Introduction to Creative Problem Solving

Overview

Dealing with obstacles and challenges is part of professional life, and overcoming them isn't always easy. To enhance the delivery of products and services an organisation needs to encourage and facilitate creative thinking. Solving problems in creative ways can help an organisation find innovative solutions and maintain a competitive advantage.

Creative problem solving (CPS) is about solving problems or identifying opportunities when conventional thinking has failed. It enables you to find fresh perspectives. It helps you come up with innovative solutions so that you can formulate a plan to overcome obstacles and reach your goals.

In this Masterclass, you will look at the origins of CPS, learn the CPS process and the essential tools and techniques used within it. You will determine which of these tools is most suitable for your organisation today and consider how to introduce them.

The Masterclass is offered in two formats:

• Taster Session
• Masterclass

The Taster Session and the Masterclass are designed and delivered independently. 

The Taster Session is designed to introduce you to the topic of Creative Problem-Solving and highlights the importance of focused problem definition ahead of any ideation activities. It provides a unique opportunity to sample the material, ask questions and meet those involved in developing and delivering the Masterclass.

The Masterclass provides a comprehensive understanding of Creative Problem-Solving, its key stages, underlying tools and how to deliberately apply them as a structured practice for identifying opportunities and tackling problems creatively.

Completion of the Taster Session is not a pre-requisite for Masterclass participation.

What topics will be covered?

Taster Session (1 x 1-hour online workshop)

• Core elements of Creative Problem-Solving;
• Problem definition using Creative Problem-Solving.

The Taster Session aims to provide you with:

• An introduction to Creative Problem-Solving processes and methods;
• An appreciation of the importance of the problem space in Creative Problem-Solving.

On completion of the Taster Session, a Certificate of Attendance will be provided.

Masterclass (1 x 3-hour online workshop) 

• Convergent and divergent thinking;
• Invitational stems to frame problems as questions;
• Techniques to defer or suspend judgment;
• Action planning incorporating Assistors and Resistors.

On completion of the Masterclass, you will be able to:

• Apply fundamental principles underlying CPS as a process for problem-solving;
• Apply tools and techniques for divergent and convergent thinking;
• Reflect on how to embed the CPS process within your organisation.

On completion of the Masterclass, a Certificate of Completion will be provided.

Who is this Masterclass for?

This Masterclass is designed for individuals and teams working in the product or service industries who want to drive innovation and improve the customer experience. This includes but is not limited to professionals such as accountants, solicitors, engineers, bankers, healthcare professionals, public service employees, research and development teams, start-ups and technology professionals.

Who Teaches the Masterclass?

Jonathan Bannister – Design Thinker

As a facilitator and strategist, Jonathan helps business leaders and their teams exploit their creativity and collective intelligence to strengthen their business models, marketing and innovation programmes, and organisational development.

Time, Date, and Place

Taster Session: One 1-hour interactive online live webinar.

Masterclass: One 3-hour interactive online live webinar.

Attendees should have a computer with microphone and video capability and are expected to participate in these interactive sessions.