Creative Problem Solving

Sample

Corporate Training Materials

All of our training products are fully customizable and are perfect for one day and half day workshops.
You can easily update or insert your own content to make the training more relevant to participants.
Our material is completely customizable and is backed up by a 90 day 100% no questions ask money
back guarantee!

With our training courseware you are able to:

• Add your name and logo (and remove ours)
• Add your own content to make the training more relevant to your clients (i.e. using
examples and case studies from within your organization or city)
• Train unlimited users within your organization
• No Annual Renewal Fees
• Download training material on your time, from our secure servers

United States International

73 Greentree Drive, Box #68 116 Provost Street
Dover, Delaware 19904 New Glasgow, NS, Canada
Toll-free:1-877-610-3660 Phone: 001-902-695-3660
Fax: 1-877-610-3661 Fax: 001-902-695-3661
[email protected] [email protected]

Any technical issues or questions can be addressed by our support team

[email protected]

Our Product Catalog contains our entire library of available and upcoming courses. Please
follow this link: http://corporatetrainingmaterials.com/product_catalog.pdf

Review our License Agreement to answer any licensing questions you may have. Please follow
this link: http://corporatetrainingmaterials.com/license_agreement.pdf
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface ..............................................................................................................................................3
What is Courseware? ................................................................................................................................ 3

How Do I Customize My Course? .............................................................................................................. 3

Materials Required ................................................................................................................................... 4

Maximizing Your Training Power.............................................................................................................. 5

Icebreakers ........................................................................................................................................6
Icebreaker: Friends Indeed........................................................................................................................ 7

Training Manual Sample.....................................................................................................................8

Sample Module: Problem Definition ......................................................................................................... 9

Instructor Guide Sample................................................................................................................... 16

Sample Module: Problem Definition ....................................................................................................... 17

Activities ......................................................................................................................................... 27

Quick Reference Sheets.................................................................................................................... 30

Certificate of Completion ................................................................................................................. 32

PowerPoint Sample.......................................................................................................................... 34

Full Course Table of Contents ........................................................................................................... 39

Preface

What is Courseware?
Welcome to Corporate Training Materials, a completely new training
experience!

Our courseware packages offer you top-quality training materials that

are customizable, user-friendly, educational, and fun. We provide your
materials, materials for the student, PowerPoint slides, and a take-
home reference sheet for the student. You simply need to prepare and
train!

Best of all, our courseware packages are created in Microsoft Office and can be opened using any
version of Word and PowerPoint. (Most other word processing and presentation programs support
these formats, too.) This means that you can customize the content, add your logo, change the color
scheme, and easily print and e-mail training materials.

How Do I Customize My Course?

Customizing your course is easy. To edit text, just click and type as you would with any document. This is
particularly convenient if you want to add customized statistics for your region, special examples for
your participants’ industry, or additional information. You can, of course, also use all of your word
processor’s other features, including text formatting and editing tools (such as cutting and pasting).

To remove modules, simply select the text and press Delete on your keyboard. Then, navigate to the
Table of Contents, right-click, and click Update Field. You may see a dialog box; if so, click “Update entire
table” and press OK.

(You will also want to perform this step if you add modules or move them around.)

If you want to change the way text looks, you can format any piece of text any way you want. However,
to make it easy, we have used styles so that you can update all the text at once.

If you are using Word 97 to 2003, start by clicking the Format menu followed by Styles and Formatting.
In Word 2007 and 2010 under the Home tab, right-click on your chosen style and click Modify. That will
then produce the Modify Style options window where you can set your preferred style options.
For example, if we wanted to change our Heading 1 style, used for Module Titles, this is what we would
do:

Now, we can change our formatting and it will apply to all the headings in the document.

For more information on making Word work for you, please refer to Word 2007 or 2010 Essentials by
Corporate Training Materials.

Materials Required
All of our courses use flip chart paper and markers extensively. (If you prefer, you can use a whiteboard
or chalkboard instead.)

