Overview

A key competence of executives is the ability to appraise the parameters and challenges of any given situation or concern. The next competence is to identify, analyze and solve problems effectively and make decisions that improve the business agenda. However, the resolution of problems and decisions are much subject to personal interpretations and assumptions that may help or hinder the proper processes.

Sometimes, a more creative or innovative approach may provide the breakthrough needed. At other times, a higher level technique called Systemic Thinking, will greatly enhance the problem or decision analysis and implementation.

This workshop, in 2 days, seeks to help the participants to be more aware of and skilled in the intricacies and techniques (both rational and creative) of the problem solving process and in the making of decisions and plans…. and to demonstrate proven and systematic and systemic methodologies in addressing issues, problems and decisions effectively.

Programme Objective

Participants are encouraged to actively participate, challenge and generally “get involved” with the workshop. If they do just that, they will find that by the close of the workshop, they should be able to:

  • be aware of their own personal “style” in solving problems and in making decisions and be prepared to have this challenged!.
  • learn systematic and more robust techniques in problem solving & decision making, including situation analysis and potential problem anticipation (refresher of KT techniques).
  • identify and feel comfortable with the use of both rational and creative problem solving & decision making techniques (‘out-of-the-box thinking’).
  • use Systemic Thinking processes in relating and linking obvious & less obvious issues and consequences in any situation where problems are identified and where decisions are to be made.
  • identify and deal with the “human issues” in problem solving and decision making situations.
  • identify own plans to improve personal approaches in problem solving & decision making…whether in or outside the organisation.

Programme Content

The workshop, in 2 days, is expected to cover the following areas…all of which are significant components or techniques in critical thinking:

  • Definitions of “problems” and “decisions” and their levels of significance & impact.
  • Personal thinking styles in evaluating situations, solving problems & in decision making
  • Systematic & Rational problem solving & decision making techniques
    • demonstration & practice: (eg. Root Cause Identification, FishBone Diagram, Pareto, etc
  • Creative techniques in solving problems & in making decisions – demonstration & practice
  • Systemic Thinking processes and applications to participants’ on-job situations.
  • Group and human issues in problem solving and decision making
    • a discussion and sharing of experiences plus identification of how to’s in various situations
    • practice and apply techniques onto ‘on-job’ problems & decisions situations
  • Share ideas for self improvement in Critical & Creative Thinking

Approach

The workshop will be highly interactive with sharing of experiences, theory inputs, videos, role plays, short exercises and group work on cases…both generic and ‘on-job’. Participants can expect to have their present thinking styles challenged in a nurturing way. There will also be new concepts introduced and tested against on-job situations which participants are encouraged to bring along. The overall emphasis will be on the practical value of techniques taught.

Pre-Workshop Preparation

Participants are to do a short write up of a problem or situation they have helped to solve or decided on and to be prepared to share the experience in the workshop. Or, they can identify a current problem, impending decision or just a difficult (probably complex) situation they want some illumination on. The workshop will help to cast some insights onto the situation, etc. and this would help the participants see things differently when they return to work and could help him/her initiate new and/or different approaches to resolve the situation.

Who Should Attend?

TBU

Duration

Two Days