Why do some people find it easy to solve tough problems with simple solutions while others find this feat nearly impossible? You’ve no doubt looked at solutions to problems and thought “I should have thought of that” – but you didn’t. The answer is not just creativity, although it certainly helps. Rather, the power to find these creative solutions lies in our ability to search for and find facts which relate to the situation, and put them together in ways which work.

As an individual, facts and knowledge can only go so far. By tapping into the knowledge of others (staff, colleagues, family, or friends), anyone can expand the range of solutions available. This two-day workshop helps you learn how to do this.

Workshop objectives:

• Increase your awareness of problem solving steps and problem solving tools
• Distinguish root causes from symptoms to identify the right solution to your problem
• Improve problem solving and decision making skills by identifying individual problem solving styles
• Think creatively and work towards creative solutions
• Recognise the top ten rules of good decision making

What is problem solving?

Explore just what problem solving and decision making means, look at different types of decisions, the difference between facts and information, and common decision making traps.

Problem solving styles

Explore the four types of problem solvers and work in small groups to identify the strengths and weaknesses, and how to use that knowledge to become a better problem solver.

Earthquake!

This hour-long exercise asks you to imagine you are in a crisis situation. It gives you a framework to solve the problem and make decisions.

The problem solving model

Learn about a three-phase model you can apply to most problems and have an opportunity to apply the model to two situations.

Six ways to approach a decision

Learn about Edward DeBono’s six thinking hats, and practice using the hats during a problem solving session.

The problem solving toolkit

Look at 11 basic problem solving tools and two advanced tools (the gradients of agreement and fishbone analysis), before applying these tools to a case study in a large group discussion.

Thinking outside the box

Discuss ways to encourage creative thinking, including brainstorming and the random word method.

Decision making case study

Working on problems with the Peerless Data Corp in small groups, to solve five different problems, before being rewarded based on the quality of your decisions.