▲PARNELL Learning - Vital Skills Workshops

Creative Problem Solving

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where…
- You needed to solve a tough customer issue?
- You had to make a major purchase?
- You had to assign chores in the family?
We all solve problems of every size every day. This workshop will give participants some processes and tools to make their problem solving effective and creative, and to help them create win-win situations.

Workshop outline:

Module One: Getting Started
Icebreaker - Ground rules - The parking lot - Workshop objectives - Action plans and evaluation forms

Module Two: The Problem-Solving Method
Introduction to Six-Step Process - Problem Definition - Information Gathering - Generating Possible Solutions - Analysing the Solutions - Selecting the Best Solution(s) - Planning the Next Course Of Action (Next Steps)

Module Three: Problem Definition
Identifying the Problem - PAG vs. PAU - Determining the Scope - Writing the Problem Statement

Module Four: Information Gathering
Understanding Types of Information - Identifying Key Questions - Developing Criteria

Module Five: Brainstorming Basics
Creating a Creative Space - Setting the Ground Rules - Generating Ideas

Module Six: Generating Solutions, Part One
Logistical Solutions - Using Affinity Diagrams - Word-Chaining

Module Seven: Generating Solutions, Part Two
Using the Box Method - Using the Six Thinking Hats - Using the Blink Method

Module Eight: Evaluating Solutions
Developing Criteria - Using Cost/Benefit Analysis - Group Voting

Module Nine: Selecting a Solution
Doing a Final Analysis - Facts vs. Intuition - Refining and Re-Refining the Shortlist

Module Ten: Planning Your Next Steps
Identifying Tasks - Identifying Resources - 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