Introduction
We are continuously confronted with problems that require us to make decisions. Most decisions are reached without requiring any complex decision-making process: We’re hungry? We decide to eat. Some problems are more complex, like deciding how to prioritize our work, or understanding why a process failed and deciding what to do about it; these require a rational approach to problem-solving. Often, things get even more complicated, or our decisions could have an important impact on our lives, careers or the lives of those around us; that is where we must have the ability to think critically and make sure there is no flaw in our logic. At other times the problem is so unusual that it defies rational and critical thinking; these are the times where creative problem solving becomes an invaluable tool.
In this course, we will cover all these important thinking approaches. After understanding the thinking mechanisms, we will provide you with methods and tools that you will practice during the sessions and that can help you at work or in life, and from the most mundane situations to the most difficult or unusual ones.
Course Objectives:
- Build and expand decision making, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving skills
- Apply logical and creative approaches to solving problems and making decisions
- Use traditional and creative tools for identifying causes and generating solutions
- Employ creativity and lateral thinking as business tools
- Analyze and solve actual problems facing them at work
- Demonstrate and build credibility with upper management
- Develop strategic approaches to problem-solving and decision making
Target Audience
Business professionals who want to take their critical thinking to the next level by using both their experience and intuition to make the right moves and decisions, and Managers, supervisors, and administrators who will benefit from better problem solving and decision-making skills.
Target Competencies:
- Evaluating options
- Problem-solving ability and anticipating potential problems
- Attention to details
- Situation analysis
- Balanced decision making
- Practical and proactive thinking
- Creativity
- Intuitive decision making
Course Outlines
Day (1) Problem-solving and decision making
- Definition of ‘problem’
- Definition of ‘problem-solving’
- Definition of ‘decision making’
- Creative problem solving and decision making
- The helicopter view
- Problem diagnosis
- Defining the opportunity or problem
- The link between causes and symptoms
- Problem deviation
- The right decisions at the right time
Day (2) The rational approach to problem-solving (Kepner & Tregoe)
- Defining the problem
- Writing a problem statement
- Techniques for recognizing problems
- Six important questions to clear out
- The rational approach
- Kepner & Tregoe
Day (3) Problem analysis supplementary tools
- Root cause analysis
- Creative problem solving and decision making
- The five-why process
- The cause and effect diagram
- The fishbone diagram
- Pareto analysis
Day (4) Decision making supplementary tools
- Effective decision making
- Why-Why and how-how analysis
- The how-how method
- Choice making
- The decision analysis worksheet
- The Kepner & Tregoe method for analyzing alternatives
- Use of the matrix
- Effective decision making
- The decision-making matrix
- Definition of ‘consensus’
Day (5) Creativity and problem-solving
- The need for thinking skills
- Mental structures of college students
- Stages in problem-solving and decision making
- The human brain
- Understanding the two hemispheres of the brain
- Critical thinking
- Lateral thinking
- Mental blocks to creative thinking
- Brainstorming
- The six thinking hats
About Amsterdam
Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands, is a popular destination amongst travelers from all around the world. Once just a little fishing village, Amsterdam is now a major international city after having become an important port during the 1600s. Throughout its history, the city has had many famous residents, including artists, philosophers and other historical figures. There is much to discover along Amsterdam's quaint streets and picturesque canals. So much so that a flight to Amsterdam comes with a guarantee of cultural and historical attractions that will provide memories to last a lifetime. Amsterdam is a hotbed of culture for travelers of all ages and tastes.
Things to do and places to visit in Amsterdam
From the moment passengers step off their flight to Amsterdam, they will find it a friendly city with a lively atmosphere. Its flat geography means that it is perfect for exploring by bicycle. If you're feeling less active, it the city is also well-served by public transport. The so-called Venice of the North has something for every visitor. Culture vultures have museums, galleries and theaters to see, Families can visit the zoo or the Science Center NEMO.
When visiting Amsterdam, be sure to:
- See the picture-perfect and colorful houses of the Grachtengordel district.
- See the iconic works of one of Holland's most famous artists at the Van Gogh Museum.
- Visit the house where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis.
- Browse through the extensive collection of fantastic art in the Rijksmusem.
- Wander through the blaze of colors that is the Singel Flower Market.
- See the city at a leisurely pace on a canal cruise.
- Marvel at one of the city's many historic churches.
- Learn about life aboard a ship at the National Maritime Museum.
- Discover the Begijnhof's well-preserved medieval architecture.
- See animals of all kinds, as well as the butterfly pavilion and aquarium, at the Artis Zoo.