effectiveness of the training.

COURSE CONTENTS

Module 1 – The Fundamentals of Brainstorming

• Explore the essential components and principles of brainstorming and creative thinking.
• Key topics include:
  • Defining brainstorming and problem-solving.
  • Transforming ideas into actionable solutions.
  • Origins of great ideas and where they typically succeed or fail.
  • Applying creative thinking in the workplace.
  • Types of problems: managerial, process, and people-related.
  • Problem urgency and conditions.
  • Distinguishing problem-solving from decision-making roles.

Module 2 – Applying Brainstorming Techniques

• Learn how to integrate brainstorming into daily problem-solving.
• Key topics include:
  • Analytical and creative thinking skills in brainstorming.
  • Overcoming barriers and challenging assumptions.
  • Habits and stages of successful creative thinkers.
  • Recognizing creativity in oneself and others.
  • Using top five brainstorming techniques to generate alternatives.
  • Evaluating options to select the most suitable solutions.

Module 3 – Innovative Problem Solving

• Apply structured innovation techniques to resolve problems effectively.
• Key topics include:
  • Defining and understanding the problem.
  • Cause analysis (e.g., Fishbone diagram).
  • Generating a broad range of potential solutions.
  • Evaluating, finalizing, and implementing the best solution.

Module 4 – Unleashing Innovation in Yourself and Others

• Focus on personal innovation and fostering creativity within teams.
• Key topics include:
  • Creative idea generation and evaluation exercises.
  • Eight problem-solving disciplines:
    • GROW model
    • How to Solve It
    • Kepner and Fourie Incident & Problem Investigation
    • Kepner-Tregoe Problem Solving & Decision Making
    • PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act)
    • Productive Thinking Model
    • RPR Problem Diagnosis (Rapid Problem Resolution)
    • Thinking Dimensions – Problem Solving
  • Applying creativity to organizational and departmental strategy.
  • Identifying and nurturing creative talent in others.

Module 5 – Decision Making & Activating Creativity

• Apply problem-solving and decision-making processes to achieve results.
• Key topics include:
  • Structured approach to implementing creative ideas.
  • Effective decision-making techniques.
  • Case study: Applying problem-solving tools:
    • Plan: Define problem and process.
    • Plan: Identify possible causes and select the most likely.
    • Plan: Identify potential solutions and select the best.
    • Do: Develop action plan.
    • Check: Implement and review plan outcomes.