Problem Solving and Decision Making Skills
Introduction
Daily we are hard pressed to make decisions quickly, which have an important impact to the future of the organization. The quality of problem solving and decision making are key criteria in the assessment of a good leader. By improving the quality of decision-making and problem-solving an organization improves the effectiveness of the management team.
The rapidly changing internal and external situation is constantly creating new success criteria, constraints and options. We can no longer rely on ‘gut feelings’ and precedent for creative and effective solutions and ideas. A poor approach to decision-making and problem-solving is an underlying cause of stress to the individual and those affected. Decision-making is a key skill that affects the success of the individual in his/her career and a wide range of tasks.
This intriguing and interesting course gives participants the essential skills and techniques they require to make major or ad-hoc decisions and solve problems creatively. Global trends would be shared.
Who Should Attend
Anyone in a Supervisory position (includes line leaders); Executive position involved in significant decisions including management decisions, project decisions, customer decisions or changes that will bring the organization forward. Suitable for all operational staff
Methodology.
This is a practical approach class where participants will be given various scenarios, exercises and the opportunity to improve their problem solving and decision making skills through exercises, role plays and communication games. It would also improve their confidence and leadership as they participate.
Problem Solving and Decision Making
Course Objectives
Participants will learn:
- The causes of poor decisions and the underlying principles
- Discover the ‘real’ issues. This ensures effectiveness and avoids addressing merely symptoms
- Generating creative ideas, by themselves or in a team
- Evaluating the different options
- How to convert an idea into an effective course of action
- Applying PDCA or plan, do, check and act
Course Outline
Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Methods?
Decision style
Barriers to effective decisions
Causes of poor decisions
Types of problems and decisions
Role of techniques in our daily work
Understanding the ‘Decision/ Problem’
Getting past symptoms
Types of question
Areas of questioning
Common pitfalls
Re-defining the key issue
Generating Creative Options/Solutions
Ideas storming
Techniques to release creativity
Techniques to generate unusual ideas
Working in a team or as an individual
Evaluating Options
Using pre-defined criteria for comparison
Using additional comparative techniques
The value of negative thinking
Implementation
Defining the objective: Check & Balance
Common errors, pitfalls; Best Practices & Synergy.
Common Pitfalls
Basing on gut feelings, Process oriented and using logic (not past practices only) in adversity
Duration
Two Days