We recommend that each participant have a copy of the Training Manual, and that you review each
module before training to ensure you have any special materials required. Worksheets and handouts are
included within a separate activities folder and can be reproduced and used where indicated. If you
would like to save paper, these worksheets are easily transferrable to a flip chart paper format, instead
of having individual worksheets.
We recommend these additional materials for all workshops:

• Laptop with projector, for PowerPoint slides

• Quick Reference Sheets for students to take home

• Timer or watch (separate from your laptop)

• Masking tape

• Blank paper

Maximizing Your Training Power

We have just one more thing for you before you get started. Our company is built for trainers, by
trainers, so we thought we would share some of our tips with you, to help you create an engaging,
unforgettable experience for your participants.

• Make it customized. By tailoring each course to your participants, you will find that your results
will increase a thousand-fold.

o Use examples, case studies, and stories that are relevant to the group.

o Identify whether your participants are strangers or whether they work together. Tailor
your approach appropriately.

o Different people learn in different ways, so use different types of activities to balance it
all out. (For example, some people learn by reading, while others learn by talking about
it, while still others need a hands-on approach. For more information, we suggest
Experiential Learning by David Kolb.)

• Make it fun and interactive. Most people do not enjoy sitting and listening to someone else talk
for hours at a time. Make use of the tips in this book and your own experience to keep your
participants engaged. Mix up the activities to include individual work, small group work, large
group discussions, and mini-lectures.

• Make it relevant. Participants are much more receptive to learning if they understand why they
are learning it and how they can apply it in their daily lives. Most importantly, they want to
know how it will benefit them and make their lives easier. Take every opportunity to tie what
you are teaching back to real life.

• Keep an open mind. Many trainers find that they learn something each time they teach a
workshop. If you go into a training session with that attitude, you will find that there can be an
amazing two-way flow of information between the trainer and trainees. Enjoy it, learn from it,
and make the most of it in your workshops.

And now, time for the training!

Icebreakers

Each course is provided with a wide range of interactive Icebreakers. The trainer can utilize an
Icebreaker to help facilitate the beginning of the course, as it helps “break the ice” with the
participants. If the participants are new to each other, an icebreaker is a great way to introduce
everyone to each other. If the participants all know each other it can still help loosen up the
room and begin the training session on positive note. Below you will see one of the icebreakers
that can be utilized from the Icebreakers folder.
Icebreaker: Friends Indeed
Purpose

Have the participants moving around and help to make introductions to each other.

Materials Required

• Name card for each person

• Markers

Preparation

Have participants fill out their name card. Then, ask participants to stand in a circle, shoulder to
shoulder. They should place their name card at their feet. Then they can take a step back. You
as the facilitator should take the place in the center of the circle.

Activity

Explain that there is one less place than people in the group, as you are in the middle and will
be participating. You will call out a statement that applies to you, and anyone to whom that
statement applies must find another place in the circle.

Examples:

• Friends who have cats at home

• Friends who are wearing blue
• Friends who don’t like ice cream

The odd person out must stand in the center and make a statement.

The rules:

• You cannot move immediately to your left or right, or back to your place.
• Let’s be adults: no kicking, punching, body-checking, etc.

Play a few rounds until everyone has had a chance to move around.
Training Manual Sample

On the following pages is a sample module from our Training Manual. Each of our courses
contains twelve modules with three to five lessons per module. It is in the same format and
contains the same material as the Instructor Guide, which is then shown after the Training
Manual sample, but does not contain the Lesson Plans box which assists the trainer during
facilitation.

The Training Manual can be easily updated, edited, or customized to add your business name
and company logo or that of your clients. It provides each participant with a copy of the
material where they can follow along with the instructor.
 No problem can be solved until it is
reduced to some simple form.
The changing of a vague difficulty into a
specific, concrete form is a very essential
element in thinking.

J.P. Morgan

Sample Module: Problem Definition

The next step in the creative problem solving process is to identify
the problem. This module will explore why problem solvers need
to clearly define the problem. It also introduces several tools to
use when defining a problem and writing a problem statement.
Defining the Problem
Defining the problem is the first step in the creative problem solving process. When
a problem comes to light, it may not be clear exactly what the problem is. You must
understand the problem before you spend time or money implementing a solution.

