All of us solve problems and make decisions every day. Usually, we make little decisions that are common to our lives and as a result, do so without much thought. However, when the problems get larger and are outside the scope of our understanding, they can appear to be insurmountable.

In this program you will learn the key elements of problem solving, expanding your thinking, gathering more information, organizing your thoughts, evaluating alternatives and making a decision. You will work individually and in groups to apply these concepts in a variety of applications.

Key Information

Explore the Factors That Affect our Ability to Reason Effectively

• Get behind your thinking and draw out your assumptions and hidden beliefs

• Learn how to analyze situations and apply the appropriate decision-making process
• Explore the three kinds of decisions that confront supervisors on the job
• Discover how perceptions and assumptions affect your reasoning process

Identify Specific Techniques for Improving your Problem Solving

• Learn the four characteristics that make up divergent and convergent thinking

• Learn how to create new, collective viewpoints from the input of others
• Learn the four rules for participatory decision making
• Practice group problem solving techniques through hands-on exercises

Explore Better Ways of Asking Questions

• Learn how asking questions can help uncover the real problem

• Learn how to define a problem effectively and write a problem statement
• The right questions keep our thinking open and flexible
• Identify common mistakes in problem solving and how to avoid them

What You Will Learn

• What factors affect our ability to think effectively?

• How assumptions can affect your reasoning process
• How to define a problem effectively
• An effective way of asking questions
• Arrive at quality decisions

Benefits of Attending

The ultimate goal of this program is to become a more effective decision maker, both individually and when working with others.  When working with a team, you will become more aware of individual styles and group dynamics.  You will also learn techniques to communicate your ideas effectively, in order to gain consensus and minimize conflict.