Course Duration, Method: 2-day (8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.), Instructor-Led Training
Course Overview:
As an individual, facts and knowledge can only go so far. Solving tough problems requires the ability to define the true problem, analyze the possible causes, create options, select the most feasible option, and then implement it. This two-day workshop should help individuals enhance their efforts to find sustainable solutions and learn new ways to approach problem-solving to reach win-win decisions.
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Course Objectives:
Workshop topics include ways to:
- Increase awareness of problem-solving steps and problem-solving tools.
- Distinguish root causes from symptoms to identify the right solution for the right problem.
- Improve problem-solving and decision-making skills by identifying individual problem-solving styles.
- Think creatively and work towards creative solutions.
- Recognize the top ten rules of good decision-making.
Course Content:
What is Problem Solving?
To begin, participants will explore just what problem-solving and decision-making mean. We will also look at different types of decisions, the difference between facts and information, and common decision-making traps.
Problem Solving Styles
This session will explore the four types of problem solvers. Then, participants will work in small groups to identify their strengths and weaknesses, and how to use that knowledge to become better problem solvers.
Earthquake!
This hour-long exercise will ask participants to imagine that they are in a crisis situation. It will give them a framework to solve the problem and make decisions.
The Problem-Solving Model
During this session, participants will learn about a three-phase model that they can apply to most problems. They will also have an opportunity to apply the model to two situations.
Six Ways to Approach a Decision
Next, participants will learn about Edward DeBono’s six thinking hats, and they will practice using the hats during a problem-solving discussion.
The Problem-Solving Toolkit
This session will look at eleven basic problem-solving tools and two advanced tools (the gradients of the agreement and fishbone analysis). Then, participants will apply these tools to a case study in a large group discussion.
Thinking Outside the Box
Participants will discuss ways to encourage creative thinking, including brainstorming and the random word method.
Decision-Making Case Study
The afternoon of Day Two will be spent working on problems with the Peerless Data Corp. Participants will work in small groups to solve five different problems and will be rewarded based on the quality of their decisions.
Workshop Wrap-Up
At the end, learners will have an opportunity to ask questions and fill out an action plan.