Creative Thinking & Problem Solving

Creative Thinking & Problem Solving

(A 2-Day Program)

FOREWORD

In our day-to-day activities, be it personal or at work, one can never avoid problems. As a supervisor, we are not only confronted with our own problem but also our subordinates’ and others relating to work. The real essence of a supervisor is actually exposed when one proves of being able to handle the problems confidently, with minimum supervision and when he is able to come up with solutions which are applicable not only to his department, but also the relevant departments. In order to give the due focus to resolve a problem or an issue, one has to first be proactive and foresee potential problems. This would prevent firefighting.

Common Issues

• Problem solving is regarded as common sense

• The problem is not defined clearly

• The problem is not analyzed in depth

• Root cause of the problem is “assumed” and not identified

• Always resorting to the same way of doing things and hence unable to

identify a good solution.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this program, the participants will be able to:

• Be critical and define the problems clearly.

• Use appropriate techniques and tools to assist them in identifying the

root cause.

• Employ creative techniques to arrive at Possible solutions.

• Make decisions based on sound justifications.

• Resolve problem with minimum supervision.

Course Methodology

• Workshop based

• The participants will be taken through step by step in resolving a

real-life work-related problem.

Course Outline

Day 1: 9am – 5pm

MODULE 1

Understanding the Business of Paradigms

How the mind works:

Paradigm effects

Paradigm paralysis

Paradigm shifts

Paradigm pioneers

TEA-BREAK

MODULE 2

The 6 Thinking Hats:

Applying thinking under different circumstances

LUNCH

MODULE 3

Problem Solving Approaches

• Rational Model

• Creative Model

• Garbage Can Model

• Muddling Through Model

TEA-BREAK

MODULE 4

Problem Solving Approaches

• Rational Model

• Creative Model

• Garbage Can Model

• Muddling Through Model

END OF DAY 1

Day 2: 9am – 5pm

MODULE 5

Determining Your Problem-Solving Style

• Two Approaches to Problem Solving

• Which Approach Do You Prefer?

• Which Approach Works Best When?

• Developing Your Less Favoured Style

TEA-BREAK

Step 1: Defining the Problem

• Identifying relevant problems

• Narrowing down the problem

• Considering From Multiple Perspectives

• Creating a Working Definition of the Problem

Step 2: Determining the Root Cause

• Brainstorming Techniques

• Cause & Effect Diagram

• 5 Why Techniques

LUNCH

Step 3: Generating Alternate Solutions

• Unleashing Your Creativity

• Using the JANUSIAN Techniques

Step 4: Selecting Solutions

• Popularity evaluation

• Thinking outside the box

• Considering consequences

Step 5: Implementing the Solutions

• Overcoming Resistance and implementing solutions

Steps 6: Evaluating the Solutions

• Quantitative Approach

• Qualitative Approach

TEA-BREAK

MODULE 6

Step 7: Standardization

Step 8: Improving Continuously

• Kaizen

• PDCA Cycle

MODULE 7

Decision Making

• Underlying factors for making sound decisions

• Pitfalls when making decision

• Contingency Plans for the decisions made

END OF SEMINAR

PROFILE OF THE TRAINER

William Leon Chua PhD, is the Founder, Chief Trainer and Principal Consultant of DRC Management & Training PLT. He is a sought-after management consultant; and compelling corporate trainer & motivator on Leadership Empowerment, Strategic Management, Teambuilding, Inter-personal & Communication skills, Strategic Marketing, Professional Selling Skills, Customer Service, Sun Tzu Art of War, Corporate Ethics, Mind-set Change, TQM, and High-Performance Management etc. He speaks to audiences in Malaysia, around the Asia-Pacific Region, and occasionally in Europe.

He was a member of the Malaysia Association of Professional Speakers (MAPS) & the Malaysia Institute of Management (MIM) and a registered corporate trainer with the Human Resource Development Federation of Malaysia (HRDF). Academically - he has acquired a Diploma in Sales Management from IMM, a Diploma in Business & Management from Swansea, a BA majoring in Psychology from University of Hawaii, a MBA and a PhD in Organizational Behaviour from IUKL.

Working Experience - With his more than 30 years of multi-industrial experience complemented with his 20 years as a professional corporate trainer, he has amassed volumes of skills and ideas. He is more than a lecturer; he is a corporate trainer qualified with years of in-depth multi-industrial experience. During this 2-day program he will impart 30 years of his research and invaluable experiences on the subject matter to the participants.

All in all, he has provided corporate training to more than 700 companies ranging from manufactories, universities, hotels, wholesalers……to banks and insurance companies etc. His approach to facilitating seminars is – research-based & up-to-date informative, entertaining, highly motivating and at the same time, serious in approach to ensure that learning is effectively projected into action and results.