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Improving Your Creative Problem-Solving Skills
Problems are there to be solved. The real problem, however, is that when approaching problems, we tend to have pre-conceived notions of what can and cannot be done. We often limit ourselves even before exploring all the various options. Other times, we tend to solve the symptom and not the problem itself.
Effective problem solving is really a two-step process. The first is identifying the root of the problem. If problems are not tackled at the root, they will never be fully solved. This takes analysis and practice, but it can be learned. The next part is devising a solution and this is where we tend impose limits on ourselves, often relying on "the way we’ve done it before", or "the way it’s always been done". If the problem still persists, that way obviously didn’t work!
It’s time we trained ourselves to think outside the box and consider ALL options to solving a problem; it’s time to get creative.
This program will train participants to firstly identify the root cause of problems using a hands-on approach and case studies. It will then introduce various tools and techniques to develop options for solutions to problems. The tools essentially encourage creativity and can be used to develop new ideas, not just to solve problems.
Effective problem solving is really a two-step process. The first is identifying the root of the problem. If problems are not tackled at the root, they will never be fully solved. This takes analysis and practice, but it can be learned. The next part is devising a solution and this is where we tend impose limits on ourselves, often relying on "the way we’ve done it before", or "the way it’s always been done". If the problem still persists, that way obviously didn’t work!
It’s time we trained ourselves to think outside the box and consider ALL options to solving a problem; it’s time to get creative.
This program will train participants to firstly identify the root cause of problems using a hands-on approach and case studies. It will then introduce various tools and techniques to develop options for solutions to problems. The tools essentially encourage creativity and can be used to develop new ideas, not just to solve problems.
Objective
- To understand the concept of root cause analysis and learn to determine the root cause of problems
- To identify and learn how to use various methods of solution generation
- To develop solutions to various problems and to practice the various methods discussed
- To address participants’ actual issues through group root cause analysis and brainstorming as well as other methods
Outline
- Understanding Systems Thinking
- How problems are usually tackled
- How to distinguish between symptoms and causes
- How to identify causes - Developing Solutions
- Learning various tools to address issues
o Brainstorming (the correct way)
o Modelling
o Prototyping - Practicing Concepts
- Developing actual prototypes
- Facilitated brainstorming - Problem Solving
- Addressing actual problems
Who should attend
All Levels of Management, People Managers, Team Leaders, Supervisors, HR Professionals, Anyone that works in or leads a team. The program is extremely relevant to, but not limited to, supervisors and managers, especially those faced with dynamic work environments where a variety of issues constantly need to be addressed.
Anybody who is interested in developing solutions or generating new ideas. The tools and techniques are generic and can apply to all aspects of life, but would be extremely beneficial for those charged with leading teams to develop solutions or design new products/techniques/systems.
Anybody who is interested in developing solutions or generating new ideas. The tools and techniques are generic and can apply to all aspects of life, but would be extremely beneficial for those charged with leading teams to develop solutions or design new products/techniques/systems.
Methodology
- Presentation
- Group Activities
- Exercises
- Discussion
- Hands-on practice
The workshop will utilize active learning strategies (slides, videos, activities, individual reflection, small and large group interactions).
- Group Activities
- Exercises
- Discussion
- Hands-on practice
The workshop will utilize active learning strategies (slides, videos, activities, individual reflection, small and large group interactions).
Profile of Sean O'Hara
Mr. O'Hara is currently the principal trainer and principal consultant in local company. Previously, he was the consultant Group General Manager for listed company and vice president at local education Institution and training program manager to manage multi-million dollar training program. He was also engaged to conduct corporate training and share his best practices which were implemented worldwide. He also conducted training on cross-cultural management within the Pacific area and the United States and was even invited to train students from Europe and Africa.
He has developed and delivered programs on Cross-Cultural Management and conducted corporate training for the Ministry of Defence's (MINDEF), the Singapore General Hospital and a Singapore retail giant, Club 21 and etc, covering the areas of culture, EQ, communication and change management. He has also conducted train-the-trainer sessions in Design Thinking.
He currently also lectures at the Curtin University Campus in Singapore, Victoria University (VU), Australia as an adjunct lecturer for Bachelor's and Master's degree programs. He focuses on management subjects and social psychology, which he leverages on when training managerial staff.
As a former regular Army Officer and Sword winner in the SAF he has always held leadership positions. He has a Master's degree in International Relations awarded by the prestigious Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy (Tufts University) as well as a Bachelor's degree in Management (with honours) awarded by the London School of Economics and Political Science (University of London). He also has an Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment (ACTA) and is a certified "6 Seconds" (TM) EQ practitioner & coach as a well as a certified trainer in the Enneagram Personality Spectrum. He is also a certified Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centred Coach.
