C032 — Creative Problem Solving

Module One: Getting Started
• Icebreaker
• Housekeeping Items
• The Parking Lot
• Workshop Objectives

Module Two: The Problem-Solving Method
• What is a Problem?
• What is Creative Problem Solving?
• What are the Steps in the Creative Solving Process?

Module Three: Information Gathering
• Understanding Types of Information
• Identifying Key Questions
• Methods of Gathering Information

Module Four: Problem Definition
• Defining the Problem
• Determining Where the Problem Originated
• Defining the Present State and the Desired State
• Stating and Restating the Problem
• Analyzing the Problem
• Writing the Problem Statement
Module Five: Preparing for Brainstorming
• Identifying Mental Blocks
• Removing Mental Blocks
• Stimulating Creativity

Module Six: Generating Solutions (I)
• Brainstorming Basics
• Brainwriting and Mind Mapping
• Duncker Diagrams

Module Seven: Generating Solutions (II)
• The Morphological Matrix
• The Six Thinking Hats
• The Blink Method

Module Eight: Analyzing Solutions
• Developing Criteria
• Analyzing Wants and Needs
• Using Cost/Benefit Analysis

Module Nine: Selecting a Solution
• Doing a Final Analysis
• Paired Comparison Analysis
• Analyzing Potential Problems

Module Ten: Planning Your Next Steps
• Identifying Tasks
• Identifying Resources
• Implementing, Evaluating, and Adapting

Module Eleven: Recording Lessons Learned
• Planning the Follow-Up Meeting
• Celebrating Successes
• Identifying Improvements

Module Twelve: Wrapping Up
• Words from the Wise
• Review of Parking Lot
• Lessons Learned
• Completion of Action Plans and Evaluations

Creative problem solving courses help people see problems more clearly and practically.  Instead of jumping to conclusions, students learn to ask better questions and confidently explore choices.  These skills also deal with work anxiety, especially under pressure.