It is important to take care in defining the problem. The way that you define your
problem influences the solution or solutions that are available. Problems often can
be defined in many different ways. You must address the true problem when continuing the creative
problem solving process in order to achieve a successful solution. You may come up with a terrific
solution, but if it is a solution to the wrong problem, it will not be a success.

In some cases, taking action to address a problem before adequately identifying the problem is worse
than doing nothing. It can be a difficult task to sort out the symptoms of the problem from the problem
itself. However, it is important to identify the underlying problem in order to generate the right
solutions. Problem solvers can go down the wrong path with possible solutions if they do not
understand the true problem. These possible solutions often only treat the symptoms of the problem,
and not the real problem itself.

Four tools to use in defining the problem are:

• Determining where the problem originated

• Defining the present state and the desired state

• Stating and restating the problem

• Analyzing the problem

You may not use all of these tools to help define a problem. Different tools lend themselves to some
kinds of problems better than other kinds.
Determining Where the Problem Originated
Successful problem solvers get to the root of the problem by interviewing or
questioning anyone who might know something useful about the problem. Ask
questions about the problem, including questions that:

• Clarify the situation

• Challenge assumptions about the problem

• Determine possible reasons and evidence

• Explore different perspectives concerning the problem

• Ask more about the original question

If you did not define the problem, find out who did. Think about that person’s motivations. Challenge
their assumptions to dig deeper into the problem.
Defining the Present State and the Desired State
When using this tool, you write a statement of the situation as it currently exists.
Then you write a statement of where what you would like the situation to look like.
The desired state should include concrete details and should not contain any
information about possible causes or solutions. Refine the descriptions for each state
until the concerns and needs identified in the present state are addressed in the
desired state.
Stating and Restating the Problem
The problem statement and restatement technique also helps evolve the
understanding of the problem. First write a statement of the problem, no matter
how vague. Then use various triggers to help identify the true problem. The
triggers are:

• Place emphasis on different words in the statement and ask questions

about each emphasis.

• Replace one word in the statement with a substitute that explicitly defines the word to reframe
the problem.

• Rephrase the statement with positives instead of negatives or negatives instead of positives to
obtain an opposite problem.

• Add or change words that indicate quantity or time, such as always, never, sometimes, every,
none or some.

• Identify any persuasive or opinionated words in the statement. Replace or eliminate them.

• Try drawing a picture of the problem or writing the problem as an equation.

Analyzing the Problem
When the cause of the problem is not known, such as in troubleshooting
operations, you can look at the what, where, who, and extent of the problem to
help define it.

What? - “What” questions help to identify the problem. Use “what” questions both
to identify what the problem is, as well as what the problem is not. “What”
questions can also help identify a possible cause.

Where? - “Where” questions help to locate the problem. Use “where” questions to distinguish the
difference between locations where the problem exists and where it does not exist.

When? - “When” questions help discover the timing of the problem. Use “when” questions to
distinguish the difference between when the problem occurs and when it does not, or when the
problem was first observed and when it was last observed.

Extent? – Questions that explore the magnitude of the problem include:

• How far vs. how localized?

• How many units are affected vs. how many units are not affected?

• How much of something is affected vs. how much is not affected?

Examining the distinctions between what, where, when, and to what extent the problem is and what,
where, when and to what extent it is not can lead to helpful insights about the problem. Remember to
sharpen the statements as the problem becomes clearer.
Writing the Problem Statement
Writing an accurate problem statement can help accurately represent the problem.
This helps clarify unclear problems. The problem statement may evolve through the
use of the four problem definition tools and any additional information gathered
about the problem. As the statement becomes more refined, the types and
effectiveness of potential solutions are improved.

The problem statement should:

• Include specific details about the problem, including who, what, when, where, and how

• Address the scope of the problem to identify boundaries of what you can reasonably solve

The problem statement should not include:

• Any mention of possible causes

• Any potential solutions

A detailed, clear, and concise problem statement will provide clear-cut goals for focus and direction for
coming up with solutions.
Instructor Guide Sample

On the following pages is a sample module from our Instructor Guide. It provides the instructor
with a copy of the material and a Lesson Plans box. Each Instructor Guide and Training Manual
mirrors each other in terms of the content. They differ in that the Instructor Guide is
customized towards the trainer, and Training Manual is customized for the participant.

