Course Description:

In this world, being creative and knowing how to solve problems can have a life changing impact on our abilities and workplace success. In this course Natalie will guide us over 2 modules of how to develop better creative problem solving abilities.

Course Outline: Creative Problem Solving in the Workplace

Introduction to Creative Problem Solving

• Overview: Exploration of creative problem solving as a methodology and mindset essential for addressing challenges innovatively in the workplace.
• Importance: Discussion on how creative problem solving fosters a culture of innovation, adaptability, and resilience, crucial for organizational success in the dynamic business landscape.

Understanding Creative Problem Solving

• Defining Creative Problem Solving: An in-depth look at what constitutes creative problem solving and its critical role in navigating workplace complexities.
• The Need for Creative Problem Solving: Examination of the benefits it brings to organizations, including enhanced problem-solving capabilities, improved team collaboration, and increased competitive advantage.

Principles of Creative Problem Solving

• Core Principles: Introduction to the foundational principles such as divergent and convergent thinking, openness to new ideas, the iterative nature of problem-solving, and the ability to embrace ambiguity.
• Application in the Workplace: Strategies for applying these principles to foster an innovative problem-solving culture within teams and organizations.

Improving Problem-Solving Skills

• Individual Strategies: Techniques for individuals to enhance their problem-solving skills through continuous learning, mindfulness, and exposure to diverse perspectives.
• Organizational Approaches: How organizations can support the development of these skills among employees by providing relevant resources, training, and creating an environment that encourages experimentation and learning from failure.

Steps to Creative Problem Solving

• The Process: A step-by-step guide to the creative problem-solving process, including problem identification, idea generation, solution evaluation and selection, and implementation.
• Real-World Application: Utilizing case studies and examples to illustrate how these steps are applied in practical scenarios to achieve successful outcomes.

Activities and Further Learning

• Engagement Activities: Description of interactive activities such as design thinking workshops, brainstorming sessions, and reflection exercises designed to practice and reinforce creative problem-solving skills.
• Resources for Continued Growth: A curated list of books, online courses, and professional networks that offer opportunities for further exploration and development in creative problem solving.

Nurturing a Creative Problem-Solving Culture

• Building Empathy and Risk-taking: Encouraging a workplace culture that values understanding diverse perspectives and supports taking risks in pursuit of innovative solutions.
• Promoting Collaboration and Flexibility: Techniques for enhancing teamwork and adaptability in problem-solving efforts, emphasizing the importance of diverse teams and continuous learning.

Implementing and Evaluating Solutions

• Effective Execution: Planning and executing creative solutions, including considerations for resource allocation, overcoming obstacles, and adjusting strategies as needed.
• Assessment and Learning: Methods for monitoring the effectiveness of implemented solutions, evaluating outcomes, and leveraging insights gained for continuous improvement in problem-solving practices.

Conclusion and Next Steps

• Recap and Reflection: Summarizing key insights and learnings from the course, emphasizing the ongoing nature of developing creative problem-solving skills.
• Continuing the Journey: Encouraging participants to apply the principles and techniques learned in their professional lives and to seek out additional resources and opportunities for growth in creative problem solving.

This concise course outline provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and applying creative problem solving in the workplace, designed to equip participants with the tools and insights needed to tackle challenges innovatively and effectively.