Creative Problem Solving

In the past few decades, psychologists and businesspeople alike have discovered that successful problem solvers tend to use the same type of process to identify and implement the solutions to their problems. This process works for any kind of problem, large or small.

The Creative Problem Solving workshop will give participants an overview of the entire creative problem solving process, as well as key problem solving tools that they can use every day. Skills such as brainstorming, information gathering, analyzing data, and identifying resources will be covered throughout the workshop

Module 1: Getting Started

• Icebreaker
• Housekeeping Items
• Workshop Objectives

Module 2: The Problem Solving Method

• What is a Problem?
• What is Creative Problem Solving?
• What are the Steps in the Creative Solving Process?

Module 3: Information Gathering

• Understanding Types of Information
• Identifying Key Questions
• Methods of Gathering Information

Module 4: 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 5: Preparing for Brainstorming

• Identifying Mental Blocks
• Removing Mental Blocks
• Stimulating Creativity

Module 6: Generating Solutions (I)

• Brainstorming Basics
• Brainwriting and Mind Mapping
• Duncker Diagrams

Module 7: Generating Solutions (II)

• The Morphological Matrix
• The Six Thinking Hats
• The Blink Method

Module 8: Analyzing Solutions

• Developing Criteria
• Analyzing Wants and Needs
• Using Cost/Benefit Analysis

Module 9: Selecting a Solution

• Doing a Final Analysis
• Paired Comparison Analysis
• Analyzing Potential Problems

Module 10: Planning Your Next Steps

• Identifying Tasks
• Identifying Resources
• Implementing, Evaluating, and Adapting

Module 11: Recording Lessons Learned

• Planning the Follow-Up Meeting
• Celebrating Successes
• Identifying Improvements

Module 12: Wrapping Up

• Words from the Wise
• Lessons Learned
• Completion of Action Plans and Evaluations