The key benefit for the trainer is the Lesson Plan box. It provides a standardized set of tools to
assist the instructor train that particular lesson. The Lesson Plan box gives an estimated time to
complete the lesson, any materials that are needed for the lesson, recommended activities, and
additional points to assist in delivering the lessons such as Stories to Share and Delivery Tips.
 No problem can be solved until it is
reduced to some simple form.
The changing of a vague difficulty into a
specific, concrete form is a very essential
element in thinking.

J.P. Morgan

Sample Module: Problem Definition

The next step in the creative problem solving process is to identify
the problem. This module will explore why problem solvers need
to clearly define the problem. It also introduces several tools to
use when defining a problem and writing a problem statement.
Defining the Problem

Estimated Time 10 minutes

To understand the first step in the creative problem solving process: defining
Topic Objective
the problem

Defining the problem properly is important to avoid time consuming or

Topic Summary costly steps that will not ultimately provide a good solution to the real
problem. The tools of problem definition are introduced.

A classic story of the issue of problem definition is the case of a high-rise

hotel where guests begin complaining that the elevators are too slow. The
building manager instructs the engineers to find a way to speed up the
elevators. After further review, he refines the problem to address how to
install additional elevators. However, he ultimately refines the problem once
Stories to Share again. The solution to the real problem is to install mirrors in front of the
elevators to distract guests from the wait time. When the problem is defined
as the number of complaints being made, the solution turned out to be fairly
simple and inexpensive compared to other solutions the building manager
considers. After implementing this solution, the hotel complaints stop
completely.

Have group members share any examples of solving the wrong problem or
Recommended Activity
symptoms instead of the root problem.

Why is it important to define the problem before beginning to look for

Review Questions
solutions to the problem?
 Defining the problem is the first step in the creative problem solving process. When
a problem comes to light, it may not be clear exactly what the problem is. You must
understand the problem before you spend time or money implementing a solution.

It is important to take care in defining the problem. The way that you define your
problem influences the solution or solutions that are available. Problems often can
be defined in many different ways. You must address the true problem when continuing the creative
problem solving process in order to achieve a successful solution. You may come up with a terrific
solution, but if it is a solution to the wrong problem, it will not be a success.

In some cases, taking action to address a problem before adequately identifying the problem is worse
than doing nothing. It can be a difficult task to sort out the symptoms of the problem from the problem
itself. However, it is important to identify the underlying problem in order to generate the right
solutions. Problem solvers can go down the wrong path with possible solutions if they do not
understand the true problem. These possible solutions often only treat the symptoms of the problem,
and not the real problem itself.

Four tools to use in defining the problem are:

• Determining where the problem originated

• Defining the present state and the desired state

• Stating and restating the problem

• Analyzing the problem

You may not use all of these tools to help define a problem. Different tools lend themselves to some
kinds of problems better than other kinds.
Determining Where the Problem Originated

Estimated Time 5 minutes

To learn about the problem definition tool of determining where the

Topic Objective
problem originated.

Start defining a problem by finding out where the problem originated. Ask
Topic Summary
questions of people who know about the problem to help clarify it.

• Worksheet One: Background Information

Materials Required
• Module Four Questions from Worksheet

Print out one copy of the Worksheet One case study and the Module Four
Planning Checklist
questions for each participant.

Divide participants into pairs. Ask them to review the case study and begin
Recommended Activity determining where the problem came from by identifying who to ask and
what questions to ask them.

Delivery Tips If there is time, bring the large group back together, and discuss results.

Successful problem solvers get to the root of the problem by interviewing or

questioning anyone who might know something useful about the problem. Ask
questions about the problem, including questions that:

• Clarify the situation

• Challenge assumptions about the problem

• Determine possible reasons and evidence

• Explore different perspectives concerning the problem

• Ask more about the original question

If you did not define the problem, find out who did. Think about that person’s motivations. Challenge
their assumptions to dig deeper into the problem.
Defining the Present State and the Desired State

Estimated Time 5 minutes

To learn about the problem definition tool of defining the present state and
Topic Objective
the desired state.

