Program objectives
In our daily working life, we are faced with challenges all the time. Hence, without realizing this, a big part of our job, and time, is centred on solving problems. However, this is a core competency that we often over-looked and turn to blame rather than solving the problem itself. In most cases, problems can be avoided or even prevented. Due to our inadequacy of critical and creative thinking, we tend to miss out certain details and thus widen the problem and may even create other problems. Therefore, critical thinking is absolutely crucial in our planning to reduce undesired outcomes. Combined with creative and lateral thinking, our decisions made can now be more effective in arriving at the outcomes that we desire.
This intensive, hands-on, activity driven program teaches skills that boost better results through increased understanding and effective implementation of the problem solving and decision making processes. It helps sharpen your skills and empowers you to take the best possible actions in any given situations. By providing you with a rigorous training environment, your active participation in our program will enable you to apply and sustain your learning to a point of forming winning habits. You will have the ability to create the greatest positive impact at every given opportunity when facing a problem and making a decision every time.
Critical & Creative Thinking In Problem Solving & Decision Making focuses on the following areas:
- Communication
- Decision making
- Problem solving techniques
- Solutions generation
- Thinking processes
Training outcome
After completing the training, you should be able to:
- Create depth in the thinking process
- Develop higher level of problem-solving competency
- Improve critical and creative thinking mode
- Inculcate diagnostic and analytical thinking approach
Our methodology
To change your direction, shift your thinking.
However long ago you learnt to ride a bicycle, it’s likely an experience you’ve never forgotten. The skill remains with you today. When was your last corporate training program? How much of what was learnt is actively applied in your business today? Are all that remains the workshop manuals left on your shelf?
Our programs are initiatives that last. They encourage new ways of thinking. They open up ways to create extraordinary achievements. We believe individual behavior and attitude contribute significantly to the overall excellence of your organization. So we focus on what really matters.
Our unique methodology of combining experiential, instructional and discovery learning, and supported by modern coaching technology, creates powerful shifts in attitudes and behavior that will encourage sustainable change in your organization. These changes make an impact on results where it matters.
In our programs, you can expect an extensive use of case studies, debriefing, dyads, facilitated coaching, feedback, games and activities, group discussions, lectures, psychodramas, simulations, story-telling and structured instruments.
Course Outline
Our program outline encompasses the following modules:
Day 1:
Module 1: Problem Solving Cycle
- Problem definition
- Data collection
- Analysis study
- Solution development
- Implementation and monitoring
This module sets the context for the workshop and provides a framework for the following contents, which are structured according to the problem solving and decision making cycle.
Module 2: Common Tools Revisited
- Data Check Sheet*
- The Pareto Diagram*
- Fishbone with T/F Circle*
- Starbursting*
- Why-Why Analysis*
We start with some commonly-taught tools. Given the level of experience and competency of the audience, it is always advantageous to ensure all are on the same page. We do this by revisiting some common tools, albeit in a snap-shot manner. Should there be any clarification voiced by the floor, this opportunity will provide clarity.
Module 3: Uncommon Tools Revisited
- Selection Matrix*
- Cost-Benefit Analysis*
- 3D Action Planning*
- What If*
We then move to some not so commonly-taught tools. Again, clarity is provided should queries be made on their applications, drawbacks, etc.,
Module 4: Thoroughness*
- Considerations
- Pros
- Cons
- Recommendation
- Hot Seat Presentation (with peer review and feedback)
The audience gets to be in action in this module. With an objective decided by the audience, they will discuss thoroughly the scenario and coming up with their recommendation. To get better buy-in from their target audience, presentation hot tips will be shared, not just by peer review but also constructive feedback from the facilitator.
Day 2:
Module 5: The Red Dot
- Opening the mind’s eye
- Freedom from facts
- Context vs content: Seeing the big picture
- The I-Maze
- Finding ‘The White Space’
Moving away from the analytical approach to solving problems, we now explore on the creative aspects. From Blue Ocean to The White Space, the audience will get to experience what it takes to Think Out Of The Box.
Module 6: Building On Ideas
- Creating options using structured brainstorming
- Empty Your Mind
- Common Themes
- Common Attributes
- Forced Connections
We explore a different way to generate ideas by introducing to the audience a structured approach in brain-storming. Upon completion of this module, it will become clear what is the most effective way to perform a brain-storming session in any given situation.
Module 7: Creativity In Problem Solving Tools
- Brainwriting*
- TPN*
- Round-robin*
- The Chariot Process*
- Rolestorming*
We will now introduce some innovative methods in applying creativity to problem solving. As an example, we will share how the TPN tool can turn a ‘resigned’ mindset into a Can Do attitude simply by going through an interesting exercise in ‘busting self-limiting beliefs’.
Module 8: Getting New Ideas Out Of Nowhere
- Random Entry*
- Linking 1
- Linking 2
- Linking 5
- Assessing ideas at random
Finally, the audience gets to learn how to develop their creative thinking by engaging in various simulations using Random Entry and Linking. This module is exceptionally important as it will empower the audience with cutting-edge innovative tools in performing their tasks as managers. By providing not only an array of analytical tools but also creative and innovative tools, it is envisaged that the audience can now be in a better position to rise to the challenge of facing the business environment which is constantly challenging and demands the best of skills from us.
Module 9: Coaching Wisdom
- Simulation – Reasoning: The Nuclear Bunker (Optional)
- Best decision vs right decision (Ethics)
- Reflection
- Coaching performance