Who Should Attend?

The creative problem solving course is for managers, supervisors, and staff responsible for generating and developing new ideas and systems; those involved in creative problem solving, who need to make, and implement, key decisions to meet the new challenges in the rapidly changing global market.

About The Program

Problem solving and decision-making belong together. Despite all the natural decision-making that goes on and the problem solving we do, some people are very uncomfortable with having to make decisions. You cannot solve a problem without making a decision. There are two main types of decision makers. Some people use a systematic, rational approach, when solving problems or making decisions, while others are more intuitive. They go with their emotions, or a ‘gut feeling’ about the right approach. They may have highly creative ways to address the problem, but often cannot explain why they have chosen this approach. It may seem obvious, what you have to do, to address the problem. Occasionally, this is true; however, most times, it is important to identify possible alternatives. This is where the creative side of problem solving comes in.

Some people avoid making decisions. Not making a decision is in itself ‘a decision’! By delaying a decision, you may eliminate a number of options and alternatives, but you may lose control of the situation. In some cases, a problem can escalate, if not dealt with promptly. Once the decision has been made, it must be implemented. With major decisions, this may involve detailed planning to ensure all sections of the operations / departments are informed of their part in the change.

When you have implemented a decision, you need to evaluate the results. The outcomes may give valuable advice about the decision-making process, the appropriateness of the choice, and the implementation process itself. This information will be useful in improving the response the next time a similar decision has to be made.

Your creative side is most useful in identifying new, or unusual alternatives. Too often, you can get stuck in a pattern of thinking that has been successful in the past. You think of ways you have handled similar problems in the past. Sometimes this is successful; however, when you are faced with a new problem, or when your solutions have failed, you may find it difficult to generate new ideas.

The creative problem solving course is for those who believe that change, and new improved ways of working, are the best way forward for the success of organizations.

Course Objectives

What You Will Gain