Comparing a statement of how things currently exist to a statement of the

Topic Summary
desired state can help define the true problem.

• Worksheet One Background Information

Materials Required
• Module Four Questions from Worksheet

Print out one copy of the Worksheet One case study and the Module Four
Planning Checklist
questions for each participant.

Divide participants into pairs. Ask them to review the case study and write
statements for the present state and the desired state. Have them refine the
Recommended Activity
statements until the desired state clearly addresses the needs in the present
state.

Delivery Tips If there is time, bring the large group back together, and discuss results.

When using this tool, you write a statement of the situation as it currently exists.
Then you write a statement of where what you would like the situation to look like.
The desired state should include concrete details and should not contain any
information about possible causes or solutions. Refine the descriptions for each state
until the concerns and needs identified in the present state are addressed in the
desired state.
Stating and Restating the Problem

Estimated Time 5 minutes

To learn about the problem definition tool of stating and restating the
Topic Objective
problem.

This tool involves stating the problem as well as possible, then using different
Topic Summary triggers to help refine the statement until it clearly represents the true
problem.

• Worksheet One Background Information

Materials Required
• Module Four Questions from Worksheet

Print out one copy of the Worksheet One case study and the Module Four
Planning Checklist
questions for each participant.

Divide participants into pairs. Ask them to review the case study and write a
Recommended Activity general problem statement. Have them use the different triggers to explore
the problem.

Delivery Tips If there is time, bring the large group back together, and discuss results.

The problem statement and restatement technique also helps evolve the
understanding of the problem. First write a statement of the problem, no matter
how vague. Then use various triggers to help identify the true problem. The
triggers are:

• Place emphasis on different words in the statement and ask questions

about each emphasis.

• Replace one word in the statement with a substitute that explicitly defines the word to reframe
the problem.

• Rephrase the statement with positives instead of negatives or negatives instead of positives to
obtain an opposite problem.

• Add or change words that indicate quantity or time, such as always, never, sometimes, every,
none or some.

• Identify any persuasive or opinionated words in the statement. Replace or eliminate them.

• Try drawing a picture of the problem or writing the problem as an equation.

Analyzing the Problem

Estimated Time 5 minutes

Topic Objective To learn about the problem definition tool of analyzing the problem.

This tool helps define the problem by distinguishing the difference between
what is and what is not, where the problem is, and where it is not, when the
Topic Summary
problem is, and when it is not, and to what extent the problem exists, and
what extent it does not exist.

• Worksheet One Background Information

Materials Required
• Module Four Questions from Worksheet

Print out one copy of the Worksheet One case study and the Module Four
Planning Checklist
questions for each participant.

Divide participants into pairs. Ask them to review the case study and fill out
Recommended Activity the chart to analyze the problem with what, where, when, and extent
information.

Delivery Tips If there is time, bring the large group back together, and discuss results.

When the cause of the problem is not known, such as in troubleshooting

operations, you can look at the what, where, who, and extent of the problem to
help define it.

What? - “What” questions help to identify the problem. Use “what” questions both
to identify what the problem is, as well as what the problem is not. “What”
questions can also help identify a possible cause.

Where? - “Where” questions help to locate the problem. Use “where” questions to distinguish the
difference between locations where the problem exists and where it does not exist.

When? - “When” questions help discover the timing of the problem. Use “when” questions to
distinguish the difference between when the problem occurs and when it does not, or when the
problem was first observed and when it was last observed.
Extent? – Questions that explore the magnitude of the problem include:

• How far vs. how localized?

• How many units are affected vs. how many units are not affected?

• How much of something is affected vs. how much is not affected?

