Introduction

This training program is designed to equip participants with the skills to think creatively, approach problems strategically, and make well-informed decisions in both professional and personal settings. It covers practical tools, techniques, and frameworks to foster innovation and critical thinking.

Target Audience

• Managers, team leaders, and decision-makers
• Professionals in project management, operations, or strategy
• Individuals looking to improve their problem-solving and decision-making skills

Objectives

• Develop a creative mindset to approach challenges innovatively
• Understand structured frameworks for problem-solving
• Learn decision-making models to minimize risks and enhance outcomes
• Foster collaboration and effective communication in group decision-making
• Build confidence in handling complex and uncertain scenarios

Training Program Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Creative Problem Solving and Decision Making

• Session Topics:
  • Understanding creativity in problem-solving
  • The problem-solving cycle: Define, analyze, ideate, implement, and evaluate
  • The decision-making process: Rational vs. intuitive approaches
  • Barriers to creative thinking and decision-making
• Activities:
  • Self-assessment: Current problem-solving and decision-making styles
  • Case study: Identifying barriers in past decisions

Day 2: Tools and Techniques for Creative Problem Solving

• Session Topics:
  • Brainstorming and mind mapping
  • SCAMPER method for idea generation
  • Root cause analysis (Fishbone Diagram, 5 Whys)
  • Divergent and convergent thinking approaches
• Activities:
  • Group exercise: Mind mapping to solve a workplace challenge
  • Workshop: Applying SCAMPER to improve a process

Day 3: Decision-Making Frameworks and Techniques

• Session Topics:
  • SWOT and PESTLE analyses for informed decisions
  • Decision matrix and weighted scoring models
  • The 6 Thinking Hats technique by Edward de Bono
  • Risk analysis and contingency planning
• Activities:
  • Interactive activity: Applying the decision matrix to a real-life scenario
  • Group task: Using the 6 Thinking Hats to solve a team problem

Day 4: Building Collaboration in Problem Solving and Decision Making

• Session Topics:
  • Team dynamics and fostering collaborative problem-solving
  • Encouraging creativity and constructive feedback in groups
  • Managing conflict in decision-making
  • Communication skills for clear decisions
• Activities:
  • Role-playing: Handling group disagreements in decision-making
  • Group challenge: Solving a simulated organizational crisis

Day 5: Applying Skills to Real-World Scenarios

• Session Topics:
  • Integrating creative problem-solving into daily practices
  • Building adaptability for uncertain and complex challenges
  • Measuring the success of problem-solving and decisions
  • Developing a personal action plan
• Activities:
  • Capstone exercise: Solving a complex problem using all tools learned
  • Personal reflection: Creating an action plan for future applications
  • Feedback and Q&A