Examining the distinctions between what, where, when, and to what extent the problem is and what,
where, when and to what extent it is not can lead to helpful insights about the problem. Remember to
sharpen the statements as the problem becomes clearer.
Writing the Problem Statement

Estimated Time 10 minutes

Topic Objective To understand the purpose and process for writing a problem statement

Writing an accurate problem statement can help accurately represent the

problem. This can help clarify unclear problems. The evolution of the
Topic Summary
problem statement influences the types and effectiveness of potential
solutions that may be generated.

• Worksheet One Background Information

• Module Four Questions from Worksheet

Materials Required
• Flip Chart Paper

• Markers

Print out one copy of the Worksheet One case study and the Module Four
Planning Checklist
questions for each participant.

Divide participants into pairs. Ask them to review the case study and finalize
the problem statement.
Recommended Activity
Bring the large group back together and write a final problem statement on a
sheet of flip chart paper.

Delivery Tips You will need the group final problem statement for module six.
 Writing an accurate problem statement can help accurately represent the problem.
This helps clarify unclear problems. The problem statement may evolve through the
use of the four problem definition tools and any additional information gathered
about the problem. As the statement becomes more refined, the types and
effectiveness of potential solutions are improved.

The problem statement should:

• Include specific details about the problem, including who, what, when, where, and how

• Address the scope of the problem to identify boundaries of what you can reasonably solve

The problem statement should not include:

• Any mention of possible causes

• Any potential solutions

A detailed, clear, and concise problem statement will provide clear-cut goals for focus and direction for
coming up with solutions.
Activities

During the facilitation of a lesson Worksheet or Handout may be utilized to help present the
material. If a lesson calls for a Worksheet or Handout it will be listed in the Lesson Plan box
under Materials Required. The trainer can then utilize the Activities folder for the
corresponding material and then provide it to the participants. They are all on separate Word
documents, and are easily edited and customized.

Below you will see the Worksheets or Handouts that are utilized during the training of the
above lesson. They are located in the Activities folder and can be easily printed and edited for
the participants.
Sample Worksheet: Background Information
Background

Big City, USA has one of the largest independent school districts in the country. A $50 million budget
shortfall announced early in the school year will require each school in the district to cut their own
budgets by 10%.
Sample Worksheet: Module Four Questions
Who do you ask about this problem? What questions do you ask to find out where this problem came
from?

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Create a present state statement and a desired state statement. Refine the statements until the desired
state statement clearly addresses the needs or issues identified in the present state statement.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Now start with a general statement of the problem and refine it until you reach a concrete problem
statement.

Analyze the problem using the following chart.

THE PROBLEM IS… THE PROBLEM IS NOT…

WHAT

WHEN

WHERE

EXTENT

Write the final problem statement.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________
Quick Reference Sheets

Below is an example of our Quick reference Sheets. They are used to provide the participants
with a quick way to reference the material after the course has been completed. They can be
customized by the trainer to provide the material deemed the most important. They are a way
the participants can look back and reference the material at a later date.

They are also very useful as a take-away from the workshop when branded. When a participant
leaves with a Quick Reference Sheet it provides a great way to promote future business.
 Creative Problem Solving
Identifying Mental Blocks Identifying Resources
• Emotions: This part of the creative problem solving
Emotional blocks process is the time to think about the
can include anything resources for making the solution become
from a fear of risk reality. What else is necessary to put the
taking to a tendency solution into place?
to judge or approach the problem
The types of resources that may be involved are listed below,
with a negative attitude.
along with some questions to think about to assign resources to
• Distractions: Too much information, the project of implementing the solution.
irrelevant information, or
• Time: How will you schedule the project? When would you
environmental distractions can
like the solution completed? How much time will each task
prevent a productive brainstorming
identified take?
session.
• Personnel: Who will complete each identified task?
• Assumptions: If problem solvers
assume there is only one correct • Equipment: Is there any special equipment required to
solution, they will be unable to implement the task? Does the equipment exist or need to be
generate additional ideas. obtained?
• Culture: Culture defines the way we • Money: How much will the solution cost? Where will the
live and limits the ideas we may money come from?
generate or consider.
• Information: Is any additional information required to
• Communication difficulties: If we implement the solution? Who will obtain it? How?
cannot communicate our ideas in
some way – speaking, writing, or
pictures.

Identifying Improvements
• It ensures everyone is aware of the challenges encountered and what was done to resolve
them.

• If something is learned from a mistake or failed endeavor, then the effort put into the task is
not entirely wasted.

• Participants can apply these lessons to future problems and be more successful.

© Corporate Training Materials www.corporatetrainingmaterials.com

Certificate of Completion

Every course comes with a Certificate of Completion where the participants can be recognized
for completing the course. It provides a record of their attendance and to be recognized for
their participation in the workshop.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
[Name]
Has mastered the course
Creative Problem Solving
Awarded this _______ day of __________, 20___
Presenter Name and Title
PowerPoint Sample

Below you will find the PowerPoint sample. The slides are based on and created from the
Training Manual. PowerPoint slides are a great tool to use during the facilitation of the
material; they help to focus on the important points of information presented during the
training.
Full Course Table of Contents
Preface ..............................................................................................................................................5
What is Courseware? ................................................................................................................................ 5

How Do I Customize My Course? .............................................................................................................. 5

Materials Required ................................................................................................................................... 7

Maximizing Your Training Power.............................................................................................................. 7

Module One: Getting Started .............................................................................................................9

Housekeeping Items.................................................................................................................................. 9

The Parking Lot ....................................................................................................................................... 10

Workshop Objectives .............................................................................................................................. 10

Action Plans and Evaluations.................................................................................................................. 11

Module Two: The Problem Solving Method ......................................................................................12

What is a Problem?................................................................................................................................. 12

What is Creative Problem Solving? ......................................................................................................... 13

What are the Steps in the Creative Solving Process?.............................................................................. 14

Module Three: Information Gathering ..............................................................................................16

Understanding Types of Information ...................................................................................................... 16

Identifying Key Questions ....................................................................................................................... 19

Methods of Gathering Information ........................................................................................................ 20

Module Four: Problem Definition .....................................................................................................22

Defining the Problem .............................................................................................................................. 22

Determining Where the Problem Originated.......................................................................................... 24

Defining the Present State and the Desired State .................................................................................. 25

Stating and Restating the Problem......................................................................................................... 26

Analyzing the Problem ............................................................................................................................ 27

Writing the Problem Statement.............................................................................................................. 28

Module Five: Preparing for Brainstorming ........................................................................................30
Identifying Mental Blocks ....................................................................................................................... 30

Removing Mental Blocks ........................................................................................................................ 32

Stimulating Creativity ............................................................................................................................. 33

Module Six: Generating Solutions (I).................................................................................................35

Brainstorming Basics .............................................................................................................................. 35

Brainwriting and Mind Mapping ............................................................................................................ 36

Duncker Diagrams .................................................................................................................................. 38

Module Seven: Generating Solutions (II) ...........................................................................................40

The Morphological Matrix ...................................................................................................................... 40

The Six Thinking Hats .............................................................................................................................. 42

The Blink Method .................................................................................................................................... 44

Module Eight: Analyzing Solutions ....................................................................................................45

Developing Criteria ................................................................................................................................. 45

Analyzing Wants and Needs ................................................................................................................... 46

Using Cost/Benefit Analysis .................................................................................................................... 48

Module Nine: Selecting a Solution ....................................................................................................49

Doing a Final Analysis ............................................................................................................................. 49

Paired Comparison Analysis.................................................................................................................... 50

Analyzing Potential Problems ................................................................................................................. 52

Module Ten: Planning Your Next Steps .............................................................................................53

Identifying Tasks ..................................................................................................................................... 53

Identifying Resources .............................................................................................................................. 54

Implementing, Evaluating, and Adapting ............................................................................................... 55

Module Eleven: Recording Lessons Learned ......................................................................................57

Planning the Follow-Up Meeting ............................................................................................................ 57
 Celebrating Successes ............................................................................................................................. 58

Identifying Improvements....................................................................................................................... 59

Module Twelve: Wrapping Up ..........................................................................................................60

Words from the Wise .............................................................................................................................. 60

Parking Lot .............................................................................................................................................. 60

Action Plans and Evaluations.................................................................................................................. 60